News Summary

Three former athletes, Hardin McLane, Don Parson, and Natalie Powers, will be inducted into the Kentucky High School Basketball Hall of Fame on September 6, 2025. Their remarkable contributions as players and coaches have left a lasting impact on the sport in Kentucky. The ceremony celebrates their legacies and honors the vibrant culture of high school basketball in the Bluegrass State, creating excitement within the community.

Exciting Times Ahead for Kentucky High School Basketball Legends!

Bowling Green, Kentucky – Mark your calendars, because September 6, 2025, is going to be a night to remember for three incredible former athletes who are making their mark in the world of Kentucky high school basketball. Hardin McLane, Don Parson, and Natalie Powers have all been chosen for induction into the Kentucky High School Basketball Hall of Fame (KHSBHF). This prestigious honor recognizes their significant contributions to the game, both as outstanding players and dedicated coaches.

A Glance at the Hall of Fame

Since the Hall of Fame opened its doors in 2012, a total of 181 notable individuals have been inducted. Their mission is simple yet powerful: to promote the vibrant culture and rich traditions of high school basketball throughout the Bluegrass State. With a focus on honoring those who have made remarkable impacts on the court, it’s no wonder that this ceremony is highly anticipated every year.

Hardin McLane – From Student Manager to Coaching Success

Coming in hot from Elizabethtown, Hardin McLane’s journey began as a student manager for the WKU Men’s Basketball team from 1953 to 1956. Just imagine being part of that memorable 1953-54 season, where the team crushed it with a 29-3 record, snatched the OVC Championship, and made it all the way to the NIT semifinals! But Hardin didn’t stop there. He took his talents to the high school level, coaching at Elizabethtown Catholic High School for a decade, boasting an impressive overall winning rate of 76.7%.

His coaching highlighted four Sweet 16 state tournament appearances and a thrilling championship win in the 1961 Louisville Invitational Tournament. Later, he even led the Kentucky All-Star Team to victory over Indiana in 1968! After his coaching days, he didn’t stray far from basketball, becoming a familiar voice as a basketball analyst for nine years, covering the Sweet 16.

Don Parson – The Guard Who Left His Mark

Next up is Don Parson from Lily, Kentucky. This multi-talented athlete played as a guard for the WKU Men’s Basketball team from 1957 to 1960. He had the good fortune of being coached by the legendary E.A. Diddle, and during his time, he helped the team achieve coach Diddle’s 700th career win in 1959. Averaging 11.0 points, 2.8 rebounds per game, and a 45% field goal percentage, he was undoubtedly a key player in his team’s successes.

After his playing days, Don went on to coach for a whopping 38 years. He started at Calhoun High School before moving to Madisonville High School in 1967. Don’s impressive coaching record includes 706 wins and seven regional titles. Notably, his 1984 Madisonville team achieved a stellar record of 32-2, only falling short to the eventual state champion by just two points. He is celebrated as the 11th winningest coach in Kentucky history.

Natalie Powers – A Lady Topper Legend

Last but certainly not least, we have Natalie Powers, now known as Natalie Payne. Hailing from Owensboro, she played for the Lady Topper Basketball team from 1998 to 2002. Her contributions to women’s basketball have not gone unnoticed; she was inducted into the WKU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2023 and made the Sun Belt Conference All-Time Team in 2006!

Powers racked up a staggering 1,641 career points, earning her the title of one of WKU’s finest scorers. She holds records for making 168 three-pointers and maintains an astonishing 83.4% free throw shooting percentage. During her record-breaking 2001 season, she scored 736 points—a figure that ranks among the best in history. Through her hard work, she led her high school team to three consecutive regional titles and seized the spotlight as a two-time All-State performer!

The Future Looks Bright!

As these three legends are set to be honored in 2025, the Kentucky basketball community gears up for an event full of nostalgia, pride, and celebration. The induction ceremony serves not just as recognition for individuals, but as a reminder of the unity and passion that basketball brings to Kentucky.

So let’s cheer on Hardin, Don, and Natalie as they take their place among Kentucky basketball greats! Who knows? Maybe we’ll see their stories inspiring the next generation of athletes to dream big and reach for the stars on and off the court.

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