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NHS alum Williams to be recognized by Missouri Sports Hall of Fame
Kevin Williams, a 1977 graduate of Nevada High School, is slated to be inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.
"In his playing days, Nevada High School standout Kevin Williams was a shot-blocking machine. In fact, his name is still atop one, all-time defensive category in the documented history of the Missouri State High School Activities Association," according to a Missouri Sports Hall of Fame press release
The press release went on to state, "Now his career will soon be recognized by the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame during its upcoming Basketball Tip-off Luncheon presented by Mercy. Williams has been named to the Hall's Filbert Five, a group of former high school, college and professional basketball players. The Filbert Five is named in honor of the late Gary Filbert, who coached high school and college basketball teams and, in 2011, was bestowed the Hall's highest honor, the Missouri Sports Legend award.
"The luncheon is at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 10 at the University Plaza Convention Center in Springfield.
"I would like to thank my high school coaches, Jack Netherton and Jim Snyder, for all the hours they spent with me in the gym, and the patience for my coordination to catch up after growing from 5-foot-10 to 6-foot-7 between the end of my eighth-grade year and the beginning of my 10th grade year," Williams said. "I also would like to thank Bill Wynn, my high school principal for all the sound advice he provided me while attending high school. I would be remiss if I didn't thank my good friend and previous coach, Norm Stewart, for not only the coaching but for the continued friendship.
"Williams is a 1977 Nevada High School graduate who was a McDonald's High School All-American as a senior, plus All-State as a junior and senior. In addition, he was an All-Big 8 Conference selection in southwest Missouri, all-district and still holds the state high school record for most blocked shots in a single game, with 20, set against Mount Vernon on Feb. 15, 1977. Williams went on to play at Mizzou from 1977 to 1979."
"According to information distributed by MIssouri Sports Hall of Fame, "The Basketball Tip-off Luncheon includes the induction of Parkview High School's Jolly Green Giants of 1964 to 1966; Missouri State's 1952 and 1953 NAIA national championship men's basketball teams; former Lady Bears standout Karen Rapier; and high school/college coach Gary Stanfield.
"The Filbert Five men's team features Chris Harville (Rogersville/Missouri State), Steven Hill (Branson/Arkansas), Sam Singh (Ozark/Bradley), Mark Sparks (Neosho/Mizzou/Drury) and Kevin Williams (Nevada/Mizzou).
"The Filbert Five women's team consists of Laura Granzow Buetow (Kickapoo/Denver/Canisius), Sara Bos Barnhart (Billings/Drury), Alyson Young Hooten (Rogersville/Avila), Anita Rank Oplotnik (Lincoln/Missouri Southern) and Terianne Wolford Brown (Nixa/Mizzou)."
For further information regarding the luncheon, call the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame at 417-889-3100.