From the Herald-Leader:

 

Fired at Ashland a year ago, Buddy Biggs finds sweet (16) redemption at Mason County

 

MAYSVILLE - In 1976, Bo Davenport coached Edmonson County to Kentucky’s real-life version of Hoosiers, leading a little school from out of nowhere to one of the most unlikely boys’ Sweet Sixteen championships ever.

 

On the 40th anniversary of Davenport’s state championship, Mason County Coach Buddy Biggs is a living homage to that long-ago March.

 

Bear with me, and I’ll explain.

 

This has been Biggs’ wild ride over the past year.

 

On March 13, 2015, after eight good years and one disastrous season as Ashland Tomcats head coach, Biggs was fired.

 

On March 8, 2016, Biggs cut down the nets after leading Mason County to an unexpected 10th Region championship.

 

So one season after getting sacked, Biggs will coach Mason (23-10) in Rupp Arena in the Sweet Sixteen on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. against 5th Region champion Taylor County (24-8).

 

“It’s been tough at times. I’m not gonna lie about that,” Biggs said, his voice quavering with emotion. “But we are very grateful to be where we are now.”

Good luck to the Royals and Coach Biggs.

Eat your hearts out Ashland! :ylsuper:

I'll be the first to say that the issue with Ashland goes beyond a coach. Much of Northeastern Kentucky high school athletics has been forever changed due to the economic geography changes. The talent pool of athletes in all the old traditional schools of power in the 16th Region (Ashland, Boyd County, Greenup County) is never going to be what it once was. I wish Coach Biggs the very best, speaking as a Tomcat alum I really believe that the expectations and reality are 2 separate issues in Ashland. This is an issue that will continue to plague Ashland athletics. With all of that said, lets not put aside that the talent situation that Coach Biggs walked into at Mason is dramatically different than Ashland. As it's been said you can have all the x's and o's, but sometimes it comes down to the Jimmy's and Joe's.

Mason was probably the 4th or 5th pick going into the regional tourney. Coach Biggs did a great job winning that region.

A lesson learned for those of us that have said that coaches don't make a difference when, in reality, they can make a significant difference at this level.

No doubt, I have never questioned Coach Biggs and his ability to lead a team...I may be in the minority amongst some Ashland folks.

Question: If the kid misses the shot vs. Campbell Co., is everyone still saying all these things? They are district runner up and out in the first round of the regional tournament. Basketball is funny. The ball goes in the basket and your team strings together a nice run, but if the shot misses, you suddenly are a washed up coach.

Sal such is the breaks and the life of a coach...nevertheless I give Coach Biggs credit for motivating his kids and leading them through a tough regional tourney.

No doubt. For the record, I think he is a great coach, I just wanted to point out the little separation between what some would consider great success or no success. It's such a fine line.

I'm not going to post much in this thread as I don't wanna start a riot or beat a dead horse. I will say I'm happy for coach Biggs and Mason County, I never disliked the guy as a person and he is a great in game coach, I also have a ton of respect for Mason County's program. But I also stand by my belief that it was time for him and Ashland to part ways. In the long run I think it will work out best for both programs as well as coach Biggs.

Question: If the kid misses the shot vs. Campbell Co., is everyone still saying all these things? They are district runner up and out in the first round of the regional tournament. Basketball is funny. The ball goes in the basket and your team strings together a nice run, but if the shot misses, you suddenly are a washed up coach.

 

Sal,

 

There's a lot of truth to your post. It always takes talent, but everyone who's been there will tell you it takes some luck.

 

Mason had both this year.

Biggs can coach. Funny how so many MC fans were bad mouthing him during the season.

Good luck to Coach Biggs. Hope Mason does the 10th proud

I'm not going to post much in this thread as I don't wanna start a riot or beat a dead horse. I will say I'm happy for coach Biggs and Mason County, I never disliked the guy as a person and he is a great in game coach, I also have a ton of respect for Mason County's program. But I also stand by my belief that it was time for him and Ashland to part ways. In the long run I think it will work out best for both programs as well as coach Biggs.

 

I hope for you Ashland fans' sake there's not a long drought until your next region title game appearance.