Bethlehem players were all smiles at their team dinner Tuesday before having their focus dramatically shift on Wednesday. (Bethlehem Athletics Photo)
Bethlehem had big hopes it could win the All A Classic championship in Corbin this week. Instead, the Banshees lost 57-52 to Owensboro Catholic in the first round Wednesday but in this case, winning was not that big a deal.
Jamie Clayton, the father of Bethlehem senior Kensey Clayton, died Wednesday morning. The team was prepared to forfeit and not even play in the game but Kensey Clayton wanted the team to play so it did.
Jamie Clayton was very involved with the basketball team. He did scouting reports for every game in the last four years.
Kensey hit three 3-pointers in the game and finished with nine points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals.
“Our hearts are heavy. We mourn the loss of Jamie Clayton. He was a huge fan of our Banshees and helped our program tremendously from behind the scenes. Please keep Kristie, our sweet Kensey, and Canaan in your prayers. Love gives us memories, faith gives us strength,” Bethlehem Athletics posted on X Thursday.
It’s hard to imagine the strength it took for the Banshees not only to play but to play so well against a quality team. I can only imagine what the bus ride from Bardstown to Corbin must have been like for the team or the emotion the players felt in the locker room after the game.
“If there was anything that made my heart happy yesterday it was seeing the love and support that every one of my girls had for each other,” Randi Clark, the wife of Bethlehem coach Jason Clark, posted on social media after the game. “They literally own my heart. I’ve never seen a stronger group of young women in my life.”
Lacey Miles has two daughters who play for the Banshees. They were also Clayton’s teammates on the state championship soccer team this year.
“Can’t say enough about these girls and this small school. They showed heart and they have each other’s back. This will only make them stronger and closer,” Miles posted after the game.
“There were life lessons learned today that go far beyond basketball. So proud that my girls are a part of a group of girls who have each other’s backs under any and all circumstances. That’s far more important than any game. Continue to keep them in your prayers,” Stephanie Swartz Macy, who also has two daughters on the team, posted on social media after the game.
Bethlehem Athletics was right, posting that “We don’t do moral victories, but just showing up here tonight was a victory in itself.”
There was a deserved outpouring of emotion and understanding for what the Banshees and Clayton did.
Owensboro Catholic’s X account had this: “Our hearts go out to Bethlehem as they deal with a tragic loss connected to their team! Continued thoughts and prayers for them.”
From Nelson County Athletics: “Nelson Co Athletics wants to extend our thoughts and prayers to the Bethlehem HS community. Stay strong and stay together, and if NC Athletics can help in any way just reach out.”
From North Hardin Lady Trojan Basketball: “Sending prayers for strength. If there’s anything we can do, please let us know.”
Bethlehem is scheduled to play again Tuesday at district rival Bardstown. The Banshees are 12-7 but had won five straight and eight of their last nine games before the loss to Owensboro Catholic. However, the Banshees are still considered the team to beat in the 5th Region by most.
“We are heartbroken. We are going to do everything we can to take care of our girls. We love the game but we love them more. They’re all so close with each other and their families, so it has hit them all hard,” Randi Clark said.
God bless the Banshees as they deal with a harsh life lesson at such young ages but also have always admired the resiliency of this group and they showed why Wednesday. The Banshees might have lost a game but they won a life battle honoring their teammate’s wish and in the long run that matters a lot more than what any scoreboard says.
