Former Shelby County basketball star honored at Louisville's Dirt Bowl championship game

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A former Shelby County basketball star was remembered two years after he died in a car crash.

Donovan Johnson was loved by many, and one of his loves was playing at the Dirt Bowl at Shawnee Park in Louisville, something his family said still reminds them of Johnson.

"He was either on the basketball court or hanging out with his friends or helping anyone, someone," said Kaylan Nigh, Johnson's cousin.

Johnson also played overseas for several different countries. But everything changed July 26, 2023, when he died in a car crash in Interstate 264.

In his honor, his family created their own Dirt Bowl in Shelby County.

"He wanted to bring this kind of Dirt Bowl, this tournament, to Shelby County to give the community something to do to bring the community together," Nigh said.

Nigh said the second year of the Shelby County Dirt Bowl was a huge success, and the winner of the tournament got $5,000.

In the 2025 Louisville Dirt Bowl, his old teammates played in the championship game Sunday, hoping to win it for Johnson.

"I brought him with me today, his cut out, so he could watch them win their championship," Nigh said Sunday. "Because they haven't won one since he's been here to play with them."

They were able to accomplish that, winning the Dirt Bowl Championship, 48-45.

His family also created the Don 32 Legacy Foundation in his name. The foundation's mission is to empower youth and uplift communities through mentorship, athletics and education.

"It was an honor to be a part of his family and his life, and I hope everyone else can feel that way too," Nigh said. "Because he was great."

To donate to the foundation, click here.

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