Volume 12 Number 3 WWW.PINNACLESPORTSVIEW.COM March 2016

Alas, we barely knew you!

Thanks, from the Big Blue Nation!Jamal Murray

AP All-America Third Team

All-SEC First Team (Coaches/AP)

SEC All-Freshman Team (Coaches)

USA Today All-America Second Team

Scout.com All-America Second Team

CBS Sports All-America Third Team

USBWA Freshman All-America Team

Sporting News Freshman All-America Team

USBWA All-District IV Team

NABC District 21 First Team

Wayman Tisdale finalist

Skal Labissiere

Two Time SEC Freshman of the Week

Appeared in all 36 Games / Started 18 Games

1.6 Blocks per Game good for 7th in SEC

Projected 1st Round NBA Draft Pick

Tyler Ulis

NCAA Consensus All-America First Team

Associated Press All-America First Team

Sporting News All-America First Team

USBWA All-America Second Team

NABC All-America Second Team

Wooden Award All-America Team

Sports Illustrated All-America First Team

CBS Sports All-America First Team

USA Today All-America First Team

SEC Player of the Year (Coaches/AP)

SEC Tournament MVP

· SEC Defensive Player of the Year (Coaches)

Ralph Richardson 1953-1958

Russell County High School

Ralph averaged 34 points, 20 rebounds, and

8 blocked shots a game during his senior sea-

son in 1958. He started his career as a tall,

thin, awkward young player, but would be-

come a high school all-American. He was

selected to the all-state teams in 1957 and

1958 as well as the all-state tournament team

in 1958. He would become Kentucky’s Mr.

Basketball along with Harry Todd in the

state’s only tie for this honor.

Harry Todd 1953-1958

Earlington High School

A 6’8” center, Harry Todd led his team to the

1956 state tournament where he made the

all-state tournament team as a sophomore.

As a senior, he averaged 30 points and 20 re-

bounds. He received first team all-state hon-

ors in 1956, 1957, and 1958. He was one of

the few players in state history to make first

team all-state three consecutive years. Harry

was named Mr. Basketball in 1958 along

with Ralph Richardson.

Tom Thacker 1956-1959

William Grant High School

At 6’2”, he could and did play every position

on the floor. Tom averaged 32 points per

game both his junior and senior years lead-

ing his team to consecutive state tournament

appearances. He had a stellar performance

in the 1959 state tournament game versus

Olive Hill with 36 points and double digit re-

bounds. Tom went on to receive all-Ameri-

can honors at the University of Cincinnati

helping to lead his team to two NCAA titles.

Jim Rose (D) 1964-1967

Hazard High School

This “Bulldog” guard whose skillset was

phenomenal helped lead Hazard to three

consecutive Sweet 16 appearances in 1964,

1965, and 1966. He was named all-state in

1965, 1966, and 1967 as well as selected to

the all-state tournament team in 1964 as a

freshman. Jim Rose was selected to the Pa-

rade All-American team in 1967. He went

on to a stellar career at Western Kentucky

University.

Dwight Smith (D) 1960-1963

Princeton Dotson High School

Dwight Smith was a catalyst for highly suc-

cessful Princeton Dotson teams from 1960-

1963. A great rebounder and defender,

Smithled Dotson to the state tournament in

1963 which was the last year of the school

before consolidation. He made the all-state

tournament team in 1963 along with Hall of

Famer Clem Haskins with whom he would

team up in 1966 on arguably Western Ken-

tucky University’s greatest team. Dwight

was named to first team all-state in 1962 and

1963.

George Wilson

Dunbar High School

1961-1964

George Wilson was at the “center” of Hall of

Fame Coach S. T. Roach’s greatest Dunbar

teams. A ferocious competitor at 6’4”, he

battled against Hall of Fame great Wes Un-

seld in the final game of the 1963 Sweet 16

and was runner-up to Unseld in the 1964 Mr.

Basketball balloting. The “man in the mid-

dle” for Dunbar made the all-state tourna-

ment teams and the first team all-state teams

in 1963 and 1964.

Jeff Lamp 1973-1977

Ballard High School

Playing on what many consider one of Ken-

tucky’s greatest high school basketball

teams, the Ballard Bruins, Jeff Lamp led

them to the state championship in 1977. In

the tournament, he would score 119 points,

including 43 points in a spectacular final

game performance. He was a first team all-

stater in 1976 and 1977 and Mr. Basketball

honoree in 1977. Lamp’s style of play was

so smooth that he made the game look easy.

Darius Miller 2003-2008

Mason County High School

During Mason County’s 2008 state champi-

on-

ship run, Darius Miller led the Royals aver-

aging 19 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and

2.5 steals per game. He received all-state

recognition in 2007 and 2008 and was

named Mr. Basketball in 2008. He joined an

elite group of Mason County players who

scored more than 2,000 career points, includ-

ing Hall of Famer Chris Lofton.

Bobby Turner 1972-1976

Male High School

Bobby Turner made first team all-state in

1974, 1975, and 1976. A 6’4” guard/for-

ward, he was part of Male’s dynamic duo

along with Hall of Fame teammate Darrell

Griffith. Male won the state championship

in 1975, and he was named to the all-tourna-

ment team. A great inside/outside player,

Bobby’s tenacious rebounding provided

Male the needed strength to win their cham-

pionship.

The Kentucky High School Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2016

Coach Donna Moir 1991- Present

Sacred Heart Academy

First as a successful player and now as a suc-

cessful coach at Sacred Heart, Donna Moir’s

love for her school has been a motivational

force throughout her career. As a coach, she

has amassed over 550 wins and is hungry for

more. The Valkyries under her leadership

won consecutive state championships in

2002, 2003, and 2004 putting her in a select

class of Kentucky high school coaches. In

Donna’s words, “You have to surround your-

self with good people and stay positive.”

Her competitive spirit is at the heart of her

great achievements.

Coach Randy Napier

M.C. Napier High School 1980-1994

Perry Central High School 1994-Present

The winningest girls’ coach in Kentucky

high school basketball history with over 800

wins and counting, Coach Randy Napier is

still adding to his resume. During his thirty

five years of coaching, his teams have won

over 80% of their games. His 1994 M.C.

Napier team presented him with the ultimate

prize, a Sweet 16 championship. His teams

have won 9 regional championships during

his current tenure at Perry County Central.

Coach Napier is one of the great coaches in

the history of the game. He is a Hall of Fame

coach in every respect.

Coach Pearl Combs (D)

Vicco High School

Hindman Settlement School 1933-1972

A mountain legend and a Kentucky treasure

is the way to describe Coach Pearl Combs’

career. His teams won 760 games, 6 regional

titles, and the state championship in 1943.

When he was not coaching, he was teaching

science classes at Hindman Settlement

School. Pearl’s teaching and coaching set an

example for coaches who followed.

Coach Stan Hardin 1977-1991

Fairdale High School

The Hardin family name is synonymous with

Fairdale and Kentucky high school basket-

ball. Stan Hardin’s dad Harry Hardin was an

all-state player and coached Fairdale to its

first regional championship in 1942, so it

was a surprise to no one when Stan became

the coach at Fairdale in 1977. His successful

tenure at Fairdale included 3 regional cham-

pionships in the always tough 6th region.

The Fairdale Bulldogs under his leadership

captured back to back state championships

in 1990 and 1991. He was named Coach of

the Year in 1990 and coached the Kentucky-

Indiana All-Star Series that same year.

Coach Billy Hicks

Evarts High School 1977-1980

Harlan High School 1980-1983

Corbin High School 1986-1994

Scott County High School 1994-present

Coach Billy Hicks is the winningest coach

in Kentucky high school basketball history

with over 900 wins. He has won 11 regional

titles and 2 state championships at Scott

County in 1998 and 2007. His teams have set

a record for state tournament wins during his

coaching tenure to date. Billy credits his

good fortune to having great kids to work

with, a Mother who understood the need for

a college education, and a wife who has sup-

ported him tirelessly along the way.

Carly Ormerod 2002-2005

Sacred Heart Academy

Carly Ormerod is in a select group of players

who have twice won MVP honors at the state

tournament and three consecutive state

championships. She was named first team

all-state in 2003, 2004, and 2005 and was se-

lected Kentucky Miss Basketball in 2005.

Carly was the ultimate team player who en-

hanced her teammates with her exceptional

all-around game and leadership. She set a

Sweet 16 performance standard for all to as-

pire.

Gene Rhodes 1944-1946

Male High School

Gene Rhodes set the standard to follow for

future Male High School guards. He was a

tenacious, aggressive, tough player who ex-

uded leadership skills. Rhodes was a first

team all-state player in 1945 and 1946. He

helped his team secure Sweet 16 appear-

ances in 1944, 1945, and 1946. Gene was

named to the all-state tournament team in

1945. He coached at Male High School, his

alma mater, and St. Xavier where he devel-

oped a championship program.

Donnis Butcher (D) 1951-1955

Meade Memorial High School

Donnis Butcher was 6’3” guard who had an

unbelievable competitive spirit. His all-

around basketball skills created tremendous

matchup problems for his opponents. He led

his 1955 Meade Memorial team to a 32-0

record before the streak came to an end.

That same year, Meade had twice beaten

Hazard, the eventual state champions. Don-

nis was named first team all-state in 1955.

Later in his basketball career he became a

first team Little All-American at Pikeville

College and played and coached in the NBA.

The Ky. High School Basketball Hall of

Fame was born out of an idea from the Ken-

tucky Association of Basketball Coaches.

Under the direction of North Hardin's Men's

Head Basketball Coach Ron Bevars, the

project began in October 2009 with the

stated purpose of recognizing and protecting

the heritage of Ky. High School Basketball.

The Ky. High School Basketball Hall of

Fame is dedicated to promoting and educat-

ing the public about the culture, tradition

and rich heritage of Ky. High School Bas-

ketball. It will honor and provide a fitting

tribute to former players and coaches while

preserving and displaying historical infor-

mation and memorabilia associated with the

game.

Elizabethtown, Ky. serves as the permanent

home of The Ky. High School Basketball

Hall of Fame. Headquartered in the center

of the Commonwealth's Heartland, the

Hall's new home provides the public con-

venient access to all the organization's ac-

tivities and functions.

SOFTBALL

April 1 Pineville at Bell County

Whitley County at Middlesboro

April 11 Middlesboro at North Laurel

Pineville at Jackson County

April 12 Harlan County at Bell County

Middlesboro at Harlan

Pineville at Knox Central

April 14 Bell County at Clay County

Middlesboro at Barbourville

Harlan County at Pineville

April 15 Harlan at Bell County

Clay County at Middlesboro

April 18 Bell County at Jellico, TN

Barbourville at Middlesboro

Pineville at Lynn Camp

April 19 Clay County at Bell County

Harlan at Middlesboro

April 21 Barbourville at Pineville

April 22 Billy Joe Idol Tourn @ MHS

April 25 Middlesboro at Bell County

Oneida Baptist at Pineville

April 26 North Laurel at Middlesboro

Knox Central at Pineville

April 28 Middlesboro at Harlan County

Pineville at Barbourville

April 30 Lynn Camp at Pineville

May 2 Jellico, TN at Bell County

Knox Central at Middlesboro

May 3 Bell County at Jackson County

Middlesboro at Whitley County

May 5 Knox Central at Bell County

May 9 Bell County at Oneida Baptist

Middlesboro at Clay County

May 10 Bell County at Barbourville

Harlan County at Middlesboro

Jackson County at Pineville

May 12 Middlesboro at Knox Central

Corbin at Pineville

May 13 Bell County at Pineville

May 16 Williamsburg at Bell County

Whitley County at Pineville

May 17 Middlesboro at South Laurel

Williamsburg at Pineville

May 19 Barbourville at Bell County

Pineville at Whitley County

May 20 Lynn Camp at Bell County

Corbin at Middlesboro

BASEBALL

April 1 Cumberland Gap at Bell County

April 4 Bell County at Barbourville

Middlesboro in Myrtle Beach, SC

April 11 Pineville at Bell County

April 12 Middlesboro at Bell County

Barbourville at Pineville

April 14 Bell County at Middlesboro

Model at Pineville

April 15 McCreary Central at Bell County

Clay County at Middlesboro

April 18 Cumberland Gap at Bell County

April 19 Harlan at Bell County

Middlesboro at Harlan County

Pineville at Lynn Camp

April 21 Bell County at Harlan

Harlan County at Middlesboro

Pineville at Jellico, TN

April 22 Williamsburg at Bell County

April 23 Cumberland Gap at Pineville

April 25 Oneida Baptist at Pineville

April 26 Bell County at Harlan County

Middlesboro at Harlan

Pineville at Knox Central

April 27 Harlan at Middlesboro

April 28 Harlan County at Bell County

Pineville at Williamsburg

April 29 Grainger, TN at Bell County

Middlesboro at Claiborne, TN

April 30 Middlesboro at Whitley County

May 2 J. Frank White at Bell County

Pineville at Middlesboro

May 3 Bell County at Jackson County

Middlesboro at Knox Central

Pineville at Harlan

May 5 Pineville at Oneida Baptist

May 6 Bell County at J. Frank White

Middlesboro at Rockcastle County

May 9 Barbourville at Bell County

South Laurel at Middlesboro

May 10 Knox Central at Bell County

Leslie County at Middlesboro

May 12 Middlesboro at Barbourville

Lynn Camp at Pineville

May 13 Bell County at McCreary Central

Knox Central at Middlesboro

May 16 Bell County at Lynn Camp

Middlesboro at Corbin

May 17 Bell County at Whitley County

Middlesboro at Williamsburg

Pineville at Barbourville

May 19 Corbin at Bell County

Jackson County at Middlesboro

May 20 Middlesboro at Clay County

May 21 Pineville at Harlan

Local high school

baseball and softball schedules

Bailey Hensley makes a running catch for the Middlesboro Lady Jackets in a recent game

at Middlesboro. Both the Middlesboro softball and baseball teams captured their All A Re-

gional Championships to advance to their respective All A State Tournaments. The Lady

Jackets will begin pool play in Owensboro on April 30th at 10:30AM. The Baseball Yellow

Jackets will meet the winner of Region 14 in early May. The All A State Baseball Tourna-

ment will be played in Lexington at Whitaker Bank Ball Park, home of the Lexington Leg-

ends. Pinnacle Photo / Ray Welch

April 8 Tommy Smith Invitational Barbourville, KY

April 8-9 University of the Cumberlands Invitational Williamsburg, KY

April 12 North Laurel Relays London, KY

April 18 South Laurel MS Invitational London, KY

April 21 Bell County All Comers Pineville, KY

April 26 North Laurel All Comers London, KY

May 6 South Laurel Invitational London, KY

May 13 First Priority Meet of Champions Williamsburg, KY

May 13 Region 7AA Harlan County HS

Local High School

Track & Field Report

Harlan County All Comers

Top Local Individual Performances at Harlan CountyTrixie Capps, Middlesboro - 1st Place Girls 200 Meter Dash/ 2nd Place 100 Meter Dash

Alex Brock, Bell County - 1st Place Girls 100 Meter Hurdles

Nathan Morales, Bell County - 1st Place Boys 100 Meter Dash and 400 Meter Dash

Mitchell Miracle, Bell County - 1st Place Boys 800 Meter Run

Anna Howard, Pineville - 2nd Place Girls 800 Meter Run

Knox Central All Comers

Top Local Individual Performances at Knox CentralMitchell Miracle, Bell County - 1st Place Boys 1600 Meter Run

Mitchell Miracle, Bell County - 1st Place Boys 3200 Meter Run

Evan Brock, Middlesboro - 1st Place Boys Discus

Trixie Capps, Middlesboro - 2nd Place Girls 100 Meter and 200 Meter Dash

Women - Team Scores

1. Knox Central 105

2. Letcher Central 93

3. Harlan County 92

4. Perry Central 82

5. Leslie County 67

6. Middlesboro 47

7. Bell County 29

8. Red Bird 24

9. Pineville 14

Men - Team Scores

1. Leslie County 169

2. Perry Central 123.50

3. Harlan County 101.50

4. Bell County 49

5. Letcher Central 46

6. Red Bird 28

7. Harlan Independent 16

8. Pineville 11

9. Middlesboro 9

Upcoming events in regional track and field

Women - Team Scores

1. Corbin 150

2. Williamsburg 134

3. Knox Central 106

4. Southwestern 88

5. North Laurel 62

6. Harlan County 57

7. Middlesboro 34

8. Bell County 29

9. Harlan Independent 26

10. Whitley County 21

11. Pineville 4

Men - Team Scores

1. Southwestern 156.50

2. Knox Central 131

3. North Laurel 103

4. Whitley County 92.50

5. Corbin 82

6. Williamsburg 44

7. Bell County 31

8. Harlan Independent 30

9. Clay County

Middlesboro

Harlan County

12. Lynn Camp 3

13. Pineville 2

Ask about our Senior and Military special rates!

Kentucky PGA Special Awards AnnouncedThe Dever | E-Z-GO KPGA Spring Member

Conference was held at Marriott Griffin Gate

Resort on Monday, February 29. Kentucky

PGA Professionals and apprentices were

treated to an exciting day in Lexington. In

addition to our morning Business Meeting

and Special Awards Presentation, we had an

outstanding featured education speaker in

James Sieckmann, PGA of Shadow Ridge

Country Club in Omaha, Nebraska.

The morning opened with a gener-

ous collection of donations to the Kentucky

Golf Foundation and KPGA Fund (a division

of the Kentucky Golf Foundation which sup-

ports KPGA Player Development Grant

monies) – a special thank you to all the

Members and apprentices who gave over

$1,200 for these great causes!

The business meeting updated

KPGA members on several important topics

including: PGA Junior League Golf safety

measures, the strong relationship of the

KGA-PGA, many upcoming exciting events

(the Kentucky Scramble, Feeder’s Supply

Pro-Am and Pro-Pro events and Pro-Pro Se-

ries), critical Player Development tools to

drive rounds and revenue to facilities, ways

to contribute to PGA Golf Day, KPGA Fund

Grant Recipients, junior golf enhancements,

marketing opportunities and much more!

We also welcomed new apprentices, section

transfers, Members and Certified Profession-

als into the KPGA since the Fall Member

Conference.

After the General Session con-

cluded, we recognized our exceptional Golf

Professionals of 2016 in the Special Awards

Presentation. That began with recognizing

Half Century Member, Gary Feldman and

Quarter Century Members: Patrick Berry,

Dave Kaesheimer, Garry Nelson, Kenny

Perry, Terry Simon and Matt Taylor. The fol-

lowing Special Awards were also given out

to many individuals who make a large dif-

ference in the Commonwealth through golf:

Sales Representative of the Year:

Doug Schoerke

Callaway Golf

Media Representative of the Year:

John Engle

Pinnacle Sports View

Pineville

Assistant Golf Professional of the Year:

Blake Watts, PGA

Wildwood Country Club

Louisville

Merchandiser of the Year (Resort):

Jerry Shoffner, PGA

Wasioto Winds

Pineville

Merchandiser of the Year (Private):

Scott Sedgwick, PGA

Louisville Country Club

Louisville

Horton Smith Award:

Larry Ward, PGA

High Performance Golf Academy

Nicholasville

Bill Strausbaugh Award:

Pete Garvey, PGA

Idle Hour Country Club

Lexington

Deacon Palmer Award:

Eric Gilliland, PGA

Audubon Country Club

Louisville

Youth Player Development:

Colby Wollitz, PGA

Persimmon Ridge Golf Club

Louisville

Teacher of the Year:

Larry Ward, PGA

High Performance Golf Academy

Nicholasville

Growth of the Game Award:

Derrick Griffitts, PGA

Clear Creek Golf Center

Shelbyville

Golf Professional of the Year Award:

Danny Baron, PGA

Hurstbourne Country Club

Louisville

Teacher of the Year:

Larry Ward, PGA

High Performance Golf Academy

Nicholasville

BARBOURVILLE, Ky. - The Union College

football team completed its spring practice

with the 2016 Spring Game, and head coach

Zak Willis is pleased with how things went.

"It was the best that we've looked

as a team since I've been here," said Willis.

"Another big plus for us is that nobody got

seriously injured. You always want to come

out of spring feeling good about what you

are doing."

The format for the spring game pit-

ted the No. 1 offensive and defensive squads

against the No. 2 and No.3 units. The second

unit was spotted a 28-point lead for the con-

test, but in the end, the No. 1 units registered

a 49-42 victory.

In all, the offenses combined for

over 700 total yards, including over 500

yards in passing. Chandler Whittlesey played

only the first quarter and completed 10-of-

16 passes for 128 yards and two touch-

downs. He also ran for another score. Lance

Morton went 11-of-13 for 102 yards and had

the game-winning touchdown pass.

Kendrick Furness finished the day 13-of-19

with 163 yards with a touchdown passing

and another one rushing.

Darian Patterson was the top target

for the quarterbacks as he hauled in five

passes for 141 yards and three touchdowns.

In the backfield, Brett Sipple

proved to be quite impressive as he pounded

his was to 109 yards on 16 carries for a

whopping 6.81 yards per carry average.

"Brett's a power back, and that's a

product of our weight program," said Willis.

"(Strength coach) Brendan Gregory's done a

great job with those guys, and Brett is a big

weight room guy."

Union's top running back, Keith

Neal, did not play in the spring game due to

circumstances beyond his control.

Defensively, Serge Vita was domi-

nant on the line, recording seven tackles with

three for a loss, two sacks and a fumble re-

covery. Anthony Kelsey had nine total tack-

les, while Tyler Wright and DeShay Averhart

each collecting eight. Wright also had a sack.

Desmond Leak and Buddy Harri-

son led the defensive backs with eight stops

apiece, and Jackson Tipton posted highlight

material with an 89-yard pick-6 just before

halftime.

"We were happy with what we saw

(out of our defenses)," Willis added. "There

were a lot of good plays from a lot of peo-

ple."

With spring practice behind them,

Willis said the Bulldogs' focus is now on

classwork and staying healthy.

"The key now is to finish strong in

the classroom and weight room and make

sure we come out of this thing with every-

body eligible and ready to play," Willis said.

"If we can get all these guys to the fall and

healthy, we've got a chance to be much im-

proved."

Union went 1-9 overall and 1-4 in

the Mid-South Conference East last season.

Union College wraps up spring football practice with spring game

Brett Sipple carries the ball for the White squad during the spring game. Sipple gained 109 yards on 16 carries in the game.

Union College Photo

RENO, Nev. - Morehead State overcame a

13-point second half deficit to force over-

time, but Xavier Moon's half court heave as

time expired went in-and-out as the Eagles

fell 85-82 at Nevada in the decisive game

three of the CBI Finals on Friday night.

With the loss, Morehead State concludes the

season at 23-14, marking the most wins for

the Eagles since they went 25-10 in 2010-11.

"I can't ask any more than what my guys

gave me tonight," said head coach Sean

Woods. "We fought through a ton of adver-

sity in front of a hostile crowd. For these

guys to play like this and not give in is a tes-

tament to their character and their will. But,

this is what we've been all year. We don't

stop playing until the final buzzer and that's

what we did tonight."

Trailing 55-46 with 12:37 to go in the game,

the Eagles responded with an 8-0 run capped

off by a Lamontray Harris dunk to get them

back within one.

The two teams battled back and forth the rest

of the way until Nevada built a four-point

lead with 27 seconds to go on two free

throws by Cameron Oliver. But, it was Har-

ris' turn on the other end as his third three-

pointer of the game trimmed the lead to one

at 74-73 with 19 seconds to go.

After Nevada hit one of two from the line,

DeJuan Marrero was sent to the free throw

line on the other end and knocked down both

to tie the game and send it to overtime de-

spite the fact that he was just 3-of-8 from the

stripe before the two critical makes.

In overtime, the Eagles took an 82-80 lead

on a layup by Lyonell Gaines with 1:55 to

play. After Nevada hit one of two from the

free throw line, Morehead State had a chance

to extend the lead, but Miguel Dicent's

jumper didn't fall. Then with 13 seconds to

go, the Wolf Pack's Tyson Criswell hit a

layup to give Nevada an 83-82.

The Eagles had two chances on the other

end, but layups by Dicent and Marrero

wouldn't fall. After D.J. Fenner hit both free

throws to give Nevada a three-point lead

with 1.5 seconds remaining, Moon's half-

court shot fell just off the iron to end the

game.

Senior Lyonell Gaines led the Eagles with 17

points and five rebounds, but the freshman

stole the show. Malik Maitland came off the

bench and played a career-high 33 minutes

in the absence of All-OVC second team

guard Corban Collins. The freshman from

Daytona Beach, Fla. tied career-highs with

12 points and nine assists. He was 2-of-5

from three-point land and both of his threes

came at crucial points. Harris also played a

career-high 29 minutes and finished with a

career-high 15 points on 3-of-6 shooting

from deep.

"Coach (Woods) coaches everyone the same,

from top to bottom," said Gaines. "We're a

good team from one-through-fifteen, but if it

wasn't for our freshman tonight, we wouldn't

have had a chance late."

Senior Brent Arrington had 11 points on 5-

of-12 shooting in his last game as an Eagle,

while Marrero had 11 points, six rebounds,

and four assists. Sophomore Miguel Dicent

added 10 points.

Morehead State finished just 6-of-13 from

the free throw line opposed to Nevada, who

shot 39-of-45 from the charity stripe.

They held the Wolf Pack to just 38 percent

shooting on the night, but couldn't keep them

off the free throw line as 39 of their 85 points

came from the stripe. The Eagles shot 47

percent on the night and shot 6-of-18 from

deep after shooting 1-for-16 from three-point

range in game two.

Morehead State falls at Nevada in College Basketball Invitational championship game

HARROGATE, Tenn. -- Lincoln Memorial

University head men's basketball coach Josh

Schertz has been tabbed as the 2015-16

HoopDirt.com Division II National Coach of

the Year, it was announced by the Hoop

Group on Friday.

Schertz - a four-time South Atlantic Confer-

ence Coach of the Year recipient - led the

Railsplitters to a 34-3 record and the first

NCAA Division II National Championship

game appearance in program history this

past season.

With Schertz at the helm, Lincoln Memorial

authored unquestionably the greatest single

season in SAC and program history, break-

ing the league and school record for wins

and becoming the first program in SAC his-

tory to go undefeated in conference play

with a 22-0 mark. That feat was all the more

impressive based on the strength of the SAC

this season, as four teams qualified for the

NCAA Tournament and all four advanced to

the second round.

The Railsplitters also broke their own SAC

record for longest winning streak, ripping off

24-straight victories from January 6 to

March 24, when LMU took down West Lib-

erty to book its first trip to the national title

game. During that winning streak, the Rail-

splitters clinched an unprecedented fourth

straight SAC regular-season championship

while winning their third SAC tournament

title in the past six seasons.

This past season, the Railsplitters ranked

second in the nation in scoring offense and

scoring margin, putting up 96.2 points per

game and winning by an average of 18.8

points per game. Lincoln Memorial finished

second in the nation in three-pointers made

with 412 and did so while leading the nation

in three-point field-goal percentage with a

44.6 percent clip. The Railsplitters ranked

second nationally in overall field-goal per-

centage (51.8) and 28th in field-goal percent-

age defense by holding opponents to 41.1

percent shooting.

In his eight seasons guiding the Railsplitters,

Schertz has accumulated a 204-47 overall

record with a string of six straight 25-win

seasons. Under Schertz's tutelage, Lincoln

Memorial has accounted for back-to-back

30-win seasons. To put that in perspective,

the LMU men's basketball program had just

one 30-win season in the 86 seasons on file

before Schertz's arrival. The Railsplitters are

a combined 43-1 in South Atlantic Confer-

ence play over the past two seasons and have

won five of the last six SAC regular-season

championships. In LMU's win over Lander

in the first round of the NCAA Tournament,

Schertz became the second coach in program

history with 200 career wins.

Following the 2015-16 campaign, Lincoln

Memorial now claims the four winningest

seasons in South Atlantic Conference his-

tory. The Railsplitters also became the first

SAC men's basketball team to make it to the

National Championship game.

Josh Schertz tabbed as HoopDirt.com Division II National Coach of the Year

Pinnacle Photo / Ray Welch

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Like deer and elk, the

restoration of wild turkeys in Kentucky is a

remarkable success story.

The statewide flock now numbers

around 220,000 turkeys and telecheck har-

vest records show spring turkey hunters have

taken an average of 31,719 birds over the

past five years. The statewide harvest was up

slightly last year over the previous spring as

hunters topped 30,000 birds for the fifth time

in the past six years.

This year, the general spring turkey

season opens statewide on April 16 and

closes May 8, but hunters age 15 and

younger are first up. The special youth-only

season runs the weekend of April 2-3.

While gobblers harvested on private

land make up the majority of the spring har-

vest each year, public hunting areas are not

to be overlooked. Nathan Gregory has

hunted public and private land almost

equally over the past decade.

“A lot of turkey hunting is knowing

where you’re going and where the birds are

going,” said Gregory, coordinator for the

Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife

Resources’ Northeast Wildlife Region. “I

took one of my biggest birds ever off of a

wildlife management area. It was mid-morn-

ing in the middle of the season and it had 2-

inch spurs. It was just an incredible bird.”

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife owns,

leases or manages more than 80 public hunt-

ing areas across the state, and all but a few

are open under statewide hunting regulations

for the spring turkey season.

The Green River Region led the state’s

five Wildlife regions with a total of 8,957

birds harvested last spring. Peabody Wildlife

Management Area in Ohio, Hopkins and

Muhlenberg counties yielded more birds

than any other public hunting area in the re-

gion and it, along with Daniel Boone Na-

tional Forest, holds a reputation as being

among the state’s best public hunting oppor-

tunities during the spring turkey season.

Reputation, proximity to home and

perceptions about hunting pressure are rea-

sons a hunter might choose one public hunt-

ing area over another. In any case, consider

bookmarking Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s

website (fw.ky.gov). There, you will find the

spring hunting guide as well as past harvest

results and information about public hunting

areas.

The Wildlife Management Areas/Pub-

lic Hunting Areas web page includes PDF

files for every public hunting area in Ken-

tucky. The Wildlife Management Area and

Public Lands Search link on that same page

takes users to a sortable database of public

hunting areas. Clicking the “View More In-

formation” within an area’s listing takes

users to the webpage for that area. Area

pages include printable maps, directions,

regulations for the area and a link to an in-

teractive map, which grants access to satel-

lite photos and topographic maps.

It still falls to the hunter to visit the

area before the season because not scouting

ahead of time leaves much to chance. If plan-

ning to hunt public land during the general

spring turkey season, now’s the perfect time

to scout.

“Start looking for some of the things

you would look for during the season,” Gre-

gory said. “What’s the food source? Look for

areas off of points, off of ridges that you may

think birds will use for strutting. Look for

things the birds are using now.”

John Morgan, Kentucky Fish and

Wildlife’s Small Game Program Coordina-

tor, studied wild turkeys on public lands as a

master’s student at the University of Geor-

gia. Identifying strut zones is one of the best

things a hunter can do early in the season, he

said.

Clearings in the understory, open

ridges, old logging roads and small field

openings are all potential stages for strutting

toms. Also, look for tracks and wing drags

left in the loose or muddy soil along trails,

fields and creek bottoms. Fresh droppings

and feathers concentrated below a large tree

can indicate a potential roosting site. Dust

bowls formed when a turkey grooms itself

are another important sign, as are scratches.

A turkey will scratch at the ground while for-

aging for food and leave behind clearings in

the leaf litter.

“You’ll see where turkeys have

scratched. It’s pretty identifiable,” Gregory

said. “If birds haven’t been spooked or

knocked off a routine, they’re going to come

back to that spot….If they’ve really been

picking and scraping the foliage back, I’d sit

there and wait a while during the season.”

Note on a map or GPS any locations

where any of these sights or sounds are ob-

served. If a spot shows promise, look around

for potential places to set up when you return

for the season.

On public land, not only is a hunter try-

ing to outsmart wily toms but must also as-

sume they are contending with other hunters

trying to do exactly the same. A willingness

to cover longer distances or tackle tougher

terrain can increase the odds of success.

“The more remote the spot, the less

likely somebody else is there, the better

chance it is for you,” Morgan said. “On pub-

lic land often it is the most inaccessible spot

that you can find that more than likely will

be the best choice.”

Nobody knows a public hunting area

better than the area manager. A simple phone

call can pay off with good information about

the property and recent observations.

Turkeys are one of the most difficult

game species to harvest consistently.

Whether it’s early in the season, the middle

of the season or late in the season, first thing

in the morning or in the afternoon, a hunter

doesn’t stand a chance if they’re not out

there trying.

“If you want to harvest a turkey you

need to hunt any time you can,” Morgan

said.

The statewide bag limit is two bearded

birds, but no more than one bird may be

taken per day. For more information about

license and permit requirements and other

regulations for Kentucky’s spring wild

turkey season, visit Kentucky Fish and

Wildlife’s website or consult the Spring

Hunting Guide, available online and wher-

ever licenses are sold.

Author Kevin Kelly is a staff writer for Ken-tucky Afield magazine, the official publica-tion of the Kentucky Department of Fish andWildlife Resources.

Kentucky’s spring turkey season opens April 16th with an optimistic outlook for hunters

I was unable to scout before opening day but

I knew where the turkeys loved to roost. So,

I proceeded to set up my decoys with a little

bit of faith and a little bit of reason. As day-

light approached I tried to wake up a nearby

gobbler with a soft yelp. Nothing answered

my call until a few minutes later. It was a hen

who decided to join my motionless pair of a

hen and Jake. Shortly thereafter, I heard a

gobble from an unexpected direction. He

was quite a distance away so I was unsure as

to whether he would make it to me before he

was intercepted by another hen. What I

didn’t realize at the time was that my lone

hen was on her way to do just that. They met

about two hundred yards away but within

eyeshot of me and my decoys. For the next

hour this tom would chase the hen and then

stop and posture for my decoys, hoping his

flexing would entice my fake hen over to his

side. His strutting looked like a pose- down

at the Arnold Classic. We got the view from

the front, back, and sides. Of course nothing

worked to his dismay. About an hour later

the live hen that had led him away was now

leading him right toward my setup. After a

few minutes of following her, with interme-

diate flex sessions, he finally got to about

thirty-five yards away. He ultimately landed

in pieces on my grill – brushed with butter

and lightly salted.

What I will remember most about this hunt

was how my set-up allowed me to see the ac-

tion from so far away without being spotted.

I felt like I was watching it all transpire from

some sort of lofted position. In my hunting

world it’s rare to be able to take in so much

of the pre-shot activity. Normally the action

and reaction time is short and to the point.

This was just the opposite. In fact it took so

long, and I had so much time to plan my

shot, that any nervousness was negligible. I

was as ready and prepared as possible and

therefore there was nothing else to do but to

trust my shot.

I find in most other venues this works as

well. If I am well prepared the chances of

missing my goal are minimal. And thorough

preparation takes time. The problem for most

of us is that we give our time to things that

move at breakneck speed and to things that

can be accomplished in a minimal amount of

effort. If you think about it, however, the

most important things in life call for the

greatest preparation and thus for the greatest

amount of our time. Let’s spend our time

wisely.

Gary Miller gary@outdoortruths.org

Outdoor TruthsHARROGATE, Tenn. -- The Lincoln Memo-

rial University baseball team will host its

third-annual Vs. Cancer game on April 12,

when the Railsplitters welcome the Trevecca

Nazarene Trojans to Lamar Hennon Field for

an NCAA Division II showdown and shave

their heads in support of childhood cancer

victims.

The Vs. Cancer Foundation is a non-profit

organization dedicated to raising funds and

public awareness for pediatric cancer victims

and research. Founded in December 2012 by

childhood cancer survivor Chase Jones, the

Vs. Cancer Foundation relies on the contri-

butions of countless individuals as well as

hundreds of collegiate and high school teams

to collect money that directly impacts the

lives of children suffering from cancer.

"We are very excited to have the opportunity

to be involved with the Vs. Cancer Founda-

tion again this year," LMU head baseball

coach Jeff Sziksai said. "As college athletes

and coaches, it's critical that we understand

the big picture and realize that it's 'not about

me'. The Vs. Cancer foundation allows us to

impact the lives of children not only in east

Tennessee, but across the country. I want to

recognize Coach Justin Haywood for his ef-

forts in organizing this event again this year

and making it such an integral part of our

season."

The LMU baseball program is taking part in

the fight against pediatric cancers for the

third year in a row. In the augural Vs. Cancer

event in 2014, the Railsplitters raised over

$5,000. Last season, the Railsplitters oblit-

erated that mark by collecting more than

$7,200. Lincoln Memorial has upped the

ante once again this season, setting a goal to

raise $8,000. With a little less than two

weeks left to donate, the Railsplitters have

already surpassed $7,000 raised.

Physical donations will be accepted through-

out April 12th's game, when the Railsplitters

host Trevecca Nazarene at 3 p.m. in noncon-

ference action. Those wishing to contribute

to Lincoln Memorial's cause can also donate

online at the Railsplitters' Vs. Cancer

fundraising page, which can be accessed at

team.vs-cancer.org/Railsplitters.

Immediately following that game against

TNU, local barbers will be attendance, as the

LMU players and coaches will shave their

heads as a public show of support for child-

hood cancer victims. Fans are also invited to

shave their heads in support of the cause.

For more information regarding the Vs. Can-

cer Foundation and to learn how you can get

involved, head over to www.vs-cancer.org.

Every dollar counts in the fight against child-

hood cancers. Join the Railsplitters' cause by

contributing online or making a donation on

the day of the game.

LMU Baseball to host Vs. Cancer Game

An Honor Flight Network chapter was recently established in Kentucky

and will fly WWII, Korean and Vietnam era Veterans from Central, Eastern

and Southern Kentucky to Washington, D.C.

Veterans, accompanied by a guardian or travel companion who pays his

or her own way, will take a flight out of Blue Grass Airport in Lexington

to Washington, D.C. where they will visit the World War II Memorial, the

Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam Wall, the Iwo Jima Memorial, the Air

Force Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. The public is invited

to welcome the flight when it returns home and give the Veterans the wel-

come home that many of them never received.

For information, applications, or ways to contribute, visit

HonorFlight.org The Kentucky chapter focusing on Eastern and Southern

Kentucky is at Honor Flight Kentucky

The Tico Belle, a C-47 aircraft that actually flew three missions on D-Day during World War II, recently performed at the 2016 TICO Warbird Airshow in Titusville, Florida.

Pinnacle Sports Photo