[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 45 (Thursday, March 28, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E481]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE PAINTSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL TIGERS

                                 ______


                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 28, 1996

  Mr. ROGERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 1996 Kentucky Boys 
High School basketball champions--the Paintsville High School Tigers.
  High school basketball holds a special place in the heart of every 
person in eastern Kentucky. This is especially true in the city of 
Paintsville.
  The 1995-96 Paintsville Tigers beat the odds and captured the State 
championship with hard work and determination. The Tigers began the 
year with a rigorous schedule against some of the toughest competition 
available.
  Head Coach Bill Mike Runyon and Assistant Coach David VanHoose guided 
the Tigers through a tough regular season which included Lexington 
Catholic, Harlan, and Boyd County. These regular season tests would 
prove critical in preparing the Tigers for their eventual showdown in 
Rupp Arena.
  Paintsville's road to the sweet sixteen was paved with hard-won 
victories. The Tigers defeated longtime rival Magoffin County to win 
the district crown. The two teams faced each other again in the 15th 
region final, with Paintsville winning again.
  After a trip down the Mountain Parkway to Lexington, the Tigers were 
ready to face Kentucky's best teams. Paintsville defeated Owensboro, 
Allen County-Scottsville, and Lexington Catholic to advance to the 
Saturday night final. The Tigers cruised to victory in the title game 
with a resounding defeat of Ashland.
  Paintsville's team was rich in talent and size. They were led by 
sophomore sensation J.R. VanHoose. The 6'10" center set a new, single-
game, tournament record for rebounds--breaking the old record held by 
NBA great Wes Unseld. VanHoose was also named the tournament's most 
valuable player.
  Joining VanHoose were seniors Craig and Matt Ratliff, Todd Tackett 
and Josh McKenzie completed the Tigers' primary lineup. Other members 
of the varsity squad included: Danny Scott, Kyle Adams, Josh Greiner, 
Jason Conley, Kyle Kretzer, Devon Pack, Jeremy Watkins, Mike Short, 
Mikie Burchett, Mark Grim, and Eric Addington.
  Mr. Speaker, the Paintsville Tigers have made the people of Johnson 
County and eastern Kentucky very proud. They now have their own chapter 
in Kentucky's renowned history of high school basketball.

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