Mason County won state AAU basketball tournament 30 years ago today

Thirty years ago today, the Mason County Royals, coached by Fred Hester, won the boys' 17 and under state AAU basketball tournament.

Mason County beat St. Xavier 68-64 in the championship game at Western Hills High School in Frankfort.

That was a pretty big deal. The state AAU tournament was the most important summer event back then.

Mason County was coming off back-to-back 10th Region championships following the Maysville and Mason County schools merging.

The Royals would complete the 10th Region three-peat in March of 1994.

Mason Co. to honor 1993 boys 10th Region champs Feb. 9th

Mason County will honor the 1993 boys 10th Region championship team at halftime of the Royals' February 9th game against the Harrison County Thorobreds.

The 1993 Royals, coached by Fred Hester, had a 31-3 record and won the Lexington Catholic Invitational Tournament, the Mason County Invitational Tournament, the 39th District Tournament and the 10th Region Tournament.

The Royals' season-high 16-game winning streak was snapped by a 73-52 loss to Pleasure Ridge Park in the opening round of the state tournament.

Mason County's 1967 state champion golf team recognized

Mason County's 1967 state champion golf team was recognized at halftime of the Mason County vs. Lexington Catholic basketball game tonight.

In the photo from left to right are Charlie Calvert, Fred Hester, Coach Steve Barnett, Steve Poynter and Sparky McDowell.

Two other members of the team- Joe Traxel and Bob Cochran- were unable to attend.

Mason County High School principal Chris O'Hearn presented medals to the team members and Coach Barnett.

Fred Hester on SportsTalk

Former Mason County player, coach and athletic director Fred Hester was inducted into the Northern Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame Wednesday. He was my guest on SportsTalk today. Here is a link to the podcast.

Fred Hester to be Inducted into Northern Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame

Former Mason County boys basketball coach and athletic director Fred Hester will be inducted into the Northern Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame on January 20.

Hester scored 876 points for the Mason County Royals in the 1960s and was a member of Mason County's 1967 state championship golf team.

After coaching at Ripley, Hester was an assistant coach at Mason County before being promoted to head coach in 1991. In five seasons, Hester guided the Royals to three straight 10th Region titles and compiled a record of 127-32 (77.9%). He also served as golf coach and athletic director.