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. “Every nominee was truly worthy of recognition, and choosing just one is something that is never easy from year to year,” said Wallace “Wah” Jones, Jr.
Burnett, a senior at Bell County, has participated in baseball, basketball and football all four years of his high school career and has performed at an exceptionally high level in every role. His leadership, consistency, and competitive excellence have played a significant role in the continued success of each of the schools’ programs.
In football, Blake has been the starting quarterback and free safety for the past four years. Over his four-year career as a starter, Blake threw for nearly 4,300 yards and 48 touchdowns, with only 10 total interceptions. He also rushed 210 times for approximately 1,500 yards and an additional 24 touchdowns. Defensively, Blake recorded more than 180 tackles, five tackles for loss, forced five fumbles, and recovered four fumbles. Perhaps his most impressive statistic is his ability to create turnovers, as he finished his career tied for third in the KHSAA record books with 28 career interceptions. As the starting quarterback, Blake compiled a remarkable record of 46 wins and only nine losses. He never missed a start during his entire career and led the program to two regional championships and one state finals appearance.
On the basketball court, Blake has been a four-year leader as a starting point guard and has led the team in both scoring and rebounding the past two seasons and is currently on pace to reach 2,000 career points and 650 career rebounds.
On the baseball diamond at Bell County High School, Blake has been a key contributor during some challenging years for the program. As an eighth grader, he was called up to the varsity team and pitched in the 2A Section 7 Championship game, helping secure a victory.Over four years as a starter, Blake has accumulated 250 career strikeouts and 92 career hits, and he continues to prepare his team for a competitive district and regional championship run this season.
“Over the past four years a
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 2026 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 15th 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 www.kylionseye.