2020 Prospect Spotlights
As AAU comes to a close and the high school season approaches, Prep Hoops Kentucky takes a look at 2020 prospects who sparked our interest this summer and whom college coaches should be keeping their eyes on here in the near future.
Justin Powell | 6’5 PG | Louisville Trinity High School
Powell had a huge summer with the Atlanta Celtics, which warranted a major offer from Chris Mack and Xavier (he also holds offers from Kennesaw State and Stetson). At 6’5, Powell is a diamond at the point and shows an ability to play the off guard position as well. At Next Up Recruits elite exposure camp, Powell – who will be entering his sophomore season, held his own against many of the upperclassman also competing at the event. Already showing an athletic prowess, expect him to get bigger, stronger, faster as time goes on. Powell is considered the top prospect in Kentucky’s 2020 class.
Amari Taylor | 6’o PG | Tates Creek High School
Taylor averaged right at 10 points per game as a freshman at Lexington’s Tates Creek High School, shooting 40% from the field (36% from 3-point range). He’s got a good frame and a point guards brain. Always under control and let’s the game come to him. Taylor played some summer ball with CKY Magic.
Nick Knifley | 5’10 PG | Taylor County High School
Knifley has been a great position while playing at Taylor County High School. Getting to play behind guards who year in and year out compete for an opportunity to play in the state tournament. Knifley has been bred a winner and expect him to be one who continues to help lead the Cardinals to regional title games. In 24 game appearances with Taylor County, Knifley shot right at 50% from the field. He’s shown an ability to knock down open 3’s and beat defenders off the dribble to score at the rim.
Riley Bodner | 6’8 C | Lincoln County High School
We had the opportunity to see Bodner play this summer at Asbury University’s team camp and at Next Up Recruits exposure event. Bodner has a presence in the post both offensively and defensively. He has good hands a finishes well around the basket, as well he has an ability to pass out of the post and find open shooters around the perimeter.
Kaelin Drakeford | 6’3 G | Mercer County High School
Drakeford is another guard who has seen valuable experience playing behind a stud player. Kaelin averaged right at 3 points per game as a freshman playing behind D-1 prospect Trevon Faulkner (2018). Mercer County has won a lot in the last couple years – which is also good for Drakeford. He knows the culture and there is an expectation to keep winning when his time comes. Drakeford is attending Northern Kentucky University’s team camp this weekend.
Marques Warrick | 6’2 G| Henry Clay High School
Warrick is a left from Lexington’s Henry Clay High School with really good length. He is very good in the open court, with an ability to go coast to coast or push the ball in transition to find the open man for an easy lay-up. He’s shown an ability to knock down open shots from deep, as well as beat his man off the dribble and finish down hill at the rim. He’s also very good at second chance opportunities, rebounding the ball well on the offensive end. Kid has a lot of upside.