The Kentucky High School Basketball Hall of Fame (KHSBHF) announced its 2024 Class of Inductees on Tuesday and former Holmes standout Dicky Beal is among them.
The 1980 Holmes graduate helped lead the Bulldogs to a state runner-up finish in 1978 and the state semifinals in 1980, compiling a 92-12 record in his four years in a Holmes uniform. Beal played point guard for the Bulldogs and was the 1980 Ninth Region Player of the Year, selected to the All-State Tournament Team and named first team All-State. He was also awarded the prestigious Sweet 16 Ted Sanford Award.
He went on to play at the University of Kentucky where he played in 111 career games and tallied 301 assists, 133 of them coming his senior year where he was named the NCAA Mideast Regional Most Outstanding Player. Huge of heart and talent, Beal thrilled Kentucky fans with his electric style of play. Beal and his 1984 teammates were recently honored at Kentucky’s game against Georgia back in January.
Beal was later drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in the 1984 NBA Draft. Beal is a manufacturing business representative and lives in the Greater Cincinnati area.
The induction will be held on June 22, at the Historic State Theater in Elizabethtown.
The other 11 inductees are:
-Coach Terry Buckles, Central Hardin (1985-2009)
-Coach Ernon Simpson, Bowling Green (1970-2001)
-Coach Newton Thomas, Horse Cave Colored School (1938-56)
-Scott Hundley, Scott County (2000)
-Carolyn Alexander, Hazard (1998)
-Tim Stephens, McCreary Central (1976)
-Cecil Tuttle, Hazel Green (1960)
-Dwane Casey, Union County (1975)
-Stan Key, Calloway County (1968)
-Kim Pehtke, Doss (1988)
-Regina Ann Carroll, Russell (1979)