JJ Hylton
The greatest scorer in Belfry’s Boys Basketball history is JJ Hylton, who led his team to three consecutive 15th Regional titles and subsequent Sweet Sixteen appearances.
As a sophomore in 1990 the 6’3 Hylton was an Honorable Mention All-State player. This team beat Feds Creek 76-65 to capture the Regional title. They were defeated in the State Tournament by Clark County in the first round, by a score of 81-50. The Belfry Pirates finished the season at 25-8.
In a well-balanced 1991 15th Regional Tournament, Coach Raymond Justice, Jr., JJ Hylton, and the Pirates took home the championship once again, defeating Elkhorn City 69-65. Once again it was off to the State Tournament, where they were beaten by Greenup County 53-44 in a first-round game.
That year the Pirates completed a 26-9 season and Hylton was named a Third Team All-State player.
In his senior season Hylton and his teammates cruised through the regional tournament. The Pirates defeated Prestonsburg by 15, Pikeville by 11, and Shelby Valley in the championship game (78-63). This year they won the first round game, edging out Mayfield 70-68, but fell to Owensboro in the quarterfinals 70-63. JJ Hylton made the Sweet Sixteen All-Tournament team.
The Pirates completed another fine season with a record of 27-8. Hylton also found his name on the list of All-State First Team players.
Hylton finished his high school career as Belfry’s all-time leading scorer with 3,140 points. He took his game to Morehead, joining Kelly Wells, John Brannen, and Marty Cline (among others) to play for colorful coach Dick Fick.
