Celebrating 5 years of KSM: A Reflection on Ervin Stepp's Legendary High School Basketball Career

About the Guest(s):

Ervin Stepp is a legendary high school basketball player known for his extraordinary scoring abilities. During his senior year at Phelps High School in Eastern Kentucky, he averaged nearly 54 points per game without the benefit of a three-point line, a record that still stands. He is celebrated for his consistent high scoring games and was also known for his accuracy with long-range shots. Ervin's legacy in basketball includes a unique training method his father employed, which helped enhance his shooting skills.

Episode Summary:

Join Gary Fogle as he revisits a compelling story from the early days of Kentucky Sports Memories. This episode shines a light on Ervin Stepp, a celebrated high school basketball player who made history with his record-setting scoring average. From a boy with a passion for sports and history to creating a radio show that melds these loves, Gary shares the journey of Kentucky Sports Memories, reaching over 40 stations across the state.

In his conversation with Ervin Stepp, Gary delves into what it takes to become a basketball legend. Ervin's high school scoring record remains unbroken, despite the later addition of the three-point line. Even more impressive was his practice method, using a narrower hoop crafted by his father to perfect his shooting accuracy. Learn how Stepp's astonishing performance might have been even more remarkable with a three-point line. This episode provides a rare glimpse into the world of a sports legend enduring through the ages.

Key Takeaways:

• Origins of the Show: Kentucky Sports Memories combines Gary Fogle's passion for sports and history, airing on 40 radio stations since May 2020.

• Legendary Scorer: Ervin Stepp averaged almost 54 points per game during his senior year at Phelps High School, despite no three-point line.

• Training Techniques: Ervin practiced with a smaller hoop to enhance his shooting accuracy, contributing to his success on regulation courts.

• Lasting Records: Stepp still holds multiple scoring records across all gyms he played in during high school.

• Historical Context: He remains the lone player with a two-year high school scoring average over 50 points per game, a record standing since 1980.

Notable Quotes:

• "Records, as I say, are made to be broken." — Ervin Stepp

• "A basketball rim is 18 inches in diameter. A basketball, a man's basketball, is 9 inches in diameter." — Ervin Stepp

• "My love of sports and my love of history combine for me to form this show, Kentucky Sports Memories." — Gary Fogle

• "Most of my shots were long range anyway." — Ervin Stepp

• "He thinks about 10 a game, which means he would have averaged around 64 points per game his senior year." — Gary Fogle

Join Gary Fogle as he continues to explore the stories behind the events and figures that have left a lasting mark on the world of sports in Kentucky. Listen to the full episode for an enriched understanding of Ervin Stepp’s unforgettable high school basketball career and stay tuned for more captivating episodes of Kentucky Sports Memories.