[rojas]

Sanford was the greatest player I've covered but Cawood lost a heartbreaker to Clay in the finals that year (1986).
The region was absolutely loaded then though, which I know you remember.
Clay was state runner-up in 1985 and Cumberland was just as good with Lewis Morris, Paul Gaffney, Richard Washington etc. Harlan had Jeff Miller and Rodrick Robinson and company, Middlesboro had Lawrence Buell and Knox Central was also very talented.

Oh yes. In the mid to late 80s through the mid 90s the 13th region was one of the better regions in the state. Knox Central had two years that they were in the top 10 in the state. Both of those KC teams never made it out of the district. One year Barbourville upset them in the opening game of the district. The next year Corbin beat them the opening game of the district. Clay Co and Ballard had the top programs in the state from 85-90. In 94, both Harlan and Corbin were ranked #1 in the state at different points in the season. There is absolutely no comparison in the quality of basketball in the 13th region now compared with 85-95.