Kentucky, September 27, 2025
News Summary
The Scholastic Ball Report, a revered showcase of Kentucky high school sports, aired its final episode, ending a 23-year legacy of highlighting athletic achievements in the region. Co-founded by Gary Ball, the show produced over 700 episodes and featured more than 2,100 interviews with athletes and coaches. The last episode included tributes from former interns and highlighted the program’s significant impact on participants and their communities. Moving forward, Gary Ball plans to continue supporting high school sports through commentary and broadcasts.
Kentucky’s Scholastic Ball Report Signs Off After 23 Years of Showcasing High School Athletics
The “Scholastic Ball Report” (SBR), a cherished television show highlighting Kentucky high school sports, aired its final episode on CWKYT at 1 p.m. on Sunday. This landmark broadcast concluded over two decades of dedicated coverage, during which SBR produced more than 700 episodes and conducted over 2,100 interviews with high school athletes and coaches statewide.
Founded in 2003, the program has served as an essential platform for high school sports, providing opportunities for over 100 high school student interns in both front and back production roles. It has played a pivotal role in promoting athletic achievement and academic focus among young athletes in Kentucky.
Hall of Fame broadcaster Gary Ball, who co-created and co-hosted the show, expressed pride in the program’s contribution to high school athletics, emphasizing its significance for the students and communities involved. Even as Ball faced challenges, including recovering from a stroke in 2020, he continued to host the show with the support of his wife, Brigid DeVries, who also served as the executive producer. DeVries is a former Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) commissioner.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, SBR’s format included in-studio appearances by students, coaches, and teams. However, in response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, the show pivoted to conducting interviews via video calls, ensuring that it remained connected to its audience throughout this period.
The final episode revisited some of the most memorable moments from the show’s history and showcased interviews with legendary coaches. It also included tributes from former interns, underlining the profound impact of SBR on their career paths. Notable former interns with successful careers include Spectrum News anchor Mario Anderson and social media influencer Parker Pannell.
The inception of SBR came about when Gary Ball and Louis Stout pitched the concept to former WKYT general manager Wayne Martin, who recognized the importance of promoting high school sports across the state and supported the initiative. Current KHSAA commissioner Julian Tackett praised SBR for its unwavering commitment to spotlighting athletes who might not have otherwise received recognition while maintaining an emphasis on academic excellence and participation in sports.
The final episode also served as a tribute to the dedication and heart that Gary Ball brought to SBR throughout the years. Looking ahead, Ball plans to remain active in sports, specifically calling high school football games for PrepSpin.com. These games will also be available on WKYT’s sub-channels and the WKYT+ app, ensuring that the emphasis on high school athletics continues in another format.
For those who wish to relive the final episode, it remains available for streaming on WKYT’s YouTube channel and its SBR Facebook page, offering a farewell that resonates with the show’s longstanding audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Scholastic Ball Report?
The Scholastic Ball Report was a television show dedicated to covering high school sports in Kentucky, featuring interviews with athletes and coaches.
When did the Scholastic Ball Report air its final episode?
The final episode aired on Sunday at 1 p.m. on CWKYT.
How many episodes did the Scholastic Ball Report produce during its run?
The Scholars Ball Report produced more than 700 episodes and conducted over 2,100 interviews with high school athletes and coaches.
What will Gary Ball do after the Scholastic Ball Report?
Gary Ball plans to continue working in sports by calling high school football games for PrepSpin.com and airing them on WKYT’s sub-channels and the WKYT+ app.
Key Features of the Scholastic Ball Report
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Years Airing | From 2003 to 2023 |
| Total Episodes | More than 700 episodes |
| Total Interviews | Over 2,100 interviews conducted |
| Student Internships | Over 100 student interns had opportunities in production roles |
| Notable Alumni | Mario Anderson, Parker Pannell |
| Final Episode Features | Memorable moments, tributes from former interns, interviews with coaches |
| Future Plans for Gary Ball | Calling high school football games for PrepSpin.com |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Kentucky High School Basketball Introduces Shot Clock
Kentucky Football Player Arrested on Sexual Abuse Charges
Kentucky Volleyball Dominates Georgia in SEC Match
Multiple Charges Against McCracken County Deputy Jailer
Kentucky Wildcats Football Unveils SEC Schedule for Future Seasons
Kentucky High School Football Rankings Released
Kentucky High School Football Rankings Revealed
University of Kentucky Proposes New Holding Company for Athletics
Lexington Event Provides Support for Families Affected by Gun Violence
Scott County High School Graduate to Star in Opera Production
Additional Resources
- Kentucky High School Athletics Coverage
- Wikipedia: High School Sports
- High School Sports News Article
- Google Search: High School Athletics in Kentucky
- Kentucky High School Sports Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Sports
- Report on Scholastic Ball Show Conclusion
- Google News: Kentucky High School Athletics
- Kentucky High School Sports Review
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
