Top 10 Players in Southeastern Kentucky

<p>We’re here to answer the question of, “Who are the 10 best prospects in Southern Kentucky?” Some of these players are closer to central Kentucky but the list is made up of 12th and 13th region players along with some 11th region players in the Richmond area. 13th region players who are in the mountains were covered in our Eastern Kentucky article. Moral of the story? Kentucky geography is weird.</p> <p>What are the stipulations? None, really. Regardless of positions, what our top 10?</p> <p><strong>#1 [player_tooltip player_id="932765" first="Reed" last="Sheppard"], North Laurel (2023) - </strong>One of the best young players in the state, Sheppard has the blue blood lineage but is also on track to meet his potential thus far. Reed would benefit from another couple inches in height but even if he never grows another inch, his athleticism and IQ make him a big time college prospect and a star in the 13th region.</p> <p><strong>#2 [player_tooltip player_id="530673" first="DeAjuan" last="Stepp"], West Jessamine (2021) - </strong>Solidly a top 10 player in the class of 2021, Stepp is on the list of best players in the state without a scholarship offer. That could change if we ever get to play AAU this summer. Dee is a long combo guard or wing who is at his best attacking the rim. He had a rough season shooting the ball from deep but it wasn't due to bad shot mechanics as much as fatigue from having to play on the ball and guard the ball all game, every game.</p> <p><strong>#3 [player_tooltip player_id="923006" first="Jevonte" last="Turner"], Knox Central (2021) - </strong>One of the hidden gems of the state, Turner missed his chance to show what he can do on the Rupp Arena stage this year. Back in the winter, Jevonte gave Warren Central all the could handle in the 2A state tournament. Turner has good length and athleticism. I'd love to see him playing high level AAU as he's the type of player who could get multiple offers in a summer.</p> <p><strong>#4 [player_tooltip player_id="926889" first="Luke" last="Imfeld"], Boyle County (2022) - </strong>Luke's game is not flashy but is very smooth. He's got a solid handle and a high IQ but his best asset may be his midrange shooting. Imfeld does not get rattled in the big moments and isn't afraid to take a big shot. He's the top 2022 in the area in my opinion.</p> <p><strong>#5 [player_tooltip player_id="700979" first="Kole" last="Brown"], Madison Central (2021) - </strong>Brown has split time on the baseball field in the past but was looking forward to a big summer of AAU after a huge Junior season for the Indians. Kole is a good athlete who stepped into a bigger role after being a role player on a very good Madison Central team his Sophomore season.</p> <p><strong>#6 [player_tooltip player_id="638866" first="Jaxon" last="Smith"], Lincoln County (2022) - </strong>Smith has had an up and down career for the Patriots thus far. Jaxon has been a 3 year starter for Coach Jackson's squad and has had some tremendous games over those 3 years. The next two years will be interesting as he is likely to be the primary form of offense for Lincoln and the ball will run through him every possession.</p> <p><strong>#7 [player_tooltip player_id="923018" first="Dante" last="Hayden"], Danville (2021) - </strong>Staying in the same district with Lincoln County, Hayden is a volume scorer who can heat up quickly. He doesn't need much space to get his shot off and can do more than just shoot as he can also penetrate the lane and finish.</p> <p><strong>#8 [player_tooltip player_id="926892" first="Aden" last="Slone"], Danville (2022) - </strong>Hayden needs to thank Slone for most of his wide open looks as Aden is a pass first point guard who can slice through defenses and create for others. Slone has a tight handle and knows how to run a team but sometimes needs to slow down a little.</p> <p><strong>#9 [player_tooltip player_id="923050" first="Jaylen" last="Dorsey"], Berea (2021) - </strong>Jaylen looks the part and had a strong statistical season for the Pirates but AAU would have been where he could have proven himself. Coming off a really good Junior season, Dorsey was riding the wave of momentum and will look to get some of it back if we ever get to have an AAU season.</p> <p><strong>#10 Braeden Ray, Madison Central (2021) - </strong>Primarily a shooter, Ray is one of the best threats from downtown in the 2021 class as a whole. While he makes name as a catch and shoot player, Braeden can put the ball on the floor and attack the basket a little as well.</p>