In 2018, state finals returned to Lexington for the first time since 2002. Murray defended their 1A state championship after placing 2nd in state semifinals. Returning to 2A for a second straight year, Adair County won yet another state championship, the 23rd in their history. In class 3A, Bourbon County claimed the state championship even after the retirement of their long-time director, Eric Hale. In class 4A, South Laurel claimed their first state championship. In class 5A, Lafayette repeated and claimed their 20th state championship.