The Tenth Annual Wallace “Wah Wah” Jones Award will be presented to Mason McAlarnis from Perry County Central during the 2023 Mr. and Miss Kentucky Basketball Awards Ceremony presented by the Madden Foundation on March 19th at the Lexington Griffin Gate Marriott Resort.
Nominees were submitted from across the state to the Jones family for this prestigious award for senior multi-sport athletes who excel equally in their classroom and contribute greatly to their community.” All of the nominees were very deserving, and this is always a difficult decision make each year,” said Wallace “Wah” Jones, Jr.
Mason, a senior at Perry County Central has played baseball, basketball and football during his high school career, while maintaining a weighted 4.6 GPA. A versatile right-handed pitcher on the baseball diamond, Mason has started as pitcher, first baseman, second baseman, third baseman and in the outfield during his high school baseball career and while playing for traveling teams. In his junior season he had 6 HRs, 30 walks, and 28 RBIs. Mason was named to the All-Region Team and All-Mountain Teams last season.
As a center for the Commodores on the basketball court this season Mason has helped his team to get to the District Championship. Mason also played football for two years during his high school career before having to exit due to injury.
Wallace “Wah Wah” Jones, Sr. was a two-sport All-American at the University of Kentucky, playing for legendary coaches Adolph Rupp and Bear Bryant, winning two national championships and an NIT. Jones is the only player at the University of Kentucky to have his jerseys retired in both sports. In addition to basketball and football, Jones was a pitcher with the Wildcats and a member of the UK track and field team. He won a gold medal in the 1948 Summer Olympics with Rupp’s “Fabulous Five” and the Phillip 66ers. After college Jones went on to play in the National Basketball Association with the Indianapolis Olympians. During his tremendous athletic career Jones was the image of sportsmanship and is respected throughout the world.
All sports fans are welcome to attend or view the 2023 Mr. and Miss Kentucky Basketball Awards Ceremony. To learn more about the event visit www.mrandmisskybasketball.com. For questions please email JenniferHunt@kylionseye.org or call 270-999-4887.
The 12th annual Mr. and Miss Kentucky Basketball Award Ceremony presented by The Madden Foundation serves as a fundraiser for the Kentucky Lions Eye Foundation, who has announced Mr. Kentucky Basketball since 1954 and Miss Kentucky Basketball since 1976. To learn more about KLEF’s mission and our programs and services please visit http://www.kylionseye.