Billy Hicks, winningest Kentucky high school basketball coach, passes away

The Kentucky high school basketball community is mourning a legend. Billy Hicks, the winningest coach in Kentucky high school hoops history, passed away last night at the age of 71. According to the coroner, he died of natural causes.

The former Scott County High School coach retired in March 2019 after 39 years of coaching, 25 with the Cardinals. Hicks, a member of the Kentucky High School Basketball Hall of Fame, won 1,013 games in his career and led Scott County to 13 region titles and two state championships (1998 and 2007). According to the school, he won more Sweet 16 games than any other coach.

“To know Billy was to love Billy,” KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tacket said in a statement on social media. “The passion and intensity he instilled in his players were contagious to all of those around him. We had many conversations over the years and his legacy speaks for himself.

“Three of his great loves were Betsy and his family, fishing, and the sports of basketball. Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers go out to Betsy, his family, and all the student-athletes and communities he touched. He will be missed.”

Hicks’ death comes just days before the Billy Hicks Classic, formerly known as the Toyota Classic, tips off at Scott County and Great Crossing High School. The tournament starts tomorrow and runs through Saturday, Dec. 9.