Impact Freshmen in Kentucky
Kyle Rode (Lexington Christian): Our #1 freshman is already playing a large role for the Eagles. He’s averaging 12.5 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. The 6’5″ versatile forward can impact games in a variety of ways and gives some creativity…
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Continue ReadingKyle Rode (Lexington Christian): Our #1 freshman is already playing a large role for the Eagles. He’s averaging 12.5 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. The 6’5″ versatile forward can impact games in a variety of ways and gives some creativity to Coach Valentine who can play Rode at a variety of positions.
Michael Moreno (Scott County): Moreno is another versatile forward that is making waves as a freshman. Ranked #2 in our Class of 2019 Rankings, Moreno is a gifted post player that can score and rebound all around the post. He’s also a solid ball-handler that can lead the break in transition and find open teammates. He’s averaging 12.5 points and 9.5 rebounds in the two games which Scott County has submitted statistics.
Dontaie Allen (Pendleton County): Dontaie is likely the most productive freshman on this list. The 6’4″ guard is really good at attacking off the bounce and is unmatched in the 10th region in terms of length and athleticism. He’s averaging 26 points and 8.5 rebounds per game for Pendleton County.
Isiah Hunt (Lexington Christian): Hunt is one of the most dynamic young point guards in Kentucky. He can score the ball in a variety of ways, has great size and shows promise as a passer. He’s averaging 5.8 points per game for Lexington Christian right now.
Korbin Spencer (Elliott County): Korbin made waves last year helping to lead Elliott County to the All “A” state tournament and Sweet 16. He’s got good size and can score both off the bounce and as a shooter. Elliott County hasn’t submitted statistics at this point.
Corey Girton (North Bullitt): Corey is a supremely smooth shooting guard that plays above the rim and excels at getting to the basket. He is a streaky shooter and can disappear at times, but his potential is through the roof. Corey is averaging 5 points per game early in the season and will only improve as he adjusts to varsity play.
Rod Thomas (Paducah Tilghman): Rod is a well build young guard that can get into the lane and score as well as knock down perimeter shots. He had some big games last season for Paducah Tilghman as an 8th grader. He’s averaging 8 points and 2.5 rebounds per game.
Justin Weaver (Moore): J.J. is a big bodied 6’6″ power forward that will be a big problem for Louisville teams for the next few years. He’s size and athleticism alone make him a tremendous rebounder who can finish around the rim at will once he gets the ball. He’s averaging 3 points and 7 rebounds per game for Moore.
Milton Wright (Christian Academy of Louisville): Milton already made a huge impact for the Centurions on the football field and is looking to do the same on the hardwood. He’s only averaging 4.5 points and 3 rebounds per game at the moment, but I expect that to pick up as he gets back into basketball. He’s extremely athletic and quick and knows how to get to the rim.
Diablo Stewart (Franklin County): Diablo is currently averaging 10.3 points and 2.5 rebounds per game. He’s an undersized point guard, but he’s super quick and athletic. He’ll be one of the most entertaining players to watch in the 11th region in the next few years.
Mason Shifflett (Bullitt Central): Shifflett is a shooting guard with size that has already cracked the Bullitt Central line-up. He can fill it up from the outside and knows how to score off the bounce as well. Bullitt Central hasn’t submitted statistics, but he’s already hit double-digit points in a couple games.
Spencer Free (Harrison County): Free is averaging 8.3 points and 3.7 rebounds per game for Harrison County. He can score the ball off the bounce and is a good perimeter shooter as well. He’ll be the go to guy for Harrison County in the next few years.
Carson Guthrie (Mayfield): The 6’5″ wing is long, athletic and has some nice skill. He’s also among the best freshmen in the state and the best player for Mayfield. He posted a double-double in his first game, 17 and 10, and has a very bright future.
Cameron Wilson (Valley): Wilson played big minutes for Valley as a freshman and is in the discussion for best freshman in the city of Louisville. He’s 6’0″, athletic and can get to the rim extremely well at the varsity level for his age. He scored 7 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in the only game Valley has submitted statistics for.
Jaylen Lofton (Mason County): Lofton has already cracked the Mason County line-up and is averaging 5 points and 3.7 rebounds per game early in the season. He’s a little undersized at 5’9″ but has good body control, a nice handle and gets into the lane well.
Noah Back (Perry County Central): Back is producing in a big way in the season for Perry County Central. He’s averaging 16 points and grabbing 3.3 rebounds per game. He’s got good size at 6’1″, can shot the ball and does a good job of beating his man off the dribble as well.
Travis Wiser (Marion County): Wiser has good size at 6’1″ and is pitching in for Marion County as a scorer and rebounder. He’s grabbing 4.8 rebounds and scoring 5.5 points per game. He’s not the quickest or most athletic kid, but uses his body well when driving and is a solid perimeter shooter.
Jaago Kalakon (Waggener): Jaago is a super skilled 6’2″ guard with a nice handle, good looking shot and a very high basketball IQ. He’s already making an impact for Waggener scoring 9.7 points and grabbing 3 rebounds per game.
Ryan Mathis (Graves County): Mathis started for Graves County’s football team at quarterback and is now making an impact for the basketball team. He’s currently scoring 10.7 points and grabbing 3 rebounds per game.
Bryce Long (Scott County): Long is one of the top young point guards in Kentucky. He along with Moreno will be a nice combination going forward for Scott County. He’s averaging 12.5 points and 4 rebounds per game.
Jeffrey McLellan (North Oldham): McLellan has good size at 6’3″ and gives the Mustangs some much needed size. He can shoot the ball and is averaging 8 points and 4.5 rebounds per game in his young career.
Dekeyvan “KiKi” Tandy (University Heights): Now we get to the most productive player by points per game so far. Tandy is averaging 28.5 points per game for University Heights and chipping in 3.5 rebounds per game as well. He’s going to be really good at University Heights and is already establishing himself as one of the best players in Hopkinsville.
Kyle Stivers (Franklin County): This long armed guard is a big time scorer that has the potential to develop into one of the state’s best in that regard in the next few years. He’s getting solid minutes early in the season for Franklin County averaging 5.3 points and 1.7 rebounds per game.
Taquan Hollowell (University Heights): Taquan, like his older brother, is a big guard with a great build and athleticism to spare. He’s not as skilled as his brother yet, but he’s putting up 9.5 points and 6 rebounds per game.