Pioneer Spirit: One High School's Rise from Tragedy to Glory

On October 9, 1980, Simon Kenton High School experienced a major natural gas explosion that killed one student and injured several others. One hour later an even bigger one rocked the school injuring firemen and emergency personnel on the scene. Eventually, half of the school was consumed. The students were bussed nightly to borrowed schools and the basketball team found itself trying to scrounge up places to practice until the school could be rebuilt. For them to have a moderately successful season that year would have been impressive. To go on to become the KY State Champions (the only Northern KY school to ever win before or since) and by the smallest overall margin of victory ever is truly remarkable, toppling two if the highest ranking all-stars in the nation in the process, Manuel Forrest and Todd May.

Eric Deters does an outstanding job of telling an amazing story that sports fans from all over should enjoy, especially those loving basketball from the Bluegrass State.