Mid-Season Mr. Basketball Update

<p>We are nearing the halfway point of the season and at this point, we have at least a 13 game sample of each of the candidates and a couple have already played 15 or more games. Here's a look at the top contenders for the award at approximately the halfway point of the season. </p> <p><strong>The</strong><strong> Favorite: Dayvion McKnight, Collins </strong></p> <p>The case for: McKnight is a stat sheet stuffer who is averaging 22 points and 8 rebounds per game at the point guard position for a Collins team who has gone 12-3 against a tough schedule and is ranked in the top 5-10 in the state depending on which poll you look at.</p> <p><strong>Second Favorite: JJ Traynor, Bardstown </strong></p> <p>The case for: JJ has gone from relative unknown to top 100 recruit in about 18 months time. He's committed to Louisville and averaging 18 points and nearly 11 rebounds per game for the Tigers who have gone 7-6 against a tough schedule. His career is not the best on the list but he has the name recognition.</p> <p><strong>Third Favorite: Jackson Sivills, McCracken County</strong></p> <p>The case for: Sivills' coach has done a great job of getting out this season and making sure that the voters have a chance to see Jackson play. He's averaging just under 22 points per game and adding 7 rebounds per contest. He's not the flashiest candidate on the list but he's a complete player.</p> <p><strong>Other Candidates:</strong></p> <p><strong>Marques Warrick, Henry Clay</strong> - Warrick entered the season with a lot of momentum and still has a solid shot to win the award. His chances can greatly improve with a big January that includes 8 straight games on the road. If Ques can lead Clay to some big wins, he can boost his stock with voters.</p> <p><strong>Kenny White, Madisonville-North Hopkins</strong> - After a breakout Sweet 16 at Rupp back in March, White had a lot of momentum. Halfway through his Senior year, Kenny is averaging 19 points and 8 rebounds for a Maroon team that is among the best in the state.</p> <p><strong>Justin Powell, North Oldham</strong> - Powell was looking like the front runner after a MVP performance at the KOB last month but an injury has sidelined Justin for the last week and it remains to be seen how long Justin will be out. If he misses an extended period, he is likely to fall from contention.</p> <p><strong>Tyren Moore, Male</strong> - Moore has been a star this year for the top ranked Bulldogs and has helped Male to avoid a let down after the injury to fellow Senior Howard Fleming. Tyren is averaging just shy of 20 points per game and continues to be one of the most entertaining players to watch.</p> <p><strong>Alex Matthews, John Hardin</strong> - Matthews has John Hardin off to a 13-0 start after going 35-1 last season. Perhaps the most impressive stats on the list at 23.6 points and 10.7 rebounds per game, Alex's candidacy is hurt by John Hardin not playing in front of more media and voters at events like the KOB and Traditional Bank Classic.</p>