Meade County Standout Peyton Bradley Commits to Cards

Peyton Bradley with Meade County Dina Hackert after becoming the school's all-time leading scorer.

Just over a year ago Meade County’s Peyton Bradley was on crutches and could not bend her left leg after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ACL and meniscus.

Today she is headed to the University of Louisville to play basketball for coach Jeff Walz.

The 5-9 guard is a three-star prospect that Walz started recruiting in February and offered a scholarship on Feb. 24. Bradley had opted to wait until after her season to make a college choice hoping her play during her senior season would attract the attention of major college coaches and her decision paid off.

“Thank you to all the coaches that have recruited me over the years. I’ve decided to stay home. I will be attending the University of Louisville to continue my athletic and academic career!” Bradley posted on X Sunday night.

Bradley ended her Meade County career with 3,265 points, the 15th best mark in state history. She also had 510 3-pointers, second best on the state’s all-time list. Bradley went over the 500 assist mark in her final game and had 503 career assists along with 773 rebounds.

Bradley averaged 28.2 points per game this season — second in the state — when she shot 41.6 percent from 3-point range and made 114 3-pointers. She was also an 86 percent shooter at the foul line.

Her final game was a loss to Owensboro Catholic in the Third Region Tournament when she had 33 points, six rebounds and five assists.  Her Senior Night performance against North Hardin was even better as she scored 44 points on 14 of 16 shooting from the field, including 8-for-10 from 3-point range.

“Two months ago I never thought anything like this (committing to Louisville) was possible. My goal was always to play at the highest level and the Louisville coaching staff was so great to me,” Bradley said. “They saw multiple games in person and online. I knew the (transfer) portal was opening soon, so it was take what is yours before it gets taken. I love coach Walz and know he will push me to be the best player I can be, so I just decided to commit.”

Louisville is only about a 50-minute drive from her home so it will be easy for her sister to watch her play. She also has family members living in New Albany, Ind., about 15 minutes from Louisville.

Bradley liked how Walz constantly emphasized how much he wanted her to be part of the program.

“No one wants to go where they are not valued as a player or person. He put a lot of emphasis on that,” the Meade guard said.

Bradley, 18, and her family are University of Kentucky fans and UK coach Kenny Brooks came to watch her play late in the season. However, Kentucky has yet to offer a scholarship.

“We have all always cheered for Louisville women’s basketball. Coach Walz has brought so much to the program and is just a great person,” Bradley said. “It feels great to have this all out in the open and be done with recruiting. It can be a lot with people asking every day if I have committed yet.

“I was just waiting for the Lord to show me where to go. It has been a hard process but God definitely had a hand in this. I knew he could turn a horrible and heartbreaking situation into something good. It’s a true testament to his power that he can take the worst situation and turn it into the best situation.”

Bradley was hoping to be in Lexington this week playing in the state tournament like Meade did in 2022. However, she’ll still be at Rupp Arena for the girls state tourney with her father, an annual trip for them.

“I am super excited to see people play,” she said. “My (future) teammate Grace Mbugua (of Danville Christian Academy) will be playing and if we had won our region we actually would be playing them.”

She will also be attending the fourth annual Rise Up Sports media awards ceremony Wednesday. She is a finalist for the Valerie Still “Still I Rise” award that goes to the top female athlete based on athletic achievement, team contribution , scholastic achievement, and school and community involvement. The other finalists are LaReesha Cawthorn of Franklin-Simpson and Maci Maynard of Martin County.

Bradley is also a finalist for the 270/364 Player of the Year along with Maliah Courtney and Charlotte McCurry.