In a thrilling showdown at Rupp Arena, Taylor County fell to Grayson County with a score of 73-64 in the UK HealthCare Boys’ Basketball Sweet 16®. Among the fervent supporters were two legendary figures: Clem and Merion Haskins, both proudly sporting Taylor County red. These Campbellsville natives have a storied history with Taylor County basketball, and their presence was a testament to their enduring connection to the game.
Merion Haskins, who ranks fifth on Taylor’s all-time scoring list with 1,761 points, had an illustrious collegiate career at Kentucky from 1973-77. Notably, he and Larry Johnson were trailblazers as the second and third African American players recruited by UK coach Joe B.
Hall. They played pivotal roles on the 1975 team that reached the national championship game, only to fall to UCLA.
Clem Haskins, on the other hand, broke barriers as Taylor County High School's first African-American student, leading the basketball team to the state tournament. His talents took him to Western Kentucky University, where he became a three-time All-American and propelled Western to the 1966 NCAA Tournament.
His NBA career spanned nine years, during which he amassed 8,743 points before knee injuries led to his retirement in 1976. Clem's coaching career was equally impressive, becoming Western’s first African-American head coach in 1980 and later guiding the University of Minnesota to the 1997 Final Four.
During the game, Clem pointed out Bryten Close, a formidable 6-foot-6, 300-pound center, who’s committed to play football at Louisville. A top 10 player in Kentucky’s 2026 recruiting class, Close is known for his dual-threat capabilities on the field, contributing to Taylor's 7-4 record last year with 31 tackles and aiding in a 2,200-yard rushing season. Clem praised Close's footwork and potential NFL future, citing his remarkable athleticism and agility.
Close certainly made his presence felt on the court, scoring 13 points on 6-for-11 shooting, along with nine rebounds, four assists, and a block in 27 minutes. His versatility was on full display, seamlessly alternating between finesse and power moves, just as Clem had anticipated.
Merion, meanwhile, highlighted sophomore guard Cooper Stone's performance. Stone dazzled with 25 points, shooting 9-for-19 from the field and a perfect 5-for-5 from the line.
He also chipped in five rebounds, an assist, and a steal. Merion sees a bright future for Stone, predicting a Division I trajectory thanks to his sharpshooting and high basketball IQ.
With the Haskins brothers watching closely, Taylor County's stars shone brightly, offering a glimpse of the promising talent that lies ahead.