Hoops #1, of course Kidwell has a hard time beating those other region schools but so did Flynn. The point is that, unlike the "old days", the area has a measure of parity among the schools. At least half of the boys teams could win the region next year and, for the girls, half a dozen or so will be in the hunt. I believe Kidwell would have a better chance winning the region next year in his present job than he would if he moved to Ashland.

 

The days of one always doniment school in the region are over. It sure makes it a lot more interesting and look at all of the verbage it generates on BGP. If Ashland still ran the region, few others would be particularly interested in their next coach. As it is, all have a kind of "vested interest" because it will have an effect of sorts on everyone.

Why does every post involve a coach bringing players with him?

 

I thought that was illegal unless it was a son.

It's simple.

 

Ashland fans want a return to the glory years and they want it now. A new coach will be expected to work miracles. It’s not that Ashland doesn’t have quality athletes in their system. They do. The existing system has failed the kids by not preparing them in the same way other region schools have developed their kids.

 

Elliott County doesn’t have a football team, their baseball team is building. Basketball is a way of life. The Faulkner twins, Ferguson, Maynard, Greene, the Knipps have all played AAU and summer ball together since grade school. They overachieve for their size, and will be a threat for at least the next three seasons.

 

Russell has supported the AAU and summer ball activities of VanHoose, Blair, Robinson, Gill and others. Their experience was revealed at just the right time for a regional title last season.

 

Rose Hill and Fairview have many young players involved in AAU competition, and will be tough to beat over the next four or five seasons.

 

Boyd County assistant Brian LeMaster has enjoyed success with his AAU teams, and as Antonio Owens proved last season, one quality transfer to the Ramey-Estep Home can make them a contender again.

 

Ashland has restricted player participation in AAU ball and had its first losing season in years. You do the math.

 

It will take a new coach several years to rebuild an ailing program, and that’s only if those controlling the program get out of his way and let him do what needs to be done.

 

The only way to turn this program on a dime is for Ashland to swallow their pride and hire a coach that can bring some horsepower into the system from the start. As previously stated, I do not see that happening.

 

Maybe Roger Zornes can tap into the talent pool at the Ramey-Estep home.

Kidwell would do a fine job given the opprotunity.

 

Biggs will get the job if he wants it. Just my guess.

I know that there has been speculation, but is there any word other than that "of mouth" as to when a choice will be made?:confused:

The following is a post I made in January, with appropriate revisions.

...in nine seasons as head basketball coach, Mike Flynn’s Tomcat teams have delivered:

 

179 Wins to 92 losses for a winning percentage of 66% ( a 2-out-of-3 ratio )

 

5 District Championships

 

4 District Runners Up

 

9 of 9 possible appearances in the 16th Region Tourney

 

6 of 9 possible appearances in the 16th Region Championship game

 

4 Region Runners Up

 

2 Regional Championships

 

The only other coach in the region to come close to these numbers over the same span was Roger Zornes while at Boyd County.

 

I’m hardly a Flynn apologist, but I do respect him, and IMO you guys should be kissing his feet… and hoping he doesn't wake up one morning and realize he could deliver the exact same results somewhere else and be praised as a hero.

I don't know who the Tomcats have in mind, or what he might bring to the party, but I stand by my original premise that it will be extremely difficult to improve upon Flynn's record over a similar time span.

Ashland: Please don't hire someone like Perry, Baker or Hampton from one of the "lesser" schools. The rest of the region would be in trouble.

Ashland: Please don't hire someone like Perry, Baker or Hampton from one of the "lesser" schools. The rest of the region would be in trouble.

I totally agree.

Heard they were interviewing some of the candidates today.

To me there are two obvious "best" choices to fill the position, however I have no idea of their current interest, if any.

 

In no particular order:

 

Roger Zornes-clearly the best "local" and "available" coach out there. Certainly one of the top coaches in region history. Zornes might ruffle a few feathers but would demand effort, intensity and a quality level of play. He understands the areas political climate and would hit the ground running. Surely Ashland will at least make a contact for discussion.

 

Paul Patterson-perhaps the best coach in region history who has an unquestioned level of integrity. He still has a good thing going at Taylor University but could have an interest. At one time Coach P was closer to returning to Ashland than most folks realize. Coach P would bring instant level of respect to the school and program. Give him reasonable, not great, talent and he will produce a winner. One of the finest people in sports that I have had the good fortune of knowing. This hire would bring out the support of the monied folks associated with the program. Ashland couldn't lose with this choice. My guess is he still has 5 to 10 years of coaching left in him. This would be a nice way to close out his career by trying to return Ashland basketball to a high level. Clearly this would be my personal choice.

To me there are two obvious "best" choices to fill the position, however I have no idea of their current interest, if any.

 

In no particular order:

 

Roger Zornes-clearly the best "local" and "available" coach out there. Certainly one of the top coaches in region history. Zornes might ruffle a few feathers but would demand effort, intensity and a quality level of play. He understands the areas political climate and would hit the ground running. Surely Ashland will at least make a contact for discussion.

 

Paul Patterson-perhaps the best coach in region history who has an unquestioned level of integrity. He still has a good thing going at Taylor University but could have an interest. At one time Coach P was closer to returning to Ashland than most folks realize. Coach P would bring instant level of respect to the school and program. Give him reasonable, not great, talent and he will produce a winner. One of the finest people in sports that I have had the good fortune of knowing. This hire would bring out the support of the monied folks associated with the program. Ashland couldn't lose with this choice. My guess is he still has 5 to 10 years of coaching left in him. This would be a nice way to close out his career by trying to return Ashland basketball to a high level. Clearly this would be my personal choice.

 

Zornes doesn't want to teach so I believe he is a no go.

I doubt Paul wants to lose his spotless region record...

Zornes doesn't want to teach so I believe he is a no go.

You mean he wouldn't donate a PE mixed in with a little Driver's Ed to land the penultimate H.S. job in the country?! (See Blue Blazer )

I'm cuious, if all the experts were coaches and they could choose a 16th region program to run for long term success, who would it be and why? Keep in mind that anyone can jump on 3 or 4 year bandwagon, I'm looking for a long term answer. What are your thoughts?

I'm cuious, if all the experts were coaches and they could choose a 16th region program to run for long term success, who would it be and why? Keep in mind that anyone can jump on 3 or 4 year bandwagon, I'm looking for a long term answer. What are your thoughts?

I would say Ashland if the conditions were right, like having control of the grade school system, given time to build something longterm. I think the politics of it all may not allow it. With the current climate, I'd take Morgan County,,,far enough away that people would leave you alone!!!!

You mean he wouldn't donate a PE mixed in with a little Driver's Ed to land the penultimate H.S. job in the country?! (See Blue Blazer )

 

Whoever takes the job will be expected to teach classes as well. I don't think the openings on the teaching staff are for Driver's Ed and Physical Education.

 

That requirement alone will cause heartburn for a number of potentially good candidates.

 

 

Frances