SPORTSKentucky Derby, U of L, UK best moments of 2023: See all sports photos recapping the yearRachel Kennedy (#32) of Fort Walton Beach, Fla. is the overall female winner of the Kentucky Derby Festival full marathon with a time of 2:51:19 in Louisville, Ky. on Apr. 29, 2023.Sam Upshaw Jr./Courier JournalMage, with Javier Castellano up, wins the 149th Running of the Kentucky Derby on May 6, 2023, at Churchill Downs.Michael Clevenger And ChristopheU of L's Tre White (22) scored on a breakaway dunk against Pepperdine during their game at the Yum Center in Louisville, Ky. on Dec. 17, 2023.Sam Upshaw Jr./Courier JournalMage, with Javier Castellano up, wins the 149th Running of the Kentucky Derby on May 6, 2023, at Churchill Downs.Jeff Faughender/Courier Journal And USA Today NetworkLouisville’s Ahmari Huggins-Bruce catches a ball for a touchdown against Boston College Saturday afternoon in L & N Stadium. Sept. 23, 2023Scott Utterback/Courier JournalDeSales' Demba Jawo (10), center, celebrated with teammate Andrew Donohue (5) after Jawo shot to score his second goal against Bardstown during the first round the KHSAA State Soccer tournament at the DeSales High School field in Louisville, Ky. on Oct. 16, 2023. Donohue hit the first goal as DeSales won 3-0.Sam Upshaw Jr./Courier JournalKentucky forward Jacob Toppin (0) slammed down two points during first half action as the Wildcats faced off against Florida in Rupp Arena on Saturday evening. Feb. 4, 2023Jeff Faughender/Courier JournalKentucky cheerleaders entertained the crowd during a timeout against Kentucky State in Rupp Arena. Nov. 2, 2023Scott Utterback/Courier JournalUK's Rob Dillingham (0) reacted after a score against New Mexico State during their game at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky. on Nov. 6, 2023.Sam Upshaw Jr./Courier JournalKatelyn Jong, Metroplex, warms up Friday morning on the uneven bars in the 2023 Winter Cup. Feb. 24, 2023Scott Utterback/Courier JournalLouisville head football coach Jeff Brohm ran onto the field for his first home game before facing off against Murray State on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023.Jeff Faughender/Courier JournalU of L's Jawhar Jordan (25) tried to break away from the grip of Duke's Dorian Mausi (8) during their game at the L&N Stadium in Louisville, Ky. on Oct. 28, 2023.Sam Upshaw Jr./Courier JournalWhitley County’s Grant Behr celebrates defeating Shelby County in the KHSAA Baseball Championship game. Oct. 10, 2023Scott Utterback/Courier JournalThe field for the 149th Running of the Kentucky Derby makes it way by the grandstands on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Churchill Downs.Louisville Courier JournalFans packed L&N Stadium as the Louisville Cardinals kicked off against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023.Jeff Faughender/Courier Journal And USA Today NetworkU of L's Ahmari Huggins-Bruce (9) caught a 52-yard touchdown pass from Jack Plummer to tie the game 24-24 against Virginia at the L&N Stadium in Louisville, Ky. on Nov. 9, 2023.Sam Upshaw Jr./Courier JournalSt X’s Jake Varga ran towards Trenton Kaskocsak to celebrate the win against Lafayette in the KHSAA State Championship. Oct. 28, 2023Scott Utterback/Courier JournalKentucky’s Oscar Tshiebwe celebrates after making a bucket against Georgia. Jan. 17, 2023Scott Utterback/Courier JournalThe field for the 149th Running of the Kentucky Derby makes it way by the grandstands on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Churchill Downs.Michael Clevenger And Erik Mohn/Courier JournalThe Ville’s Chane Behanan celebrates making a basket against War Ready in The Basketball Tournament for 1 million dollars. July 25, 2023Scott Utterback/ Courier JournalThe field for the 149th Running of the Kentucky Derby makes it way by the grandstands on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Churchill Downs.Michael Clevenger And O'Neil Arnold/Courier JournalLouisville’s Elena Scott dug the ball against Kentucky in the game that was played at the KFC Yum Center. Sept. 13, 2023Scott Utterback/Courier JournalJ-Town's Lukus McDaniels (3) and his teammates celebrated after they defeated Desales 55-54 during the championship of the 6th Region tournament at Bellarmine Knights Hall in Louisville, Ky. on Mar. 6, 2023.Sam Upshaw Jr./Courier JournalThe field for the 149th Running of the Kentucky Derby makes it way by the grandstands on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Churchill Downs.Michael Clevenger And O'Neil Arnold/Courier JournalNew U of L head football coach Jeff Brohm, center, greeted supporters following the announcement of his new position at Cardinal Stadium in Louisville, Ky. on Dec. 8, 2022.Sam Upshaw Jr./Courier JournalKentucky John Calipari coaches against Kentucky State in Rupp Arena. Nov. 2, 2023Scott Utterback/Courier JournalMage, with Javier Castellano up, wins the 149th Running of the Kentucky Derby on May 6, 2023, at Churchill Downs.Michael Clevenger And O'Neil Arnold/Courier JournalAlabama’s Amari Niblack scores a touchdown against Kentucky’s Maxwell Hairston in the game at Kroger Field. Nov. 11, 2023Scott Utterback/Courier JournalThe field for the 149th Running of the Kentucky Derby makes it way by the grandstands on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Churchill Downs.Michael Clevenger And Christopher Granger/Courier JournalSacred Heart’s Julia Frederick, left, celebrates with Addison Kincaid scoring against Assumption in the 7th Region Volleyball Championship. Oct. 25, 2023Scott Utterback/Courier JournalPretty Mischievous, with Tyler Gaffalione up, wins the 149 Running of The Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs on Friday, May 5, 2023Michael Clevenger And Christopher Granger/Courier JournalSouthwestern head coach Junior Molden carried his daughter Kinsley Molden (24) off the court after she was injured against Bullitt East during the Girls LIT at the Valley High School gym in Louisville, Ky. on Jan. 25, 2023.Sam Upshaw Jr./Courier JournalKentucky’s D.J. Wagner gets the slam against Kentucky State’s Jaylen Daughtery in Rupp Arena. Nov. 2, 2023Scott Utterback/Courier JournalPretty Mischievous, with Tyler Gaffalione up, wins the 149 Running of The Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs on Friday, May 5, 2023Michael Clevenger And Christopher Granger/Courier JournalLouisville Ladybirds cheer on the Cards against Notre Dame at L & N Stadium. Oct. 7, 2023Scott Utterback/Courier JournalPretty Mischievous, with Tyler Gaffalione up, wins the 149 Running of The Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs on Friday, May 5, 2023Michael Clevenger And Christopher Granger/Courier JournalSt X’s Beckham Murrow celebrates scoring a goal against Lafayette in the KHSAA State Championship. Oct. 28, 2023Scott Utterback/Courier JournalPretty Mischievous, with Tyler Gaffalione up, wins the 149 Running of The Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs on Friday, May 5, 2023Michael Clevenger/Courier JournalKentucky’s Ray Davis celebrated scoring a touchdown against Florida Saturday afternoon. Sept. 30, 2023Scott Utterback/Courier JournalPretty Mischievous, with Tyler Gaffalione up, wins the 149 Running of The Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs on Friday, May 5, 2023Michael Clevenger And Erik Mohn/Courier JournalLouisville’s Jamari Thrash scores a touchdown against Notre Dame game at L & N Stadium. Oct. 7, 2023Scott Utterback/Courier JournalHorses head to the finish line at Churchill Downs for the 149 Running of The Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 5, 2023Michael Clevenger And Erik Mohn/Courier JournalSt. X's Carter Guillaume celebrates after winning the 2023 KHSAA State Wrestling’s 285 weight class championship. Feb. 25, 223Scott Utterback/Courier JournalThe field for the 149th Running of the Kentucky Oak makes their way past the grandstands at Churchill Downs on May 5, 2023Michael Clevenger And Erik Mohn/Courier JournalFairdale’s Jude Powell wins the 2023 KHSAA State Wrestling’s 175 weight class championship.. Feb. 25, 223Scott Utterback/Courier JournalJ-Town's Brandon Gatewood (1) hit an acrobatic layup against Desales to take the lead 55-54 with 8.1 seconds left during the championship of the 6th Region tournament at Bellarmine Knights Hall in Louisville, Ky. on Mar. 6, 2023.Sam Upshaw Jr./Courier JournalThe field for the 149th Running of the Kentucky Oak makes their way past the grandstands at Churchill Downs on May 5, 2023Michael Clevenger And Erik Mohn/Courier JournalHorses leave the starting gate for the 149th Running of the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 5, 2023, at Churchill DownsMichael Clevenger And Erik Mohn/Courier JournalThe field for the 149th Running of the Kentucky Oak makes their way past the grandstands at Churchill Downs on May 5, 2023Michael Clevenger And Erik Mohn/Courier JournalHorses leave the starting gate for the 149th Running of the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 5, 2023, at Churchill DownsMichael Clevenger And Erik Mohn/Courier JournalThe field for the 149th Running of the Kentucky Oak makes their way past the grandstands at Churchill Downs on May 5, 2023Michael Clevenger And Christopher Granger/Courier JournalUniversity of Virginia running back Perris Jones, right, shared an embrace with nurse practitioner Michelle Bailey after he was released from the UofL Health – Frazier Rehabilitation Institute in Louisville, Ky. on Nov. 28, 2023. Jones spent almost three weeks at U of L Health after he was injured during the UVA vs. Louisville game on November 9th.Sam Upshaw Jr./Courier JournalAthletes warm up for the KHSAA State Track and Field Championships in LexingtonMichael Clevenger/Courier JournalLouisville running back Jawhar Jordan scored on a 21 yard run in the fourth quarter as the Louisville Cardinals defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 33-20 on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023Jeff Faughender/Courier Journal And USA Today NetworkCAL rushed over to claim the championship trophy after defeating Assumption 3-2 during the KHSAA State Field Hockey championship at the CAL field in Louisville, Ky. on Oct. 23, 2023.Sam Upshaw Jr./Courier JournalDeSales' Demba Jawo (10) shot to score his second goal against Bardstown during the first round the KHSAA State Soccer tournament at the DeSales High School field in Louisville, Ky. on Oct. 16, 2023. DeSales won 3-0.Sam Upshaw Jr./Courier JournalKCD players raised their helmets in celebration after the KCD Bearcats defeated the DeSales Colts in overtime, 24-23 at Paul B. Cox Stadium on Friday, Sept. 1, 2023.Jeff Faughender/Courier JournalKentucky's Ray Davis (1) crossed the goal line to give Kentucky a 38-31 lead in the second half as the Louisville Cardinals hosted the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday afternoon at L&N Stadium in Louisville, Ky. Kentucky defeated Louisville 38-31. Nov. 25, 2023.Jeff Faughender/Courier JournalButler's Leonardo Dorticos (9) let loose a shot past a sliding Timothy Heil Jr. (3) during first-half action during the Sixth Region finals at Paul B. Cox Stadium in Louisville, Ky. on Oct. 11, 2023. DeSales defeated Butler 2-1 in overtime to take home the trophy.Jeff Faughender/Courier Journal And USA Today NetworkU of L's Merissah Russell (13), center, celebrated wtih teammate Nyla Harris (2) after she made a big bucket against UK during their game at the Yum Center in Louisville, Ky. on Dec. 10, 2023. Teammate Jayda Curry (30) was at right.Sam Upshaw Jr./Courier JournalUK's Mason Moore (20) was rushed by catcher Devin Burkes (7) and other teammates as they doused him in shower after he delivered the last pitch to secure a 4-2 victory against Indiana during the NCAA Regional final in Lexington Ky. on June 5, 2023. The win earned UK a spot in the upcoming Super Regional in Louisiana.Sam Upshaw Jr./Courier JournalLouisville quarterback Jack Plummer (13) is sacked during first half action as the Louisville Cardinals faced off against the Florida State Seminoles in the 2023 ACC Championship game at Bank of America Field in Charlotte, NC, on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023.Jeff Faughender/Courier JournalLouisville quarterback Jack Plummer (13) jumped to elude the grasp of FSU's Patrick Payton (11) during first half action as the Louisville Cardinals faced off against the Florida State Seminoles in the 2023 ACC Championship game at Bank of America Field in Charlotte, NC, on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023.Jeff Faughender/Courier JournalTrinity head basketball coach Mike Szabo watches the action during a recent basketball practice session at Trinity High School's Steinhauser Gymnasium on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023Jeff Faughender/Courier JournalSt. X celebrated with the 7th Region Soccer Championship trophy after defeating Collegiate 5-4 on pk's during the Seventh Region final at the Collegiate soccer complex in Louisville, Ky. on Oct. 12, 2023.Sam Upshaw Jr./Courier JournalTwo hands reached for the tipoff as the Louisville Cardinals took on the Bucknell Bison at the Yum Center in Louisville, Ky. on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023.Jeff Faughender/Courier JournalLouisville guard Sydney Taylor (1) smiled after hitting a three during first half action as the Louisville Cardinals took on the Bucknell Bison at the Yum Center in Louisville, Ky. on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023.Jeff Faughender/Courier JournalDesales' Crew Gibson (23) became emotional after he saw his brother William Gibson (22) go down with an injury against J-Town during the championship of the 6th Region tournament at Bellarmine Knights Hall in Louisville, Ky. on Mar. 6, 2023.Sam Upshaw Jr./Courier JournalKentucky head coach John Calipari was not happy about some of the shot selection during first half action as the Wildcats took on the St. Joseph's Hawks at Rupp Arena on Monday, Nov. 20, 2023.Jeff Faughender/Courier JournalDesales' Brandon Williams (20) and Spencer County's Ethan Hampton (23) were grabbing facemasks as the Spencer County Bears visited the DeSales Colts in the second round of the KHSAA football playoffs on Friday night. Spencer Co. defeated DeSales 42-37 to advance to next week's regional final. Nov. 10, 2023.Jeff Faughender/Courier JournalCAL's Connor Hodge (1) found the endzone during second half action as the Christian Academy Centurions faced off against the Central Yellowjackets in the third round of the KHSAA football playoffs on Friday night. CAL rolled to victory over Central, 52-13. Nov. 17, 2023.Jeff Faughender/Courier JournalYoung soccer fans from Javanon FC stood for the Star Spangled Banner before the Louisville Cardinals hosted the Kentucky Wildcats in a top-25 men's soccer matchup at Dr. Mark and Cindy Lynn Stadium on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023Jeff Faughender/Courier JournalUniversity of Kentucky senior quarterback Will Levis showed his passing form during a Pro Day workout at Nutter Field House in Lexington, Ky., on Friday, Mar. 24, 2023Jeff Faughender/Courier Journal And USA Today NetworkThe Spencer County football team knelt in prayer after defeating the DeSales Colts 42-37 in the second round of the KHSAA football playoffs on Friday night. Nov. 10, 2023.Jeff Faughender/Courier JournalBryan Station wide receiver JT Haskins Jr. celebrated with his teammates after the Defenders defeated the Ballard Bruins 24-21 in the Class 6A State Semifinals on Friday night. Nov. 24, 2023.Jeff Faughender/Courier JournalUK's Nolan McCarthy (19) celebrated with teammates at home plate after hitting a home run against Indiana during their rematch in the NCAA Regional in Lexington Ky. on June 4, 2023.Sam Upshaw Jr./Courier JournalMage, with Javier Castellano up, wins the 149th Running of the Kentucky Derby on May 6, 2023, at Churchill Downs.Michael Clevenger And Christopher Granger/Courier JournalPretty Mischievous, with Tyler Gaffalione up, wins the 149 Running of The Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs on Friday, May 5, 2023Michael Clevenger And Erik Mohn/Courier JournalDeSales' Broden Boone (8) was dejected after missing a pk against McCracken County during the second round of the KHSAA State Soccer tournament at the DeSales High School field in Louisville, Ky. on Oct. 19, 2023. McCracken County won 2-1 in pkÕs.Sam Upshaw Jr./Courier JournalDesales' Broderick Price (4) left everyone behind on his way for a score as the DeSales Colts hosted the Spencer County Bears in the second round of the KHSAA football playoffs on Friday night. Spencer Co. defeated DeSales 42-37 to advance to next week's regional final. Nov. 10, 2023.Jeff Faughender/Courier JournalFormer Louisville forward Montrezl Harrell points to his 2013 National Championship ring as he and his teammates were recognized during halftime of Louisville's game against Clemson at the KFC Yum Center on Saturday evening. Feb. 18, 2023Jeff Faughender/Courier Journal And USA Today NetworkKentucky Wildcat players gathered at center field before facing off against the Ball State Cardinals in the NCAA Tournament Lexington Regional at Kentucky Proud Park in Lexington, Ky. on Friday, June 2, 2023Jeff Faughender/Courier Journal And USA Today NetworkAthletes competed on the first day of the USATF National Track Masters Indoor Championships at the Norton Healthcare Sports and Learning Center in Louisville on Friday. USATF Masters Track & Field offers local, regional, and national competition for athletes between the ages of 25-100. March 10, 2023.Jeff Faughender/Courier Journal And USA Today NetworkKentucky freshman guard D.J. Wagner (15) concentrated on his shot at Big Blue Madness on Friday evening at Rupp Arena. Oct. 13, 2023Jeff Faughender/Courier JournalLouisville's Devin Neal (27) celebrated after picking off a pass from Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman during second half action as the Louisville Cardinals defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 33-20 on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023Jeff Faughender/Courier Journal And USA Today NetworkCara Montgomery of Louisville looked up at the Twin Spires upon arriving at Churchill Downs on Thursday, May 4, 2023Jeff Faughender/Courier Journal And USA Today NetworkThe stadium lights and the shadow of the Martin P. Bailen Press Box reflects in the visor of Ballard's Larry Irvin before the game against PRP Friday night in Kentucky high school football. Nov.3, 2023.Matt Stone/Louisville Courier JournalCAL's David Holloway celebrates with friends and students after the Centurions defeated Bell County and winning the 2023 3A football championship Saturday at Kroger Field in Lexington, Ky. Dec. 2, 2023Matt Stone/The Courier JournalLexington Christian's Jackson Dillow snatches the pass intended for CAL's Justin Ruffin late in the fourth quarter that could have put Christian Academy up in the second half Friday evening. The visiting Eagles defeated the Centurions 14-12. Sept. 8, 2023.Matt Stone/Louisville Courier JournalButler head coach Kevin Geary gets congratulated by the cheerleaders after the Bruins edged host Male in OT 72-69 Friday night. Dec. 8, 2023Matt Stone/The Courier JournalA horse and rider work out under a light rain at Churchill Downs on May 1, 2023, in Louisville.Matt Stone/Louisville Courier JournalThe shadow of a horse being walked casts on a barn wall of D. Wayne Lukas early Friday morning, April 28, 2023 at Churchill Downs.Matt Stone/Louisville Courier JournalMale High Principal Keith Cathey cheers in celebration towards his student section while holding high The Barrel as Male's Daniel Byrd, in foreground, and others join in after the Bulldogs cruised past host DuPont Manual Friday, Oct. 27, 2023.Matt Stone/Louisville Courier JournalLouisville's Mike James yells in frustration after losing the ball for a turnover to Pitt at the KFC Center Wednesday night. The Cards lost 75-54 to the visiting Panthers. Jan. 18, 2023Matt Stone/Louisville Courier JournalMale's Jack Edelen, left, celebrates as brother Cole Edelen holds up a three fingers signaling his three-point basket plus drawing the foul on Manual's Damone King at the end of the third quarter in the Bulldogs' win Friday. Feb. 10, 2023Matt Stone/Louisville Courier JournalPlayers on Frederick Douglass felt the sting of a loss after a strong season as the Broncos lose to George Rogers Clark in Saturday's second KHSAA Boys Sweet 16 semifinal. The Cardinals advanced after winning 51-44. March 18, 2023Matt Stone/Louisville Courier JournalAssumption’s Lauren Satterly (00) reacted after getting a walk against the Ballard pitcher during the 7th Region semifinals at the Ulmer Stadium in Louisville, Ky. on May. 21, 2023.Sam Upshaw Jr./Courier JournalWoodford County point guard Jasper Johnson battles Warren Central guard Damarion Walkup for control of the ball in the second half of Saturday's KHSAA Boys Sweet 16 semifinal. The Yellowjackets fell to the Dragons 56-48. March 18, 2023Matt Stone/Louisville Courier JournalKentucky Wildcats running back JuTahn McClain (4) fumbles during his run against Eastern Kentucky but managed to recover the ball in the first half. Saturday. Sept. 9, 2023.Matt Stone/Louisville Courier JournalTennessee Volunteers running back Jaylen Wright (0) dodges Kentucky Wildcats defensive back Andru Phillips (23) to strike first with a Volunteer touchdown early in the first quarter Saturday in Lexington. Oct. 28, 2023.Matt Stone/Louisville Courier JournalMissouri Tigers wide receiver Theo Wease Jr. puts his finger to his lips to quiet the UK crowd after his touchdown reception to put the Tigers up 17-14 over the Wildcats. Oct. 14, 2023.Matt Stone/Louisville Courier JournalAs Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Anthony Brown-Stephens (5) cheers, Kentucky Wildcats running back Ray Davis (1) celebrates after scoring the go-ahead touchdown the Wildcats beat Louisville 38-31 Saturday and retaining the Governor's Cup. Nov. 24, 2023Matt Stone/The Courier JournalA horse gets washed on the backside of Churchill Downs Thursday May 4, 2023, in Louisville, Ky.Matt Stone/Courier JournalUofL police officer Davonte Crook passes the football around with fans before the Cards' game against Virginia Tech Saturday. Nov.4, 2023.Matt Stone/Louisville Courier JournalA groom at Trainer Joel Marr's barn cleans the saddle cloth of Wild On Ice Thursday morning. The Texas-bred gelding injured his left hind leg on the backstretch at Churchill Downs and was transported to Lexington for further evaluation. The horse will miss the Kentucky Derby,Matt Stone/Louisville Courier Journal