Bourbon County’s community grows as a new BCHS Boys Basketball coach is named

Allen Martin will take over for Derek Robinson, who stepped away from his alma mater after two seasons

 

BRITTANY WYLIE I brittanymwylie@hotmail.com

 

PARIS, KY – Courtside might look a little different this winter inside Russ Day Gymnasium at Bourbon County High School. Announced July 11th was the hire of new Boys Basketball Coach, Allen Martin. Previously coaching at his alma mater of Powell County, he brings twelve years of experience, as well as two district championships to Paris.

From assistant coaching to travel ball teams, Martin got his big break as Head Coach in 2021 for the Powell County Pirates. In his first season, he was able to lead the team to district runners-up, following the next two seasons as District 56 champs. Martin will take over for former Coach Derek Robinson, who stepped away from the position he held for the past two years, earlier this summer.

When hearing about the open position at Bourbon County, he was more than eager to apply. Being in the basketball world, he says he was aware of the tough district Bourbon is a part of and was excited and up for the challenge. Once jumping through the hoops of the hiring process and being offered the job, Martin accepted and states “that a part of growing is learning to be comfortable being uncomfortable, which is what this opportunity offers.” As an “outsider” in the community, he brings a fresh perspective and a clean slate to the team, but also faces the challenges of building relationships with athletes, parents, and fans.

Martin will inherit a Colonel basketball team that finished 13-16 a year ago. One of those wins would come against Martin’s Powell County Pirates. During that game, junior to be Noah Earlywine had 21 points and 5 rebounds, while senior to be Bradley Robinson totaled 18 points. The Colonels concluded their season with a heartbreaking loss to host Mason County in the 10th Region Tournament, after finishing as 40th District runner-up. It would, however, be Bourbon’s first appearance in the region tournament since 2019.

Hoping to earn the trust and respect of the team’s athletes this year, Martin also has long terms goals of hanging banners. Breaking it down in increments of first gaining experience through the season and then taking down rivals through the district, he believes the Colonels will be in a good position at the regional level.

According to the Colonels’ roster from last season, they will return (if everyone returns) nine of their top 10 players, as well as their top five offensive scorers, which should give the new coach a nice nucleus to work with come this fall.

In addition to coaching, Martin has correspondingly accepted a position at Bourbon County High School as the Health and PE teacher. He is accompanied to Paris with his wife and two young children and finds the importance in gaining the support of the community. He believes that when a town invests in a team and rallies around them, success follows. It’s a culture that he hopes will help him build a positive atmosphere for his players.

Already hosting open gyms at the high school, Martin is excited for what this season will hold and is hopeful for the teams’ potential. The Colonels are set to hit the hardwood on December 2nd for their first game of the season, facing off against Paul L Dunbar at home.

And, in the words of Coach Martin, “I’m thankful I’ve been given this opportunity to prove my worth and I hope I can win the hearts of this community.”