In this episode of Kentucky Sports Memories, learn more about Shannon Fraley, a key player in the 1986 Pulaski County High School boys’ basketball team that won the state Sweet 16 championship. Despite being considered an underdog, Pulaski County pulled off a thrilling victory, edging out the number one-ranked Pleasure Ridge Park by just two points in the championship game. While Reggie Hansen, a future University of Kentucky player, was the star of the team, it was Fraley, a fellow junior, who hit the game-winning shot late in the game.
Fraley, who grew up immersed in basketball due to his father's role as Pulaski County's head coach, shares that his early exposure to the game fueled his love for basketball. He spent countless hours in the gym and was also an avid golfer, nearly qualifying for the state tournament in high school. While he was passionate about sports, basketball was always his primary focus, and it was on the basketball court where he made his mark.
In the tense final moments of the 1986 championship game, with the score tied, Fraley seized the moment. While the team had planned to isolate Reggie Hansen for the final play, Pleasure Ridge Park's defense focused entirely on him. With time running out, Fraley decided to take control, hitting the decisive shot to secure the victory. His confidence in clutch situations stemmed from his experience as a point guard, where he was accustomed to handling pressure and controlling the flow of the game.
After high school, Fraley made the surprising decision to play college basketball at the University of Louisville, despite growing up in Kentucky's "Big Blue" country, home to many UK fans. He was influenced by Eddie Sutton's recruitment of his former high school teammate, Sean Sutton, to UK, and ultimately chose Louisville over Kentucky. Fraley reflects positively on his time at Louisville, where he learned from Coach Denny Crum, although his role was limited on the court.
Fraley's memorable championship shot remains a key part of Kentucky basketball history, and it continues to be a topic of conversation, even decades later. He often encounters fans and acquaintances who recall the 1986 Sweet 16 championship and his clutch performance, a defining moment in Pulaski County’s sports legacy.
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