Owensboro recently had multiple students take the next step in their athletic and academic careers, as Kenyatta Carbon, Chandler Worth, CJ Paige, Khalil Rogers, Ethan Pendleton all signed their letters of intent at Owensboro High School.
Kenyatta Carbon
After years of being a dominant force on the hardwood and gridiron for the Red Devils, Kenyatta Carbon is taking his talents to the next level by signing to play basketball at Lindsey Wilson College.
Carbon was a key cog in the Red Devils offense in the backfield, helping them grab four straight district and regional championships, a 65-8 record during that time and helping the team finish 11-3 and get to the state semifinals during his senior season. After racking up 1,420 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns, he quickly shifted his focus to basketball.
Kenyatta then had another strong season, averaging 22.1 points per game on 68.7% shooting from the field, grabbing 7.4 rebounds per game while becoming the program’s second-leading scorer—finishing just behind Kenny Higgs’ 1,833 points with 1,780.
Carbon said that it meant a lot to him to have worn Owensboro across his chest for years and that he’s thankful for all the memories and support that his teammates, coaches, family and friends have given him. But now he’s ready to compete at the next level, beginning his basketball career with the Blue Raiders in the fall.
Chandler Worth
Having stopped countless shots on net for years with the Lady Devils, Chandler Worth is continuing her keeper career at Transylvania University.
Worth was a force to be reckoned with in front of the net for Owensboro during the last four seasons, tallying a whopping 725 saves. And while the Lady Devils might’ve fallen short in the first round of the district tournament this season, she closed her senior season out with a bang by grabbing 30 saves in her final game to finish the year with a total of 297 saves.
Her efforts as a leader spoke volumes for Owensboro over the years, now giving her a chance to play the sport she loves at the collegiate level. She went on thank her parents for all of the countless hours spent on her and the many games they drove her to or watched, while thanking the rest of her support system for always helping her strive for greatness on and off the field.
“I owe thanks to so many people in this room for their support over the past four years,” Worth said. “Without my family, coaches, teammates and friends, I would not be standing here today. They not only have pushed me to become a better athlete, but they have helped me become a better person.”
CJ Paige
Following a successful year with the Lady Devils, senior guard CJ Paige is remaining close to home to continue her academic and athletic career at Brescia University.
Paige spent the beginning of her high school career at Daviess County, making the move to Owensboro for her senior season. It was then that she became a vital part of the team’s 21-11 year, in which they reached the 9th District Championship and 3rd Region Championship.
She averaged 6.9 points per game on the season, shooting 38.7% from the field while also grabbing 2.6 rebounds per game while using her experience to be a vital leader for the team. Paige went on to thank a number of people, saying that she’s thankful to have so many by her side and is excited for the chance to compete at Brescia University.
“I want to thank God for making all things possible,” Paige said. “I want to thank my family and my friends for all of the support. To Coach Locher and Coach Johnson, thank you for believing in me and pushing me to always do my best. I want to thank Coach Fisher for giving me this opportunity to continue my athletic career at Brescia University.”
Khalil Rogers
After a successful career on the gridiron and on the sidelines, Owensboro senior Khalil Rogers has taken the next step in his academic and athletic career by joining one of the most prestigious cheerleading teams in the country at the University of Kentucky.
Rogers said it feels great to have the process of deciding on a school behind, saying that it’s a huge weight off of his shoulders. But Khalil had to earn his opportunity, having texted one of the UK Cheer coaches about stunt clinics—ultimately leading to invitation to an open gym and then tryouts.
“Tryouts felt like they were the longest few days of my life,” Rogers said. “It was challenging and hard while also being fun and a great experience. Nothing will be easy though you have to rise to their standards.”
The University of Kentucky cheerleading has won 24 National Championships, so not just anyone can make the squad. Having just recently started his cheerleading career, Rogers is just happy to have the opportunity to cheer for the Wildcats.
“It means a lot to me knowing that I made it on one of the best cheer programs in the country,” Rogers said. “Considering I haven’t been cheering for a year yet it just means a lot to be in this position that I know people would die for.”
For more on Rogers journey to UK cheerleading check out our story here.
Ethan Pendleton
One of Owensboro football’s leading seniors is staying close to home, as Ethan Pendleton will continue his athletic and academic career at Kentucky Wesleyan College.
Pendleton was a force on both sides of the ball for the Red Devils, having earned 37 tackles while also being one of the leaders offensively with 26 catches, 373 receiving yards and six touchdowns. He helped the Red Devils grab four straight district and regional championships, a 65-8 record during that time and helping the team finish 11-3 and get to the state semifinals during his senior season
The future Panther thanked his family, friends and teammates, noting that it’s their support that has helped make him the best version of himself and allowed him to earn the opportunity to play at Kentucky Wesleyan.
“I’m here to officially commit to the football program at Kentucky Wesleyan,” Pendleton said. “I’m blessed to begin this journey.”
