Story and photo by Crittenden County High School
When the Rockets hit the hardwood next season, a Marshall County standout will be at the helm. Crittenden County High School has named D.J. Pigg as its next high school boys basketball coach.
Pigg, a Marshall County graduate, played four years of varsity basketball for the Marshalls, as well as seven years of high school golf. Since 2018, Pigg has been involved with coaching at various levels in Graves County, including 8th grade, 9th grade, and junior varsity. Athletics, particularly basketball, has been a focal point for Pigg. “Basketball has been a common thread in our family for generations,” said Pigg, “and the love of the game was instilled in me early.”
When he and his team take the court next season, he will have the full support of outgoing head coach, Denis Hodge, a Crittenden County basketball fixture since the early 1990s. Hodge had high praise for Pigg, noting his extensive knowledge and influence from some of western Kentucky’s top coaches. “D.J. has been around basketball his entire life,” said Hodge, “and he has been connected to some tremendously good coaches. He comes highly recommended, and I have no doubt that he will bring extensive energy and knowledge to the program. I’m very excited for this opportunity.”
Pigg says that while he holds very ambitious goals for Crittenden County’s basketball program, his first priority is to prepare young men to be great people long after their high school athletic careers have ended. “I want them to be great sons, brothers, husbands, and fathers,” said Pigg. “I hope to instill habits of hard work, accountability, competitiveness, teamwork, and, most importantly, loving others.”
Bryan Qualls, Crittenden County Athletic Director, added that one of Pigg’s strengths is the interpersonal connections he develops with players. “He is great with individual improvement,” said Qualls, “and bringing out the best in his players.”
A graduate of Murray State University, Pigg holds a bachelor’s degree in middle school education with a certification in English Language Arts. Since January, he has taught at Graves County Middle School. He will join the Crittenden County’s teaching staff as a language arts teacher next fall, as well. Pigg says he is excited to get started and begin his tenure in Crittenden County. “I believe there is a very bright future ahead for our Rockets and the basketball program,” he said, “and I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of it.”