Scottsville and Allen County have an undeniably rich history dating back to the early 1800’s. Allen County was formed in 1815 and named for Colonel John Allen, who was killed during the War of 1812. Scottsville (originally Scottville) is named in honor of Kentucky’s 4th Governor Charles Scott. He served as governor from 1808-1812. At the turn of the 19th century, Scottsville was also referred to as Allen Court House, but Scottsville was eventually decided upon as the name of the county seat. Scottsville also developed an independent school system creating Scottsville Graded and High School. Enrollment continued to increase throughout those early years and with growth came extracurricular school activities. Pointers Basketball laced up their sneakers and tipped off in 1924.
What is a Pointer? Pointers was selected as the mascot of SHS and is a specialized breed of bird dog used for hunting. The dog will freeze and “point” in the direction of the birds enabling the hunter to flush out the birds to fire their shot. Similar to our blue-collar town of Scottsville, the Pointer is bred and trained for teamwork, courage and endurance while working hand in hand with its owner.
For 50 years, the Pointers delighted students and fans with their shooting, passing and rebounding skills. Many legendary players and coaches have worn the Kelly green and white uniforms during those years. Legends like Buel Spears, Dickie White, Billy Spencer, Ernest Neil, Randall Williams, L.J. Sanders, Steve Lyles, Jerry Stamps, Ricky Starks, Larry Starks, George Bradshaw, Norris Jones, Les McDonald and Dicky Keffer were all named Kentucky All-State basketball players while at Scottsville High. Other notable players like Odie Spears, Cal Turner Sr., Jack Freeman, John Hobdy, Dick Hobdy, Braddie Mutchler, Mike Steenbergen, Mark Pitchford, Freddy Rather, Whoopie King, Jim Risinger, Kit Hancock, Bryan McGuffey, Bob Nichols, Dennis Petty, Danny Holland, John Emery, Dale Brown, Eugene Pardue and Mike Huntsman all had distinguished careers and graduated from SHS.
Other notable players played for both SHS and the consolidated ACSHS including Wallace Bridges, David Stinson, Tim Hobdy, Jeff Carter, Charles “Scooter” Starks, and Eugene Petty among others. Coaching legends like H.A. Ward, Bradford Mutchler, Ernest Neil and Lyle Dunbar roamed the sidelines for almost 700 of the programs 850 overall wins during those 50 seasons. It’s also worth noting that between 1924-1928, all games were played on an outdoor court that was located near the elementary school. The wooden framed SHS gymnasium opened in 1928 and was utilized for practices and home games until 1960. The newest SHS gymnasium was in use from 1960-1974.
The Pointers won 8 district championships and their lone regional championship in 1948. The 1948 and 1974 teams managed 29 wins, which is tied for the most in a season. For a small school with limited resources, the Pointers were successful on the hardwood with an overall record of 850-506 for a 63% winning percentage. The winningest era was 1972-1974 when the Pointers were an impressive 79-17 (82% WP) under the direction of Coach Lyle Dunbar. The Pointers won three district championships in a row during that span and finished as region runner up in 1974, the final season of basketball played at SHS. The school closed its doors forever in the Spring of 1974 and merged with Allen County High School the following school year to become Allen County-Scottsville High. The Pointers exist now only in our memories. Scottsville Pointers….gone but NEVER forgotten.
A civic pride initiative promoting Scottsville and Allen County Kentucky.
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