With the arrival of girl’s Basketball in the 1970’s, it took little time for the Laurel County Lady Cardinals to establish dominance. Leading the way was Coach Roy Bowling who would guide the Cardinals form 1974 through the 1989 season. During these 15 years his teams would “chalk up” 403 wins while losing only 61.…
From Kavanaugh High School where he played in two State Tournaments, Ralph Carlisle would launch a legendary coaching career at Lexington Lafayette from 1945 through 1961. As Coach of the “Generals” he accumulated 11 District titles and 6 Regional championships. In 6 State Tournament trips his teams played in 4 title games—winning three championships in…
Described as the fastest, most aggressive and competitive player of his era, Ralph Beard was the first 4-sport letterman in Louisville Male High history. From 1941 through 1945 Ralph led his Bulldogs to a 1943 State Baseball Championship, and both a State Track Championship and a State Basketball title in 1945. His burning desire to…
Playing for the Warren Central High Dragons from 1979 through 1983, Clemette Haskins proved to be one of the most versatile and talented athletes to ever grace the courts of the Commonwealth. Her accumulated totals of 2,856 points, 1,731 rebounds, 857 assists and 533 steals proved her skills as both an individual and team player…
In 27 years as head coach of the Clay County “Tigers,” Bobby Keith led his teams to 767 victories. Along the way he set a state record with 18 “Sweet Sixteen” appearances – seven of these consecutively from 1984 through 1990. In 1987 his “Tigers” took home the championship trophy by winning in front of…
Playing for the Owensboro High “Red Devils” from 1945 through 1949, Cliff Hagan broke all his high school scoring records. With great quickness, strength and a picture-perfect hook shot, the 6″4″ center led his ’49 Red Devil Team to a State Championship win over Lexington Lafayette. His title-game performance – including 41 points – is…
From humble beginnings on a Taylor County tenant farm, Clem Haskins earned his way to basketball glory. With dignity and class throughout his life, Clem proved to be a true pioneer who – along the way – opened doors for others of his race. Playing first for Campbellsville Durham in ’59 through ’61, Clem “The…
The first female high school superstar in the modern era of Kentucky High School Basketball was the high-scoring Geri Grigsby of the “McDowell High “Dare-Devils.” From 1975 through 1977, Geri amassed a three-season total of 4,385 points on her way to earning 3 First Team “All-State” honors. Her 49.8 senior season scoring average is still…
No legend looms larger in Kentucky High School sports than that of Kelly Coleman of the Wayland High “Wasps.” Playing from 1952 through 1956, the colorful “King” Kelly amassed a staggering 4,337 career points and a senior season scoring average of 46.8—all without the benefit of the 3-point shot. The two-time “All-Stater” led his “Wasps”…
Wallace “Wah-Wah” Jones is generally regarded as one of the greatest “all-around” athletes ever produced in Kentucky. Playing for the Harlan High “Green Dragons,” Wallace proved to be an “All-State” performer in basketball, football and baseball. Scoring 2,398 career points – then a national record – “Wah-Wah” was named “First-team All State” in basketball 3…
From 1963 through 1967 Jim McDaniels played high school basketball for the Allen County Patriots. With little background or experience in the sport, Jim developed quickly under the guidance of friends and coaches. By the end of his high school years, the 7-foot center had scored over 3,000 points and pulled down over 2,000 rebounds…
No Kentucky High School player of the mid-1970’s played with more athleticism and ability than the legendary Darrell Griffith of Louisville Male High. Known for his amazing jumping and dunking abilities, Darrell was both respected and feared by his opponents as he led the “Bulldogs” to 3 State Championship games including 1975 when they won…
From 1982 through 1986 no one in Kentucky played high school ball with more flair and athleticism than Rex Chapman of Owensboro Apollo High. Packing gymnasiums wherever his Eagles played, the Owensboro native excited the crowds with feats of athletic ability seldom seen on basketball courts. In his Junior season of 1985 “King Rex” led…
Added to the long list of outstanding eastern Kentucky sharp shooters and high-scorers is the name of Clay County High’s Richie Farmer. Playing for the Tigers from 1984 through 1988, Richie let his teams to an incredible 3 State Tournament Title Games during his 5 trips to the “Sweet Sixteen.” Along the way he broke…
Recognized as one of the most dominating centers in Kentucky High School history, Wes Unseld played for Louisville Seneca High from 1961 to 1964. His reputation as an outlet-passer, rebounder and defensive player is unequaled and his record totals of 72 and 88 rebounds in the ’63 and ’64 State Tournaments remain unchallenged. With 2…
Meade Memorial High School 1951 – 1955 Donnis Butcher was 6’3” guard who had an unbelievable competitive spirit. His all-around basketball skills created tremendous matchup problems for his opponents. He led his 1955 Meade Memorial team to a 32-0 record before the streak came to an end. That same year, Meade had twice beaten Hazard,…
Male High School 1944-1946 Gene Rhodes set the standard to follow for future Male High School guards. He was a tenacious, aggressive, tough player who exuded leadership skills. Rhodes was a first team all-state player in 1945 and 1946. He helped his team secure Sweet 16 appearances in 1944, 1945, and 1946. Gene was named…
Sacred Heart Academy Carly Ormerod is in a select group of players who have twice won MVP honors at the state tournament and three consecutive state championships. She was named first team all-state in 2003, 2004, and 2005 and was selected Kentucky Miss Basketball in 2005. Carly was the ultimate team player who enhanced her…
Evarts High School 1977-1980 Harlan High School 1980-1983 Corbin High School 1986-1994 Scott County High School 1994-present Coach Billy Hicks is the winningest coach in Kentucky high school basketball history with over 900 wins. He has won 11 regional titles and 2 state championships at Scott County in 1998 and 2007. His teams have set…
Fairdale High School 1977-1991 The Hardin family name is synonymous with Fairdale and Kentucky high school basketball. Stan Hardin’s dad Harry Hardin was an all-state player and coached Fairdale to its first regional championship in 1942, so it was a surprise to no one when Stan became the coach at Fairdale in 1977. His successful…