[bac2369]

It's part of the re-maturation of the program. It's no secret they fell on hard times (by Pikeville standards) for several years there. Now, with some stability in the HC position, re-focused attention to the youth programs, etc, it's been a process of rebuilding. The next step is to overcome the mental part that requires the same focus in game one as games 12-15. They will be fine. But last years season ended to Paintsville was a true gut punch. May have been just what the doctor ordered though, to get Coach Macs message across to take every opponent seriously. Also, the timing of injuries sucked. Paintsville was decimated on their line at the first game, had everyone back by playoff time. Pikeville was nicked and dinged come playoff time and had Estepplaying on one foot. That's NOT why they lost solely, before anyone takes offense to that. But was a big contributing factor. All programs go through it at one time or another.

I agree. Hazard hasn't made it to the state semis since 2012. That's just 2 years. There was a good stretch of talent from 2006-2012. But Hazard will be back just as Pikeville is on the rise.