Top 5 Players All time @Paintsville High?

[Moe]

Paintsville is one of the most tradition rich basketball schools in Kentucky, I figured this would be an interesting thread. Just Curious what everyone thinks, I'll post back later...Thanks

[Moose Nuck]

JR VanHoose-Mr. Basketball, has about 1,000 different awards, All-American, and the Lexington Herald had an article on him during his senior year talking about all the schools that sent him stuff, the one that sticks out to me the most is that UNC's current coach, big Roy, sent him a letter while he was head coach at Kansas that said all he wanted for Christmas was JR in a Jayhawk uniform. Also got to see the "Genral" Bobby Knight attend several of his games.
John Pelphrey-Mr. Basketball, UK Signee, jersey retired in Rupp
Keith Adkins-Shot the lights out of it, went on to play at Notre Dame for Digger Phelps

Joey Couch
Josh McKenzie

My last two are probably iffy, but I'm a big fan of a strong post player. I know Josh McKenzie was runner up for Mr. Basketball his senior year, had a great jump shot, and a 6'6 250 frame to beat and bang down low with. Joey's calling was in football to UK, but I still think they don't have the run that they did in 86-88 without him doing some of the dirty work down low.

[Justin Credible]

Obviously VanHoose, I bet he loves getting on here and reading about his accomplishments , I for sure would.

[Old School]

Paintsville is one of the most tradition rich basketball schools in Kentucky, I figured this would be an interesting thread. Just Curious what everyone thinks, I'll post back later...Thanks

From 1984 to 1998 Paintsville advanced to the Sweet Sixteen an amazing 7 times. Prior to the 1984 season, Paintsville's only other appearance at the Sweet Sixteen was back in 32-33 season, they advanced to the Regional finals only 4 times in that 51 year period. From 1998 to 2006 they advanced to the Regional finals 3 times. I would say from 1984 to 1998 Paintsville was a power house in Kentucky basketball, prior to 1984 they were a average team winning about 50% of the games.

I wouldn't call Paintsville one of the most tradition rich basketball schools in Kentucky, but they are one of the better schools since BMR took over as Head Coach in 1982.

Back to the topic
JR Vanhoose. John Pelphrey are two of the best players to come out of Paintsville High School.

[Nike Man]

John Pelphrey
J.R. Vanhoose
Jerry Pelphrey
Keith Adkins
Todd Tackett

[Moose Nuck]

Wasn't the Minix kid a pretty solid player? I believe I heard someone say he was injured or something, that caused him not to play all that well when they advanced to their first Final 4. Had he not been injured, Paintsville may have had another State Championship. From 96-98 there is no doubt in my mind that they should've had 3 banners. Paintsville won it in 96, got beat out in the Final 4 by Highlands in OT after they blew a decent lead with under a minute to go, and in 98 we all know what happend then, after Todd goes out things changed but up until that point they dominated Scott Co.

[In the Know]

Obviously VanHoose, I bet he loves getting on here and reading about his accomplishments , I for sure would.

JR isn't like that. People talk about egos on the PHS team now. You should have seen them in 95-98. Even though they didn't advance in 95 they were legends in their own minds. It was so MUCH WORSE than what has happened lately, but these things happen with any talented team struggling to find where everyone fits. However, not to get off topic, JR was one of the few who kept his head, was always nice to everyone and was a real team player. He will be a class act coach when he decides to take an HC position somewhere.

I agree with Josh M and Joey C. Both were solid and are often overlooked in the shadow of the others.

[Moe]

I'll post back later
OK Heres my 5.
1.John Pelphrey
1.J.R. Vanhoose
3.Todd Tackett
4.Keith Adkins
5.Craig Ratliff

[Big Jim]

1. John
2. J.R.
3. Jerry
4. Adkins
5. Bob Porter


That's the 5 best players i know of, and that goes back to the 60's. There's a whole host of other guys that either played NAIA, like Josh and myself, and some others that had opportunities at D-1 like Craig, Scott Daniels and Jim Allen.

2 things, adkins was only at notre dame for a year IIRC, maybe 2 before going to UNC Wilmington. Also, Minix wasn't hurt against Ballard, his grandfather had passed away the day before. He played the worst game I ever saw him play, oh yeah, and they couldn't guard this soph named Allen Houston.

[HazzBeen]

What about the Lyons kid?

[J. R. VanHoose]

Obviously VanHoose, I bet he loves getting on here and reading about his accomplishments , I for sure would.



Nope, I don't like people who brag about themselves. As for my accomplishments, I know what I did so I don't need to get on here and read about them. I just try to correct people if they are wrong!!

[Big Jim]

You were still pretty tough, ole buddy.

[In the Know]

What about the Lyons kid?

The ego post about the 95 team was in reference to him(at least partly). He was a solid player and could have been really good, but his attitude was his downfall. He quit the team twice in one year and even transferred to Lex Cath and back of course. I think he might have played a year or two of college ball but can't remember where. The current PHS team needs a history lesson. Might help them find where they need to go if they know where the program has already been. That way they can stop fighting over who the superstar is and start winning titles!

[Moose Nuck]

UT Martin is where Lyon went...

[BlackcatAlum]

The '96 starting 5 !

[BLUEGRASS-RULES]

Too slow, thats why u ended up at Marshall. Thats whats wrong w/ big guys from this area. Big fish in little ponds here.. Leave the mountains and you were a little fish in a big pond. Not knocking your accomplishments, you were good, just to slow for the big show LOL.. I had a cousin that was the same way in football. just a step to slow.

[The King]

Too slow, thats why u ended up at Marshall.

You say that like playing at Marshall is a bad thing... Division I is a pretty big accomplishment.... And he did well there. :thumpsup:

Leave the mountains and you were a little fish in a big pond.

Not true. The man was MVP of the Sweet 16 (outside the mountains) and won Kentucky's Mr. Basketball (including areas outside the mountains)... Not exactly what I would call a "little fish".


Not knocking your accomplishments, you were good, just to slow for the big show LOL...

In all fairness to JR, and anyone else that plays sports, the chance of making it to the big show (NBA, MLB, NFL, etc.) is like the chance of winning the lottery....

[Big Jim]

Too slow, thats why u ended up at Marshall. Thats whats wrong w/ big guys from this area. Big fish in little ponds here.. Leave the mountains and you were a little fish in a big pond. Not knocking your accomplishments, you were good, just to slow for the big show LOL.. I had a cousin that was the same way in football. just a step to slow.

There could be something to that other than the facts saying different. J played all over the country against top flight competition. ****, when J was an 8th grader, he always held his own against great competition during the summer pick up games at home. That particular year, as I recall, during Coach Runyon's camp, we had John and Jerry, Adkins, the Tower brothers(Keith at ND and his brother played DII), Travis Ford, myself, Chris Lyon and a couple other small college players. J more than held his own. The point is, he performed well against top flight competition his whole career.

Combine these factors with the brutal summer camp schedule that any high school upper classman aspiring to play college ball has to go thru and his performance throughout his career, and you don't have a leg to stand on. I've known J for a long time, and he's not the kind to make any excuses. However, he did play in the NBDL, and I'd bet his knees played the biggest factor in why he didn't get a real shot.

Fundamental is not slow.

[J. R. VanHoose]

Too slow, thats why u ended up at Marshall. Thats whats wrong w/ big guys from this area. Big fish in little ponds here.. Leave the mountains and you were a little fish in a big pond. Not knocking your accomplishments, you were good, just to slow for the big show LOL.. I had a cousin that was the same way in football. just a step to slow.


I agree, I am too slow. If you ask anyone about my game one thing you will never hear is that I am fast. But in my defense I do get the job done. As far as the "big show" who needs it. I had my dose of professional basketball in the NBDL and I am currently playing in the IBL and doing pretty well for myself (what is funny about this is the fact that some NBA teams have contacted me with some interest in possibly participating in their training camps in August). I know Marshall isn't exactly on the level of UK, or U of L, but it is still D-1 and I still got to play alot. That is all that I wanted to do, play. How was I supposed to get any better if I didn't get to play. I got to play against great competition (Wally Sczerbiak, Brandon Hunter, Chris Kaman, etc.). I wasn't really concerned with the pond scenerio, but I wasn't exactly a little fish in a big pond at Marshall. The problem with kids from this area is that they get recruited by schools that have a name and they think they can play there. They don't look at the system, availability of playing time, coaches, players, etc. in the system. All of these factors usually end up keeping these kids on the bench in a place where they feel like they don't belong (then they usually come home). Some people mistake this for the pond thing you were talking about. But I loved my time at Marshall and wouldn't trade it for anything in the world, one day I hope to return to Huntington to live and be back around my friends there!!!!

[Big Jim]

J, are you thinking your gonna get a tryout? I know when we talked about it a couple years ago that you had some conversations with the Lakers. If(I know, big if) you get a tryout, by chance, with the Lakers one of these days and make it on, I'll have to move you ahead dad in the all time favorite tiger hoopster category...kidding. Seriously though, if you do, get up with me.

[Moose Nuck]

****, I don't reckon' many ppl believe all the schools he had scholarship offers to. ND, Indiana, Florida, my goodness just about any D-1 school. Me and his sis thought he was going to play for Bob Knight at IU, but I believe he stayed close to home because his mom just had his little bro Alex. An All-American in high school, All-MAC preformer, his senior year at Marshall I believe he led the nation in Double-Doubles. He may have been slow due to a knee injury he suffered down there in a pick-up game, but all that matters he got the job done, he made it to the next level after that. Sounds to me like he done pretty good for himself.

[BLUEGRASS-RULES]

Great poitn J.R. Alot of kids do exactly what you are saying.. Speaking of playing time you had a teamate from your p-ville yrs that sat on the bench at Uk> for 4 yrs. I recall a player from Feds Creek high that went for the big show (ended up transferring) as well as one from Virgie several yrs back.. I do remember watching u play on T.V. and yes you did hold your own.. Like i said you accomplishments speak for themselves. I hope other players that are coming up in the P-ville ranks take the route you took.

[Warriors23RJ]

In Order:
#1 J.R. VanHoose,#2 John Pelphery,#3 Graig Ratliff,#4 Jerry Pelphery, and #5 is a tough one but I'll go with Keith Adkins...JMO

[bball fan]

In Order:
#1 J.R. VanHoose,#2 John Pelphery,#3 Graig Ratliff,#4 Jerry Pelphery, and #5 is a tough one but I'll go with Keith Adkins...JMO

I agree except I would switch Keith Adkins and Craig Ratliff, with Craig barely beating out Joey Couch for the #5 spot. :Thumbs:

[Warriors23RJ]

I agree except I would switch Keith Adkins and Craig Ratliff, with Craig barely beating out Joey Couch for the #5 spot. :Thumbs:
Sounds Fair enough.:thumpsup:

[Moe]

Paintsville fans how would you rate Stuart Rutledge?? Just curious where he would rank all time. he was on some good teams.

[Pupaw]

He was a good player always gave it all he had on the floor. He's not in the top 10 best, but I'll put him on my top 20 list.

[Moe]

sounds good a top 10-15 player...I agree:thumpsup:

[Big Jim]

No offense to Stuart Rutledge, but he wasn't better than me and i'm sure not making the top 5.

[Moe]

No offense to Stuart Rutledge, but he wasn't better than me and i'm sure not making the top 5.
I Know he isn't top 5, I was just curious where he rated among Paintsville fans.:thumpsup:

[Big Jim]

I'd say he's in there with a bunch of guys you'd just call good players. It's such a rich tradition that it's tough to even be in the conversation if you didn't suit up in college.

[PC_U_KNOW_98]

I'd say he's in there with a bunch of guys you'd just call good players. It's such a rich tradition that it's tough to even be in the conversation if you didn't suit up in college.

Stu was a good player, but he played with quite a few good players that were better than him also. Stu is still playing ball at Centre, going into his 4th year.

[JOHNBOY1956]

YES HE WAS BY FAR BETTER THAN YOU



No offense to Stuart Rutledge, but he wasn't better than me and i'm sure not making the top 5.

[the stud]

No offense to Stuart Rutledge, but he wasn't better than me and i'm sure not making the top 5.
Not hardly. You wasn't even the best player on the team. Always crying around being weak. You couldn't hold Chris Lyon's jock.

[JOHNBOY1956]

I COULDNT HAVE SAID IT BETTER MYSELF. HE WASNT ANY GOOD AT BASEBALL EITHER. I CANT BELIEVE THAT HE MADE THAT REMARK THAT IS HILARIOUS:lmao:



Not hardly. You wasn't even the best player on the team. Always crying around being weak. You couldn't hold Chris Lyon's jock.

[Big Jim]

Dang, rough crowd. Are you guys trying to get a rise outa me.

Chris was a good player. Excellent scorer for sure. However, if you check the stats, I did lead the team in every statistical category besides scoring(very true). chris averaged 23 i believe and i averaged 21. I would put Lyon right up there with me, but I think I had a better overall game and most would agree who remember. He was a better scorer than me, but i think that was by choice. I always thought my best attribute was my ability to see the floor and pass the basketball and rebound. In other words, I shot the ball less, had a higher field goal % and led the team in assists and that wasn't even close...the numbers don't lie.

I'm not sure what you're refering to about crying around and being weak. I was really skinny, but I hardly played a weak brand of basketball and anyone who ever played with me or against me would laugh at such a notion. I'm realistic about my abilities and what kind of player I was, so it would be virtually impossible for you to get under my skin or say something true I wouldn't agree with.

You guys said that stuff like I know you...do I?

Anyway, I'd put Chris Lyon in the same category as me, as far as game is concerned. However, I still think I was the more complete player and the best player on that team by a little bit over him. I'm sure he'd tell you just the opposite and I'm OK with that because I respect his game and always did. I just wish we'd have a had another player or 2 on that team, we'd have been dangerous.


Oh yeah,

I wasn't any good at baseball?????? I started on a state champ and a runner-up as a sophomore. I started on every all-star team through 15 yrs old(batted 2nd on a state championship) and started my sophomore year on for Paintsville. Regional all tourney as a junior and junior all stars, all state honorable mention as a senior while batting cleanup the whole year...yeah, I sucked, lol.

Seriously, do I know you...r u just breaking my balls?:1:

[JOHNBOY1956]

man you could NOT EVEN HOLD CHRIS LYON JOCK. GET REAL!!! HE WAS A TEN TIMES BETTER PLAYER THAN YOU WERE AND EVER WILL BE. JUST ADMIT IT AND QUIT MAKING YOURSELF LOOK LIKE THIS GREAT BALL PLAYER I CANT STAND PEOPLE THAT ALL THEY DO IS TALK ABOUT THERESELVES:lmao:



Dang, rough crowd. Are you guys trying to get a rise outa me.

Chris was a good player. Excellent scorer for sure. However, if you check the stats, I did lead the team in every statistical category besides scoring(very true). chris averaged 23 i believe and i averaged 21. I would put Lyon right up there with me, but I think I had a better overall game and most would agree who remember. He was a better scorer than me, but i think that was by choice. I always thought my best attribute was my ability to see the floor and pass the basketball and rebound. In other words, I shot the ball less, had a higher field goal % and led the team in assists and that wasn't even close...the numbers don't lie.

I'm not sure what you're refering to about crying around and being weak. I was really skinny, but I hardly played a weak brand of basketball and anyone who ever played with me or against me would laugh at such a notion. I'm realistic about my abilities and what kind of player I was, so it would be virtually impossible for you to get under my skin or say something true I wouldn't agree with.

You guys said that stuff like I know you...do I?

Anyway, I'd put Chris Lyon in the same category as me, as far as game is concerned. However, I still think I was the more complete player and the best player on that team by a little bit over him. I'm sure he'd tell you just the opposite and I'm OK with that because I respect his game and always did. I just wish we'd have a had another player or 2 on that team, we'd have been dangerous.


Oh yeah,

I wasn't any good at baseball?????? I started on a state champ and a runner-up as a sophomore. I started on every all-star team through 15 yrs old(batted 2nd on a state championship) and started my sophomore year on for Paintsville. Regional all tourney as a junior and junior all stars, all state honorable mention as a senior while batting cleanup the whole year...yeah, I sucked, lol.

Seriously, do I know you...r u just breaking my balls?:1:

[Big Jim]

I was the first to admit I was no great great player at any sport, but I was pretty good at a couple. I said I couldn't sniff the top 5, ****, not even the top ten. So, where was it I said I was great? I thought I was only responding to someone making a particular comparison to myself and Chris Lyon. Now, all of a sudden, it's about me talking about myself. I have a couple of guesses where your nonsense comes from.

Either, you're Chris' wife(most likely), I abused you some where along the way on the court and you haven't forgotten, or you're one of those people that likes to degrade people from paintsville because you think they(Paintsville People) are snobs or whatever. Either way, it's something you've got to deal with because, again, I know what kind of player I was, and your the faceless, nameless grammar proffessor who's busting my nuts for no reason.

Some people are concerned with what people think of them. I think former athletes might have the hardest time among all those people to feel like they need to have some remembrance of what they did if for no other reason than their own ego. Lucky for me, I don't care. I'm humoring you because I was under the impression this board was for conversation and not because your comments were worthy of a response.

I answered you the first time with an honest and thought out response because I thought you were serious and I could see where someonee might think Chris was a better player than me, I just don't agree. I guess it probably makes you feel better about yourself to anonymously break my balls, so for that, I am very happy for you. If you feel continued ball breaking will give you the gumption you need for...whatever you need it for...feel free to go ahead. I won't respond to you until you say something that:

A. Makes sense.

B. Is true.

C. All your words have to actually be in the dictionary(thereselves???)

D. Nevermind, go ahead with the ALL CAPS thing.

It's distinguishing. Tell you what, I'll just call you CAPTAIN CAPS. So, here's to you CAPTAIN! They guy/wife/CAPTAIN/whatever of Bluegrass Rivals. You sir/madame have finally made it. Maybe they'll hang your sig on the high school gymnasium wall. Ouch.:Clap:

[The Guru]

Big Jim....I for one thought you were a very good player in both Basketball and Baseball, I have not seen anywhere here that you are tooting your own horn. Some just can't take honest opinions!

[Big Jim]

Thanks Guru,

I really just think it was somebody who probably knew who I was from sports, but doesn't know me personally. If so, they wouldn't have wasted their time to try and get under my skin. Quite a useless proposition. Like I said though, I'm perfectly confortable with what kind of player I was. I know I worked my butt off to be a pretty decent player, get an education and play some really competitive college hoops. I think I got the most out of myself, and I don't think that's something alot of people can say. I don't kid myself into thinking I should've played D-1 or my game was something that it wasn't. I got by on busting my butt despite not having a ton of talent, and would never use that as an excuse for anything.

So, although I didn't need it(to prove a point), I really appreciate you saying that Guru.

[JOHNBOY1956]

seems like you need to learn HOW TO SPELL:)
Thanks Guru,

I really just think it was somebody who probably knew who I was from sports, but doesn't know me personally. If so, they wouldn't have wasted their time to try and get under my skin. Quite a useless proposition. Like I said though, I'm perfectly confortable with what kind of player I was. I know I worked my butt off to be a pretty decent player, get an education and play some really competitive college hoops. I think I got the most out of myself, and I don't think that's something alot of people can say. I don't kid myself into thinking I should've played D-1 or my game was something that it wasn't. I got by on busting my butt despite not having a ton of talent, and would never use that as an excuse for anything.

So, although I didn't need it(to prove a point), I really appreciate you saying that Guru.

[Big Jim]

That's what you got? A mispelled word that's only a typo. So, a typographical error is the same as making up a word that doesn't exist? Worst part, it wasn't like you made up something like antidisestablishmentarianism...oh wait...that is a real word. You made up a simple pronoun by using 2 words that can't possibly be put together..."thereselves." I mean, we can petition Webster's to have it put in there if you really like your made up word.

Look man, you'd be better off bashing my game than getting into some sort of analytical dispute. I think you have a much better shot of proving I sucked at basketball and baseball than to disprove my intelligence.

p.s. if there are any words above(I don't use spell check) that are mispelled, I encourage you to look at whatever the incorrect letter may be, look at your keyboard and see if the incorrect letter sets right next to the correct letter. you DO know the correct letter in the "mispelled"(typo) word...don't you?:shh:

[Moe]

Big Jim, I was just curious what year did you graduate?? Just trying to figure out who you are, I not hear to bash you or anything, just curious, if you dont mind thanks.:thumpsup:

[J. R. VanHoose]

That's what you got? A mispelled word that's only a typo. So, a typographical error is the same as making up a word that doesn't exist? Worst part, it wasn't like you made up something like antidisestablishmentarianism...oh wait...that is a real word. You made up a simple pronoun by using 2 words that can't possibly be put together..."thereselves." I mean, we can petition Webster's to have it put in there if you really like your made up word.

Look man, you'd be better off bashing my game than getting into some sort of analytical dispute. I think you have a much better shot of proving I sucked at basketball and baseball than to disprove my intelligence.

p.s. if there are any words above(I don't use spell check) that are mispelled, I encourage you to look at whatever the incorrect letter may be, look at your keyboard and see if the incorrect letter sets right next to the correct letter. you DO know the correct letter in the "mispelled"(typo) word...don't you?:shh:



Man, Big Jim, it is getting quite heated in here!!!! I thought that you were a pretty good player. Thanks for giving me some "pointers" when I was young!!!!

[Beef]

Big Jim, I was just curious what year did you graduate?? Just trying to figure out who you are, I not hear to bash you or anything, just curious, if you dont mind thanks.:thumpsup:Take it to a Private Message if you want to find out an identity. DO NOT reveal an identity in a public forum!

[Beef]

On another note...clan it up in here guys! Some of these comments are getting out of hand. Thanks!

[Big Jim]

Man, Big Jim, it is getting quite heated in here!!!! I thought that you were a pretty good player. Thanks for giving me some "pointers" when I was young!!!!


He asked for it...kidding.

Thanks, J. Yes, I was pretty good...no more, no less. By the way, you're still young!!! You know why I wanted to help you, jug and matt? Mostly, because I knew you'd listen and take it for what it was worth. I think it was easy to see you guys had a special group early. I wanted you guys to do what I thought you were capable of...nice job!

In all seriousness, I'm gonna be home in a couple weeks. Be sure and hit up Macy's wedding. It should be a blast!!!!

Hey Moe(that's funny),

I graduated in '91.

[crazytaxidriver]

clan


oh beef.. you're such a kidder.. lol..you need to use spell check lol..

[pistons_fan15]

IMO You will be adding Landon Slone to this list in a few years... JMO

[Moe]

IMO You will be adding Landon Slone to this list in a few years... JMO
I agree with you.

[Evil Twin]

I agree. I hear that he is a good kid too. Hopefully he will stay straight and do well. Wish him well. Is he going to be a junior?

[PC_U_KNOW_98]

Yeah, he blames their losses on other players.

[LUMBERJACK'06]

all of these players i think that before it is all said and done jd and landon may be mentioned as some of the paintsville greats

[Moose Nuck]

For JD and Landon to be considered great they need to take their team another step and make it to State. They have 2 more years left, but have already fromed a solid foundation as far as individual accolades are concerned.