[OutlawJoseyWales]

Until they prioritize football, they won’t be a great program. They are basketball first and baseball second at that school. Their more talented players often go elsewhere and I don’t blame them. Since consolidating, they should have been THE school in eastern KY for sports. They’ve underachieved all around honestly.

Yes….they’ve underachieved in football….but I’m not sure where you come to the conclusion they should have been THE school.  I have to ask…..how familiar are you with Pike Co?

I’m old but lived and played in Pike Co. Johns Creek had some great years in all 3 sports. Mullins may have not been great but they had some kids who could play. The school was placed closer to Pikeville in hopes to pull from Pikeville/Shelby/Floyd. Didn’t really happen. I think they were in a good location and with the 2 schools they consolidated and possibility of pulling other locals in, they could have been THE school. They are literally in the city where all of Pike Co funnels. No other school with that location advantage except Pikeville and they charge tuition for out of town kids. I can understand football not being as strong because of Belfry and Pikeville next door but no reason they can’t compete and definitely no excuse for baseball or basketball not being strong on a yearly basis. Bottom line is they have underachieved and lose talented kids to opposing schools frequently. Some of it is leadership/coaches they’ve selected. Some of it is lack of culture. What’s their identity? Not dumping on them. I think they should have been better and possibly still can be.

I think there were several folks like you that felt or perhaps wanted PCC to be the epicenter of the county school system.  However….IMO, the school has been fraught will administration issues, nepotism and some bad luck.  Belfry and Pikeville have such strong football traditions….that PCC has simply crumbled under the weight of trying to compete.   The bigger issue is Pikeville….. And the direction the city has moved.  With the hospital and upike  exploding in size and growth….Pikeville HS has benefited the most. The Panthers have always been strong across academic and athletic pursuits….but lately they have simply dominated across most sports and academic Areas. .   With that….PCC has found themselves being the red headed step child up the road.  While initially…..   The location of the school seemed logical…..looking back  I personally think it  was wrong.   They could have still pulled Mullins in by moving it back towards John’s Creek… and then worked to bringing Phelps in as well.  Athletically speaking..IMO….if Phelps could have been included……that could have changed things ….especially in basketball and baseball.   Johns Creek had a proud tradition …..but just not enough “juice” to build the epicenter of the school system around.   Between The virgie area and then Frank Welch controlling the Pike Co BOE for as long as they did……PCC didn’t stand a chance.   Not to say that it can’t change in the future……because it may…..just have to wait and see.