As most SEC basketball fans already know, Harlan County High School standout Trent Noah is headed to the University of Kentucky to play for Mark Pope’s Wildcats. What they might not know, however, is that off the court, Trent excels in academics. He graduated from high school this May as a dual credit student at Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKCTC) with a 4.0 grade point average.

“I am thankful I had the opportunity to take dual credit classes and accelerate my college journey,” said Trent. “Learning how to use Blackboard [SKCTC’s online learning management system] was another positive of the experience. Knowing that platform before my freshman year in college will definitely make the transition to college easier.”

“I know that I speak for everyone at SKCTC when I say I could not be more excited for Trent and the opportunities that are coming his way,” said Dr. Patsy Jackson, SKCTC interim president. “The fact that he was able to perform as an elite athlete while successfully completing high school and college classes shows what an outstanding young man he is. The sky is truly the limit for him, and I will be among the true-blue fans from Southeastern Kentucky who are cheering him on next season.”

Dr. Jennifer Lindon, president of HCTC who served as SKCTC acting president for the spring 2024 semester, shared the community’s excitement about Trent, and she emphasized the role SKCTC played in preparing him for the University of Kentucky.

“We take great pride in the opportunities our colleges provide our service region, and the dual credit program is no exception,” said Dr. Lindon. “Trent and so many other students can take college classes at a discounted tuition rate in their own communities, giving them an advantage when they transfer to a four-year institution. We are proud that we were able to be a part of Trent’s journey.”

As a player, Trent has raised the bar. He is the state’s fifth all-time leading scorer in high school basketball history, and he set school and county records with an average of 29.9 points per game during his senior season. He ended his high school career with 3,707 total points, another school and county record. The Kentucky Association of Basketball Coaches named him 13th Region Player of the Year, and both the Louisville Courier Journal and Lexington Herald Leader recognized him as a first-team all-state selection.

According to seasoned sportswriter and retiring SKCTC Business Professor Jamie Vaught, who recently interviewed Trent for KySportsStyle.com Magazine, “He is a remarkable young man. I came away very impressed with Trent after interviewing him for my article and possibly my future UK book. He was very pleasant and respectful. He’s an exceptional student who is also a very good basketball player. Trent has a bright future, and he’ll be a success in whatever he decides to do.”

For now, the 6-foot-6 Noah has decided to be a Kentucky Wildcat. Whether on the court or in the classroom, he is sure to give his community in Southeastern Kentucky plenty to cheer about.