Kentucky basketball has been fortunate to have some unbelievable hometown stars and kids, but none fit the bill quite like Harlan County native Trent Noah, who is playing and doing things for his hometown that many dream about.
So many Kentucky heroes have donned the blue and white, and one particular name from Harlan that will ring a bell is Cawood Ledford, a play-by-play announcer for Kentucky for 39 years. Wallace “Wah Wah” Jones is another notable name.
Trent Noah has put himself in some great company. During his four years at Harlan, Noah put in the heart and effort, working hard and accomplishing many things. During his senior season, he averaged 29.9 points per game on 56% shooting from the field. Additionally, Noah was named the 13th Region Player of the Year.
What a story and what an opportunity Noah has a chance to become, and even more than just another name in the Harlan County record books. He has the chance to shine at Kentucky, not only as a star but also on one of the biggest stages in all of sports—pretty special indeed.
Many offers came from Noah’s way while he was playing high school basketball at Harlan, with schools such as Marshall, South Carolina, Stanford, Seton Hall, Western Kentucky, Richmond, Saint Louis, Dayton, and Butler showing interest. Ultimately, he chose South Carolina, selecting an SEC school.
South Carolina lands 2024 hoops commitment from Trent Noah
Trent Noah granted release, decommits from South Carolina
Trent Noah commits to Kentucky Wildcats Basketball – A Sea Of Blue
The moment Mark Pope landed at Kentucky, the opportunity was there. As Mark Pope says, “He understands the assignment,” and over the years, many Kentucky kids have come through the doors at Rupp Arena. This is no exception. With Mark Pope at the helm, he recognizes what it means to put on the jersey and sees those Kentucky homegrown kids doing the same.
Noah is a fan favorite, and he also gets to play alongside Travis Perry, who played for Lyon County High School. The two of them met last year in the state championship game at Rupp, making their connection even more exciting for fans.
In his high school career, he racked up 3,707 points, which is the fifth highest in KHSAA history.
As kids, we all spent time outside on our basketball goals, pretending to be Jamal Mashburn, Tony Delk, Rex Chapman, or Jack “Goose” Givens. Yet, while many of us dream of it, only a few get the chance to live that dream and turn it into reality. Trent Noah is one of those fortunate ones, and he’s making the most of his opportunities.
The moment the 6-foot-6 Baxter, Kentucky native from Harlan County walked onto the floor, it was clear to everyone that he had the potential and greatness within him. I’ve watched him throughout his career in the 13th region and followed his journey, and it’s evident that he has something special.
As fans cheer and wish him the best, the moment is right before him. Many, including myself, never expected that in his first season at Kentucky, he would make such a significant impact at this level. It’s truly amazing and speaks to his greatness, especially for someone from Kentucky, particularly from the steep hills of Eastern Kentucky.
Trent Noah’s energy, love for the game, and dedication to his family and hometown are all evident in who he is as a person. The opportunity to experience his journey for possibly four more years at one of the biggest stages in college basketball is truly special, even for me.
The “Mountain Mamba” enough said.
For more Kentucky basketball coverage, click here. Kentucky Triumph Over Tennessee In Season Sweep – Stadium Rant
Subscribe to College SportsCast for fun, original college sports shows. Do not miss our weekly Big Blue HoopsCast Show for more Kentucky basketball recaps, previews, and analysis.
If you love sports, download Stadium Rant from the Apple App Store and join one of the fastest-growing social sports communities. Be sure to follow us on socials too — you can find all our profiles on our Linktree.
