I used to be a writer and scout for Norcalpreps, and this is one of the reports I published.
When Cuba Conquered Kentucky “ A Book Review”
It was 1952. A tiny rural high school of 150 , weaves it’s way thru their Sectional, Regional, and State playoffs.
There they meet up with a perennial state power with 3000 students, beating them for a state championship.
Sound familiar? No, it’s not tiny Milan Indiana high, from the movie Hoosiers. Another true story.
It’s the true story of Cuba Kentucky high school. And it was a national sensation in it’s time.
The book’s author , Marianne Walker tells of a chance encounter with a friend and is introduced to her husband, who was a player on that team.
The book opens after the team loses at the state finals, the year before, and sets the stage for what’s to follow.
Cuba Kentucky is situated in a tiny hardscrabble corner of Western Kentucky, without electricity or indoor plumbing for the most part.
It is hemmed in on three sides by rivers, with no bridge access. A place, even most Kentuckians knew nothing about.
The kids were sons of white sharecroppers , who of all things, took as their inspiration and style of play, from the Harlem Globetrotters. They would even come out warming up to Sweet Georgia Brown.
Using a fast break, pressing, and highlight style of play, they caused a sensation wherever they played.
It is the story of how a small group of kids came together in this unlikely spot, at the same time, with talent and love for the hoop.
The author is very descriptive of time and place. I found the book interesting from both a historical and sociological perspective.
Allow yourself some patience for the Author’s indulgence in her narratives.
A story like this is a history lesson in High School basketball as well as a study in people and culture.
I enjoyed this book and highly recommended it to any basketball fan, or anyone who appreciates the unlikely, when it happens.
Oh, and why is the town called Cuba? You’re just going to have to read the book for that!
Here’s wishing you great hoops
When Cuba Conquered Kentucky “ A Book Review”
It was 1952. A tiny rural high school of 150 , weaves it’s way thru their Sectional, Regional, and State playoffs.
There they meet up with a perennial state power with 3000 students, beating them for a state championship.
Sound familiar? No, it’s not tiny Milan Indiana high, from the movie Hoosiers. Another true story.
It’s the true story of Cuba Kentucky high school. And it was a national sensation in it’s time.
The book’s author , Marianne Walker tells of a chance encounter with a friend and is introduced to her husband, who was a player on that team.
The book opens after the team loses at the state finals, the year before, and sets the stage for what’s to follow.
Cuba Kentucky is situated in a tiny hardscrabble corner of Western Kentucky, without electricity or indoor plumbing for the most part.
It is hemmed in on three sides by rivers, with no bridge access. A place, even most Kentuckians knew nothing about.
The kids were sons of white sharecroppers , who of all things, took as their inspiration and style of play, from the Harlem Globetrotters. They would even come out warming up to Sweet Georgia Brown.
Using a fast break, pressing, and highlight style of play, they caused a sensation wherever they played.
It is the story of how a small group of kids came together in this unlikely spot, at the same time, with talent and love for the hoop.
The author is very descriptive of time and place. I found the book interesting from both a historical and sociological perspective.
Allow yourself some patience for the Author’s indulgence in her narratives.
A story like this is a history lesson in High School basketball as well as a study in people and culture.
I enjoyed this book and highly recommended it to any basketball fan, or anyone who appreciates the unlikely, when it happens.
Oh, and why is the town called Cuba? You’re just going to have to read the book for that!
Here’s wishing you great hoops
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