By R. David Shew
Thursday afternoon this writer who is a sport’s junkie was fortunate enough to interview the 2026 Kentucky Mr. Basketball, Jake Feldhaus, and Madison Central basketball coach Allen Feldhaus who happens to be Jake’s uncle.
For those who do not know, both Jake’s grandfather Allen Feldhaus Sr. and his father Deron Feldhaus played basketball at the University of Kentucky. Papaw Allen played for Coach Rupp, and father Deron played for Coach Pitino. The basketball legacy in the Feldhaus family runs deep and wide.
Papaw Feldhaus coached high school basketball at Russell County and Mason County and guided the Mason County Royals to a Sweet Sixteen runner-up finish in 1981. All three sons – Allen Jr., Willie and Deron – played for their father and all three experienced the state tournament for Mason County.
After Allen played for his father at Mason County, Uncle Willie played for his father at Mason County and played at Morehead State before going into the coaching ranks like his father and brother. Willie coached basketball at Pendleton County, Russell County, and Male High School in Louisville.
Most of us remember that Madison Central won the 2013 Kentucky Sweet Sixteen with Coach Feldhaus Jr. at the helm and led by Dominique Hawkins, Madison Central’s other Mr. Basketball. In addition, Jake’s father Deron finished runner-up to Paintsville’s John Pelphrey for the Mr. Basketball award in 1987 while playing for his father, Allen Sr.
When this writer asked Jake Feldhaus about his family support and playing basketball for Uncle Allen at Madison Central, Jake replied “the support from his family has been amazing.” Jake also said that our family talks all the time.
Jake moved to Richmond after his sophomore year at Mason County and played for Uncle Allen at Madison Central for two years and really grew into a complete basketball player under his uncle’s guidance and tutelage.
For the record, Jake stated that he is an only child and the only male cousin with five female first cousins. Next, Jake told me that his cousin, Ashton Feldhaus who is the current women’s basketball coach at Morehead, told Jake that he needed to ask for his release from Belmont University. Jake has requested his release from the athletic director at Belmont.
Uncle Allen, Ashton’s father, pointed out “somebody in the family always has an answer and we are a tight knit group.” Coach Feldhaus also stated that “Jake is just testing the water to see what is out there and exploring his options.”
When this writer asked Coach Feldhaus about Jake’s basketball IQ, Allen stated “at first it was questionable and Jake was never taught what it takes, but Jake is a quick learner and smart who listened and put in the work and learned to run.”
Jake talked about one day when he first came to Madison Central, his uncle caught him and another player not running down the court and made him and his friend run several wind sprints at the end of practice. That got his attention.
When questioned what position that Jake wants to play at the college level, he immediately replied #3 or #4 which is small forward or power forward, respectively. Next, this writer asked him who his favorite player was and he responded “LeBron because he was his father’s favorite but don’t watch much NBA basketball.”
Jake ended the interview stating that he really respects how Florida junior forward John Haugh plays the game at 6’9”. Uncle Allen said they have the same body.
Finally, this writer must admit that after moving to Kentucky in 1970, he was fortunate enough to play in the Junior and Senior Chippeways Golf Tournament in Maysville, Kentucky from 1971 until 1990. It was there I met and watched Allen, Willie, and Deron serving as the flag boy on hole #7 to let players know that it was safe to hit off the tee box. The Mason County friendships run deep and wide just like the Feldhaus family connection.
