Nominations were submitted from across the state for this prestigious award which honors a Kentucky high school senior basketball team manager, who exemplifies the essence of “team player”. Someone who supports their team with passion, dedication and enthusiasm while also performing well off the court, in the classroom and in the community.
Chance Baugh, a senior at Beechwood High School said, “Being a part of the basketball program has really taught me a lot. In a basketball season you will experience so many ups and downs and being the manager for eight great years has taught me that adversity is a key to success. I have been a part of some great experiences during my time as manager and the skills I have learned over the years will stick with me forever.”
Chance has been an All “A” Honor Roll member throughout his high school career and has maintained a 3.9 GPA. Chance has played football each year in high school, has been a manager for the Beechwood baseball team for six seasons and has been a basketball and football referee for the Northern Kentucky Officials Association and the 9th Region Basketball Association. Chance has also been a member of the National Honor Society for four years, a member of the Beechwood drug free club for six years, a member of the Future Business Leaders of America for four years and was named student of the month three times during his high school career.
William “Mr. Wildcat” Bill Keightley played basketball at Kavanaugh High School in Lawrenceburg, KY where he graduated in 1944. He then attended Eastern Kentucky University until he entered the U.S. Marine Corps to serve his county in World War II.
Mr. Keightley served as the Equipment Manager for the University of Kentucky men’s basketball team from 1962 until his death in 2008. He served under coaches Adolph Rupp, Joe B. Hall, Eddie Sutton, Rick Pitino, Tubby Smith, and Billy Gillespie. Keightley was part of three NCAA Championship teams and 12 South Eastern Conference Championship teams in his 46 years of tenure.
All sports fans are welcome to attend or view the 2025 Mr. and Miss KentNucky 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 14th annual Mr. and Miss Kentucky Basketball Awards Ceremony 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.org.