Published: July 04, 2008 12:09 am            

Fairview basketball camp big hit again

WESTWOOD — While the basketball offseason has had a different and fairly crazy overall feel, a few things have remained normal.

From June 17 to June 20, Fairview hosted a basketball camp in which 25 teams turned out — 19 varsity and six junior varsity teams.

“It’s grown every year and we’ve had great success with it,” said Fairview coach Rex Cooksey.

Teams from Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia converged to play a staggering total of 58 regulation games in four days.

From the 16th Region, Ashland, Boyd County, Rose Hill Christian, Russell, Raceland, Greenup County, Lewis County, East Carter, West Carter, Rowan County, Menifee County and Bath County participated along with Fairview.

According to Cooksey, he has held the event for several years now to try to get players a chance to compete in regulation games before the dead period.

The teams do not compete against other teams within their own district.

Registered officials also get some summer work with the four-day event.

“We could not do this without them,” Cooksey said. “It’s also an opportunity for coaches to talk with one another about what to expect.”

The 16th Region has seen its share of shake-ups this offseason, including coaching changes, resignations and players leaving.

Former Rose Hill stars Chad Jackson and Dakotah Euton transferred to Scott County, but will not play this season due to ineligibility (a ruling that came from the Kentucky High School Athletic Association). And former Rose Hill coach Tim Fraley is now the head coach at Greenup County.

Boyd County recently lost coach Roger Zornes after a one-year return. He resigned because of health reasons.

Rowan County made a coaching change after Don Daniel resigned after 13 years at the helm following an incident at practice during last season. The Vikings hired Shawn Thacker to take over as head coach.

Russell also has a new head coach on the sideline with Merle Kidwell taking over for Steve Dodd, who resigned after a 3-26 season in 2007-08.

So, while it has been an offseason filled with some wacky events, Cooksey hopes to keep his four-day camp growing and a norm for years to come.

        

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