The 2009-10 high school basketball season marks the 25th anniversary of a historical basketball run by the Boone County Rebels. The 1984-85 Boone County basketball team was led by junior David Dinn and a talented roster who were returning from a successful season the year before. The team, coached by Jay Mulcahy, came into the season as an underdog to defend their 33rd District title and make it to the Sweet Sixteen in Rupp Arena.
The 1984-85 Rebels played well throughout the season. David Dinn's scoring and dunking made the team exciting to watch. Jeff Tierney also made a huge contribution to the team's success averaging 15 points a game and leading Northern Kentucky with 8 assists per game. As the season progressed, Boone County fans knew that something special was taking place. The Rebels cruised through their district championship games, defeating Dixie, Conner and Lloyd.
The Rebels would go on to defeat Beechwood in a low scoring game 47-35 to begin the regionals. A win over Campbell County in hostile territory 67-59 led to a regional finals matchup with Newport. The game against Newport would prove to be a classic. The score was 51-50 in Newport's favor with 8 seconds left on the game clock. Senior Jim Samuels was fouled and went to the line to try two crucial free throws. As the gym fell silent, Samuels hit the first to tie the game at 51-51. The second shot went in as well, handing the Rebels a 52-51 victory and a trip to the Sweet Sixteen in Lexington at Rupp Arena.
All of Boone County High School and the city of Florence was caught up in the fever of the team's trip to Lexington and the Sweet Sixteen. Donning their "Slam Master Dinn" t-shirts, fans were anxious to make their way to Lexington to root on this historical Boone County team. The school and the city caught Boone County basketball fever and six pep buses rolled off the Boone County High School campus to carry the many fans to the game at Rupp Arena. Nearly 3500 Boone County fans made the trip to Lexington to see the Rebels take on Clay County in the opening round of the Sweet Sixteen. Clay County was a highly ranked opponent and proved to be too much for the Cinderella Rebels team. Playing a team that included the likes of future Kentucky Wildcats legend Richie Farmer, Boone County was knocked out in the first round 60-49. The team kept the game close all the way but the higher ranked Clay County team pulled away at the end of the game.
Despite the first round loss, this team went down in history as one of the most successful, beloved and memorable teams in the history of Boone County sports. It is hard to believe that it has been nearly 25 years since this magical run to the Sweet Sixteen. For those who were there to experience the excitement of that magical season, the memories will last a lifetime.
Get your hands on a piece of Boone County Basketball History
As the 1984-85 Boone County Rebels were preparing to take on Clay County in the Sweet Sixteen in Lexington, the school was going crazy with Rebel Spirit. Wearing your favorite Boone County shirt hit an all-time level of popularity during the team's historic season. To celebrate the team's trip to Lexington, the art department at Boone County created a t-shirt design to commemorate the team's success. The t-shirt featured star player David Dinn and used a take on a popular musical theme from the era to capture the spirit of the team and the school. The "Slam Master Dinn and the Furious Four Alive in '85" shirt could be seen all around the school. The shirts were printed right there in the art department at the school and proved to be a popular item from that spectacular season. Developed from the original piece of art used to create the original design back in 1985, the Florence Ky Online store has recreated this classic piece of Boone County sports history. A replica version of this classic t-shirt is now available at the Florence Ky Online store. You can travel back in time and celebrate the 25th anniversary of this great accomplishment by wearing this classic t-shirt celebrating a great moment in Boone County sports history.
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