One of my players was murdered last week.

Basketball Insider Board
#1

Please say a prayer for his family, my family and his Rocket family.

Kenny Kelly, far left, was my tailback on my YMCA football team and my point guard on my AAU team for 7 years. I have known him since he was born and was just like my own son. He was killed on my birthday last week during a home invasion here in Hot Springs. One of my other players, not pictured, got away while being shot at running down the street. Thank God he was not hurt or killed. He is in shock right now and scared to death. Nobody has been arrested as of today.

In this pic from left to right is Kenny, Keljin Blevins who just graduated from Montana State, Nic Jones who just graduated from Univ of Arkansas, Trey Hendrix who plays in the professional NBA 2K video game league and his little brother Tay who is now my point guard. That bald head white guy in the back is me.

Kenny, Nic, Keljin and Trey all played on the Spa City Rockets from 5th grade to 12th grade. They are my family and this hurts really bad. This picture was from Bud Walton Arena when Montana State played Arkansas this year. This would be the last time I would see Kenny. The only reason I started a summer basketball program was for this type of stuff not to happen to my boys. Life is just so unfair at times.

God bless you guys and thanks in advance for the prayers.

#2

So sad. My prayers are with all of his families and friends.

#3

So sorry for your loss, hope you can find some comfort in knowing that even with such a tragic ending of this young man’s life, that you were one who wanted to make his life a little better. The world needs less of these seemingly senseless losses and more giving, caring people like you. Prayers sent to his family and friends and to you. God Bless each of you.

#4

God bless you and comfort you along with everyone connected to this young man’s life.
What a sad and awful thing for y’all to endure.
Hopefully, the criminal(s) will be caught and brought to justice soon.

#5

There are no words.

I would hate to hear the background of the person that did this.

#6

Prayers to everyone involved

#7

So very sorry. No words only prayers.

#8

Horrific and sad for all the families involved.
Prayers for you and them.

I had a brother murdered in his place of business and
I know it takes a toll and is very stressful.

#9

Razorblack, so sorry to here about this! I am an old (class of '67) Hot Springs guy. From following you here over the years I know you do great work with these young men. This has to be to be a big hit to all in the community. I will be praying for all involved.

I hope this is a freak event and not something more symptomatic.

#10

Thank you so much!

#11

Thank you guys for all the kind words. You never really know how much you care for someone until their gone.

Love you guys!

#12

Horrible and so sad to hear. Thinking of you and this young man. I have Hot Springs ties as well.

#13

Such a waste.

Sorry for your loss.

#14

I know that you pour your heart into coaching and helping young men. I am so sorry for your loss.

#15

sorry for the family’s and your loss.there are too many of these senseless killings today…i know its hard right now but may all your memories be fond ones and hopefully soon…HSPD will have the suspect(s)in custody…

#16

Prayers for you Razorblack and the families affected by this senseless but tragic event.
Please carry on your good will with the youngsters because I’m sure you have saved more lives than you may even know.

#17

My prayers to you, your family, his family and everyone else that knew the young man. There is NO REASON something like this should happen and I pray that they catch the person/persons that did it and may justice be served and be very swift! My prayers for you sir!

#18

So sorry. Your family and his plus the kid who thankfully got away are in my prayers

#19

Prayers.
Sorry for your loss.

#20

Sadness in my heart for all the family and friends of this young man…