Billy Hicks ties the all-time wins record

During the time span 1979-1983: Evarts coach Billy Hicks was head coach for a total of 3 years…1979. 1982 and 1983…but missed the ’80 and ’81 seasons when he was suspended (or resigned...depending on who is telling the story.) He apparently recovered nicely from the problem. He came back as coach in 1982 and 1983, then spent the next three years at Harlan…in the same county.)

At least that is what some folks have on record.

In the 1994 C-J coach-of-the-year story, it says he coached three years at Evarts and had a 45-36 record (and was 61-25 in three seasons at Harlan.) Some say at least part of Hicks’ first season had to be forfeited because he used an ineligible player. Whether that is included in that “three-year record” is a matter of conjecture.

As a player, he was a 6’4 Senior who averaged 24 ppg at Evarts. It would be no surprise, I suppose, if his alma mater gave him another chance to be head coach.

"Evarts in turmoil" From the Bowling Green Daily News Tuesday Oct. 23,1979

Harlan, Ky. (AP) The athletic program at Evarts High School in Harlan County has received another jolt at a special session the Harlan County School Board.

Superintendent Needham Saylor told a group of about 20 angry parents Monday night that Evarts used an ineligible player in a basketball game last year. And he said that the Kentucky Athletic High School Association has evidence to prove it.

Needham said Evarts basketball Coach Billy Hicks used the ineligible player in the 1978 Christmas basketball tournament at Lone Jack, near Corbin. He did not provide details of the incident.

The entire Evarts sports program is under suspension for the use of an ineligible football player in a Sept.14 game against Glasgow.

Saylor said he believes the Evarts basketball program will be reinstated next semester if Hicks offers his resignation. Saylor said he plans to ask for Hicks' resignation Tuesday.

Hicks, in his second year as coach, could not be reached for comment.