In answer to Play 2 Win's question, from my research I believe that the last time Ashland failed to go to the regional tournament was in 1958. BTW beat Ashland in the semi-finals and Holy Family defeated BTW for the championship. The tournament was played at Russell since the district was made up, I believe, of all high schools in Boyd County and Greenup County and, since this was before consolidation, there were a goodly number. In the A.I.T. (it may have been called the Greenbo Tournament back then) played in the Ashland Armory in December of 1957, Holy Family defeated Ashland in the first round (48-37). Therefore, it could be said that Ashland was actually the number three team in the city for the 1957-1958 season.

 

That's some pretty good digging, scooterbob. Not a bad run for Ashland, and I'm hoping it doesn't end here.

 

Frances

I think there are two very good teams in the district. Ashland hasn't proven anything this year. If the truth be known Ashland stands to benifit from a draw more this year than they would if they were seeded. This way they stand a chance to get Rose Hill. Rose Hill isn't an automatic bye this year either.

I am almost certain Ashland missed the regional tournament in 1985. Lawrence lost to Boyd then beat Ashland in Louisa. The district was only 3 teams at the time. I was there, the power went out in the middle of the game that is the thing I remember most. I could be wrong, it wouldn't be the first time if you listen to shoeshine boy.

Since Rickyp was an eyewitness to this event, I bow to his post. Three team districts were a poor arrangement. Further research indicates that the 1958 64th District consisted of Ashland, Catlettsburg, BTW, Holy Family, Boyd County, and Fairview from Boyd County and Russell, Raceland, Greenup, Wurtland, McKell, and South Portsmouth from Greenup County. Now that was a real district and it was quite an achievement to win it. Oldtimers (Should I say "moderately" oldtimers?) say that, since Ashland was by far the biggest school in the district, all other schools hoped to draw in the opposite bracket so that they had a chance to advance to the region. Also, at that time, the region extended to Clark County. Clark County was usually seen as the team to beat in the region although Ashland was a tough competitor.

 

Do we have any three team districts now? I hope not.

Actually it was 1982 not 1985. My mistake. However, that wasn't the last time Ashland failed to reach the regional tournament. They didn't get out of the district in Jeff Hall's first season as coach at Ashland. I'm not sure what year that was but it was the early 1990s. Either way quite and impressive run for Ashland.