The 2018 Mr. and Miss Basketball winners played their first minutes at the next level on Tuesday.

Mercer County graduates Trevon Faulkner and Seygan Robins suited up for Northern Kentucky University and Louisville, respectively, to open their collegiate careers.

Faulkner scored four points and grabbed two rebounds and two steals in 19 minutes as NKU throttled Wilmington (OH) 102-38 in their first game of the year.

“It was lucky for me, I was be able to be a part of his whole high school experience,” Mercer County boys basketball coach Josh Hamlin said. “The first time I saw him in the gym, I knew he was going to be a Division-I basketball player one day. It was really, really cool seeing him check in last night. My wife and I were watching it.

“In typical Trevon fashion, he makes a play on the first play he’s in the game, first opportunity he’s got. He almost converts an and-one, then steps up to the free-throw line and hits both of them. It was one of those moments that you feel immense pride because you know how hard the kid has worked, you know how much time and effort he’s put into that. It was just a really neat feeling to see that, talk to him after and hear how excited he was.”

Robins helped No. 5 Louisville to a 102-80 victory over Western Kentucky University on Tuesday. She scored three points, had one steal and one assist in 17 minutes of action.

“It is incredible to see Seygan playing at this level,” Mercer County girls basketball head coach Hayley Spivey said. “I’ll put her work ethic up against anyone and it’s paying off. She is the ultimate competitor, no one is more deserving than her to have this opportunity.  It’s amazing to see a small town Kentucky girl playing at one of the top programs in the nation.”

Hamlin said Faulkner is representing the Titan program well.

“(Speaking with Faulkner’s coaches), I’ve heard how well he’s doing, how well he’s leading, how he’s representing his family, himself, our program and the school,” Hamlin said. “It’s just been a really, really neat process. Trevon deserves the best.”