Rice announces verbal commitment to WKU Basketball

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Football season is nearing, but Wednesday, one local high school basketball standout announced his commitment to play college basketball over social media.

Butler County forward Lawson Rice shared he is planning to attend Western Kentucky University after his senior season with the Bears.

Rice played a big role in the Bears state tournament run last season, averaging a double-double with 18 points a game on over 60 percent shooting, and 10.7 rebounds per contest to go alongside his scoring.

This is the second 2026 in-state commitment for Tops head coach Hank Plona, who also has landed shooting guard Armelo Boone out of Woodford County.