[Stardust]

When the basketball season began, John Hardin senior guard Jeremy Harness’ heart was in it. His head, on the other hand, was filled with everything except basketball.

Harness’ dream of winning a state championship in football was dashed in horrific fashion. The Bowling Green Purples dismantled the Bulldogs, 62-20. It was a painful ending to such a brilliant prep football career, which saw Harness set numerous John Hardin records.

Then there was this small matter of where he was going to spend the next four years on his mind. Harness played in a couple of All-Star football games and he took three official visits that caused him to miss five games.

“My heart was in it, but my head …,” Harness said as his voice trails off. “I felt bad about the loss to Bowling Green. That was still on my mind. I had the thing about where I was going to go college. We didn’t start too well. There was a lot of pressure on me.”

Harness tried to not let it affect his play, but the pressure wore on him. His teammates noticed. His coaches noticed. How could there not be pressure on him when Harness was trying to decide which college was the best fit?

“We watched Jeremy and he tried not to show any of us that it bothered him,” John Hardin coach Mark Wells said. “He had to make a huge decision. He was trying to make the right decision for him. I respect him for the way he handled it, but you could just tell a difference in him after he made that decision.”

On Feb. 1, Harness made his college choice – Murray State. The weight of the world came off his shoulders. Harness, for the first time the entire season, looked like he was having fun on the basketball court once again. Harness’ smile – which can light up a room – was back.

Not only was Harness enjoying himself, he made a big impact on the court. He became a force defensively down the stretch. He began knocking down shots once again. Harness’ scoring average rose to 10.9 points per game.

“He locks up the other team’s best player. He’s a very skilled defensive player,” John Hardin senior Ervin Montgomery said. “He shoots the ball really well. He’s like having a second point guard on the floor. He shoots the lights out, but he doesn’t like to dribble is what he says.”

Everything came together for Harness, and conversely, it came together for the Bulldogs. After making his decision, the Bulldogs lost to Grayson County before reeling off 10 consecutive wins to reach the Boys’ Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 2006. They beat North Hardin for the 17th District championship and Bardstown in the 5th Region Tournament final.

Harness has been instrumental in the team’s postseason success. He is relishing the opportunity to play at Rupp Arena and play in the state tournament after reaching the Class 5-A championship in football his sophomore season.

“I’m going to enjoy this a lot,” Harness said. “There still is a bitter taste (over the football game). That’s not high on the list. This one’s at the top. This is a great feeling.

“I always have fun when I’m playing, but it’s been more fun lately,” he added. “I felt like a big load was taken off my shoulders when I made my (college) decision. Now, I’m able to enjoy the rest of my senior year. I’m enjoying things more now.”

That’s because his heart and head are both completely in it now.http://www.thenewsenterprise.com/content...arness-314