Gray watches grandsons start in court dedication victory

(MANCHESTER, Ky.) – Fans were treated to an all-time moment in Clay County Basketball history at Bobby Keith Gymnasium, as the court was dedicated and renamed in honor of legendary CCHS girls coach Donnie Gray. 

Following the ceremony, the Tigers defeated the visiting Harlan Green Dragons 70-32, and another incredible moment occurred.

Coach Gray was well positioned on the sideline to witness his four grandsons, Grayson Hooker, Brody Hooker, Alex Gray, and Maxton Gray, start a game and play together for an entire quarter for the Tigers. 

Grayson, a senior for the Tigers, said that starting with his brother and cousins is a night he’ll never forget. 

“I would like to thank everyone who came to the dedication, and I’d like to also thank Coach (Michael) Jones for starting all of us together on such a special night. My papaw loves the game of basketball, and I know he was pleased to see his grandkids in the starting lineup on his dedication night.”

Grayson’s younger brother Brody echoed his brother’s sentiments. 

“To start the ball game with my cousins and brother in front of Papaw was an amazing moment. For him to watch us four be on the court simultaneously and play together is something he and we will all cherish. I want to add that no man deserves to have this court named after himself more than my papaw. Thank you, Coach Jones, for allowing us this opportunity!” 

Freshman brothers Alex and Maxton smiled during the first quarter, as it was the first varsity action they had ever played together. 

“I thought it was an awesome moment for our family,” said Alex. “I would like to thank Coach Jones for the opportunity. It was great starting the game before papaw with my cousins and brothers.”

Maxton said it was a memory that will last forever for him. 

“It meant so much to start the game with my family on such a special night with Papaw there to watch. It is a memory that will last a lifetime. We enjoyed sharing the court, and papaw also enjoyed it. Thank you, Coach Jones, for allowing us to have this moment together!”

The win over Harlan was the second time the Tigers defeated the Green Dragons this season, and Clay was led in scoring by sharpshooting senior Landon Dezarn. Dezarn sank six threes on nine attempts. Aiden “Baby Bear” Wagers also added 10 points in the victory.

Landon Dezarn – 18pts; Aiden Wagers – 10pts; Jerrod Roark – nine pts; Maxton Gray – eight pts; Grayson Hooker – five pts; Ethan Jackson – five pts; Brody Hooker – four pts; Isaiah Bundy – four pts; Adon Grubb – four pts; Landon Smith – four pts; Alex Gray – one pt.