Haddix headed for Miami (Ohio) hoops

After Scott County beat Ballard to win the Sweet Sixteen championship two months ago, Rodney Haddix was right in the middle of the post-game celebration in Rupp Arena. Even though Haddix had been ruled ineligible to play his senior season for the Cards (after leading them in scoring and rebounding as a junior), he was still part of the team. “We tried to include him in everything,” Coach Billy Hicks said. “But amid all that happiness after we won, there was some degree of sadness to look at Rodney and realize what he missed out on.”

But there’s a happy ending to the Rodney Haddix story. The 6-foot-3 wing player will sign a letter of intent with Miami of Ohio today. “Rodney’s a strong, athletic kid, and as he gets better as a shooter, he’s gonna make a real good college player,” Hicks said. Haddix was also a Division I prospect in football as a wide receiver.

After the KHSAA ruled Haddix ineligible last summer because he had repeated the eighth grade, he went to Findlay Prep in Las Vegas. He played well there, averaging 17 points, but broke his foot right after Christmas. He returned to his home in Georgetown and completed his senior year of high school. Even though Haddix couldn’t play for the Cards, Hicks said he made a valuable contribution during their drive to the state championship. “He was a great supporter, a real boost to our team,” Hicks said. “Ol’ Rodney was quick to give a good halftime speech. He was a buddy to all our guys, so when he got on their tails, that got their attention. He gave some great speeches down the stretch.”

Hicks was in Las Vegas over the weekend for a Nike-sponsored coaches’ clinic. Among the speakers was UK Coach Billy Gillispie, whom Hicks said was “the best speaker there.”