Class Act

Don Estep and I were discussing the possibility of dressing Gilliam Gym up by placing large photographs of former Redhound basketball players who were named All-Americans or played pro basketball on the walls of the gymnasium.
If you look at the gym at South Laurel, they have honored their state championship squads, boys and girls, and honored coaches and players.
The Corbin High School basketball team history is one filled with outstanding accomplishments by great teams and outstanding individual accomplishments as well.
Oklahoma State named its basketball court after Eddie Sutton over the weekend. What could be more apporiate than to name the Redhounds basketball court for former Redhound coach Harry Taylor who led the Redhounds to the state tournament six consecutive years.
The players I see receiving the honor of having their pictures on the walls of Gilliam Gym are as follows:
Frank Selvy, an All-State, All-American performer, who played several years in the NBA, and holds the record today for the most points scored in a division one college game of 100 points in February of 1954.
Jerry Bird, who played at the University of Kentucky and a few years in the NBA.
Marion Cluggish, who played at the University of Kentucky and became the first University of Kentucky player to play in the NBA as a New York Knick.
Jerry Smith, a Helms foundation All-American at Furman University, who was drafted by the Detroit Pistons.
Marvin Selvy, who although was not named an All-American and did not play pro ball, set the current state high school record for consecutive made free throws of 63 in a row in 1965.
Curt Selvy, who was arguably the best high school player in the state of Kentucky as a 1947 member of the Corbin Redhounds. He later toured with the House of David, a professional team that traveled the world.
In the storied history of Corbin High School basketball, perhaps there are more players who should be considered for this honor. I welcome your response.
I would recommend careful thought, as when too many are honored, the honor tends to lose it luster.
I was very happy to see the Redhound Varsity Club honor Bobby Coleman at the recent Cumberland Falls Invitational Tournament. Mr. Coleman is truly a gentleman and it is a credit to Corbin High School for turning out such an outstanding individual. I was also glad to see Roger Newberry honored for his hard work over the years, Roger does a great job.
The Corbin Redhounds of this year won over Evarts, Knox Central and Wayne County in the last week as they continue to move toward what could be a very interesting 50th District Tournament.
Around the state, there is the move to try and have four team districts. The 50th District is one of the largest in the state with six teams.
My last year in year in high school, 1959, there were eleven schools represented in the 50th District Tournament. Corbin, Barbourville, Barbourville Rosenwald, Lynn Camp, Knox Central, St Camillus, Williamsburg, Pleasant View, Poplar Creek, Woodbine and Rockholds.
Change is inevitable and as you may have surmised, I certainly am always the last to change, but I sure enjoyed that large district concept.
They have never changed the state high school basketball tournament, it is still played with 16 regional champions regardless of the size or classification of the school, and it still draws record attendance each year.
Edwards gym stays busy with grade school and middle school games, but late at night when all the lights are out, and the gym floor finally seeks rest the ghosts of the past must fill the old place with a Frank Selvy hook shot, Jerry Smith burying a jumper from 25 feet, Jerry Bird slashing to the basket from the pivot, “Zeke” Perkins rising to the occasion against Clark County. Robert Barton snatching a rebound and Bobby Terrell racing out on the fast break.
I can see Bobby “Country” Cathers dunking the ball while playfully sitting on big Curt Selvy’s shoulders. I can see Winton Boone sinking jumper after jumper from the outside during practice as I watched with envy.
With all these thoughts dancing through my head, the old gym never gets a rest.