Top Performers at WKU Team Camp: Forwards and Posts
Western Kentucky University held it’s annual team camp this past weekend and there were several high profile teams from across the state and a couple of schools from out of state. On Friday I was able to take in several games and see quite a few nice players. Here’s a look at the top forward and center performers at camp.
James Nicholas, Hopkinsville – James is finally healthy and picking up where he left off last season when he injured his knee. Nicholas is highly skilled, 6’4 and plays with a great motor. Unfortunately James has been injured multiple times in his high school career. If he can stay healthy he can find scholarships at the Division 1 level. WKU Head Coach Rick Stansbury told me that Nicholas was one of the best players he saw on Friday at Diddle.
Isaiah Cozart, Madison Central – Cozart and his Madison Central teammates were only at camp on Thursday so I didn’t see them play but the WKU staff all raved about his performance. It is becoming clear that Isaiah can do more on offense than what he’s been able to show in the past. With his defense already at a mid-major or better level and his offense catching up, Cozart continues to show his high ceiling as he enters his senior season.
Ksuan Casey, Madisonville-North Hopkins – Ksuan is extremely agile for his size. Casey is a talented post player who should get more touches than what he does for the Maroons. In the two games I watched Casey, he didn’t get the ball nearly enough in a position to score. Ksuan is very young (doesn’t turn 16 until mid August) and has already mentioned a reclassification to 2021 after graduation. He’s noticeably slimmed down some and has a ways to go to get into the shape he’ll need to be in for college.
Kenny White, Madisonville-North Hopkins – Casey’s teammate, White showed the flashes of being the top player in his class. The constant refrain I have heard from coaches is that Kenny needs to play harder and affect the game more on both ends. Kenny sometimes looks like a future pro and other times looks disinterested. At 6’7″ and pretty athletic, Kenny has all the physical tools to earn offers in July. It’s up to him to prove to coaches that he has the motor he’s been sometimes lacking in the past.
Dontaie Allen, Pendleton County – Another player that I didn’t get to see play but the WKU coaches were very complimentary of Allen’s play on Thursday before he sat out Friday to rest after suffering a minor injury. Dontaie already holds an offer from Coach Stansbury and staff and they would love for Dontaie to make it back to Diddle for his college career.
Anthony Woodard, Logan County – Also known as “Rooster”, Woodard just made a move across town from Russellville to Logan County. Rooster was the lone 2021 player identified as a top player at camp and they will have chances to see him over the next few seasons as he lives just about a half hour from Diddle. Woodard is long and athletic and has a high ceiling as a future wing at the college level if he can keep playing hard and continue to develop his skills.
Jamarion Sharp, Hopkinsville – Sharp is the ultimate “high risk, high reward” college prospect in 2019. Standing nearly 7 foot tall and pretty mobile, Sharp will need to stop growing long enough to increase his skill level. Coach Ray Harper offered Sharp last week and he played a small role on the Kentucky Junior All-Stars this month. His development is key to watch over the upcoming season.