CROFT GETS 100th VICTORY
It all started when he was in 11th grade. Rocket basketball coach Jimmy Croft began envisioning himself on the Crittenden County sideline, coaching at his alma mater.

Now, he's basically ensured a place in the school's Basketball Hall of Fame.

With Tuesday night's convincing 79-41 road triumph over district rival Livingston Central, Croft captured his 100th win as Crittenden's boys' coach. He is the first Crittenden County coach to reach that milestone ­ at least during the modern era which began in 1957 when Crittenden and Marion High consolidated. Records prior to that year are incomplete.

Croft is in his eighth season as the Rocket boys' skipper, which is also the longest tenure of any Crittenden coach.

When he took over the boys' program in 1995, Croft knew there was big work ahead if he was going to turn a traditionally losing program into one that could compete for a district championship every season. From 1957 to 1995, the Rockets had recorded just 10 winning seasons and Croft was a member of one of those in 1974.

During his third year as head boys' coach, Croft guided his team to a 19-8 record and the school's first Fifth District title in decades.

After his 9-3 boys coasted to a lopsided win at Livingston, Croft was honored with a surprise ceremony to mark his 100th win. The humbled coach gave credit to his assistant coaches and dedicated players for helping turn the basketball program around.

"My 100 wins is just a big compliment and tremendous reflection on (assistants) Denis Hodge and Rob Towery. I've got awfully good help," Croft said.

Croft was proud that his son Payton, a two-year starting guard for the Rockets, had the opportunity to be on the floor when dad reached this particular milestone.

On the floor, there was never really any hint that the Rockets would delay their coach's triple-digit win despite some periodic sloppy play in the first half. The Rockets outscored their winless opponents 29-10 in the fourth period to make it a blowout.

With the victory, Crittenden (9-3, 5-0) continues in the driver's seat in the Fifth District race.
Tim Hill led all scorers with 19 points. Nick Parker added 18 and the Cody Hunt had a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.