University Heights Academy is beginning a new era for their basketball program in the 2025-26 season.
Former Blazers’ guard Jordan Grace takes over the program, which is coming off a 9-13 season that ended with a first round loss to Christian County in the District 8 Tournament.
UHA lost three starters from last year’s team including Tylin George, who was third in the state in scoring a year ago at a 31.3 points per game clip. After a brief stop at a prep school in North Carolina, George has transferred to Adair County.
Frank Pollard Jr. also transferred out of UHA. The senior forward will play at Christian County this season. Elijah Walton, who averaged 18.9 points and 8.9 rebounds last year, graduated, and is playing at Georgetown College.
Grace said he should have plenty of help replacing the scoring of George and Walton.
Keyshawn Moore, a 5-foot-10 junior who was injured much of last year, is back at point guard for the Blazers. Despite the injury, Moore averaged 11.4 points over the final five games a year ago.
Moore, who also is an excellent defender, will be joined by returning starter Jaiden Miles, a 6-1 senior forward, and 5-10 senior guard Ryan Luckey in the starting lineup.
Freshmen Nash McAfee and Houston Quarles along with sophomore Matthew Flynn also will be counted on at the guard position.
Hayden Hunt, a 6-3 senior forward, and Thomas Hallmark, a 6-4 senior center have come out for basketball this season and will challenge for a starting position. They join junior Drew Fields, who saw significant minutes at forward a year ago, in the post.
Grace said he also is hoping freshman Nick Hickman will be able to help the team at the guard and forward positions.
The schedule will be tough for the Blazers, who are playing perennial powers South Warren, Murray, Henderson County, Louisville DeSales, McCracken County, Paducah Tilghman, Lyon County, and Owensboro Catholic in addition to District 8 opponents Hopkinsville and Christian County.
Grace also understands the importance of the All “A” Tournament to the UHA fans. He said this year’s Blazers’ team should compete for a tournament title.
Grace brought veteran coach and former Christian County High School star Ricky P’Pool on to his staff. Shannon McAfee and former Blazers’ star KyKy Tandy also will be assistant coaches.
Grace says he feels like the Blazers will surprise people with their success.
The Blazers open the season Dec. 5 at South Warren. Their first home game is scheduled for Dec. 8 against Murray.
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