AAA-Non-Sports Blogs
04/15/16 – Clarification on Middle School Participation
Our office has had inquiries about participation in postseason competition for Track & Field by student-athletes in the 6th grade that were on the official grandfathered list as having participated in varsity competition prior to 2014-15 when changes in 702 KAR 7:065.
Per 702 KAR 7:065, any student that has participated at the high school level prior to the 2014-2015 school year is eligible to participate in the postseason. Any current 6th grade student-athlete that was placed on the grandfathered list in prior years and appears on the school roster is eligible to compete at both the region and the state level. If you have any additional questions, please contact Sarah Bridenbaugh (sbridenbaugh@khsaa.org) at the KHSAA office.
– KHSAA –
The KHSAA staff routinely publishes blog posts to better communicate with its various constituencies and the public. For a list of those blogs, go to http://khsaa.org/news-stats-pubs/sports-blogs/
04/15/16 – 2015-2016 Financial Aid Survey
All schools, public and nonpublic, are required annually to report detailed financial information to the KHSAA as per Bylaw 11. This report is required of all member schools. It is important to note that if tuition is charged for any reason to any student (including out of district students, etc.), a complete response is required.
The link to the survey has been sent to the Principal of record and the Athletic Director has been notified. It is important to note that failing to complete this report this year will result in a possible penalty by the association.
If you have questions, feel free to contact Assistant Commissioner Sarah Bridenbaugh or Assistant Commissioner Mike Barren at the KHSAA. The deadline to complete the survey is May 6, 2016.
– KHSAA –
The KHSAA staff routinely publishes blog posts to better communicate with its various constituencies and the public. For a list of those blogs, go to http://khsaa.org/news-stats-pubs/sports-blogs/
PRP’s Bill Miller feels ‘blessed’ in fight against cancer
BY MIKE FIELDS (April 15, 2016)
LOUISVILLE — The feel-good story of this high school baseball season is that legendary Pleasure Ridge Park Coach Bill Miller feels good.
Upgrade that: “I feel great!” Miller said before a Panthers’ practice this week.
That’s a remarkable statement coming from a guy who, even though he has never smoked, was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer six months ago.
Miller, 66, knows how lucky he is to be feeling great and to be surrounded by people who care about him
“I’ve been blessed,” he said. “God’s been good to me, and I didn’t know that before.”
Miller’s frightening medical odyssey began in late September. The night after unloading two tractor-trailer loads of sod, he woke up with back pain. He figured he had pulled a muscle. When the discomfort persisted, he called his doctor, who directed him to the emergency room.
A scan revealed that Miller had a kidney stone. That was the good news. The […]
04/14/16 – Spring Sports Championship Media Credentials
The KHSAA’s online media credentialing system for the Spring Sports Championships is now live, and can be accessed by going to credentials.khsaa.org.
Credentials to each KHSAA state championship event are issued by the KHSAA to working members of the media that regularly cover high school athletics. Credentials must be requested prior to the established deadline for each sport through the online credentialing system (credentials.khsaa.org).
Credentials should be requested by the sports editor/director for all members of his/her organization needing to attend an event. Credentials for freelance photographers and stringers must be requested by the sports editor/director at the outlet the freelancer will be representing. No credentials will be issued outside of the online credentialing system. The KHSAA reserves the right to limit the quantity of credentials issued to media outlets when space is at a premium.
Failure to adhere to the KHSAA policies and guidelines, as well as unauthorized use of the media credential, will result […]
04/13/16 – KHSAA Announces Official Of The Year Nominees
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 13, 2016
The KHSAA will honor the top officials for 2016 on May 1st at the Association’s 23rd Annual Officials Recognition Banquet. The ceremony, conducted at the KHSAA Offices, honors the finalists for each sport or sport-activity in which the KHSAA licenses officials.
Finalists in each sport were selected through a combination of their service to their association and excellence in officiating. One official in each sport will be named “Outstanding Official of the Year” for his/her sport in appreciation of their dedication and service to schools and student-athletes across the state. The Association will also present the annual Larry G. Boucher Jr. Supervisor of the Year Award during the ceremony.
Outstanding Official Nominees
BASEBALL – Paul Schardein (Louisville), Chris Minter (Richmond), Creal Waddell (Bowling Green)
BASKETBALL – Romonte Dishman (Louisville), Molly Caldwell (Lexington), Jim Cecil (Pikeville), Harold Byrd (Mount Washington)
COMPETITIVE CHEER – Gayle Trame (Taylor Mill), Dewana Warrix (Lexington)
FIELD […]
04/12/16 – Reminders about Title IX and Participation List Submission
As spring sports are now fully in swing, it is time to remind each of you that the annual reports for Title IX and the Participation List are due on April 30.
- If you have specific questions about Title IX and the law itself, any of our Assistant Commissioners should be able to help get you some assistance. Asst. Commissioner Darren Bilberry (dbilberry@khsaa.org) is our primary contact for your questions related to the law and its interpretations.
- Information Technology Director Rob Catron (rcatron@khsaa.org), as well as almost any of our support staff, can help you with electronic issues including login and report preparation using the online system. The online system will have entry available beginning on Wednesday, April 13 after 8 a.m.
This year, based on feedback from the membership, there have been minimal system changes to make this task easier. Here are the highlights:
- 2015-16 is a REQUIRED student interest survey year for all schools. The T63 form […]
Steve Wright steps down at Southwestern
BY MIKE FIELDS (April 11, 2016)
Steve Wright marked his 59th birthday Monday by resigning as boys’ basketball coach at Pulaski Southwestern.
“I’m at a point in my life where I want to move on to other possibilities and opportunities,” said Wright, who has an overall record of 697-247 in 30 years.
“Each year I reevaluate if I want to continue in the same position . . . I’m 100% convinced that at this stage in my life it’s time to move to the next chapter in my career.”
Wright said he might look at coaching on the college level, or take another high school job, or “maybe take a year off, relax and enjoy myself, or I may never coach again. I’m not sure.
“I love coaching, but it’s not who I am. It doesn’t define every move I make every day. Sometimes during the winter it feels that way, but I’m not going to look up and be 70 […]
Is it time to end Kentucky-Indiana All-Star series?
BY MIKE FIELDS (April 8, 2016)
Tradition is getting thumped by reality when it comes to the Kentucky-Indiana All-Stars basketball series, so maybe it’s time to invoke a mercy rule and pull the plug on the games.
It’s sad to say goodbye to what was once a vital, rousing event, but it’s even sadder to watch it slowly wither away.
My suggestion is to keep naming Mr. and Miss Basketball, keep naming boys’ and girls’ all-star teams, and continue to honor the top players at a banquet the night before the boys’ Sweet Sixteen.
Just don’t play the games against Indiana anymore after the series wraps up this June.
I’m not alone in my opinion. Allen Feldhaus Jr. and Chris O’Hearn, a couple of state championship coaches who’ve also led the Kentucky All-Stars in recent years, agree that the series can’t be resuscitated.
“When some kids don’t even show up (to practice), when nobody’s coming to games, […]
Hero shot for ‘Nova a personal thrill for LexCath alum
BY MIKE FIELDS (April 5, 2016)
When Kris Jenkins hit his buzzer-beating three-pointer to give Villanova the NCAA title late Monday night in Houston, it was a shot heard ’round the nation.
And Lexington Catholic alum Cory Heitz’s reaction to Jenkins’ heroics was probably heard ’round Kendallville, Ind.
Heitz coached Jenkins at Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C., so he was pulling for his former player in the championship game against North Carolina.
Heitz said he watched the finals while visiting his 91-year-old grandmother in Kendallville, “and I absolutely screamed when that shot went in. I probably woke up the whole housing development. I cried a little bit, too. It’s emotional to see one of your guys hit one of the most iconic shots in basketball history. It was beautiful.”
Heitz played for Danny Haney at Lexington Catholic (class of 1995) and went on to play at the Air Force Academy.
He also was […]
04/04/16 – Reminder about Revised OAG 15-022 Opinion and 7/8 Grade Students
Most school entities have been notified from a variety of sources about an important ruling that came from the Attorney General (KYAG) recently regarding KHSAA Bylaw 4 as it relates to KRS 156.070 (2)(c) (the complete text of KRS 156.070 is located at http://www.lrc.ky.gov/statutes/statute.aspx?id=39992).
The KHSAA had long opined, on advice from the KYAG’s and all parties that have served as KHSAA counsel, that member school Boards of Education and Site Based/School Based councils could not unilaterally restrict the playing of students in 7th and 8th grade on the grades nine through 12 teams or from playing on teams at both levels. The KYAG office had contended through two opinions (OAG-90-87 and OAG 92-98) that by extension, these entities represented the same prohibited groups as specified in the statute (The state board or any agency designated by the state board to manage interscholastic athletics). This prohibition was previously published in the contents of Bylaw 4 […]
Dodgers’ A.J. Ellis caught news of Dunbar’s title
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 28, 2016)
GLENDALE, AZ — Even though he was in spring training in Arizona, 1,800 miles from Rupp Arena, Los Angeles Dodgers catcher (and former Paul Laurence Dunbar basketball player) A.J. Ellis followed Dunbar’s march to the Sweet Sixteen championship.
“I had friends on Facebook who kept me up on how Dunbar was doing,” Ellis said. “I was following them closely. I had a game (the Sunday of the state finals), and when I came off the field I had a barrage of text messages from some of my high school teammates letting me know Dunbar had pulled it out.
“I was so excited for them, for the school and all the alums. I know I was excited.”
Ellis was a sophomore reserve on Dunbar’s 1997 Sweet Sixteen team that lost to Paintsville in the first round.
“I was the […]
03/24/16 – Board of Control Approves Football Playoff Structure in 5A, 6A; Issuance of RFP for Official Ball
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 24, 2016
The Board of Control conducted its fifth regularly scheduled meeting of the school year at the Lexington Center on March 18th, during which time it finalized the playoff format for 5A and 6A, approved the issuance of an RFP to designate a new official ball, and elected its President-elect for 2016-17.
After an extensive review of potential playoff formats over several meetings that was finalized in January, the Board reviewed the proposed cross-bracketing table for Class 5A and 6A for 2016 through 2018. Following the review, the Board approved the cross-bracket table for 5A and 6A, and will continue review of playoff pairing discussions in 2A, 3A and 4A for 2017 and 2018 during its May meeting, following receipt of survey results. The adopted table of cross-bracket pairings is available at http://www.khsaa.org/football/playoffpairings.pdf.
With the Association’s current ball contract with Rawlings set to expire at the end of the school year, the […]
Dunbar celebrates long-sought title
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 20, 2016)
Paul Laurence Dunbar hoisted the big trophy and cut down the nets after winning the 99th Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet Sixteen championship in Rupp Arena Sunday afternoon, and its celebration echoed through history.
Dunbar was battle-scarred as it survived a brutal post-season schedule. It beat Henry Clay in the 11th Region semifinals and Scott County in the finals to get to Rupp. Then it had to get through the gauntlet of Mercer County, Bowling Green and Newport Central Catholic to reach the championship game against Doss.
As it turned out, the last fight was the easiest. The Bulldogs delivered an early knockout punch. It rolled to a 26-7 lead over Doss and was never seriously threatened. It claimed the state title with its school-record 33rd victory in front of 10,091 fans, a large portion of whom […]
Lexington vs. Louisville for 7th time in finals
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 19, 2016)
For the seventh time in state tournament history, a Lexington team will play a Louisville team in the title game.
Paul Laurence Dunbar (32-6) will go against Doss (30-5) in the finals of the 99th Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Sweet Sixteen in Rupp Arena Sunday at 2 p.m.
Louisville holds the upper hand in the big-city championship rivalry. It has won 4 of the previous 6 showdowns.
- 1957: Lafayette beat Eastern 55-52 in Freedom Hall.
- 1963: Seneca beat Dunbar 72-66 in Freedom Hall.
- 1975: Male beat Henry Clay 74-59 in Freedom Hall.
- 1991: Fairdale beat Tates Creek 67-63 in Rupp Arena.
- 1994: Fairdale beat Dunbar 59-56 in Freedom Hall.
- 2001: Lafayette beat Male 54-49 in Rupp Arena.
Doss has set a school record with 30 wins. If Dunbar takes Sunday’s title game, it will set a school record with 33 victories.
Dunbar, Doss squeeze into title game
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 19, 2016)
When Doss and Paul Laurence Dunbar got together for a pre-season scrimmage at Taylor County last fall, a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving, little did they know they would end the season in Rupp Arena playing for the state championship.
“Funny how things happen,” Doss Coach Tony Williams said.
To get to Sunday afternoon’s title game, Doss and Dunbar had to survive tough semifinal tests Saturday night in the 99th Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Sweet Sixteen.
Doss trailed South Laurel 60-56 with less than 3 minutes left, but the Dragons closed with a rush and won 70-63.
The turning point down the stretch may have been when South Laurel’s 6-foot-8, 265-pound Caleb Taylor was called for his fifth foul with 1:47 left and the Cards up 60-59.
“I was just so happy they decided to blow that whistle,” Williams said. “Once (Taylor) went out with his fifth foul, there was a sense of relief.”
Jaylon […]
Sweet Sixteen now a Final Four
The final four of the 99th Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Sweet Sixteen is all set. Saturday night’s semifinal matchups in Rupp Arena look like this:
- Newport Central Catholic (30-4) vs. Paul Laurence Dunbar (31-6), 6:30
- Doss (29-5) vs. South Laurel (29-6), 8:15.
NewCath is in the semifinals for the first time since 1953 when it lost to eventual champ Lafayette. Coach Ron Dawn’s Thoroughbreds have been led by 6-foot-6 senior Ben Weyer, who’s been nothing less than fabulous in wins over Trinity and Murray.
Dunbar, state runner-up to Marion County in 1993 and to Fairdale in 1994, came into this Sweet Sixteen as the top-rated team. Junior standout Taveion Hollingsworth has been smoother than Jif peanut butter in leading Scott Chalk’s Bulldogs past Mercer County and Bowling Green.
Doss is the final four for the first time since 1985 when it lost to Clay County. The Dragons were state runners-up to Owensboro in 1980. This year’s team, coached by Tony Williams, beat Lawrence County in […]
NewCath’s Big Ben clocking big numbers
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 18, 2016)
Newport Central Catholic star Ben Weyer is making more noise in Rupp Arena this week than the Monster Jam trucks did when they rolled in here for a show last month.
In two games in the 99th Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Sweet Sixteen, the 6-foot-6 senior has put up staggering numbers — 46 points, 25 rebounds, 7 assists and 7 blocked shots — while leading NewCath to the state semifinals for the first time since 1953.
It just so happens that Weyer’s grandfather, Jim Weyer, was the starting point guard on the ’53 Thoroughbreds team that lost to eventual champ Lafayette in the final four.
Ben’s dad Joe also has Sweet Sixteen history. He played for Highlands in the 1986 and ’87 state tournaments. He, too, was a point guard who fed Bluebirds’ star Scott Draud. Highlands lost in the first round both years.
“My dad messes with me a lot,” Ben said. “He’ll say, […]
Grab bag of contenders in Sweet quarterfinals
The 99th Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Sweet Sixteen was hyped as a wide-open shootout with any number of title contenders. Friday’s quarterfinal matchups seem to bear that out. It’s hard to pick any sure-fire winners coming out of the elite eight.
- Murray (30-5) vs. Newport Central Catholic (29-4), noon
- Dunbar (30-6) vs. Bowling Green (31-2), 1:30
- Doss (28-5) vs. Taylor County (25-8), 6:30
- South Laurel (28-6) vs. South Oldham (29-5), 8:15
Dave Cantrall’s power ratings for the Lexington Herald-Leader had the tournament’s 16 teams in this order. Bold-faced teams still alive:
Braden Miller has a ‘Ty’ to South Laurel champs
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 17, 2016)
When South Laurel’s Braden Miller hit a three-pointer midway through the first quarter of the Cardinals’ game against Christian County Thursday afternoon, he glanced into the Rupp Arena stands and spotted his family celebrating.
“It was a surreal feeling when I hit that shot,” Braden said. “To hear the noise of the crowd and to look up and see my family. My (older) brother Brennan told me after the region that if I hit a shot in Rupp, to look for him. It’s something I’ll never forget.”
What made the moment even more special was that it was part of South Laurel’s stirring 53-50 victory over Christian County, which put the Cardinals in the state tournament’s elite eight.
South Laurel, rated the second best team in the Sweet Sixteen, must be considered a threat to win the title, just like it did in 2005.
Braden Miller was only 8 when the […]
Fairdale’s back-to-back feat has aged well
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 17, 2016)
Today is the 25th anniversary of Fairdale’s completing its back-to-back Sweet Sixteen championships.
Stan Hardin’s Bulldogs beat Tates Creek 67-63 in the finals of the 74th Boys’ State Tournament in Rupp Arena on March 16, 1991 to become the first team to win consecutive state titles since Male did it in 1970 and ’71.
Fairdale’s terrific trio of Jermaine Brown, Maurice Morris and Carlos Turner combined for 40 points and 22 rebounds in the victory over Tates Creek. Nolan Barger’s Commodores were led by Darrin Horn’s 23 points and 7 rebounds, and John Mark Stuart’s 20 points.
Is Hardin surprised that, a quarter of a century later, no boys’ team has repeated as champ?
“What’s amazing to me is that it’s only been done once in the last 45 years,” Hardin said.
There have been close calls. Scott County won it all in 1998 and was runner-up in 1999. Mason County won it all […]
Sweet memories 70 years in the making
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 17, 2016)
Reginald Rice saw his first Sweet Sixteen 70 years ago at the Louisville Armory when he was a student at Garrett High School in Floyd County.
Since 1946, Rice has missed only a handful of state tournaments — usually when flooding causes havoc back home. The 87-year-old basketball fan was in his customary lower-arena, front-row seat Wednesday for the 99th renewal of the Greatest Show in Hoops. He was sitting with his son Kenny, a long-time sportscaster and, like his dad, a Sweet Sixteen junkie.
Father and son have been pretty much regulars at the state tournament since the mid-1960s. Kenny missed a few, most of them when he was working at WTVQ in Lexington and had to follow UK in the NCAA Tournament.
Reginald Rice said he loves the state tournament “atmosphere” and chatting up old friends and making new ones.
He played basketball for the Garrett Black Devils in the […]
Hollingsworth shines, Dunbar survives
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 16, 2016)
Cool, calm and clutch.
That’s Taveion Hollingsworth, a 6-foot-2 junior who plays basketball for Paul Laurence Dunbar with such remarkable ease and efficiency that it makes you wonder if he’s immune to pressure.
Hollingsworth was at this best in the biggest game of his life Wednesday night. He led Dunbar to a heart-racing (although his own heart apparently never races) 58-55 victory over Mercer County in a down-to-the-wire first-round thriller in the Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Sweet Sixteen.
Hollingsworth scored 23 of his 32 points in the second half, draining clutch shot after clutch shot to keep the Bulldogs in the chase for their first state tournament victory since 1994.
Wasn’t Hollingsworth at least a little jittery on the Rupp Arena stage?
“It was different because the place is bigger and there were more people (11,866) here,” he said softly. “But I tried not to pay attention to the crowd and just played my […]
Sweet Sixteen: different kinds of bricks
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 16, 2016)
The 99th Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet Sixteen opened Wednesday, and bricks were the topic du jour in the first session as Murray blasted Buckhorn 62-35, and Newport Central Catholic whipped Trinity 48-33 in front of 9,733 fans in Rupp Arena.
It was a good-brick kind of day for Murray, a bad-brick kind of day for Trinity.
The Shamrocks suffered through a nightmarish shooting performance — brick after brick after brick — as they went 15 minutes without scoring a point against NewCath.
After taking an 11-2 lead midway through the first quarter, Trinity was shut out in the second quarter, and needed 3:30 before finally scoring again in the third quarter and ending NewCath’s 20-0 run.
During their drought, the Rocks missed 20 consecutive shots. They finished the day 12 of 46 (26%), including 4 of 21 (19%) on three-pointers.
Coach Mike Szabo thought his team looked leg-weary at Tuesday’s practice, “and today it looked […]
Sweet Sixteen a NewCath family tradition
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 16, 2016)
Newport Central Catholic sophomore guard Stephen Pangallo will carry on a family tradition by playing in the Sweet Sixteen today.
Pangallo is the grandson of NewCath Coach Ron Dawn, who played in the state tournament for the Thoroughbreds in 1973 and 1974.
Ron coached his son Ronny, who was an all-state guard for NewCath’s 2000 Sweet Sixteen team.
“It’s neat,” Ron Dawn said of the family’s state tournament tradition. “I didn’t think about it until a day or two (after the 9th Region championship).”
NewCath has another three-generation Sweet Sixteen story.
Jim Weyer played for NewCath’s 1953 state tournament team. Jim’s son Joe was on Highlands’ state tournament teams in 1986 and ’87, and Jim’s grandson Ben is a standout on this year’s NewCath team this year.
03/14/16 – Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16® Broadcast Schedule
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 14, 2016
The 2016 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16® begins Wednesday afternoon at Rupp Arena when Buckhorn takes on Murray at 12 p.m. Fans can follow the action for all 15 games of the tournament by watching live video webcasts at KHSAA.tv or listening online at KHSAA.net.
The 2016 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16® marks just the fourth time in KHSAA history four schools have had both their boys’ and girls’ basketball teams advance to the state tournament in the same year – which Bowling Green, Murray, Mercer County and Owensboro Catholic achieved this year.
Four schools sent both their boys’ and girls’ teams to the Sweet 16® in 1977 (Owensboro, Taylor County, Laurel County and Ashland Blazer) and 1989 (Marshall County, Oldham County, George Rogers Clark and Clay County); while a state record five schools sent both their boys’ and girls’ teams to the state tournament in 1988 (Marshall County, Oldham […]
Butler flattens Flyers to claim 5th title
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 13, 2016)
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS — Butler cemented its place as one of the preeminent girls’ basketball programs in Kentucky history by blasting Franklin County 62-36 to win the St. Elizabeth Healthcare/KHSAA Sweet Sixteen championship Sunday afternoon.
The Bearettes claimed their fifth state title (2016, 2014, 2008, 1980, 1975) to join Laurel County as the only 5-time champ in the modern era. (Ashland won 5 titles between 1921 and 1929.)
Butler overwhelmed Franklin County 15-0 to start the game and 14-0 to start the second half to suck all the drama out of BB&T Arena and keep the 3,444 fans fairly quiet. Butler led 42-15 midway through the third quarter.
The Bearettes’ 26-point margin of victory was the second-largest in finals history, topped only by M.C. Napier’s 88-56 rout of Highlands in 1994.
“We just ran into a dad-burn buzz saw today,” Franklin County Coach Joey Thacker said. “We got back on our heels and it was over. We were just […]
Butler gets shot at record-tying 5th title
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 12, 2016)
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS — Butler will be chasing history when it goes up against a once-upon-a-time opponent in the girls’ state basketball finals Sunday night.
Butler outlasted All “A” champion Murray 68-58 in the semifinals of the St. Elizabeth HealthCare/KHSAA Sweet Sixteen Saturday night in BB&T Arena.
The victory earned the Bearettes a chance to tie Laurel County as the only 5-time state titlist in the modern era. They will play Franklin County in Sunday’s 2 o’clock title game. Butler grounded the Flyers in the 1980 finals.
Larry Just, who coached Butler to its 2014 championship, said he hasn’t had time to think about his team’s shot at history. “That’s something if it happens, it happens. I’ve got a tired basketball team and we just have to find energy for tomorrow.”
Murray sapped Butler with a valiant comeback. The Lady Tigers, trying to win their 30th game in a row, trailed 41-24 in the third quarter […]
Flyers in finals for first time in 36 years.
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 12, 2016)
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS — It took 36 years, but Franklin County has made it back to the state championship game in girls’ basketball.
The Flyers held on to beat Mercer County 55-51 in the semifinals of the St. Elizabeth HealthCare/KHSAA Sweet Sixteen Saturday night at BB&T Arena.
The victory puts Franklin County (31-4) in Sunday afternoon’s title game against Butler, which beat the Flyers 36-30 in the 1980 finals.
“What do you say?” We’re in a situation we all dream about,” Coach Joey Thacker said.
Franklin County, which lost to Mercer County 75-66 two months ago, led the Titans 46-35 early in the fourth quarter Saturday night. But then the Flyers went ice cold and didn’t score for more than 4 minutes. Mercer County took advantage with a 13-0 run to take a 48-46 lead.
Franklin County junior Rebecca Cooks said the scoring drought “was definitely frustrating, but we’ve been determined the whole […]
Butler buzzer-beat beats E-town
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 11, 2016)
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS — Janna Lewis wasn’t supposed to take the last shot for Butler, but she did, and her buzzer-beater gave the Bearettes a dramatic 61-59 victory over Elizabethtown in the quarterfinals of the St. Elizabeth HealthCare/KHSAA Sweet Sixteen Friday night.
Butler (29-5), a four-time state champion, will play All “A” state titlist Murray (35-1) in Saturday night’s semifinals in BB&T Arena.
“(Coach Larry Just) called a play and it didn’t work, so I flashed to the middle,” Lewis explained. “Breia (Torrens) found me and when I turned around I was open, so I said, ‘OK, I’ll shoot it,’ and it went in.”
For E-town, the heartbreak was familiar. In last year’s Sweet Sixteen quarterfinals, Covington Holy Cross hit a shot in the closing seconds to beat the Panthers 41-40. Holy Cross went on to win the state title.
“It seems like deja vu,” E-town Coach Tim Mudd said.
The Panthers […]
Murray rolls into state final four
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 11, 2016)
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS — The dynamic duo of Macey Turley and Maddie Waldrop led Murray past Owensboro Catholic 60-43 in the quarterfinals of the St. Elizabeth HealthCare/KHSAA Sweet Sixteen Friday night in BB&T Arena.
It was Murray’s third win over the Aces this season, including a victory in the championship game of the All “A” Classic.
Murray will take a 29-game winning streak into Saturday night’s semifinals against the Butler-Elizabethtown winner.
Turley, showing no ill effects from a sprained ankle she suffered in the Lady Tigers’ first-round win over Manual, hit 5 of 6 three-pointers on her way to 25 points. The 5-foot-7 sophomore point guard also had 3 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals.
Turley credited athletic trainer Lance Harper for getting her ready to go. Coach Rechelle Turner paid tribute to Turley’s competitive nature. “When adversity strikes, she steps it up to another level. If I’d told (her) she wasn’t playing today, […]
Mercer County makes final four
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 11, 2016)
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS — When the heat was on, Mercer County kept its cool and played its way into the final four of the St. Elizabeth HealthCare/KHSAA Sweet Sixteen. The Titans withstood a pressure-packed fourth quarter to beat Holmes 59-55 in Friday afternoon’s quarterfinals at BB&T Arena.
Mercer County (31-5) will play Franklin County (30-4) in Saturday night’s semifinals. (The Titans beat Franklin County 75-66 on Jan. 14.)
“Man, this is pretty awesome, to be sitting here going to the final four,” Titans Coach Chris Souder said.
“This is a huge win not just for our school but for our community.”
Holmes pushed Mercer County until the final horn, but the 12th Region champions hit enough free throws — including Seygan Robins’ 5-for-6 performance from the line in the last three minutes — to hold on.
“It was pretty hectic. We had to keep our composure,” Robins said. “We knew if we kept hitting our […]
Scott Hundley getting out of coaching
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 11, 2016)
Scott Hundley is stepping down as boys’ basketball coach at Woodford County to pursue a job in school administration, or maybe something in the private sector.
“It was a tough decision because I’ll miss the bonds and relationships you develop with the young men you coach,” said Hundley, who was at the St. Elizabeth HealthCare/KHSAA Girls’ Sweet Sixteen on Friday to present KABC awards to coaches and players.
“And I’ll miss the sidelines for sure.”
Hundley, 34, said the career change will give him more time with his wife Torie and their 9-month old daughter Adlee.
Hundley won Mr. Basketball honors in his senior year at Scott County. He played college basketball at Vanderbilt.
Hundley, who is president of the KABC, had a 107-82 record at Woodford County and took the Yellow Jackets to the region six years in a row. They reached the region finals in 2012.
Flyers escape Campbell’s upset bid
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 11, 2016)
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS — It wasn’t anything like early December when Franklin County crushed Campbell County 68-47 in the season opener.
In a rematch in the quarterfinals of the St. Elizabeth HealthCare/KHSAA Sweet Sixteen Friday afternoon, Franklin County narrowly escaped with a 41-38 victory over the Camels in BB&T Arena.
“I don’t care if we win 3-2, as long as we get the last stop,” Franklin County Coach Joey Thacker said.
Campbell County had its chances down the stretch but either missed shots or made turnovers.
Franklin County seventh-grader Brooklynn Miles missed the front end of the bonus with her team up 41-38 with :26 left.
Campbell County couldn’t capitalize, however. Taylor Jolly missed a layup. The Flyers’ Anna Arrastia rebounded and was fouled. She went to the foul line, but she missed the front end of the bonus, too.
The Camels couldn’t take advantage. Taylor Clos was called for a charge with :02.5 left.
[…]Aces deal Harlan a repeat defeat
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 10, 2016)
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS — Forty days after Owensboro Catholic beat Harlan by 30 points in the All “A” semifinals, the Aces won their rematch 69-49 in the first round of the St. Elizabeth HealthCare/KHSAA Sweet Sixteen at BB&T Arena Thursday night.
Owensboro Catholic (31-5) has another rematch in Friday night’s quarterfinals when it faces Murray (34-1), which dealt the Aces a 45-28 defeat in the All “A” title game. Murray also beat Owensboro Catholic 73-57 two weeks before the small-school tournament.
Mikayla Berry, a 5-foot-7 senior, led the way against Harlan with 26 points and 6 rebounds.
Annabel Moore, a 5-10 senior, had 15 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals.
Harlan, making its first Sweet Sixteen appearance since 1999, was led by Jordan Brock’s 19 points and 8 assists.
Boley leads E-town past Henderson County
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 10, 2016)
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS — Elizabethtown, rated the tournament favorite, looked the part in rolling by Henderson County 63-36 in the first round of the St. Elizabeth HealthCare/KHSAA Sweet Sixteen Thursday night in BB&T Arena.
Erin Boley, a Notre Dame signee and finalist for Naismith’s national player of the year, led the Panthers. The 6-foot-2 senior had 27 points and 7 rebounds as E-town notched its 30th victory, giving it three consecutive 30-win seasons.
E-town, the 1998 state titlist, was the Sweet Sixteen favorite the past two years but lost to Butler in the 2014 finals and to eventual champ Covington Holy Cross in the quarterfinals last year.
The Panthers get another big-game showdown with Butler in Friday night’s quarterfinals.
E-town Coach Tim Mudd said the difference against Henderson County was his team’s defense. But the Panthers also got a boost from their offense. They hit 9 of their first 11 shots, including 3 of […]
Butler bounces Bowling Green
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 10, 2016)
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS — Four-time state champion Butler, which seems to always look comfortable on the big stage, turned in another winning performance in the first round of the St. Elizabeth HealthCare/KHSAA Sweet Sixteen Thursday afternoon.
The Bearettes, getting a big boost from their bench, notched their 11th victory in a row by beating Bowling Green 64-52 in BB&T Arena.
Butler, whose state titles came in 2014, 2008, 1980 and 1975, advanced to Friday night’s quarterfinals and will face the Elizabethtown-Henderson County winner.
Jaelynn Penn led the way against Bowling Green. The 5-foot-9 junior had 20 points and 9 rebounds.
Janna Lewis and Molly Lockhart helped Butler’s bench outscore Bowling Green’s bench 30-8. Lewis had 16 points and 6 rebounds. Lockhart had 10 points and 6 rebounds.
“Our bench gave us a major spark, a big lift, in the first quarter,” Coach Larry Just said.
Bowling Green was led by Keely Morrow’s 18 points and Oneisha Turner’s 16. Ta Mia Matthews had 10 […]
Murray beats Manual for 28th win in a row
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 10, 2016)
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS — Murray, trying to duplicate Covington Holy Cross’s grand achievement as a small school last year, beat Manual 58-41 in the first round of the St. Elizabeth HealthCare/KHSAA Sweet Sixteen Thursday afternoon in BB&T Arena.
It was Murray’s 28th consecutive victory, a streak that includes the All “A” Classic title. Covington Holy Cross swept the All “A” and the Sweet Sixteen last year, and Murray has its eyes on the big prize, too.
Maddie Waldrop led the Tigers against Manual. The 6-foot-2 junior had 22 points, 14 rebounds, 3 blocked shots and 3 steals.
Alexis Burpo and Lex Mayes had 9 points each. Brittany Lawson chipped in with 8 points.
Murray point guard Macey Turley contributed 7 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds before injuring her ankle in the opening seconds of the fourth quarter. Coach Rechelle Turner expects Turley to be available for Friday’s quarterfinals. “It’s a quick turnaround, but […]
Thursday’s Sweet Sixteen matchups
The first round of the St. Elizabeth HealthCare/KHSAA Sweet Sixteen continues Thursday at BB&T Arena:
- Murray (33-1) vs. Manual (21-7), noon
- Butler (27-5) vs. Bowling Green (29-4), 1:30 p.m.
- Elizabethtown (29-4) vs. Henderson County (18-9), 6:30 p.m.
- Owensboro Catholic (30-5) vs. Harlan (27-4), 8 p.m.
The Murray-Manual winner will face the Owensboro Catholic-Harlan winner in Friday night’s quarterfinals. The Butler-Bowling Green winner will play the E-town-Henderson County winner.
Holmes ‘D’ does in the Red Devils
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 9, 2016)
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS — Holmes relied on unrelenting defense to get to the state tournament for the first time in 14 years, so it was no surprise that its defense was the difference in a 49-35 victory over Russell in the St. Elizabeth HealthCare/KHSAA Sweet Sixteen Wednesday night in BB&T Arena.
The Bulldogs earned their 10th win in a row and a date with Mercer County in Friday’s quarterfinals.
Jynea Harris, a 5-foot-6 senior guard, led Holmes with 18 points. Maurissa Brown had 10 points. Tyrah Englemon contributed 9 points and 9 rebounds.
Russell was led by Maggie Jachimczuk’s 13 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocked shots. Madison Darnell added 10 points for the Red Devils, who shot 33%.
Holmes had a 21-10 halftime lead on Russell, which had a difficult time against the Bulldogs’ swarming pressure.
The Red Devils, 16th Region champs for the first time since 1994, had a […]
Campbell County gets its first ‘Sweet’ win
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS — It was Wednesday — hump day — and the Campbell County Camels got over the proverbial hump and won their first-ever Sweet Sixteen game.
Campbell County beat Trimble County 48-33 in the St. Elizabeth HealthCare/KHSAA Sweet Sixteen at BB&T Arena Wednesday night.
The Camels, who lost in the opening round in three previous state tournament appearances, were led by Taylor Jolly (17 points, 3 steals) and MacKenzie Schwarber (13 points, 14 rebounds, 3 steals).
Kylie Kramer and Taylor Clos combined for 12 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists.
Trimble County, which upset Simon Kenton to win the 9th Region, gave the Camels a tough way to go. Campbell County Coach Beau Menefee said his team had a difficult time defending Trimble County’s Shelbe Black. The 6-foot junior led the Raiders with 12 points, 6 rebounds and 3 steals.
Mila Consley had 8 points, 5 rebounds and 3 blocks for Trimble County. Kaylee Clifford added 5 points, 6 asssits, 3 rebounds and […]
Cook leads Franklin County by Shelby Valley
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS — Franklin County has four 1,000-point career scorers in its lineup, so it’s rare when the Flyers go starving for offense.
So it didn’t matter that Princess Stewart, Franklin County’s top scorer this season, went 0-for-9 from the field and had only 2 points (on 2 free throws in the final minutes) in the first round of the St. Elizabeth HealthCare/KHSAA Sweet Sixteen Wednesday afternoon.
Rebecca Cook stepped up to lead the Flyers with 19 points and Dasia Kilbroune added 10 in a 47-39 victory over Shelby Valley in BB&T Arena.
It was Franklin County’s first victory in the Sweet Sixteen since 1980.
“When you haven’t won a state tournament game in 36 years, I guess it’s supposed to be hard,” Coach Joey Thacker said. “We just never could turn them over and get points, so we had to grind it out in the halfcourt.”
Stewart, Cook, Kilbourne and Malaka Frank are all 1,000-point […]
Chris Souder’s ‘best year’ of his coaching life
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 9, 2016)
Mercer County Coach Chris Souder is having a ball during March Madness, and it keeps getting better.
Tuesday night, Souder watched Mercer County’s boys beat Casey County to win the 12th Region title. His son Conner, a senior, plays for the Titans.
Wednesday afternoon, Souder guided Mercer County’s girls to a 68-39 victory over Leslie County in the opening game of the St. Elizabeth HealthCare/KHSAA Sweet Sixteen in BB&T Arena. It was the Titans’ 30th win — a school record — and put them in the state quarterfinals for the first time.
“This has been the best of year of my coaching career,” Souder said. “The fact that we won the region, and that I got to watch my son also win the region and knowing he’s going to step on the Rupp Arena floor next week.
“I played at Harrodsburg (class of 1984) and it was always a dream […]
Mercer County rolls by Leslie County
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS — Mercer County began the St. Elizabeth HealthCare/KHSAA Girls’ Sweet Sixteen by erasing all memory of last year’s lopsided loss in the state tournament.
The Titans, who were buried by Elizabethtown 79-38 in the first round in Bowling Green last year, leveled Leslie County 68-39 in Wednesday afternoon’s opener at BB&T Arena.
“What a difference a year makes,” Mercer County Coach Chris Souder said. “These kids worked extremely hard, and they came out really strong and played intense.”
Souder conceded that there was a big difference in the draw, too, noting E-town was the top-rated team in last year’s tournament, and Leslie County was the bottom-rated team this year.
“Nothing against Leslie County,” Souder said. “I was in his (Coach Mark Collett’s) boat last year.”
Mercer County started the game with an 11-0 run and added a 16-0 surge later in the quarter. Leslie County, making its first state tournament appearance in 30 years, couldn’t recover from a 42-12 halftime deficit.
Junior […]
03/08/16 – St. Elizabeth Healthcare/KHSAA Girls’ Sweet 16® Broadcast Information
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 8, 2016
The 2016 St. Elizabeth Healthcare/KHSAA Girls’ Sweet 16® gets underway Wednesday afternoon at BB&T Arena in Highland Heights. Fans can follow all the action through live webcasts at KHSAA.tv or listen to the games online at KHSAA.net.
All 15 games will be streamed live at KHSAA.tv through the NFHS Network, which is a subscription based service. Subscription plans for the NFHS Network include a day pass ($9.95), a monthly pass ($14.95) and an annual pass ($119.95).
These passes, with the daily pass priced less than the cost of admission to state championship contests, not only entitle the users to all Kentucky broadcasts, but all of the broadcasts from the more than 40 participating state associations. To subscribe to the NFHS Network, visit: http://www.nfhsnetwork.com/subscribe/retail
A free audio-only feed of the games will also be available online through KHSAA.net and Mixlr (http://mixlr.com/khsaa/), which has a corresponding app available for […]
Mason County ends Augusta’s run in 10th
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 8, 2016)
MOUNT STERLING – Everything that is good and clean and competitive and entertaining and heartening about Kentucky high school basketball played out in a rousing 10th Region championship game at Montgomery County Tuesday night.
In a classic big school vs. small school matchup, traditional power Mason County outlasted tiny Augusta 48-41 in front of a packed house of 4,200 fans to earn a trip to Rupp Arena for the 99th Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet Sixteen next week.
Mason County (enrollment 800) now owns 15 region titles, and the Royals’ heritage also includes two state championships (2003, 2008).
Mason County will play 5th Region champ Taylor County in the first round of the state tournament.
Augusta (enrollment 85) was denied its first region title in 90 years.
It was easy to cast Mason County as Goliath and Augusta as David, but both coaches felt that was a misrepresentation of their team.
[…]Boys’ Sweet Sixteen field taking shape
The Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet Sixteen is taking shape. Five region champions have been crowned, and 11 more will be determined tonight to complete the field.
Christian County (2nd Region), Doss (6th), Newport Central Catholic (9th), Paul Laurence Dunbar (11th) and South Laurel (13th) have locked up spots in the 99th state tournament, which will be played March 16-20 in Rupp Arena.
Here’s a region-by-region rundown:
- 1st Region: McCracken County (24-9) vs. Murray (28-5)
- 2nd Region: Christian County (29-2)
- 3rd Region: Owensboro Catholic (21-9) vs. Meade County (22-10)
- 4th Region: Barren County (28-5) vs. Bowling Green (29-2)
- 5th Region: Bardstown (26-7) vs. Taylor County (23-8)
- 6th Region: Doss (27-5)
- 7th Region: St. Xavier (23-9) vs. Trinity (28-6)
- 8th Region: Anderson County (18-13) vs. South Oldham (27-5)
- 9th Region: Newport Central Catholic (28-4)
- 10th Region: Augusta (24-6) vs. Mason County (22-10)
- 11th Region: Paul Laurence Dunbar (29-6)
- 12th Region: Casey County […]
Remembering kicking guru George Barber
lCondolences to the family of George Barber, who passed away March 7, 2016, after becoming ill on a trip to Florida. Barber was involved in Lexington high school football for more than four decades and was best known for coaching kickers, including his son Collin at Lexington Catholic. Here’s a story I wrote about him for the Lexington Herald-Leader in November, 2010.
BY MIKE FIELDS
George Barber gets his kicks coaching kids how to kick a football.
Here’s the kicker: He’s been doing it for 40 years.
Barber has taught dozens of Lexington high school players the finer points of place-kicking and punting.
Despite dealing with serious heart issues the last year, Barber is tutoring Lafayette’s Matt Green, Lexington Catholic’s Jake Pumphrey and Paul Laurence Dunbar’s Matt Puracchio. The trio has made 13 of 19 field goals and 65 of 72 extra points this season.
“I hope they get something out of what I’m trying […]
Creech’s 48 points lift Jenkins to region finals
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 4, 2016)
STANTON – Whitney Creech, whose prodigious scoring has raised the roofs of gyms throughout the mountains this basketball season, has lifted Jenkins’ girls into the 14th Region finals for the first time since 1997 and given them a shot at their first region title in 40 years.
Creech, a 5-foot-9 senior, poured in 48 points Friday night to lead Jenkins past host Powell County 67-58 in the region semifinals. The Cavaliers will play Leslie County Saturday night with a trip to the Houchens Industries/Sweet Sixteen on the line.
Leslie County beat Breathitt County 64-56 in the first semifinal Friday night.
Creech, who came into the game averaging 50.3 points, had 23 in the fourth quarter against Powell County, including 14 of 18 free throws.
“This is something every competitor dreams of,” Creech said. “Survive and advance, and get a chance in the finals. If we can (win Saturday), it’ll […]
Recalling Tim Couch’s basketball glory days
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 4, 2016)
Tim Couch, arguably the most accomplished quarterback in the history of Kentucky high school football, grew up thinking of himself as a basketball player first.
“I honestly didn’t like football at all until, I think, my sophomore year (at Leslie County),” he said. “I just played it because my older brother (Greg) did. My first love was basketball. I always considered myself a basketball player. That’s what I wanted to play when I was young.”
And he played it very well. Before he got to high school, he was picked to be on a national all-star team that toured Australia. He was MVP at summer camps. When he was in the eighth grade, he got a recruiting letter from Minnesota coach Clem Haskins.
As a kid, Couch loved going to the state tournament with his dad Elbert and soaking up the atmosphere in Freedom Hall and Rupp Arena.
“That was […]
03/04/16 – Whitaker Bank Scholarship Winners Announced
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 4, 2016
As part of its title sponsorship of the Boys’ Sweet Sixteen®, Whitaker Bank awards a one-time $1,000 scholarship to four deserving student-athletes. The winners of this year’s Whitaker Bank Scholarships are Samuel Barker (Bath County), Skylar Mays (Henry Clay), Ephraim Otieno (Model) and Emily Moore (Rowan County).
Each winner will be recognized during halftime of the first semifinal game of the 2016 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet Sixteen® on Saturday, March 19th.
The 2016 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16® will take place March 16-20, with all games streamed live at KHSAA.tv through the NFHS Network, which is a subscription based service. Subscription plans for the NFHS Network include a day pass ($9.95), a monthly pass ($14.95) and an annual pass ($119.95).
These passes, with the daily pass priced less than the cost of admission to state championship contests, not only entitle the users to Kentucky broadcasts, but all of the broadcasts from the […]
3/03/16 – Softball Umpire Clinic
This is a reminder that the 2016 KHSAA Softball Umpire Clinic will be Saturday, March 5, 2016 at Franklin County High School. This clinic must be attended once every four years to be eligible for assignment to umpire region or state tournaments, but will not replace the mandatory online clinic.
Camp Date
Saturday, March 5, 2016
Location
Franklin County High School, 1100 East Main Street Frankfort, KY. 40601
Umpires should park in the front of the school and go through the front doors and straight down the hall to the library on the right for registration. You should leave your gear in your cars.
Topics & Agenda (Times are EST)
8:00-8:30 a.m. – Registration
8:30-9:00 a.m. – Welcome, Introductions, Review Agenda
9:00-9:15 a.m. – KHSAA Assistant Commissioner Darren Bilberry
9:15-12:00 p.m. – Classroom Instruction
12:00-1:00 p.m. – Lunch on your own
1:15-2:00 p.m. – Plate Work/Base Work
[…]
Justice latest Kentuckian to play hoops at Vandy
BY MIKE FIELDS (Feb. 29, 2016)
Vanderbilt freshman Camron Justice was in the middle of the celebratory swarm on the Memorial Gym court after the Commodores beat Kentucky 74-62 in Nashville Saturday.
“I never was a huge fan of UK, but I was a Kentucky kid and I grew up watching their basketball team, so beating them was a big deal,” Justice said. “A bunch of people back home called and texted me congratulations.
“It was a huge momentum-builder for our team. It helped bring us together.”
Since the first month of the season, Justice, a 6-foot-3 shooting guard from Knott County Central, hasn’t gotten a lot of playing time. He averaged 16 minutes and 5.8 points in Vandy’s first six games, but a subsequent groin injury slowed him down. He missed five games, and coming off that injury, his play has been spotty.
He did have a career-high 12 points (on 4-for-7 three-point shooting) against Tennessee on Jan. 20, but he’s had only […]
Faulkner twins leaving quite a legacy at Caverna
BY MIKE FIELDS (Feb. 25, 2016)
Madison and Mason Faulkner, the highest scoring twins in the history of Kentucky high school basketball, aren’t ready for their careers at Caverna to end just yet.
Madison, a 5-foot-8 senior, poured in 42 points to lead Caverna’s girls to a 68-52 victory over LaRue County in the 18th District semifinals Tuesday night. They will play host Green County for the district title Friday night before heading on to the 5th Region tournament at Hart County next week.
Mason, a 6-2 senior, had 31 points to spark Caverna’s boys past LaRue County 54-43 in the 18th District semifinals Tuesday night. They will play host Green County for the district title Friday night before heading on to the 5th Region tournament at Nelson County next week.
“It’s been a long journey, from no one knowing about either one of us to a lot of people knowing about both of us,” Mason […]
LexCath will miss region for only second time in 30 years
BY MIKE FIELDS (Feb. 24, 2016)
A history of post-season success and a current top 25 ranking won’t get a basketball coach a cup of coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts, much less guarantee his team victory at tournament time.
Just ask Lexington Catholic Coach Brandon Salsman.
His Knights, rated No. 13 in Dave Cantrall’s Rating the State, lost to No. 18 Lafayette 55-48 in the boys’ 43rd District semifinals Tuesday night. That means Lexington Catholic will miss the 11th Region for only the second time in 30 years, a testament to its staying power among the state’s elite.
Salsman has guided the Knights to seven district titles in 11 years, and he’s been involved in nine of the program’s 12 region championships (one as a player, four as an assistant, four as head coach).
But all of that glorious history didn’t take the sting out of Tuesday’s defeat.
“It was devastating,” he said. “When you walk in that locker room and […]
02/23/16 – Swimming & Diving Championships Begin Thursday; Hall of Fame Tickets on Sale
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 17, 2016
The 2016 KHSAA Swimming & Diving Championships (Feb. 25-27) get underway Thursday afternoon at Ralph Wright Natatorium in Louisville with boys’ diving preliminaries at 1 p.m., followed by the girls’ diving prelims at 6:30 p.m. Competition resumes Friday morning at 10 a.m. with the boys’ swimming prelims. Girls’ swimming prelims are scheduled for a 6:30 p.m. start time on Friday.
Saturday’s championship finals begin with the boys’ competition at 10 a.m. The state meet concludes with the girls’ championship finals, which are slated to start at 4:15 p.m. Tickets go on sale to the public at 9 a.m. on Friday for the morning session, and 2:30 p.m. for the afternoon session. On Saturday, ticket sales begin at 9 a.m. for the boys’ finals and 3:15 p.m. for the girls’ championship.
Live event-by-event results for all rounds of the 2016 state meet can be viewed at:
http://khsaa.org/swimming/2016/state/index.htm
The heat sheet and entries are […]
State wrestling championship matchups
Here are the matchups for tonight’s title matches at the KHSAA State Wrestling Championships at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Alltech Arena. Opening ceremonies for the finals are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.
- 106: Cagen Wallace (Wayne Co.) vs. Chase Yost (Woodford Co.)
- 113: Tanner Yenter (Campbell Co.) vs. Konner Kraeszig (St. Xavier)
- 120: Saul Ervin (Union Co.) vs. Dallas Ochsenbein (North Oldham)
- 126: Connor Cambron (Fern Creek) vs. Bryce Sheffer (Union Co.)
- 132: Zane Brown (Male) vs. Keegan Duncan (Trinity)
- 138: Angel Vasquez (Lafayette) vs. A.J. Binder (Fern Creek)
- 145: Cody Huston (Cooper) vs. Jackson Oxford (Union Co.)
- 152: Benjamin Barton (Trinity) vs. Brady Emerson (Oldham Co.)
- 160: Max Andreoni (Woodford Co.) vs. Hudson Heidorf (Trinity)
- 170: Chris Morrow (Madison Central vs. Casey Cornett (Simon Kenton)
- 182: Elijah Allgeier (St. Xavier) vs Max Emerson (Oldham Co.)
- 195: Ray Karl Irving (Henry Clay) vs. Grant Krueger (Ashland Blazer)
- 220: Chance Orr (Paducah Tilghman) vs. Garrett Chandler (Male)
- 285: Landon Young (Lafayette) vs. Landin Jones (North Oldham)
02/20/16 – Sweet 16® Online Media Credentialing System
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 20, 2016
The media credentialing system for the 2016 St. Elizabeth Healthcare/KHSAA Girls’ and Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet Sixteen® State Basketball Tournaments is now available online, and can be accessed by going to credentials.khsaa.org. The St. Elizabeth Healthcare/KHSAA Girls’ State Tournament will take place March 9-13 at BB&T Arena in Highland Heights, followed by the Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16® March 16-20 at Rupp Arena in Lexington.
The deadline to apply for credentials is 5 p.m. on the Monday prior to each respective tournament – March 7 for the Girls’ Sweet 16® and March 14 for the Boys.
OWNERSHIP OF RIGHTS
The intellectual property, corporate, broadcasting and media rights to all State championship rounds of the KHSAA postseason championships belong exclusively to the KHSAA, including titling agreements and sponsorships. As such, the KHSAA is the only entity permitted to originate a live broadcast during the Sweet 16® (this includes the use of streaming […]
Mr. and Miss Basketball finalists
The Kentucky Lions Eye Foundation and the Kentucky Association of Basketball Coaches have released the lists of finalists for Mr. and Miss Basketball — 18 boys and 17 girls, who earned Player of the Year honors in their respective regions.
Voting by coaches and media will be conducted until Feb. 26. Mr. and Miss Basketball be announced March 15 in Lexington, the night before the Boys’ Sweet Sixteen begins.
The favorites for Mr. Basketball are Quentin Goodin of Taylor County and Carson Williams of Owen County.
Goodin would be the first 5th Region player to win the award since Steffphon Pettigrew of Elizabethtown in 2007. Williams would be the first 8th Region player to win it since Rick Jones and Scott Hundley of Scott County were back-to-back winners in 1999 and 2000, respectively.
The favorites for Miss Basketball are Erin Boley of Elizabethtown and Whitney Creech of Jenkins.
Boley would be the second 5th Region player to win Miss Basketball in three […]
Daymeon Fishback’s perfect night 20 years ago
BY MIKE FIELDS (Feb. 19, 2016)
When I saw Daymeon Fishback working as a college basketball analyst on the SEC Network the other night, I remembered him not from his playing days at Auburn, but as Kentucky’s Mr. Basketball in 1996. Fishback’s career totals at Greenwood High School: 2,214 points, 916 rebounds, 470 assists, 168 blocked shots and 163 steals.
While looking up those numbers, I came across an interesting nugget. On this date 20 years ago (Feb. 19, 1996), Fishback had 40 points, 14 rebounds and 5 blocks in a 74-65 win over Monroe County. The eye-catching stat from that game, though, was Fishback’s 16-for-16 shooting from the field, including 6-for-6 three-pointers.
12/10/14 – Compiled Uniform Rules and Questions
Due to the fact that there is no single resource from which an athletic administrator can become informed about the rules governing uniforms for each of the OHSAA-sponsored sports, this document will summarize both the OHSAA General Sports Regulation on Uniforms as well as the specific regulations found in the playing rules of each sport. The OHSAA hopes that this information will assist athletic administrators and coaches so that costly mistakes are not made when ordering school uniforms. An additional purpose is to assist administrators in reinforcing these rules with coaches in order to prevent penalties for non-compliance. Coaches are responsible, along with student-athletes, for insuring that compliance with uniform rules. The head official shall require coaches to verify prior to each contest that all athletes are legally equipped, in legal uniforms and free of all jewelry.
The OHSAA General Sports Regulation #17, ?Athletic Uniforms? reads: Uniforms worn by participants in a high school athletic […]
Football coaching giant Owen Hauck dies
BY MIKE FIELDS (Feb. 17, 2016)
Owen Hauck, whose Boone County football Rebels were the scourge of Lexington teams from the late 1980s to the mid 1990s, died this morning. He was 88.
Hauck coached Highlands to the state championship in 1964, and the Bluebirds were state runners-up under him in 1963 and 1966. He guided Boone County to state runner-up finishes in 1986, 1987, 1992 and 1994. The Rebels knocked off Lexington competition on their way to those last four title games.
During one dominant stretch, Boone County went 31-2 against Lexington teams, and it did it in smash-mouth style with a strong, physical offensive line and hard-running tailbacks. The Rebels’ star ball carriers included John Alford, John Ransdell, Tony Law, Brandon Black and, most notably, Shaun Alexander.
Alexander went on to star at Alabama and in the NFL, where he won MVP honors while playing for the Seattle Seahawks.
Alexander noted Hauck’s passing […]
02/17/16 – KHSAA State Wrestling Championships Begin Friday Morning at Alltech Arena
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 17, 2016
The 2016 KHSAA Wrestling State Championships return to Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park this weekend (Feb. 19-20). Gates will open to the public on Friday at 8:30 a.m., with the first round matches set to begin at 9:30 a.m.
The second session begins Saturday morning with third round championship bracket matches at 9 a.m., continuing through the sixth round consolation bracket matches (bouts 785-812). The Medal Round and Championship Awards Session is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. For each weight class during the Medal Round, the consolation bracket final bouts for third, fifth and seventh place will be contested simultaneously, followed by the championship bracket match and the awards presentation for that class. Team trophy presentations will take place following the awards for the 285 lb. weight class.
A complete list of printable brackets for the 2016 KHSAA State Wrestling Championships can be found at:
http://khsaa.org/wrestling/2016/wrbrackets.pdf
Live scoring for […]
Anderson Co.’s Glen Drury true to his Bearcats
BY MIKE FIELDS (Feb. 17, 2016)
Glen Drury is an Anderson County institution. Like those famous Lawrenceburg distilleries, Four Roses and Wild Turkey, Drury has been turning out a successful, Kentucky-specialty product for decades.
The proof: Drury, in his 31st season as a head basketball coach in his home county, earned his 500th victory when Anderson County beat Simon Kenton last week.
Drury, as expected, shrugged off praise for the accomplishment. “It just means I’ve just been fortunate to be in this business long enough to get that many wins,” he said. “And it means I’ve been blessed to have had a lot of great players over the years.”
Maybe so, but it also means that Drury has been true to himself, true to his work ethic and true to his hometown.
He’s spent more two-thirds of his 57 years involved in Anderson County basketball.
He played for the Bearcats (class of 1977) before heading […]
02/16/16 – Former KHSAA Commissioner DeVries To Receive Sue Feamster Trailblazer Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 16, 2016
Brigid DeVries, the first female commissioner of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association, will receive the 2016 Sue Feamster Trailblazer Award on Sunday, Feb. 21 when the University of Kentucky women’s basketball team hosts Arkansas at Memorial Coliseum.
“It is certainly a pleasure to see people outside of the interscholastic community recognize the many contributions made by my friend and former colleague Brigid DeVries,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “She was truly a trailblazer with her variety of involvements and efforts and most deserving of this outstanding award. Her commitment to opportunities as well as her passion for doing things the right way set an example for many to follow, and that continues today.”
Named in honor of the pioneering women’s basketball coach and national leader on the NCAA steering committee, the Sue Feamster Trailblazer Award is given to those who have provided exceptional leadership and paved the way for others to […]
Basketball a passion play for E-town’s Erin Boley
BY MIKE FIELDS (Feb. 16, 2016)
Life is good for Erin Boley.
The Elizabethtown basketball star is the first 3,000-point scorer in school history, already a two-time Gatorade Player of the Year in Kentucky, a Notre Dame signee, a McDonald’s All-American, one of 10 semifinalists for the Naismith Trophy that goes to the top girls’ player in the nation, a straight-A student, and newly crowned homecoming queen.
Life can get better for Erin Boley, though. At least she’s determined to make it so.
“She’s always been a type-A personality, being a perfectionist in school and everything she does,” said Scott Boley, her dad. “She always wants to get better at everything. She has that passion.”
E-town Coach Tim Mudd will vouch for Erin’s dedication to basketball.
“Her practice doesn’t really start until we’re done with our team practice,” he said. “That’s when she goes to work most days. By herself, with her dad, with me or with whoever she can get to rebound for […]
Jock Sutherland: Lafayette was ‘utopia’
BY MIKE FIELDS (Feb. 11, 2016)
Jock Sutherland made a brief appearance at the event named his honor — the Jock Sutherland Classic — at Lafayette this past Saturday. He found time to shake hands, chat up a few fans and reminisce about his good ol’ days in basketball.
Sutherland, who will turn 88 next month, was one of the most colorful coaches in the history of Kentucky high school hoops.
He was also one of the most successful. He led three schools to a total of six Sweet Sixteen appearances: Gallatin County (1959), Harrison County (1961, 1962, 1966) and Lafayette (1971, 1979). He retired after leading Lafayette, his alma mater, to the state championship in 1979.
Sutherland guided Gallatin County to the school’s first state tournament in his fourth season there, in 1959. He still stays in touch with those Wildcat players, and had lunch with them recently. “They’re going to be my pallbearers,” Sutherland […]
02/10/16 – KHSAA State Bowling Championships Begin Thursday at Collins Eastland
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 10, 2016
The 2016 KHSAA State Bowling Championships (Feb. 11-12) get underway Thursday morning with the singles competition at Collins Eastland in Lexington. Team champions will be decided on Friday, with the boys’ team finals scheduled for 12:15 p.m., followed by the girls’ team championship at 5:15 p.m.
Thursday’s boys’ and girls’ singles competition begins with qualifying games at 10:10 a.m. After each competitor bowls three games, the field will be trimmed to the top eight individuals. The top eight will then roll two additional games, with the top four boys’ and girls’ performers advancing to the step ladder bracket, which will continue through its completion. Awards for the singles competition are tentatively scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
The boys’ team championship opens Friday’s action, with team introductions slated for 7:30 a.m. and qualifying games starting at 7:50 a.m. Following two qualifying games, each team will be seeded in a 16-team bracket with the state […]
Carson Williams: Owen County Rebel with a cause
BY MIKE FIELDS (Feb. 9, 2016)
Carson Williams always puts his team first, so he’s not distracted by speculation about his Mr. Basketball candidacy. The Owen County senior’s single-minded purpose is to lead the Rebels to their first-ever Sweet Sixteen.
“Mr. Basketball is a nice idea, but my ultimate goal is taking my team to Rupp Arena,” Williams said matter-of-factly.
Williams was speaking moments after he led Owen County past North Laurel 75-71 in overtime in the Jock Sutherland Classic at Lafayette on Saturday. The Rebels’ 6-foot-6 ½ post man delivered 43 points (including 16 of 18 field-goal shooting), 10 rebounds and three blocked shots.
Williams’ biggest play came in the final seconds of regulation. With the score tied 66-66, North Laurel had the ball and junior star Peyton Broughton went looking for the game-winning shot. He dribbled across the lane and tried to put up a short jumper. But Williams was there to smother the attempt, and […]
02/09/16 – Softball Umpires Camp Registration Now Open
Registration for the 2016 KHSAA Softball Umpires Advanced Camp is now open. This camp must be attended once every four years to be eligible for assignment to umpire region or state tournaments.
Camp Date
Saturday, March 5, 2016
Location
Franklin County High School, 1100 East Main Street Frankfort, KY. 40601
Camp Fee
$46.00 early registration before February 26.
$71.00 late registration after February 27 until March 3.
Camp Staff
Paul Lewis
Kenny Clark
John Smart
Charles Standiford
JT Taylor
Tracy Spickard
Tentative Topics & Agenda (Times are ET)
8:00-8:30 a.m. – Registration
8:30-9:00 a.m. – Welcome, Introductions, Review Agenda
9:00-9:15 a.m. – KHSAA Assistant Commissioner Darren Bilberry
9:15-12:00 p.m. – Classroom Instruction
12:00-1:00 p.m. – Lunch on your own
1:15-2:15 p.m. – Plate Work
2:30 – 3:30 p.m. – Base Work
3:30-4:30 p.m. – 3 person mechanics / Q&A
You will need to bring all your plate gear. Everyone attending camp is required to be in approved KHSAA Umpire’s uniform.
For additional questions, contact Darren Bilberry at 859-299-5472 or dbilberry@khsaa.org
Registration
Click […]
No. 1 Mercer Co. risks spotless record at Lafayette
BY MIKE FIELDS (Feb. 5, 2016)
No. 1 Mercer County will put its perfect record (24-0) on the line against host Lafayette in the Jock Sutherland Classic Saturday night. The Titans are the only unbeaten team in the state.
No. 3 Paul Laurence Dunbar plays Louisville Central in the event. And Owen County, led by senior star Carson Williams, faces North Laurel, led by junior standout Peyton Broughton.
Saturday’s schedule at Lafayette:
- Owen County vs. North Laurel, 4:30 p.m.
- Dunbar vs. Lou. Central, 6:15 p.m.
- Lafayette vs. Mercer County, 8 p.m.
Wes Strader Schoolboy Classic
Bowling Green hosts the Wes Strader Classic on Saturday. The No. 5 Purples will take on Ballard in the nightcap of the quadruple-header.
Saturday’s schedule (EST) at Bowling Green:
- Bardstown vs. Owensboro Catholic, 3:45 p.m.
- Doss vs. Warren East, 5:30 p.m.
- Murray vs. Taylor County , 7:15 p.m.
- Ballard vs. Bowling Green, 9 p.m.
02/04/16 – Pairings Announced For 2016 St. Elizabeth Healthcare/KHSAA Girls’ and Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16®
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FEBRUARY 4, 2016
The pairings for the 2016 St. Elizabeth Healthcare/KHSAA Girls’ and the 2016 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet Sixteen® were unveiled Thursday afternoon when the annual Draw Show was broadcast on The CW Lexington and KHSAA.tv. Hosted by Dave Baker and Gary Ball at the WKYT Studio, the Draw Show determined the matchups for the 99th boys’ Sweet 16® and the 55th girls’ Sweet 16®.
The 2016 St. Elizabeth Healthcare/KHSAA Girls’ Sweet 16® will be played in Northern Kentucky for the first time this season, with the tournament taking place March 9-13 at BB&T Arena in Highland Heights. The 2016 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16® will be played the following week, March 16-20 at Rupp Arena in Lexington. Full-session ticket packages for the Boys’ and Girls’ Sweet 16® are available for $80 for upper arena seats and $124 for side/lower arena seats, and can be purchased online at the following link: http://www.khsaa.org/payments/tickets/
2016 […]
Creech has been scoring machine for years
BY MIKE FIELDS (Feb. 3, 2016)
Whitney Creech became Kentucky high school basketball’s all-time leading scorer when she poured in 71 points to lead Jenkins past Paintsville 90-87 in overtime Tuesday night. Her career-high performance gave her 4,957 points, eclipsing Jaime Walz’s 19-year-old record of 4,948.
Creech is averaging 50.3 points this season, but she’s been a scoring machine for years. She has averaged 35.0 points over her last 128 games going back to when she was an eighth-grader.
Creech is the latest prodigious point producer from the mountains. Seven of the top eight all-time leading scorers are from the 13th, 14th or 15th region. Walz, who starred at Highlands, is the only exception.
Signing day a year away for Lafayette star
BY MIKE FIELDS (Feb. 3, 2016)
National signing day has arrived for high school football players across America. One of the highest rated recruits in Kentucky, however, will have to wait until next year to put his signature on a college letter of intent.
Jedrick Wills, a 6-foot-5 1/2, 300-pound five-star offensive lineman at Lafayette, is just a junior. Rated the third best OL prospect in the nation in the class of 2017, he already has offers from most of the major powers, including national champion Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Tennessee.
Kentucky is in the mix, too, of course.
The soft-spoken, even-keel Wills said he’s trying to enjoy the hype-fueled recruiting process.
Jed Wills, his dad (who is an assistant girls’ basketball coach at Lafayette), isn’t surprised Jedrick is handling all the attention with aplomb. “He doesn’t get too excited. He takes things as they come,” Jed said.
Jedrick’s […]
02/02/16 – Softball Online Rules Clinic Now Available
The 2016 Online Rules Clinic that is required for all head and assistant coaches and licensed officials in the sport of Softball is now available.
Coaches Deadline
February 1 – March 7 – the Clinic may be viewed by coaches at no charge during this period.
March 8 – April 4 – the Clinic may be viewed by coaches for the late fee ($100) during this period.
April 5 – May 22 – the Clinic may be viewed by coaches for the late fee ($200) during this period. After this time, postseason penalties per Bylaw 27 will apply.
Officials Deadline
February 1 – March 21 – the Clinic may be viewed by officials at no charge during this period.
March 22 – April 25 – the Clinic may be viewed by officials for the late fee ($30) during this period.
April 26 – May 7 – the Clinic may be viewed by officials for the late fee ($60) during this period. […]
Edmonson County’s 40th anniversary of Cinderella title
BY MIKE FIELDS (Feb. 2, 2016)
BROWNSVILLE – They’re on the shady side of middle age now. Most of them have gray hair, or gray-flecked goatees or mustaches. Their knees don’t always treat them kindly. Some are retired. One has three grandsons.
It’s hard to believe that it’s been 40 years since the Edmonson County Wildcats, coached by the feisty Bo Davenport, manufactured March magic, won the boys’ state basketball title and, in the process, saved the Sweet Sixteen.
Edmonson County welcomed back its hoops heroes last Friday night to honor them again for that improbable and inspiring 1976 championship.
Nine players from the title team returned for the reunion: starters Phil Rich, Chester Bethel, Aaron Goad, Mark Hennion and Kevin Clemmons, sixth man Jeff Doyle, reserves Tim Ashley, Jimmy Cole and Ricky Houchin, along with manager Larry Starnes.
They gathered in the school cafeteria to reminisce as they looked at yellowed newspapers, game programs and black-and-white photos from that glorious […]
02/01/16 – New Corporate Partnership Makes Chocolate Milk an Official Beverage of the KHSAA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 1, 2016
The KHSAA unveiled a new corporate partnership with the American Dairy Association (ADA) and the Kentucky Dairy Farm Families on Monday, which will make Chocolate Milk an Official Beverage of the Association. This new partnership provides an opportunity for the dairy farm families of Kentucky and KHSAA to promote nutrient-rich Chocolate Milk to KHSAA student-athletes, coaches and fans as a delicious and nutritious post-workout recovery beverage which helps to replenish nutrients lost during workouts, practices, weight training and games.
“Anytime you can partner with an organization in an effort to do something positive for student-athletes is a plus,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “We are excited to welcome our new partner into the KHSAA family, and look forward to working alongside them to benefit our membership.”
Chocolate milk is an ideal beverage for student‐athletes to drink because it provides the unique nutrition-profile needed after sporting events and practices, including nine essential nutrients […]
02/01/16 – Baseball Online Rules Clinic Now Available
The 2016 Online Rules Clinic that is required for all head and assistant coaches and licensed officials in the sport of Baseball is now available.
Coaches Deadline
February 1 – March 7 – the Clinic may be viewed by coaches at no charge during this period.
March 8 – April 4 – the Clinic may be viewed by coaches for the late fee ($100) during this period.
April 5 – May 22 – the Clinic may be viewed by coaches for the late fee ($200) during this period. After this time, postseason penalties per Bylaw 27 will apply.
Officials Deadline
February 1 – March 21 – the Clinic may be viewed by officials at no charge during this period.
March 22 – April 25 – the Clinic may be viewed by officials for the late fee ($30) during this period.
April 26 – May 7 – the Clinic may be viewed by officials for the late fee ($60) during this period. […]
01/29/16 – KHSAA Board Adopts Baseball Pitch Count Restrictions with Mandated Rest
At its January meeting, the KHSAA Board of Control had a second and final reading and adopted a pitch count limitation beginning with the 2016 baseball playing season. The Board adopted the proposal in response to concerns regarding student safety expressed both locally and nationally concerning arm injuries and overuse, and upon the receipt of a great deal of recent data.
Previously, the pitching limitation (and subsequent required rest) was based upon innings pitched. The new rules will mandate rest based on pitches thrown as detailed below.
KHSAA Pitching Limitation Rule (For all interscholastic play including scrimmages, regular season and all rounds of postseason) is based on the number of pitches thrown in a game with the following provisions:
Mercer Co. focuses on winning games, not winning streak
BY MIKE FIELDS (Jan. 28, 2016)
NICHOLASVILLE — Mercer County isn’t trying to go undefeated in boys’ basketball this season, but the Titans are trying to win every game.
There is a difference.
No. 1 Mercer County ran its record to 22-0 with an 83-79 victory over host West Jessamine Thursday night. The Titans trailed 74-71 with 1:20 left, but led by Trevon Faulkner, they rallied to remain the only unbeaten team in Kentucky.
Faulkner, a 6-foot-4 sophomore, had 32 points, including seven in the last 1:16.
Malik Dow, a 6-5 senior, had 17 points. Will Hager, a 6-4 senior point guard, had 16.
Mercer County made 40 of 50 free throws on the night. Faulkner hit 18 of 19 from the line.
West Jessamine’s upset bid was led by Siah Holifield’s 27 points and Isaiah Okesson’s 24.
Mercer County Coach Josh Cook says his players “don’t have time to think about the streak” because they are so focused on the task […]
01/28/16 – Board of Control Addresses Football Alignment, Bracketing; Baseball Pitch Count; Swimming and Diving State Qualifiers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 28, 2016
The Board of Control addressed a lengthy agenda during its regularly scheduled meeting at the KHSAA Offices on Thursday, approving a slight “midcourse” adjustment to the football alignment as required by the competition rules and future football playoff bracket formats, finalizing a baseball pitch count, and settling on the number of regional qualifiers for the state swimming and diving meet for 2016.
Per the football competition rules, a “midcourse” adjustment is to be made in the second year of a four-year alignment. In order to be considered for adjustment, the four-year average enrollment (including 2015-16 data) would have to be within the boundaries of another class, and the school shall have had at least a 10 percent change in four-year average enrollment during the two-year period.
Upon review of the data, only two schools fit the criteria to be placed into a different class, and the Board unanimously approved the movement of […]
01/26/16 – Sweet Sixteen® Draw Show Set For February 4th on CW Lexington, KHSAA.tv
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 26, 2016
The pairings for the 2016 St. Elizabeth Healthcare/KHSAA Girls’ Sweet Sixteen® and the 2016 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet Sixteen® will be revealed on Thursday, Feb. 4 at 1 p.m. (ET) when the annual Draw Show is televised by The CW Lexington. The Sweet 16® Draw Show will also be streamed online at KHSAA.tv and WKYT.com.
The 2016 St. Elizabeth Healthcare/KHSAA Girls’ Sweet 16® will be held March 9-13 at BB&T Arena in Highland Heights, with the 2016 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16® taking place March 16-20 at Rupp Arena in Lexington. Brackets with official pairings will be available on the KHSAA/Riherds.com Scoreboard and the KHSAA website on the basketball home page following the conclusion of the draw show.
Full-session ticket packages for the Boys’ and Girls’ Sweet 16® will be available for purchase by the general public starting Feb. 8th, at a cost of $124 for side/lower arena seats. For more information, […]
Ervin Stepp appreciates Whitney Creech’s scoring prowess
BY MIKE FIELDS (Jan. 25, 2016)
Ervin Stepp is ready to welcome Whitney Creech into his exclusive club.
Stepp is the only player in the history of Kentucky high school basketball to average more than 50 points a game for an entire season. Thirty-six years ago as a senior at Phelps, Stepp averaged 53.7 points. (And that was before the three-point shot was introduced.)
He topped 60 points six times that season, including 75 against Feds Creek. “I had 50 in the second half of that game,” Stepp said. “Man, if I’d only done that the first half too, I would’ve had 100!”
Now along comes Creech, a senior at Jenkins, who is sporting a 50.6 average, highlighted by a career-high 65 against Jackson County.
Stepp didn’t know about Creech until last month when his brother Gary, athletics director at Alice Lloyd College, told him about her scoring prowess.
“I thought somebody might have a shot […]
01/25/16 – Hall of Fame Journalist Mike Fields Joins KHSAA.org as Contributing Writer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 25, 2016
KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett announced today that Hall of Fame journalist Mike Fields and his more than 41 years of experience covering high school sports will be joining KHSAA.org as a contributing writer. Fields, who retired from the Lexington Herald-Leader in 2015 after 35 years with the publication, will produce content for his own blog at KHSAA.org along with feature articles and state championship coverage through the KHSAA website and social media.
“I have talked to Mike on several occasions about my hopes for developing an increased web presence with stories about the great student-athletes, coaches, officials and administrators that are affiliated with the member schools, both present and former, of the KHSAA,” said Tackett. “Mike being our first contributor is symbolic of his dedication to our schools, his experience with traditional and social media and his love of this level of play. We look forward to his work beginning immediately.”
A […]
It’s good to be back
BY MIKE FIELDS (Jan. 24, 2016)
So, did I miss anything?
It’s been eight months since I retired from the Herald-Leader after covering high school sports for 41 years.
After giving up the gig cold turkey, I filled my time with travel (the British Open at St. Andrews was a bucket-list highlight), grandkids (Candy Land, anyone?), a long honey-do list (I racked up big numbers on my Fitbit while painting the basement), and an autumn wedding (I have three daughters; this was my third misty-eyed walk down the aisle).
I haven’t missed the deadlines or daily grind of the newspaper business, but I have missed reporting and writing and connecting with people.
I was looking for a way to get back in the game in a limited way, and the Kentucky High School Athletic Association was gracious enough to give me an opportunity with this blog. I will also revive my dormant twitter account (@MikeFieldsKHSAA).
I’m not exactly […]
01/21/16 – KHSAA Sanctions Bryan Station and Lafayette Girls’ Basketball Programs for Altercation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 21, 2016
The KHSAA has handed down two-game suspensions to a total of seven girls’ basketball players following an altercation between Lafayette and Bryan Station on January 14, 2016. During the incident, violations of Bylaw 15 “Sportsmanship” were committed when multiple nonplayers (rostered individuals not in the contest) left the bench area. Due to the number of individuals involved in the situation, the game officials appropriately requested review by the KHSAA under the video review policy.
KHSAA policies and procedures permit the use of replay at the discretion of the Commission and in compliance with NFHS playing rules in a situation involving a fight, physical confrontation or ejection where the circumstances are potentially unable to be accurately observed and reported by the game officials, and where either the member school or official has requested such review. This could include identifying individuals that were not previously identified, correcting […]
01/20/16 – Winter Sports Championship Media Credentials
The KHSAA’s online media credentialing system for the Winter Sports Championships is now live. Media members can visit credentials.khsaa.org to apply for credentials for the bowling, wrestling and swimming and diving state championships.
Credentials to each KHSAA state championship event are issued by the KHSAA to working members of the media that regularly cover high school athletics. Credentials must be requested prior to the established deadline for each sport through the online credentialing system (credentials.khsaa.org).
Credentials should be requested by the sports editor/director for all members of his/her organization needing to attend an event. Credentials for freelance photographers and stringers must be requested by the sports editor/director at the outlet the freelancer will be representing. No credentials will be issued outside of the online credentialing system. The KHSAA reserves the right to limit the quantity of credentials issued to media outlets when space is at a premium.
Failure to adhere to the KHSAA policies and guidelines, […]
01/19/16 – KHSAA Sanctions Graves County Boys’ Basketball for Bylaw 16 Violations
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 19, 2016
The KHSAA has handed down sanctions to Graves County High School resulting from improper open gym activities involving its boys’ basketball program during the 2014-15 academic year. During the course of its investigation, the KHSAA found Graves County to be in violation of Bylaw 16 “Recruitment/Undue Influence” for conducting open gym activities where student-athletes from other member schools participated without express consent from their respective school’s principal designated representative.
In addition, Graves County boys’ basketball assistant coach Lyndon Dunning was found to be in violation of Bylaw 16 for impermissible contact with the family of a student-athlete at another member school (Hickman County) regarding the open gym activities.
“Graves County Schools will in no way tolerate violations of the KHSAA Bylaws,” said Graves County principal Matthew Madding. “We take a great deal of pride in our compliant membership with the KHSAA and have […]
01/19/16 – Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Sweet 16® Scholarship Application Now Open
For the third year Whitaker Bank, as part of its continuing title sponsorship of the Boys’ Sweet 16®, and the KHSAA will be presenting four one-time $1,500 scholarships. The scholarships are open to high school seniors that participate in KHSAA sanctioned sports and sport-activities.
Deadline for the information to be received by the KHSAA is Feb. 26. There is no limit to the number of applicants from a school.
Winners will be recognized during the 2016 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ State Basketball Tournament, March 16-20 in Lexington.
Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Sweet 16® Scholarship Application Form is online and may be completed using the link below:
Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Sweet 16® Scholarship Application
– KHSAA –
The KHSAA staff routinely publishes blog posts to better communicate with its various constituencies and the public. The blogs for specific sports and sport-activities are on that sport or sport activity main page, and there are general information blogs […]
01/04/16 – Baseball Umpire Advanced Camp Registration Now Open
Registration for the 2016 KHSAA Baseball Umpires Advance Camp is now open. This camp must be attended once every four years to be eligible for assignment to umpire region or state tournaments.
Camp Date
Saturday, February 13 – Hopkins Co. Central High School
Camp Fee
$50 early registration before Feb. 1.
$75 late registration after Feb. 2 until Feb. 11.
Camp Staff
Clarence Coleman – 37-year veteran; KHSAA Assigning Secretary, Kentuckiana Baseball Umpires Association
Keith Morgan – 38-year veteran; Umpire, Central Kentucky Umpires Association
Keith Shartzer – 41-year veteran; Umpire, Kentuckiana Umpires Association
Andy Strain – 38-year veteran; Umpire, Tri-State Officials Association
Kyle McNeely – Former Chair NFHS Baseball Rules Committee and OHSAA Director of Officials’ Development for baseball.
Tentative Topics & Agenda (Times are CT)
8-8:30 a.m. – Registration
8:30-9 a.m. – Welcome, Introductions, Review Agenda
9-9:15 a.m. – KHSAA Associate Commissioner Butch Cope
9:15-11:30 a.m. – Split into groups
11:30-12:30 p.m. – Lunch
12:30-2 p.m. – Rotate Groups
2-3 […]
About Mike
After working as a sports writer for 41 years, I needed a break from the daily demands and deadlines of the newspaper business. So in June 2015, I retired from the Lexington Herald-Leader after covering approximately 4,000 high school sports events in my career. In January 2016, I took on the role of freelance writer for the KHSAA. To reintroduce myself: I was born in Pikeville, grew up in Bardstown, graduated from the University of Kentucky, worked at newspapers in Eustis, Fla., Lake City, Fla., Henderson, Ky., and Evansville, Ind., before coming to Lexington in 1980. Email me at mfields@khsaa.org
12/28/15 – Board of Control Nominations Sought
Per the provisions of Article IV, Section 2-B, of the KHSAA Constitution, this is to advise you that the term of office for Board of Control members will expire June 30, 2016. The terms of Board members Donna Bumps (at-large, Regions 1-8), Jeff Saylor (Section, Regions 13-14) and Henry Webb (Sections, Region 15-16) expire as well as Ron Dawn (Non Public, Regions 9-16). Mrs. Bumps, Mr. Saylor and Dr. Webb have served only one term and are eligible to seek an additional, and Mr. Dawn has served all or part of two terms and is ineligible to seek an additional term).
The KHSAA Constitution stipulates that nominees for elected Board vacancies hold a valid Kentucky Teaching Certificate issued by the Kentucky Department of Education and be an employee of an accredited KHSAA member school or system in the appropriate region that is in good standing with the KHSAA. The candidate must be employed in […]
12/17/15 – First Basketball Stat Leader Reports Released
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 17, 2015
The first weekly statistical leader reports for girls’ and boys’ basketball have been posted at KHSAA.org. Statistics are compiled weekly throughout the season and will be posted to the KHSAA website each week.
As a reminder, member schools are solely responsible for submitting statistical information. If a school or individual is omitted, or information is not updated, that means the team in question did not update its statistics through the KHSAA’s online system prior to the deadline.
Beginning last season, as contained in Bylaw 27, the requirements to enter and maintain rosters, schedules and statistics was enforced more rigorously by the KHSAA. This enforcement subjects member schools to penalties by the Commissioner, including fines and other actions, within the constraints of Bylaw 27.
The statistical leader reports can be found through the links below:
Boys’ Basketball
http://khsaa.org/basketball/regularseason/2015/statsbit.htm
Girls’ Basketball
http://khsaa.org/basketball/regularseason/2015/statsgit.htm
-KHSAA-
About the Kentucky High School Athletic Association
The Kentucky High School Athletic […]
12/11/15 – Applications Being Accepted for Louis Stout Memorial Scholarship
When former Commissioner Louis Stout passed away in 2012, his widow Anna directed that donations on his behalf go to the Louis Stout Memorial Fund for Students. She felt this was a chance for the KHSAA to honor student-athletes who excel in athletics, academics, school service and community service.
Applications are being accepted for students to apply for those awards through January 31, 2016. The award winners will be announced in conjunction with the boys’ state basketball tournament in March. Two grants, each in the amount of a one-time scholarship of $2,000 payable to an institution of higher learning, will be awarded each year for the next four years. The scholarship is not renewable and is not endowed for expansion. Minimum criteria is a 3.5 (converted to 4.0 scale) grade point average; involvement in varsity sports or sport-activities; involvement in other school activities and a record of community service/involvement.
The application for the scholarships is located at […]
12/10/15 – Competitive Cheer Championships This Saturday At Alltech Arena
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 10, 2015
The fourth annual KHSAA Competitive Cheer Championships will take place this Saturday, Dec. 12 at Alltech Arena in Lexington. Doors open to the public at 8 a.m. with the competition starting at 9 a.m. with the All-Girls’ Small and All-Girls’ Medium divisions. The All-Girls’ Large and All-Girls’ Super-Large divisions are slated to begin at 12:30 p.m., followed by Coed divisions A & B at 4 p.m.
Each session of the championship will be webcast live at KHSAA.tv. Fans can watch a live webcast of each session at KHSAA.tv, or listen to a free audio broadcast at KHSAA.net. All KHSAA.tv productions are a part of the NFHS Network, which is a subscription based service. Subscription plans for the NFHS Network include a day pass ($9.95), a monthly pass ($14.95) and an annual pass ($119.95).
These passes, with the daily pass priced less than the cost of admission to […]
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