After having time to get out and get eyes on the sophomore class, our inaugural 2020 rankings feature a lot of post players, a whole bunch of point guards and one potentially elite guard from Louisville. Let’s introduce the top 5 players in our first 202o rankings.
(Photo Credit: Hoop Seen)Justin Powell, Trinity – Powell is a 6’5 guard out of Louisville powerhouse Trinity. Sharing a back court with nationally ranked David Johnson, Powell will soon be nationally ranked as well. Capable of playing either guard position, Powell is an underrated athlete and is a deadly jumpshooter if left open. Perhaps Powell’s best attribute is his basketball IQ and court awareness. With his passing ability, Justin projects as a PG at the collegiate level.
James Taylor Jr., Saint Xavier – Another great PG hailing from out of Louisville, James Taylor is a pass first PG who is capable of scoring at the rim but is at his best running the offense and handling the ball. Taylor recently gave up football to focus on basketball and the extra court time figures to pay off this winter. If Taylor can improve his shooting stroke and continue to grow, he can challenge Powell for the top spot in the class before they graduate high school.
Michael Mayer, Covington Catholic – Very strong and standing 6’6, Mayer figures to play a major role for Cov Cath this season. Mayer started all AAU season for an Indiana Elite team that finished the season ranked #1 in the country by IndiHoops. Mayer only averaged 2 points and 1.5 rebounds per game as a freshman but figures to see an increased role on the team that is probably favored to win the 9th region. Mayer is a star on the football field for Covington Catholic and figures to end up a college football player unless he either grows a couple inches or develops more perimeter skills.
Amari Taylor, Tates Creek – Coming off a strong 15u AAU season with CKY Magic and Louisville Magic, Taylor is one of the better young scorers in the 11th region. Playing more like an undersized shooting guard, Taylor needs to continue to develop his ball handling and become a more pure shooter. Amari looked much improved in summer games with Tates Creek this summer and could make large strides in his sophomore campaign. For Tates to improve from their 4-26 record of a season ago, Taylor will need to shoulder more of the scoring load.
Riley Bodner, Lincoln County – At 6’9 and only 15 years old, Bodner has perhaps the most potential of anyone in the 2020 class in Kentucky. A big time defensive force with a high ceiling, Bodner projects to be a Division I Center. Bodner was named a standout at the Crossroads Elite Camp in June. Riley has spent his offseason working om his strength and athleticism. Bodner figures to be a big time matchup problem in the 12th region for the next 3 seasons.
