Small School, Big Game – Regions 13 and 14

<p>This series will take a look at some lesser-known players from smaller schools across Kentucky that have or will tear it up at the varsity level. You might not be able to find their hometown on a map, but that hasn’t stopped them from making a name for themselves.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="926884" first="Jordan" last="Akal"], Harlan (2022) - </strong>One of our top ranked Juniors, Akal already holds a D1 offer from Tennessee Tech and is likely to be the leading scorer in the state as a Junior. Jordan can get a bucket from anywhere on the floor and is a threat to go for 40 every night he steps on the court.</p> <p><strong>Clay Akemon, Jackson County (2021) - </strong>As a Junior, Akemon averaged 14 points and 6 rebounds per game and his scoring numbers could rise with the graduation of [player_tooltip player_id="915192" first="Logan" last="Rose"]. Jackson County is a threat to win the 13th region All A this season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="923020" first="Wade" last="Pelfrey"], Hazard (2021) - </strong>Hazard had a tremendous season in 2019-2020 and Pelfrey is a large reason why. Coming off a season where he averaged 16 points per game and led the Bulldogs to 29 wins, Wade is the front runner for 14th region player of the year in 2021.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="923014" first="Jaz" last="Johnson"], Wolfe County (2021) - </strong>Jaz continues to evolve as a playmaker as his game grows and improves. Always known as a scorer, Johnson has become much better with the ball in his hands over the years and is still a knockdown shooter when he’s open.</p> <p><strong>Andrew Noe, Owsley County (2021) -</strong> Noe averaged 14 points and 7 rebounds per game in his Junior season and will be relied on as the go to scorer for the Owls as a Senior. A 55% shooter from the field, Andrew is efficient and has shown some flashes of being able to reliably shoot from 3.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="793785" first="Colby" last="Napier"], Knott County Central (2021) - </strong>Napier seems like he’s been in high school for a decade as he’s been playing a big role at Knott since he was a freshman. Colby may be the best shooter in the Senior class but has developed his game to become more of a slasher also.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="932789" first="Zach" last="Watterson"], Lee County (2023) - </strong>Lee County struggled to 6 wins but Watterson was a bright spot and one of the top scoring guards in the state. Scoring 26 points per game is impressive but 50/37/82 shooting splits are even more impressive to me. I’d like to see Zach square off against some of the state’s other top Sophomores.</p>