Kentucky’s Best Inside-Out Duos

<p>We're still 6 weeks away from the official start of basketball practice in Kentucky but that doesn't mean it's too early to look ahead to what should be a terrific 2019-2020 season. Here's a look at the best Inside-Out Duos in Kentucky this season. They are presented in no particular order.</p> <p><strong>JJ Traynor and JaRel Montgomery, Bardstown - </strong>Traynor has gotten all the headlines over the last 5 months or so but Montgomery may be the more valuable player to the Tigers. JaRel is very shifty and can score with a paint touch or knock down a jumper. JJ, on the other hand, does almost all of his damage midrange and in but can stretch the floor some with shooting as well.</p> <p><strong>Ksuan Casey and Keshawn Stone, Madisonville - North Hopkins - </strong>While Casey flourishes with the ball in his hands, Stone is a pass first point who can make a great post entry to Casey or wing entry to Kenny White. He does exactly what he's asked to do by facilitating for his teammates. Casey is maybe the hardest player to cover on the block in Kentucky. When he draws a double team, Stone is ready to knock down an open jump shot.</p> <p><strong>Riley Bodner and Jaxon Smith, Lincoln County - </strong>Jaxon is in discussion as the best player in the 12th region this season but he benefits from Bodner drawing double teams and making crisp passes. Riley can score over either shoulder but his biggest asset is his ability to alter shots on defense and rebound the ball. The best passer out of the post, Bodner gets assists from Smith cutting through open space on offense.</p> <p><strong>Jamison Epps and Tyshay Epps, Marion County - </strong>Epps is a popular name for basketball players in Marion County and Jamison and Tyshay are the latest to carry the family name for the Knights. Tyshay is a very athletic point guard while Jamison is a skilled big man. If they can combine to average 40 or so points per game this year, Marion can be a contender in the 5th region. When motivated, Jamison is among the best post players in the class and can be a matchup problem for every team in the state. Tyshay is a blur in the open floor who attacks the rim in transition.</p> <p><strong>Jeremiah Belton and Mark Goode, LaRue County - </strong>Last week, we shined a spotlight on Belton as one of the best pass first point guards and he has a great target to pass to in Mark Goode. Goode has committed to WKU for football but you may not find a more polished post scorer in Kentucky. He's shot above 60% for his high school career. If Belton and Goode can combine for 35 points per game, LaRue's defense can get them a lot of wins this season.</p> <p><strong>Darrius Washington and Jaden Rogers, Fern Creek - </strong>Two of the top 2021 players in the state, Darrius and Jaden both hold D1 scholarship offers already and should garner more before they graduate from Fern Creek. Jaden is the top point guard in the Junior class and Darrius has finally started to deliver on some of his potential. They combine to lead a formidable 6th region team who can challenge to get to Rupp this season.</p> <p><strong>James Jewell and Christian Spaulding, Eastern - </strong>The youngest of these pairings, the two Sophomores at Eastern have the look of future D1 players. Jewell has started to garner buzz as a high major recruit by next summer and Christian keeps impressing as a floor general type of point guard who will be battle tested after a season of going against the best point guards in Louisville this year.</p> <p><strong>JiArius Webb and Brian Griffith, Owensboro Catholic - </strong>Another 2022 pair, the Webb/Griffith pair is all about potential right now but western Kentucky is lacking length and athleticism but that's what Webb specializes in. Griffith is a flashy point guard who has high upside but has to grow up quickly and be much improved in his Sophomore season. Now would be the time to buy low on this duo in hopes that you can sell high on their stock later in their careers.</p>