The 13th Annual Wallace “Wah Wah” Jones Award will be presented to Blake Burnett from Bell County High School during the 2026 Mr. and Miss Kentucky Basketball Awards Ceremony on March 22nd 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. “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 at Bell County High School, Blake Burnett has been the name fans consistently mention when discussing the “Big 3” sports in our athletic programs. He has been a four-year starter and leader for our football, basketball, and baseball teams,” said his football coach, Trey Harbin.

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.

The 12th Annual Donna L.J. Murphy Award will be presented to Teigh Yeast of George Rogers Clark 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 standout female senior basketball player who exemplifies the meaning of being a great student athlete.  “Every year, I’m amazed by the level of talent and character in Kentucky’s girls’ basketball programs. The nominees are all incredibly gifted young women, which makes selecting only one a real challenge,” said Donna Murphy.

Teigh Yeast, a distinguished senior at George Rogers Clark, exemplifies excellence both on and off the basketball court. She has scored 1,700+ career points and has been a key player behind two 10th Region championship teams and a Kentucky State Runner-Up team. “In the biggest moments, on the biggest stages, Teigh consistently delivers — leading with poise, confidence, and a competitive fire,” said Coach Robbie Graham.

On top of her tremendous basketball career, Teigh is also a nine-time Kentucky state champion in track and plays volleyball as well. Her speed, toughness, and mental focus translate seamlessly between sports and set her apart from her peers.  Academically, Teigh is just as impressive. She carries a 4.0+ GPA, demonstrating the same commitment to excellence in the classroom that she shows in competition. According to her coach and teachers, Teigh is a model student — organized, driven, and self-motivated — proving that elite athletics and elite academics can go hand in hand. As a teammate and leader, Teigh elevates everyone around her. She is coachable, selfless, and respected by teammates and coaches alike. She leads vocally when needed, leads by example always, and brings a calm confidence that steadies a team in pressure situations. Her work ethic sets the standard in practice, and her character sets the tone in the locker room.

Looking ahead, Teigh has committed to playing basketball for Robert Morris University and plans to study nursing and work in the healthcare field after graduation. Reflecting on her experiences, Teigh acknowledges that basketball has taught her how to handle pressure, manage stress, and remain focused during high-stakes moments, all of which will directly translate to the demands of nursing in her future career.

Donna L.J. Murphy played basketball at Newport High School from 1972-76 and went on to become an All-American.  During her senior year she was named Kentucky’s first Miss Basketball in 1976, averaging 35 points and 20 rebounds.  She was awarded the Ted Sanford Award for being named the MVP of the 1975 Kentucky state tournament after she scored 67 points and grabbed 50 rebounds in two games.

More than a great high school basketball player, Murphy was also the State AA high jump champion in 1974 and named All-region in volleyball before graduating fifth in her class. As a highly recruited student-athlete, she chose to attend Morehead State University and graduated magna cum laude twice, and holds a BA, Communications/Journalism and a MHE, Counseling credentials. Murphy is a retired KCTCS professor/counselor, and works part-time with the University of Kentucky’s College of Education.

Murphy remains a highly decorated high school and college student-athlete and a member of eleven Hall of Fames, including the Kentucky Basketball Hall of Fame. Murphy was also the first female student-athlete to have her jersey retired at Morehead State University and Newport High School. She was the first forward drafted in the Women’s Professional Basketball League in 1980 and went on to play for the St. Louis Streak.  After her playing career she transitioned to coaching. She has held coaching positions at the collegiate level and also coached Pro-Am, high school, middle school, AAU and Exposure basketball. 

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 http://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.org.

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.