LONDON — The second annual Lisa Collins Classic will tip-off Friday at South Laurel High School, honoring Collins, a star basketball player for Laurel County High School’s girls’ basketball team, and the University of Kentucky’s women’s basketball team, who passed away this past year.
South Laurel, Southwestern, Frankfort, West Jessamine, Pineville, Mercer County, Wayne County, Harlan, Danville, Jackson County and Ballard will be participating in the event.
“We hope this is something that really takes off and just a small way to honor such a Laurel County legend in Lisa Collins,” South Laurel coach Chris Souder said. “I said last year, I’m just sad me and my team didn’t get a chance to meet her, but after listening to former Laurel County and former Lady Kat players, it isn’t hard to realize what she meant to anyone that was around her.
“She embodied what it meant to be a Lady Card and a Lady Kat,” he added. “With all the accolades that came her way, she was so humble and a team first player. What all us coaches try and preach to every team we coach. We are just proud we have the opportunity to honor her legacy and if just a little rubs off on any of these young ladies from any team involved then this event is a def success. We encourage all former players, cheerleaders, coaches and fans to come help celebrate her legacy.”
Collins led Laurel County to three consecutive girls’ Sweet Sixteen titles from 1977-to 1979, and was among the final 18 inductees into the Kentucky High School Basketball Hall of Fame centennial class in 2017.
While at Laurel County, Collins helped lead the Lady Cardinals to three straight state titles and a 124-9 record. Her final team lost to Pulaski County in the region finals in 1980.
As a freshman, her two free throws in the final seconds of the 1977 Kentucky High School State Tournament gave Laurel County its first state title. She was named to the All-American First Team by Parade Magazine in 1980. She finished with 1,840 career points, 385 assists, and 401 rebounds.
After high school, she played for the University of Kentucky where she graduated in 1984. She was inducted into the first class of the Laurel County Sports Hall of Fame in 1994.
Lisa Collins Classic Schedule
At South Laurel High School
Friday, December 1
6 p.m. Southwestern vs. Frankfort
8 p.m. South Laurel vs. West Jessamine
Saturday, December 2
11 a.m. Pineville vs. Mercer County
1 p.m. Wayne County vs. Harlan
3 p.m. Danville vs. Jackson County
5 p.m. West Jessamine vs Southwestern
7 p.m. Ballard vs South Laurel
