[KColley]

From 1990 to 2005 in NEKY land, I would put Lawrence County’s Gerad Parker at the top of the list. Standout wide receiver who is arguably the best athlete in that school’s history. Nightly double-double threat on hardwood. Started at wide receiver at UK.

Over last 10 years in NEKY, the two best have been/were West Carter’s Ben Jordan and Greenup County’s Gage Hughes. Gage played middle infield on what was the No. 1 ranked team in the county by USA Today from a high school baseball standpoint and scored well over 1,000 points in basketball, committed to Cincinnati before turning that down after being drafted by the Kansas City Royals baseball organization. Gage’s aunt, Amy, was offered a full ride to Connecticut to play women’s basketball before transferring to Xavier and now coaches at Portsmouth (Ohio) where she won 2025 Division V State Championship with Gage and Mike Hughes (Amy’s father and Gage’s grandfather) assisting on staff.

Ben was an absolute specimen, 6-9, 220 who had a fastball that could touch 96. Scored over 1,000 points in basketball. Ranked as the No. 1 player in the state in his class at one time, above Jo Adell (LAA) and Joe Boyle (TB) who are currently playing in the major leagues. Played in Perfect Game All-American Game and Under Armour Showcase at Wrigley Field and PETCO Park.

Could’ve gone full-ride D-I in both sports no doubt in my mind, ultimately signed to play baseball at Kentucky and later walked on to the men’s basketball team while playing baseball.

As great as an athlete as he was, Ben was a much better person and he would rather be known for his fishing or hunting exploits than anything else. We miss you Ben!