Jason Booher of Shelby Valley is this years Kentucky Associated Press Coach of the Year. Shelby Valley (30-4), which was No. 5 in the
final regular-season AP Top 10, has won 23 straight games heading into Thursday night's game against defending state champion Mason County in the first round of the Sweet 16 at Rupp Arena.
"We've had a memorable year, we hope to keep it going," Booher said. "This has just been an amazing ride. At the beginning of the year...never in my wildest dreams did I think we'd be 30-4."
Shelby Valley lost four games early in the season when the Wildcats were without junior point guard Elisha Justice, who was sidelined with a separated shoulder. But since his return Shelby Valley is unbeaten, setting a school record for victories and longest win streak, while winning the All "A" Classic along the way.
But Booher, 34, who is in his fifth season at Shelby Valley, is quick to give credit to his players for his team's accomplishments.
"Good players make good coaches, I learned that from coach (Ron) Bevars at North Hardin," said Booher, who played there and was also an assistant there for a short time.
"This is a team right here you've always wished for," said Booher, who was previously a head coach at Henry County and Belfry and an assistant at Corbin as well as North Hardin. "You've got good bigs and good guards out front. As a coach you need a little of each one of them. The key to this team is that they're just a team, a team that wants to win, not a selfish bone in their bodies...these kids have really worked hard for where they're at."