[J. R. VanHoose]

I remember the Harlan game because I watch the Class A every year. Seems like Painstville was up by like 12 or 15 points in the 2nd or 3rd. Paintsville was the much bigger team in that game, but Harlan had a hard-nosed team that year. I also remember the Knott Central game that year, that was also a great game. The Paintsville tigers had a very big team in 1996. I believe they was like 6'10, 6'6, and 6'5 that year. I can not remember a team ever in the mountains having that much size on one team. I also believe this will be a great book for those Ky. high school b-ball fans.

Harlan was a very good team in 1996. We did blow a big first half lead and got beat by them. Probably the low point of the season. Guys weren't getting along very well and not much team ball was being played, bit it was also a turning point for us and will be greatly discussed in the book.

As for our size, I was 6' 9", Craig Ratliff was 6' 8", Josh McKenzie was 6' 6". Plus both of out starting guards were both over 6" tall was well!