What is the definition of a great coach? If you ask the Kentucky Association Basketball Coaches (KABC) who the greatest coach in the 14th region is their answer would be, Kyle Lively. The KABC has named Lively the 14th Region Coach of the Year, for the 2007 basketball season.

Lively, as many may remember was the coach for the Jackson City boys basketball team in 2006.

As you walk into J.B. Goff Gymnasium you can see the accomplishments he and the team he coached achieved in 2006. Not only did they become the 55th District Champs, they also were proclaimed the 14th Region Runner-Ups.

The two goals he had set in mind for the Tigers last year were achieved and is why he was named the 14th Region Coach of the Year in 2006 from the Kentucky Coaches’ Association.

Lively made the move to Powell Co. in 2006 and became the coach of the Powell Co. Pirates. He graduated 11 seniors this year and returns two players that started at one time or another and saw a lot of playing time. One of his returning players is Daniel Kiser. Kiser was named the MVP of the 56th district this year. He also returns Jeremy Banks a forward and 2 year starter. Lively feels good about his returning two members and says he also has a good core of young players moving up from JV to Varsity.

Lively received a letter from the KABC this year informing him that he was this years 14th Region Coach of the year. “Honestly, it’s kind of surreal. I remember reading this year’s letter 3 or 4 times to make sure I was comprehending it correctly,” said Lively, “It’s a great honor to be recognized by my peers. The Coaches of the 14th Region have been very kind to me and for that I thank them.”

Lively is very appreciative to his players, he knows it’s thanks to them that he is where he is today. He and his players always seem to gel very well together, they respect one another and that is so important to have in a team. “I have also been fortunate to have had great young men to coach. Without these players and their hardwork neither of these awards would have been possible. They are really the ones that deserve the recognition and opportunity to walk across the floor at Rupp.”

Lively made it to the Sweet Sixteen in 1996, now he is going back with this honor. He considers going as a player and going back as Coach of the year great milestones in his basketball life, just different legs of the race.

“Making it to the state tournament as a player is one of my greatest basketball moments but getting there as a coach would likely be my most rewarding. I think every Coach dreams of making it to the Sweet Sixteen and I’m certainly no exception. Getting there as a coach and a player are both different aspirations for different aspects of my life. I just hope I’m fortunate enough to get there so I can give a more accurate comparison of the two.”

Congratulations Kyle Lively on these two prestigious awards.

Kyle Lively will be announced as the 14th Region Coach of the year by the KABC at the Sweet Sixteen tournament.