Sheppard family, Laurel County basketball legends honored

LONDON, Ky. (WYMT) – Community members poured into the London-Laurel Wellness Park to honor the Sheppard family and the history of Laurel County basketball.

An area at the park located by the “Sheppard Family Basketball Courts” has plaques to honor the Sheppard family and the success each of them had in the world of basketball, from Laurel County to the NBA.

“It’s very special,” Stacy Sheppard said. “To grow up in London and live here my whole life, be surrounded here today with my friends and family and former teammates and to have this wall dedicated to our family, it’s an awesome experience.”

The area also includes plaques of the 48 teams that appeared in the Sweet 16, dating back to the 1920s.

“We’re just a community that loves each other, that loves basketball,” Stacy Sheppard said. “A lot of friendships and relationships are developed through the game of basketball. This day, all of us coming together is just very special.”

The event is a way to honor the long list of teams and people who put the county on the map.

“It’s not just me,” Reed Sheppard said. “There are so many great players and coaches that have been through, so it is just cool seeing everyone come together. This wall shows everyone, so it’s just really cool.”

The wall honors the players Reed Sheppard said he grew up watching.

“When I was a little kid, I was going to all the high school games and watching the high school players that were playing, so for me, it was cool now seeing them watch me,” he said. “I think it’s really important and just the history of basketball players that came through here is really cool.”

Along with having a plaque, the North Laurel product and current member of the Houston Rockets franchise was also named a Kentucky Colonel.

Another notable member of Laurel County basketball history which is immortalized at the London-Laurel County Wellness Park is three-time coach of the year Roy Bowling.

“It’s extra special. It’s unbelievable really,” Bowling said. “I’m blessed.”

Along with plaques to honor the county’s successful basketball history, the basketball courts at the London-Laurel County Wellness Park have been painted to represent both North and South Laurel as well as the University of Kentucky.

The celebration honoring a “hotbed for basketball” community is something Bowling hopes will continue for future generations.

“I hope it puts thought in their mind that they would like to be a part of this down the road,” Bowling said.

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