NUMBER ONE
(January 28)
In a sports year unsettled like none other in history, three storylines ranked among the biggest stories during 2020 for Mountain Top Sports readers.
The number one event of the year came on the basketball scene as University of Pikeville men’s basketball coach Kelly Wells announced in January he was stepping down at the end of this season. The Morehead native remains Director of Athletics.
“This was an extremely difficult decision to make, but one that I’m at peace with,” Wells said.
This year marks the second for Wells as AD. He leaves the basketball program as the winningest coach in UPIKE history, with 328 wins in 14 seasons.
Wells guided the Bears to eight NAIA National Tournament appearances, including seven straight. Wells was named 2011 NAIA Coach of the Year after leading his team to the national title.
Wells led Mason County. to the 2003 Kentucky state championship. Before coming to UPIKE, Wells spent a single season at Hawai’i Pacific.
NUMBER TWO
(December 4)
The number two story of the year was 100 years in the making.
The Paintsville Tigers built a 17-point halftime lead and went on to defeat Kentucky Country Day, 38-7 in the Class 1A title game played at Kroger Field, winning the school’s first football title.
Paintsville, which finished 10-2, becomes the first school of its size to win championships in football, baseball, and basketball.
Jake Hyden ran for three touchdowns, including two in the second half, and running back Harris Phelps ran for 221 yards on the ground.
It was the Tigers fourth trip to the championship game.
NUMBER THREE
(March 9)
The number three storyline came out of Martin County as the Cardinals defeated Lawrence County, 65-61, to win the school’s first 15th Region basketball championship since 1983.
Martin County never got the chance to represent the region in the boys’ Sweet 16 tournament fell victim to the COVID-19 pandemic.
HONORABLE MENTION
Prestonsburg boys and girls’ soccer continued its 15th Region dominance as both advanced to state tournament play before being eliminated.
The Paintsville Lady Tigers defeated Pikeville in a five-set thriller to capture the 15th Region volleyball champion to advance to the state tournament.
University of Pikeville assistant coach Tigh Compton is promoted to head coach of the men’s basketball program.