The greatest Cleveland County has ever seen

A legacy

David Thompson - Crest

A tribute to the heart and soul of basketball in Shelby, North Carolina—a place where the game is more than sport; it’s a thread woven into the fabric of our lives. Here, we honor 50 extraordinary players who carved their names into history from 1965 to 1999. These legends didn’t just rule the court; they united a community, inspired generations, and built a legacy that reverberates far beyond the final buzzer.

This celebration is not just of individual greatness—it is a testament to Shelby’s rich basketball heritage, where small-town grit met boundless talent to create something unforgettable. Each name enshrined here represents more than personal triumph; it carries the pride, passion, and indomitable spirit of a community that lives and breathes the rhythm of the game.

Join us in celebrating their incredible journeys. Walk among their stories, relive their defining moments, and feel the echoes of history that bind us all. This is more than a Wall of Fame—it is a bridge between past and future, a timeless connection to a game that will forever unite us.

To honor

2025

Wall of Fame

The 50 Greatest Players of Cleveland County 1965 -1999

Also honoring legendary Coaches & Game Officials

Induction Ceremony

Gardner-Webb University

Saturday, November 8, 2025

7:00 PM

Sanctioned by the City of Shelby & The North Carolina High School Athletic Association, LLC, The Cleveland County Business Development Center & Gardner-Webb University

Step into an evening where legends rise again, under the lights of Gardner-Webb University. On November 8, 2025, at 7:00 PM, the Wall of Fame will host a special celebration—honoring the 50 greatest players of Cleveland County from 1965 to 1999, along with the legendary coaches and officials who shaped an era.

This is more than a ceremony; it’s the echo of sneakers on hardwood, the roar of the crowd, and the bonds forged through grit and determination. It’s a night to relive the moments that united a community and its love for the game.

Every victory and timeless play lives on in those who witnessed them. Now, you’re invited to honor the legends and celebrate a legacy that shaped Cleveland County. Together, we’ll revisit a time when the game was more than a sport—it was the heartbeat of our community.

Reserve your place for this unforgettable night. Sponsor a table to amplify the celebration or get your tickets today to witness history. Be moved. Be inspired. Be part of something that will resonate for years to come.

Join us at the Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony—because some legacies deserve to be celebrated.

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