[sportsfan1109]

Just for fun if you look back since that start of the regional tournaments only a few schools have won the 14th. It has primarily stayed in Perry County, Knott, Letcher, and Breathitt with only 2 state championships ever coming back to the region one by M.C. Napier, and another by Hazard. Hazards last regional championship was also the year they brought the state title home in 1997. The last time Perry won a regional title was in 2014 over 10 years, and the last time Breathitt won was in 2010 over 15 years ago. The last 10 years have been primarily dominated by Knott and Letcher with one win each by Leslie in 2016 and Owsley in 2024. 

I think Hazard will be on top of the region this year unless things change during the season and would love to see them pull it out this season as they have a talented hard-working group. But what do you think has kept Knott and Letcher on top of the pack the last 10 plus years and put schools like Perry and Breathitt more on the back burner after strong regional championship runs? Do you think it's once in a blue moon talent coming through or are these kids getting more opportunities at an early age to succeed (better grade school programs, more school support, etc..)? More competitive game schedule? Transfers coming in/out? Just curious on thoughts on this one and to see what others think makes the difference in these programs throughout the region.

[Bulldogs4Ever]

I could write a book on this. Hate to even get started.

[sportsfan1109]

I could write a book on this.  Hate to even get started.

I’d like to hear your thoughts if you want to share a few! Just for general discussion as I am curious myself. I had a thought that besides transfers here and there Knott and Letcher are the only ones in the region with some type of basketball recreation center that I am aware of, and younger kids are able to play more during the winter, spring, and summer. More gym time helps develop some of that younger talent through the years. I think that’s a large part of it. But want to hear some other opinions as well.

[Homegrown14th]

I don’t think it’s one specific factor. The Rec. Center and Sports Plex probably help but anyone has access to those facilities with Spring summer and fall leagues. In my opinion agree or disagree it starts with a culture. Both KCC and Letcher have hired really good Coaches regardless of your opinion of them they have yielded results High Adams Baker at Letcher Gibson Honeycutt Amburgey Huff at KCC, So both have won with different coaches.Their School systems do not set them on the back burner for Boys Sports the community rallies behind them  as well. Another factor they hire good middle school coaches who teach fundamentals. Lowe Noble Howard Boggs Bumper Adams in Letcher. Hammon Reed Huff Hayes Hall in Knott. Howard has brought it back to Hazard and is already yielding results. That’s my take for what it’s worth.