[rojas]

There was a discussion on the radio about the top high school basketball programs in Kentucky during the past 25 years. Who do you feel are some of the top programs during the period of 83/84 through 07/08? Lets base this on wins, regional and state championships, Sweet 16 wins, national rankings, etc.

[Colonel Kill]

I think in the mountains you have to start with Paintsville and Clay Co as the made a few trips to the sweet 16 and not only competed but won. And for a long time the wymt tourny was unofficially the Clay Co Classic.

[letthebighogroot]

I'll take a stab at this....In no particular order here are some I would list as top programs of the last 25 years.


Ballard
Male
PRP
Owensboro
Paintsville
Fairdale
Lex. Cath.
Clay Co.
University Heights
Mason Co.
Warren Central
Highlands

I know I left lots out. IMO there are many schools that could argue they would be considered one of the top programs in the last 25 years.

[FBALL]

Lex Cath
Scott County

Mason County
Paintsville
University Heights
Ballard
Warren Central

[goodguy]

I'll take a stab at this....In no particular order here are some I would list as top programs of the last 25 years.


Ballard
Male
PRP
Owensboro
Paintsville
Fairdale
Lex. Cath.
Clay Co.
University Heights
Mason Co.
Warren Central
Highlands

I know I left lots out. IMO there are many schools that could argue they would be considered one of the top programs in the last 25 years.

I agree, how about

Covington Catholic
Holmes
Scott County
Jeffersontown
Bryan Station
Hazard

Just to name a few to add to your list.

[Cavsfan(-12)]

I would say SV and Jenkins would have to be in the mix of things.........

[goodguy]

I would say SV and Jenkins would have to be in the mix of things.........

Shelby Valley hasn't been around that long and what has Jenkins done?

[letthebighogroot]

I agree, how about

Covington Catholic
Holmes
Scott County
Jeffersontown
Bryan Station
Hazard

Just to name a few to add to your list.

The teams you listed would have legit arguements......... I left out Scott Co. because it was a "25 year" and not "10 year" ranking. Same for Holmes and Cov. Cath. I considered Bryan Station and probably should have put them in there.............Along with Shelby Co. IMO, Hazard and J-town........While solid, not TOP!

[king360]

Scott, Ballard, Warren, Mason...and Henry Clay i think have had good programs

[rojas]

My top 5 are:

#1- PRP. They have been a state power for this entire 25 year period. 22 Sweet 16 wins. PRP has a state championship and a state runner-up.

#2- Ballard. 2 state championships, 3 times in finals, 19 Sweet 16 wins. Playing in one of the 2 toughest regions in the state. Pretty much says it all.

#3- Scott County. Since Billy Hicks arrived from Corbin the Cardinals have been the state's top program. They have been to the final four 5 times since 98 with 2 state championships and 1 runner up. They have 18 Sweet 16 wins (17 wins since 95). Since the 97/98 season they have been the gold standard.

#4- Clay County. In the Mid to late 1980's Clay County was the state's best program. They were what Scott County is now. The Tigers were in the state finals 3 times.

#4 (tie) Lexington Catholic. For the past 20 years or so the Knights have always been a threat.

Some others that deserve mention are Mason County (2 state championships and 3 times in the finals), Paintsville with their great runs in the 90s (twice in the final game with one state championship), and Fairdale with their 3 state championships in the early 90s. Covington Holmes and Warren Central also deserves mention.

Some have mentioned programs like Henry Clay, George Rogers Clark, etc. While these are very good solid programs I don't think anyone could justify them being one of the state's very top programs for the past 25 years.

[BlackcatAlum]

My top 5 are:

#1- PRP. They have been a state power for this entire 25 year period. 22 Sweet 16 wins. PRP has a state championship and a state runner-up.

#2- Ballard. 2 state championships, 3 times in finals, 19 Sweet 16 wins. Playing in one of the 2 toughest regions in the state. Pretty much says it all.

#3- Scott County. Since Billy Hicks arrived from Corbin the Cardinals have been the state's top program. They have been to the final four 5 times since 98 with 2 state championships and 1 runner up. They have 18 Sweet 16 wins (17 wins since 95). Right now they are the gold standard.

#4- Clay County. In the Mid to late 1980's Clay County was the state's best program. The Tigers were in the state finals 3 times.

#4 (tie) Lexington Catholic. For the past 20 years or so the Knights have always been a threat.

Some others that deserve mention are Mason County (2 state championships and 3 times in the finals), Paintsville with their great runs in the 90s (twice in the final game with one state championship), and Fairdale with their 3 state championships in the early 90s.

Nice list!

[Stardust]

The teams you listed would have legit arguements......... I left out Scott Co. because it was a "25 year" and not "10 year" ranking. Same for Holmes and Cov. Cath. I considered Bryan Station and probably should have put them in there.............Along with Shelby Co. IMO, Hazard and J-town........While solid, not TOP!

Holmes has been a powerhouse in the State for well over 25 years. Going back to the days of Schloemer in the 70's, Beal 80's and Jennings, they have been in the State tournament more than any other NKY team. Though Holmes has yet to win a State title, they have played in the championship game three times (78, 90, 08).

[rojas]

The thing about Scott County is they have accomplished more since 95 than any school, with the exception of PRP and Ballard, has during the entire 25 year period. They have 2 state championships, 3 times in the finals, 5 final-fours, and 7 times in the quarter finals all since 95.

Holmes is a legit top 10 or 12 program during the past quarter century but not top five. While CovCath has had a very solid program they are nowhere near a top 10 program during this period.