Union County's 1996 Girls' Basketball Triumph Remembered

About the Guest(s):

Alison Price was a sophomore player on the Union County High School girls' basketball team that won the Kentucky Girls' Suite 16 championship in 1996. Known for her skill on the court, Alison was a key contributor to her team's success and made the all-tournament team. Rachel Byers, another guest mentioned in the episode, played as a junior on the same team and went on to be named Kentucky's Miss Basketball. Jamie Hagedorn was the team's lone senior, contributing significantly both as a point guard and a leader, and also making the all-tournament team.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Kentucky Sports Memories, Gary Fogle dives into the rich history of the Kentucky Girls' Suite 16 basketball tournament, highlighting the scarcity of wins from Western Kentucky teams. Despite the region's talent, only a few schools have clinched the championship, with the last victory dating back to 1996 when Union County triumphed. With guest insights, this episode brings to life the challenges, camaraderie, and triumph experienced by the Union County team.

The team consisted of notable players such as Alison Price, who shared her initial intimidation but eventual triumph in the tournament, and Rachel Byers, who discussed the persistence and teamwork that led to victory. Jamie Hagedorn, the respected senior leader, reflects on the significance of their win and the warmth of community recognition that still resonates today. This episode sheds light on the athletes’ experiences, celebrating their achievements and the enduring legacy of their championship journey.

Key Takeaways:

• Only four schools from Western Kentucky have won the Kentucky Girls’ Suite 16 basketball tournament since its inception.

• The Union County team of 1996 was the last Western Kentucky team to capture the title, marking an important historical moment.

• Players like Alison Price and Rachel Byers emphasize how teamwork and long-standing friendships contributed to their success.

• Despite initial nerves, Alison Price settled into her role and made the all-tournament team during the championship.

• Community recognition and the enduring impact of their win remain significant to the players years after the championship.

Notable Quotes:

• "I felt more intimidated than anything. I even had to be pulled out of the game in the beginning." - Alison Price

• "We had a lot of consistency. I think it was just having that core group of girls who stuck with it over the years, and we just had a really good team that gelled together well." - Rachel Byers

• "You go out to your Walmart or whatever it is and you run into people and it gets discussed." - Jamie Hagedorn

• "I sprained my ankle early in the second half and kind of played injured the rest of the way." - Rachel Byers

• "We were the only girls’ team to ever, you know, go and win from Union County." - Alison Price