As the basketball season begins in Kentucky today, I find myself reflecting on the cherished memories high school basketball has given me throughout the years.

One standout memory takes me back to my middle school days when I was just starting to grasp the excitement of high school sports. I was part of a close-knit group of four friends, and we spent nearly every day together. One Friday, a friend's father announced that we would be taking a trip to Mason County to visit the Fieldhouse and watch a promising young player named Chris Lofton.

Growing up, my family didn't have extra money, so I had never set foot in a large arena before. The experience at the Fieldhouse was nothing short of breathtaking. The game itself was thrilling, and I was particularly impressed by a player named Commodore, as I was a point guard myself. However, it was Lofton who truly stood out, showcasing a level of talent I had never witnessed in person. I couldn't wait to watch him play every Saturday for the Wildcats! I was convinced that would happen, and I still wish it would have.

Fast forward nearly 25 years, and while we've all moved on with our lives—two of us starting families and one recently passing away—those memories remain vivid.

What is your favorite high school basketball memory?

I was raised on Kentucky high school basketball.  The start to each season now brings back memories of going to games with my grandma & grandpa, who are no longer with us, from a very early age.  And now the excitement this year of seeing my youngest dress/play varsity as a freshman and the new memories that are to be made.

My greatest memories are going to state tournaments as a family in Louisville/Lexington.  I've seen at least 1 session of the Greatest Show in Hoops in all but 2 of my 53 years (I'm not counting the covid year), my 2 boys have not missed a year yet.  Watching the whose/who of basketball before the world got to see them on the bigger stages of college/nba. The hotel stays especially if a team was at the same hotel we were.

I have so many great memories dating back to the 1960's, but I think my favorite memory is the 1988 state championship game between Ballard (Allan Houston) and Clay County (Richie Farmer) in a packed Freedom Hall.  Ballard won 88-79 despite Richie Farmer scoring 51 points (he shot 20/32 from the field).  The stuff legends are made of.

4 minutes ago, Smallhoops said:

I have so many great memories dating back to the 1960's, but I think my favorite memory is the 1988 state championship game between Ballard (Allan Houston) and Clay County (Richie Farmer) in a packed Freedom Hall.  Ballard won 88-79 despite Richie Farmer scoring 51 points (he shot 20/32 from the field).  The stuff legends are made of.

Richie backing whoever was guarding him down from halfcourt to the FT line and then rising up with the turnaround jumper.