The Messenger

It has been close to two weeks since Coach Howell was let go as coach at Ashland. Any word on leading candidates for this job?

Is Coach Buttry getting out of teaching or is he taking another teaching job in western Kentucky? The 11th Region is just too good for Madison Southern to be a significant player most years. Even in their best years they were not good enough to compete with the others. Will they hire within to fill this position?

Any assistant coach that doesn’t back the head coach should get fired too. No way you promote an assistant if he under cuts a head coach.

I understand it was just 1 year at Russell in a rebuilding year but I just can’t see the Strader move to head coach. That move by administration would cause some major red flags associated with it and honestly give Ashland an even bigger black-eye than it already has. Fire a successful coach (alumni) that was one game from the “Sweet Sixteen” then hire an assistant with a career record of 6-25. That move makes things look like there was something going on behind closed doors. I have to believe the Administration & Board wants Ashland to continue its return to the top of Region 16. I just can’t see that as I step it the right direction. But I’ve been wrong many times before!

If this job is opened up to outside candidates, I think we will see some outstanding express interest in this job. Ashland is still Ashland and even thou there is a lot of craziness surrounding the job, I still think good coaches will be interested in it. I think Howell did enough to make it an attractive job again. It will be interesting to see what kind of timetable they will establish to fill this position.

Howell did a great job restoring the pride to Ashland Basketball. They struggled down the stretch this year going 4-4 in their last 8 games but they have good kids returning. You have to believe something is in the works if a coach is not renewed after a very solid season. Having watched Strader’s year at Russell, I’m not convinced that is the direction they are headed but I have been wrong before. Ashland is still Ashland and they should not settle for just any coach.

I agree that a young coach would be the correct choice for GC. But young coaches have not done well at GC. Jeff Nickles was an outstanding coach but the powers-to-be did not want him to run the youth program. Now he is having great success as the Head Coach at SSU women’s program. Jim Hicks was also a good young coach but ruffled the feathers of the baseball personnel because he wanted kids to focus on basketball during basketball season. Greenup is not the same job it was 20 years ago.

I just can’t see this job drawing very much interest from established coaches. The Region is just too demanding and Central usually controls the District. I believe a younger coach with 3-5 years head coaching experience will be the best fit!

Is Merle Kidwell interested in the job? I believe he was on staff in the past. With the graduation of Hughes, it will not be as good of job as in the past. Plus the battles with baseball is a never ending issue. If Kidwell is not the guy for the job, I see them going with a young coach.

Johnny, You bring out some valid point. A coach working within the building is important. But having a coach that understands the culture surrounding an athletic program (and had to build it) is just as important or more. Over the past 6 seasons the TC Boys Basketball program was a 28% winning percentage, the FB program had a 40% winning percentage while the baseball program has over a 70%. (5 season '17 season is not over) The biggest concern should have been to hire somebody that can change the culture around TC Basketball. It should not of be to hire a coach that is a teacher. Of course that is just my opinion.

Congrats to Coach Gay! I'm excited for him but feel they put him in a very difficult situation. The culture surrounding TC basketball is bad right now. Unless you are a veteran coach that understands ways to change that culture, TC will continue to be a bad job. Holefully he can get things turned around.

Magic, I have to agree with you. There were many veteran coaches with outstanding resumes apply for this position. I know of a couple. The TC job is more than coaching the high school team. (Which most 1st time head coach are only concerned with) Right now the position requires a coach to change the culture surrounding the program. It will take a coach with experience to accomplish that.

Since the regular season is winding down, has somebody heard anything about the boys or girls basketball coaching positions. I had heard at one time they were going to wait until after the state tournament to hire but I was wondering if a front runner has been identified.

I would think the principal and athletic director would be the two key players in this hire. The question I would have is "Is there going to be a selection committee that screens the candidates?" I'm sure this will be a highly sought after position. My guess would be everybody from top assistants to veteran coaches.

I know it sounds crazy to say Ashland beating Fairview is a huge win but it really is. This game was very important to the Tomcats.

It is unfortunate players are leaving the Ashland program. Regardless of the win totals the past couple years it is still Ashland High School. I'm not so sure it is an "X's & O's" issue. I think that are other issues surrounding the program.

Are the struggles associated with lack of talent or the culture around the program?

This is a must win for the Tomcats. After losing to Fairview earlier in the year, a lose at home would be very difficult for the program. I anticipate the Tomcats will respond and win by 10-12 pts.

It is a shame that the once proud Ashland program has fallen so far.

Congrats to Fairview but this has to be a discouraging loss for Ashland.

It was a rough week for the Tomcats. Hopefully things will get better.

I was surprised by this score. I thought Ashland would have success against most Region 16 teams.

I don't think anybody is bashing the coach. Tonight was my first look at Ashland. I'm not bashing the coach. I stated a fact .... "gave up a ton of lay-ups". That is not my opinion .... it is a fact. It can be backed up with evidence. Love for a school and community does not make a great coach. From what I know of him .... he is a very good guy. I have my opinion but my opinion does not matter so I will keep that to myself. I said .... Ashland will be fine in the Region. I think that is a positive spin on things.

After watching tonight's game, I agree. Ashland will be fine against the 63rd and 64th Districts but will struggle against other regions.

Both teams gave up a ton of layups by pressing. It would have been interested to see if guarding the basket would have worked.