Bluegrass State Games: Top 16u Performers

<p>A total of 12 16u teams entered into the 2019 Bluegrass State Games at KBC. The field was very strong overall despite it being a smaller group of contenders.  When the dust settled on Sunday, Manimal claimed the title over Vision Elite. Here's a look at the best performers of the weekend at KBC. They are presented by team.</p> <p><strong>Rooster Woodard, Logan County/Manimal Elite - </strong>Named the MVP of the tournament, Woodard was at his best in transition and attacking the rim all weekend. His motor was running for all 5 games and he showed how good he can be when he plays all out. A well deserved MVP award for Rooster.</p> <p><strong>Isaiah Mason, Bowling Green/Manimal Elite - </strong>Another weekend of solid play for Isaiah as he helped Manimal to another title belt at the KBC. He wasn't as dynamic as he looked at The Journey last month but he was as good as always and his consistency is impressive at this point.</p> <p><strong>DaShawn Jackson, Frederick Douglass/Manimal Elite - </strong>Jackson continues to be a solid and consistent scorer for the Manimal squad. The return of KJ Crump moved DaShawn off the ball for the weekend and to his more natural position off the ball. </p> <p><strong>Jeremiah Belton, Vision Elite/LaRue County - </strong>Belton was a steady hand for the Vision team that surprised many by making the state championship game on Sunday. Jeremiah was able to push the pace in the full court and knock down pull up jumpers in the half court. </p> <p><strong>Josh McGuire, Vision Elite/Knott County Central - </strong>Josh was a difference maker for Vision in their battle with the Louisville Magic on Sunday. He manned the post and could even step out and knock down the 15 footer. If he can improve his foot speed, he can be a solid small college prospect.</p> <p><strong>Kale Gaither, Louisville Magic/Union County - </strong>Kale played like his usual self on the weekend, scoring the ball and distributing when he couldn't get to the rim. Gaither is a solid college prospect and would really be helped with a growth spurt in his future.</p> <p><strong>Hunter Penn, Louisville Magic/Woodford County - </strong>Hunter patrols the paint for the Magic and plays bigger than his size. Penn is a solid two handed rebounder who should be an impact player in the 8th region as a Junior.</p> <p><strong>Scotty Draud, M.A.T.T.S. Mustangs/Beechwood - </strong>Draud had a solid, steady scoring weekend where he made plenty of shots. The key to Scotty's game is getting going early and finding his rhythm. He did just that on the weekend, averaging over 20 points per contest.</p> <p><strong>Ben Johnson, M.A.T.T.S. Mustangs/Lexington Catholic - </strong>Ben struggled to score the ball like he usually does but affected the game by making plays from the point guard spot and rebounding the ball and leading the break.</p> <p><strong>Jaxon Watts, Pride Athletics/Paintsville - </strong>Watts is headed for a big Junior season for the Tigers. He had a big scoring weekend and showed more than just the ability to hit open shots. Jaxon put the ball on the floor and scored at the rim. </p> <p><strong>Trevor Hardin, Louisville Prospects/Henry County - </strong>One of the better "off the radar" prospects in Kentucky, Hardin is athletic and has pretty good size as a combo forward. He is a consistent scorer and rebounder for the Prospects and will find his way into the 2021 rankings at our next update.</p>