Mr. Basketball Top Candidates

1. Quentin Goodin (Taylor County): The obvious choice, I think it’s going to take a lot of work for anyone else to win Mr. Basketball. Quentin has everything going for him, name recognition, he’s playing on one of the top teams in the state and he’s basically held the title of best player in his class for four years. I’d be absolutely shocked if he doesn’t win Mr. Basketball and he’s earned that honor.
2. Carson Williams (Owen County): Carson may put up the best numbers and have the most impressive season of any player in the state. I think he will strap Owen County on his back and carry them to the state tournament this season while averaging around 25 points and 12 rebounds per game. That in itself would be grounds for Mr. Basketball in most years, but I’m not sure it’ll be enough in the long run.
3. Mason Faulkner (Caverna): Faulkner led the state in scoring last season and it can only be imagined he’ll score more as he’s improved a ton since the end of the last year. I think he’ll have Caverna as a top team in the 5th region and averaged close to 35 points per game, but it won’t be enough to beat Taylor County and make it to Rupp or beat Goodin and be Mr. Basketball.
4. James Boone (Murray): Boone has a lot going for him, he’s the best player in the 1st region on the regional favorite. However, he doesn’t have the name recognition and high scoring 2017 sharpshooter Preston English may lead Murray in scoring. Still I expect Boone to hit close to 20 points per game or better with 6-8 rebounds per game as well and make it to the finalist round.
5. Alex Cook (Male)/Ben Weyer (Newport Central Catholic): Cook and Weyer will be very similar in their final season as they will both play inside and outside and be their team’s main scoring threat. I think Cook will prove himself as the best player in Louisville under the direction of Willie Feldhaus. Weyer has a stranglehold in my mind as the best player in the 9th region. Both will make it to the finalist round, but have slim shots at winning.
6. Matt Wilson (Campbell County): I fully expect Matt Wilson to dominate this season while averaged a double-double and leading Campbell County to a three-peat of 10th region crowns. However, I don’t think it’s going to be enough.
7. Darius Williams (Paul Laurence Dunbar): The top senior on what many are seeing as a top 5 team in the state. Darius will score in bunches, 25 per game, and should find himself in Rupp Arena late in the year. Like everyone else though, I don’t think it’s enough.
8. Tyler Sharpe (Bullitt East): This is Bullitt East’s year to make it back to Rupp Arena and Tyler will lead them their while putting up big numbers. Like I’ve mentioned several times though, it won’t be enough.

Top Sleeper: Wade Coomer (Barren County): Wade doesn’t get a ton of love in the 4th region, but Barren County has a chance to be a major sleeper in the 4th region and Wade is for sure going to put up big numbers. He won’t win the award, but he’ll be the 4th region player of the year and be a finalist.

Recap: It’s not the case every year, and maybe it’s different if Eli Wright or more likely Braxton Beverly were playing their senior seasons in Kentucky, but I think Quentin has the award locked up for the reasons listed above. If Taylor County doesn’t make the state tournament things could change, but I don’t see that happening as they have the best backcourt and one of the best coaches in the state. If that does happen though Carson Williams would be a favorite in my mind.