California School for the Deaf 49 Kentucky School for the Deaf 6

To clear up any confusion the California team is from Riverside, outside of Los Angeles. The boys team (who also came to Danville) is head coached by David Hamilton, perhaps the greatest player in Kentucky School f/t Deaf history. This was a celebration weekend of KSD's greatest players and he was invited back, along with both the boys and girls teams, for the ceremony. Teaching and coaching in California would have made it nearly impossible for him to return to Danville without there being a reason to bring the whole team.

 

For those who don't know, Hamilton was Advocate-Messenger (Danville) area player of the year in 1981 and was perhaps the regional player of the year as well. That 1981 team was the only team in KSD history to advance to the regional tournament. If you aren't familiar with the school, KSD always struggles to get enough kids to really compete in the 12th region. Hamilton's team defeated Garrard County in the district before falling to Danville. They ended up losing a close matchup in the first round of the region to Wayne County; but the regional is most remembered by the eight minute ovation the KSD team received following the introduction of starters from a packed house at Pulaski County High School.

 

This info doesn't shed much light on the girls game, but hopefully you guys all understand why the California team was in the area and why it was likely one of the more memorable weekends in school history.

Thanks for the story!! Knew there was a lot more to this than met the eye!! :thumb: