Prospect Intro: Will Bandy (2020)
Barren County is having a very good run in the 4th region and have had a lot of talent for the last few years. Jared Coomer just graduated and made his way to the Air Force Academy. Junior Will Bandy is hoping to be the next Trojan to earn his way to a collegiate basketball scholarship. Bandy has been battling through a back injury but is looking forward to a big Junior season as the main scorer on for Barren. Will describes his game to me as, “My game is versatile. I can play down low and score, and I can face up to the basket and make a move to score. I can move out and play on the perimeter as well, whether that be shooting, driving or passing. My strengths are shooting rebounding and post moves, as well as communicating and being a leader on the court during games and practices. I need to improve my ball handling, quickness and vertical.”
After spending a few years with NKY Force, Bandy made the move to play for the Louisville Prospects this year, “I have played in 2 tournaments with this team and they have went well. We have competed with everyone and we have won games. I have been battling injuries, which had caused me to miss a few tournaments, but my team has done good.” Will is also starting to get some early contact from colleges as he enters his Junior season, “I have been contacted by UVU, BYU, Belmont, Georgetown, SVU, Findlay and Montclair State. WKU has reached out and invited me to a camp as well. But no offers yet.” The speed of the game with AAU is going to help Will in his upcoming season and he’s optimistic that the Trojans can get out and run more next season. An increase in pace could also help them to compete with 4th region foes like Warren Central, Bowling Green and district rival Glasgow.
Along with the loss of Jared Coomer to graduation there is now a large leadership gap on the team in addition to the loss of points and rebounds from a year ago. Bandy told me, “My goal for high school next year is to be a team leader on and off the court. Last year we had a very good senior class led by Jared Coomer. Now they have graduated I am more then ready to take the role of the leader on the team. My goal for the team is to win district and region and try to make a run in state. Many think we will not have a good team next year, but we are looking to surprise a whole lot of people. We have the tools, the work ethic and the want too. I love my team and we can do some damage.” Barren County could be a dark horse to win the 4th region next season and Will Bandy could be the reason that the Trojans make a surprising run to Rupp Arena.