The 9th Annual William “Mr. Wildcat” Bill Keightley Award will be presented to Alyssa Pittman from Mercer County High School during the 2026 Mr. and Miss Kentucky Basketball Awards Ceremony on March 22nd at the Lexington Griffin Gate Marriott Resort.
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.
Alyssa Pittman, a senior at Mercer County High School said, “Being a manager for Mercer County Boys Basketball has taught me so much about life. I have learned firsthand that one person simply doesn’t win the game for the whole team, every player, coach, and manager are a crucial part of every season. This team has taught me how to show up for others when they need it the most and I am proud to have a sense of reliability for my team and they know they can count on me. In the future, I will use these skills to be a supportive teammate, leader, and friend. I have learned how to uplift others, work collaboratively, and contribute to any team I’m part of.”
Alyssa has been an Honor Roll member throughout her high school career and has maintained a 3.94 GPA. She participated in the 2025 Governor’s Scholar Program and is a member of the following organizations: DECA, National Beta Club, Leadership Council, National Honors Society, Student Council and the Mercer County Youth Leadership Program. Alyssa has also contributed time as a football team manager during her high school career and volunteers with several local organizations in her community.
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 2026 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 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 http://www.kylionseye.org.