by LARRY VAUGHT
Probably not many Kentucky fans expected freshmen Travis Perry and Trent Noah to play significant minutes for UK in key games this season. Many probably hoped that might happen but didn’t believe it would until injuries decimated UK’s backcourt.
Perry finished his prep career at Lyon County as the state’s all-time leading scorer. Noah finished at Harlan County as the fifth all-time leading scorer.
“He’s been a guy that’s been consistent for us. Everybody on the team knew that whenever he got his shot, he was going to make the most of it. He has consistently done that,” Perry said about Noah. “Every time he comes in, he provides a spark in some way, whether it’s making a three, grabbing a couple of big boards.
“He’s been a guy that doesn’t really hang his head on whether he’s playing 20 minutes or playing zero minutes. He comes in consistently with the same effort, attitude, energy, passion for the game.”
The two guards played against each in the 2024 state high school championship game when Lyon beat Harlan but are enjoying being teammates on coach Mark Pope’s team.
“It’s been awesome. Trent plays fearless, he plays free out there, and that’s all you can ask for from a guy,” Perry said.. He plays hard, harder than probably anybody on the floor at all times. He just plays a great game of basketball. It’s fun to watch. He’s fun to play with.
“For me, it’s really cool. I’ve kind of grown up in basketball with him — watching him, being good friends with him. To get to see him have those opportunities, it’s really awesome.”
