In 2017, in their 16th KMEA state finals appearance, Murray won its first 1A state championship with a show ironically titled "The Bridesmaid" and ended Beechwood's bid for a third straight championship. Adair County moved back to class 2A for the first time since 2004 and claimed their 22nd state championship. Adair County completed an undefeated season. In class 3A, Bourbon County defended their state championship in dramatic fashion by moving from 4th to 1st place from state semifinals to finals. In 4A, Anderson County claimed their first state championship. In 5A, Lafayette ended Madison Central's title run and claimed their 19th state championship. Larry A. Ryle with new director, Joe Craig edged out Dunbar and returned to state finals for the first time since 2002. Dunbar missed state finals for the first time since 2000 and only the 3rd time in school history.