Next Up Recruits Freshman Camp: Top Guards
Next Up Recruits held their second annual Freshman camp this past Saturday at Taylor County High School in Campbellsville. Many of the top freshmen in Kentucky were in attendance. There were also players in attendance from Indiana, West Virginia, Alabama and Illinois. Here’s a rundown of some of the top performing guards at camp.
KJ Crump (University Heights) – KJ put on a show during the 5 on 5 portion of camp. Crump had the entire gym stopping to watch him. Former Kentucky Wildcat PG Anthony Epps was wowed by Crump. KJ is one of the top players in the 2021 class and he showed why on Saturday. Highly skilled and keeping the ball on a string, KJ was getting past defenders all day long.
Ben Johnson (Lexington Catholic) – Maybe the highest scorer at camp, Johnson was scoring from all 3 levels in every game. Johnson has grown to about 6’2″ now and has a great motor. He takes the occasional ill-advised shot, but as good of a shooter as he is, he is bound to take some “heat check” 3s from 25+ feet.
Jaden Rogers. Photo Courtesy of KY Prep ReportJe’Vonte Turner (Knox Central) – Already 6’0″and growing, Turner showed flashes of big time skill and a good motor. Je’Vonte is the younger brother of Knox Central’s starting PG Markelle Turner and Je’Vonte should step right into that role after Markelle graduates next spring.
Jaden Rogers (Fern Creek) – One of the top point guard prospects in the state in 2021, Rogers showed his ability to get to the rim and attack in transition all day on Saturday. Getting to the rim was easy enough that Rogers didn’t have to take many jump shots. Rogers is one to keep tabs on over his high school career.
Alijah Watts (Hopkinsville) – A smooth lefty, Watts was scoring all over the court in 5 on 5 action. Already 6’1″ and looking like he has plenty of growing left to do, Alijah will be an impact player in the 2nd region for years to come..
Ryan Russell (Henry Clay) – Russell was lights out from deep all day. He hit from downtown on three straight possessions in one game. He also showed some scrapiness on defense and didn’t back down when challenged. Russell could provide Henry Clay some much needed perimeter shooting as a freshman.
Other Names To Know: Corey Mucker (Butler), Derrick Quarles Jr. (University Heights), Jake Whitlock (Spencer County), Keshon Jones (Butler)