Area basketball games are missing atmosphere of fans

There are more than 2,500 high school students between Corbin, Whitley County and Williamsburg. There are 35,000 people living in Whitley County.

So why are the high school gyms so sparsely populated during basketball games?

Granted, despite the stereotype, not everyone in Kentucky is a fan of basketball. Still others don’t have a connection to any of the three schools. Of course, there is COVID–19.

But it is sad to see these kids playing in front of limited crowds.

I was at South Laurel Friday night for the boys/girls doubleheader against Whitley County and have to say, despite both Cardinals teams being among the top in the 13th Region, the gym was far from packed.

The South Laurel student section, which is dubbed, “The Nest,” had about five students sitting in it.

Neither school’s band was at the game.

For an area where I constantly hear, “There is nothing for the kids to do,” it makes me wonder even more.

Granted, back in my high school days, you could probably count the number of basketball games that I attended on one hand, but given the turnout the schools get for football in the fall, you have to wonder where the fans went since November and December.

During a discussion about this topic in the newsroom on Monday we determined that atmosphere has a lot to do with it.

Friday night lights, even when it is 90 degrees in the shade in August or near zero in November, is something special compared to being under the roof of a high school gym.

I will give a segment of Corbin and Whitley County students credit.

These groups show up at almost every home game in force.

They sit behind their team’s bench, decked out in school colors with faces painted and other signs of school spirit and don’t sit down as they cheer their respective teams on, win or lose.

I first noticed a group at one of Corbin’s volleyball games.

Imagine the atmosphere these groups could create if every one of them, “brought a friend, relative or alumni.”

And a suggestion for the bands. Put the word out that band alumni are welcome to bring an instrument to games, sit with the band and pipe in. Blow the roof off of the place! 

Where are the next generations of Colonels, Hounds and Jackets?

I know the middle schools and elementary schools have their own teams and seasons, but you would think more of these students would show up to watch the big kids play, especially at Williamsburg where K-12 is in one building.

A couple of our teams have a shot at a district, and maybe even, a region title. A couple of teams are playing for pride. A couple more could go either way at this point in the season.

Whichever way they are going, they are busting their tails and deserve the support of the community. Let ‘em hear you, fans!