[Bob Seger]

That was one of the last years I really followed high school baseball in the 15th. As an AC alum it was fun to watch. I remember Sheldon Clark was ranked in the top 15 in the state for most of that year.They were the best team in the region. Best offense and best pitcher (Preece?). Them beating Paintsville in the district wasn't an upset. Seems like Paintsville was a one man team that year. In the region Sheldon Clark beat East Ridge not the other way around. East Ridge also had a quality arm that year (Slone?) The game went several extra innings and Sheldon Clark had to use up their number one arm. Allen Central saved pitching the first game against Belfrey (they barely won) and had their number one on the mound (Neil Allen, he was a big lanky leftie, threw hard) against Sheldon Clark. If I recall correctly and its been a long time ago, Neil Allen had double digit Ks and hit a three run bomb in the game for Allen Central. Allen Central won 4-3. Games were played at Johnson Central. Allen Central went on to beat Johnson Central in the finals. Johnson Central was out of arms and Allen Central pitched their number two and got the victory. Allen Central had a solid rotation that year 1-3. I know they saved pitching a lot in none district games because the 58th seeds. Sure they gave up several wins during the regluar season. I think that record in 2003 could be a little decieving. Not sure about the 2002 record. I didn't see them play that much. Sometimes, the stars do align. I rather be lucky then good sometimes. Im sure AC doesn't care how they won or why. They will keep the title. As always, just my opinion and we all know what they say.

Even though Sheldon Clark was ranked for most of the year, they were still the #2 team, IMO. Paintsville started with Soph. Josh LeMaster and was knocked off the mound I believe in the first inning. Just one of those days that pitchers sometime have. Personally I thought it was AC that for the most part had the one man team, with that being Allen. As for throwing hard, he topped out at 83 in that game, which for a lefty is pretty good, but not overpowering, but you are right, he was certainly a heck of a player. As for the regional final, I wouldn't say that JC ran out of arms but they were very young that year. As far as their pitchers in the regional tournament that year,sophomore Adam Blanton beat Pike Cental in the opener and sophomore Cory Conley beat Pikeville in the second round. A third sophomore,Travis Montgomery started in the finals and was cruising along easily when his leg started cramping. After several game stoppages because of Montgomery's cramps, freshman Matt Fyffe came in and pitched a couple of innings with freshman Justin Blanton finishing the last two. Both freshmen did outstanding in their 4 innings but JC coundn't generate any offense in that game. Those were 5 pretty talented pitchers on that squad. They all played in college, except Conley, who could have, but chose not to.

As for being lucky, I wouldn't say that. AC had a good team. They did beat JC earlier in the regular season, so I wouldn't call that an upset win. But I do think that with Paintsville and SC being knocked out early it greatly enhanced their chances. To their credit they did take advantage of the opportunity, and do have the title and the trophy to prove it. They earned every bit of that championship. It was a fun tournament that year.

Isn't it also ironic in that history was probably made after that game. Both the regional runner up and championship coach were both not rehired for the next season.