UNBELIEVABLE! Legends Hall Basketball Museum opens

“Phenomenal, Amazing, Outstanding.”  Those were just a few words said by those attending the Legends Hall Basketball Museum unveiling Sunday afternoon at Clay County High School.

“This is beyond anything we could have ever imagined,” said Stephania Keith Gregory, daughter of legendary coach Bobby Keith, as tears filled her eyes looking at the 15-foot statue of her father in the lobby.

Legends Hall is the culmination of a 12-14-month project that included renovating the high school’s auditorium and gymnasium.

“Our gym addition provided ample space, and after numerous discussions with Superintendent William Sexton on how to best utilize this venue, the idea of creating a Clay County Basketball Museum was born,” said Board of Education chairman Mark Hoskins.

There were numerous accolades during the event and on social media.

“Without a doubt, it was a home run,” Superintendent William Sexton said.  “I think this is one of the best things we’ve ever done here.  I cannot thank Mark Hoskins, Mike and LaBerta White, Athletic Director Tommy Nicholson, and Kraemer Designs for making this project come to life.”

Numerous Tiger and Lady Tiger greats were in attendance and praised Legends Hall.

“This is truly exceptional,” said Russ Chadwell, a star on the ’87 state championship team.  “If you love basketball, you need to come see this.”

Clay County’s first girls’ basketball star in the ‘70s, Keta Carnahan Howard, echoed those sentiments.

“I cannot say how great this is,” she said.  “To honor our tradition in this way is simply outstanding.”

Richie Farmer, arguably the greatest player in Tiger basketball history, was astounded.

“I’m speechless,” he said.  “To see all these great players and coaches displayed speaks volumes to our tradition.  I cannot thank those who made this happen enough.”

Legendary Lady Tiger coach Donnie Gray was also moved to tears.

“This is fabulous,” he said.  “It’s just overwhelming. The board of education has outdone themselves with this.”

The board partnered with Mike and LaBerta White of the Clay Historical Society to create the venue.  White, a former Tiger player, assistant basketball coach and CCHS principal, was elated to help with the project.

“My wife LaBerta and I were honored to be asked to contribute to this project,” he said.  “Our goal was to tell the basketball story of Clay County High School.  For more than a year, this team has been involved with planning, designing, researching, soliciting memorabilia, collecting and scanning photographs, and brainstorming ideas to make this museum the best we could possibly make it.  There are more than 400 items featured in this museum that were collected from people associated with the Tiger program.  Our basketball history is on display here to be enjoyed by Clay Countians and visitors alike for many years to come.”

Upon entering the decorated doors of Bobby Keith Gymnasium, you are greeted by the legend himself.

“We utilized artificial intelligence technology to recreate Coach Keith’s voice,” Hoskins said.  “Teacher Nathan Hubbard worked hard to capture the voice and create the welcome.  He did a fabulous job!”

The museum is a self-guided walking tour with display cases by decade, showcasing the school’s history of outstanding teams, coaches, and players.  

For now, the museum will be open for viewing on game days only, but that may change.

“We are looking into the possibility of having it open on days school is not in session,” Hoskins said. 

It’s worth the trip, folks and we encourage you to come to a game and view this spectacular venue!