(2-6-23) For the first time in over 50 years, a high school basketball game was played at the Wayland (Kentucky) Gym on Saturday night.

Floyd Central (taking the court as Wayland) handed Knott Central (taking the court as Hindman) a 53-42 loss. Ronnie Sammons with 21 points and 7 rebounds for the Wasps.

The Old Wayland Gym is one of three in the mountains to be recognized by the Kentucky High School Basketball Hall of Fame’s Glory Road Project, the others being Old Hindman Gym and the Prestonsburg Fieldhouse.

What is the Glory Road project?

The Kentucky High School Basketball Hall of Fame is proud to announce its 2023 “Glory Road” project. This project will recognize and honort h e many gymnasiums across Kentucky that have historical significance in the development of the cultural phenomenon of Kentucky High School basketball.

Organizers hope to make Saturday’s throw back game an annual event, and even hope to host tournaments at Wayland.

About the Wayland Gym

The historic Wayland Gym built in 1937, is the palace of “King” Kelly Coleman, Kentucky’s first Mr Basketball, 1956, of whom Adolf Rupp declared: Coleman is –

” The greatest high school player who ever lived.”

The King scored 4,263 points in 127 games for a 33.6 per game mark in his four-year career at Wayland High School.

ESPN came to Wayland to interview Kelly Coleman. The film crew wanted to conduct the interview in a place that had some significance in Kelly’s life. Immediately Kelly suggested a place he still holds dear, the vintage Wayland Gym. ESPN granted Kelly’s request. Wayland hosted 3 District Championships in 1938,1944, and 1953.

Also to be honored during the ‘Glory Road Project’ –

Prestonsburg High School gymnasium, known as Prestonsburg Field House, was opened January 1958. The Field House instantly became a centerpiece to host regional, district, and the Floyd County preseason tournaments due to the size and capacity of 4,000.

The Field House has hosted numerous events including 21 regional tournaments, 27 district tournaments, over 30 preseason tournaments, district and regional volleyball, and district and regional cheer and dance events.

January 21st, 2023

  • Special thanks to WYMT’s John Lowe for the great highlights he tweeted
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