[Ky1976]

How much longer can Brian Kirk remain at the helm of Mason County’s basketball program?


A quick glance at the past six seasons reveals that while his teams have typically hovered around the 20-win mark, a troubling trend has emerged—three consecutive losses in the 10th Region Championship, each time falling to George Rogers Clark (GRC). Notably, those matchups occurred only once per season—in the regional finals of 2021, 2022, and 2023.
More concerning, however, is the decline in overall performance. In the most recent season, Mason County finished with a disappointing 17-14 record—a steep drop for a program historically recognized as a contender for state championships.
Given the proud tradition of success associated with Mason County basketball, the question arises: what is happening within one of Kentucky’s premier high school programs?


Year 2024-2025 Record 17-14
Year 2023-2024 Record 21-12
Year 2022-2023 Record 29-6 Lost to GRC only played them in finals of region
Year 2021-2022 Record 24-6 Lost to GRC only played them in finals of region
Year 2020-2021 Record 19-4 Lost to GRC only played them in finals of region very few people in stands
Year 2019-2020 Record 18-12 Covid Year GRC won also no Sweet 16



Thoughts?

[OldManMountain]

Back in my day Maysville was the premier program. For an A school, they seemed to always be in the 10th region tournament.

As for your question, why don’t you answer it for us? Sounds like you know more than this old guy.

[Ky1976]

All I know is that there was a State Championship Kelly won 2003 & appearance with Kelly 2004 that ended in a loss in the finals, and another State Championship with Chris 2008, resulting in two titles under two different coaches. I wouldn’t necessarily say the 10th Region was weak when Mason won those two state championships. Additionally, it appears that both Wells and O’Hearn had their teams well-prepared, consistently scheduling quality opponents throughout their tenure. That level of competition likely contributed to their teams' readiness and success.

[OldManMountain]

All I know is that there was a State Championship Kelly won 2003 & appearance with Kelly 2004 that ended in a loss in the finals, and another State Championship with Chris 2008, resulting in two titles under two different coaches. I wouldn’t necessarily say the 10th Region was weak when Mason won those two state championships. Additionally, it appears that both Wells and O’Hearn had their teams well-prepared, consistently scheduling quality opponents throughout their tenure. That level of competition likely contributed to their teams' readiness and success.

Oh, I figured you had more of an inside scoop with the program or something.


I called a buddy of mine up that way. He didn't know much other than that O'Hearn was the AD this school year, quit, and now they have another one. Could that be the case? He wasn't sure. The only thing he said was that he was surprised he hadn't quit.

[4 Quarters]

Actually this is a pretty easy question to answer.  You will not see any Lyons, Feldhaus, Lofton, Miller, or Myrick's on todays rosters.  It's hard for any coach to win when you don't have the star power.

Yes, some of this dead period could have been avoided if the relationship between the Reed family and the powers at Mason County hadn't been spoiled early on.
Hence, you see what Montgomery County did this last year with the one half of the Reed brothers.  This family lives in Maysville.

Yes, GRC keeps rolling, and they will continue as long as they keep pulling out of district kids into the system.

[OldManMountain]

Actually this is a pretty easy question to answer.  You will not see any Lyons, Feldhaus, Lofton, Miller, or Myrick's on todays rosters.  It's hard for any coach to win when you don't have the star power.

Yes, some of this dead period could have been avoided if the relationship between the Reed family and the powers at Mason County hadn't been spoiled early on.
Hence, you see what Montgomery County did this last year with the one half of the Reed brothers.  This family lives in Maysville.

Yes, GRC keeps rolling, and they will continue as long as they keep pulling out of district kids into the system.

Ronnie Lyons could play.


As for the Reed boys.... I was told the drama that went around them could have been made into a major motion picture!

[TribeTime]

I heard he may leave on his own this summer.

[plantmanky]

Mason Co schools as a whole are a mess right now.

[4 Quarters]

Actually this is a pretty easy question to answer.  You will not see any Lyons, Feldhaus, Lofton, Miller, or Myrick's on todays rosters.  It's hard for any coach to win when you don't have the star power.

Yes, some of this dead period could have been avoided if the relationship between the Reed family and the powers at Mason County hadn't been spoiled early on.
Hence, you see what Montgomery County did this last year with the one half of the Reed brothers.  This family lives in Maysville.

Yes, GRC keeps rolling, and they will continue as long as they keep pulling out of district kids into the system.

Ronnie Lyons could play.


As for the Reed boys.... I was told the drama that went around them could have been made into a major motion picture!

I'm not debating your statement about the Reed family.  I stated if the relationship hadn't been spoiled EARLY on.

---

I heard he may leave on his own this summer.

It's a little bit late for that, isn't it?

---

Mason Co schools as a whole are a mess right now.

Well, aren't they all?

[OldManMountain]

Actually this is a pretty easy question to answer.  You will not see any Lyons, Feldhaus, Lofton, Miller, or Myrick's on todays rosters.  It's hard for any coach to win when you don't have the star power.

Yes, some of this dead period could have been avoided if the relationship between the Reed family and the powers at Mason County hadn't been spoiled early on.
Hence, you see what Montgomery County did this last year with the one half of the Reed brothers.  This family lives in Maysville.

Yes, GRC keeps rolling, and they will continue as long as they keep pulling out of district kids into the system.

Ronnie Lyons could play.


As for the Reed boys.... I was told the drama that went around them could have been made into a major motion picture!

I'm not debating your statement about the Reed family.  I stated if the relationship hadn't been spoiled EARLY on.

---

I heard he may leave on his own this summer.

It's a little bit late for that, isn't it?

---

Mason Co schools as a whole are a mess right now.

Well, aren't they all?

I wasn't asking for a debate. I was summarizing what I had heard.