[Olderthandirt]

the 96 Paintsville team was good...they won the first two games by the skin of their teeth, then torn LexCath a new one on Saturday morning then beat a solid Ashland team Saturday night. This team had a 3000 point scorer with more than 2000 rebounds that was named the 1998 Mr. Basketball. Tackett scored over 2000 points, I believe Craig Ratliff was over or at least near 2000 points and McKenzie was a 1500 scorer. Matt Ratliff was the floor leader that did all the things that no one ever talks about. Adams was the sixth man and he could fill in for anyone, Mike Short also played and was a good ball handler and could score when needed.

Part of this group went on the finish 3rd in 97 and the runner-up in 98...plus they made a one and done showing in 95. I've watched LC play this year and they are good, but considering the competition the 96 PHS team played and their size LC wouldn't have a chance. The 15th region was down this year. LC was the best and they showed it, but in 96 I could name three or four teams that would have beat them...Magoffin County, Prestonsburg, Johnson Central, Pikeville and maybe another one or two. They all had something LC doesn't have...an inside game with players that could dominate.

Outside of LC, JCHS and Magoffin would be my top three. None of those three could hold the jocks of the 96, 97 and 98 PHS teams. I don't know if a lot of you remember the 96 team, but when they traveled and walked in a gym, the got ten points. They came dressed in shirts and ties, matching blazers and khaki pants, they looked good, played hard and won it all.

Oh one last thing...the seven guys I named, ALL SEVEN graduated from college.