Hidden Gems: Players Ready to Shine (Part 1)

Steve Quattrocchi December 28, 2020 @ 05:00 AM

The season starts a week from tonight and everyone should be ready after a 6 week delay from when we were supposed to get started. Here’s a look at some players who could emerge this season. [player_tooltip player_id="714507" first="Zavian" last="Jackson"], Jeffersontown - Jackson only averaged 4 points and 3 rebounds per game in 24 games at Southern last season but showed a ton of potential in the Fall League and Invite this fall. Jackson has already earned scholarship offers at the Junior College level and is going to have a chance to make a huge impact for a J-Town team that can use his athletic slashing ability. [player_tooltip player_id="1066761" first="Anthony" last="Bowen"], John Hardin - Bowen was a late season addition to John Hardin's roster after moving in from Oklahoma and he didn't get a lot of opportunity to make an impact before the end of the season. Now the Bulldogs will be counting on Anthony to add scoring and defensive versatility to their roster. Look for the big wing to make an impact on both ends of the court and be in the mix for first team all region honors. [player_tooltip player_id="923040" first="Parker" last="Fields"], Boone County - Fields was the leading scorer and rebounder for the Rebels last season so some may not think of him as a "hidden gem" but his name is not known by many outside the 9th region but that could change with a big season. Parker plays about every spot on the floor for Boone and should be in the discussion for most valuable player in northern Kentucky this season. He could be in the mix for a 18/10 per game season if he plays up to potential. [player_tooltip player_id="801613" first="Tyson" last="Barrett"], Frederick Douglass - Tyson is getting a lot of hype heading into the season but he's going to have to turn potential into production in his Junior season. As a Sophomore, Barrett played in 16 games for the Broncos and averaged 2.9 points and 1.4 rebounds per game. Heading into this season, expectations are high for the 6'7 forward under new coach Jason Moseley. [player_tooltip player_id="926900" first="Robby" last="Todd"], Rowan County - A transfer from Dunbar, Todd could be a difference maker for a Rowan team that needs his size and versatility. Robby played in all but one game last season for the Bulldogs but never got consistent playing time on a team loaded with front court size. At 6'7, Todd is going to be a matchup problem for a lot of teams in the 16th region and could be the difference in the Vikings being a serious contender to get to Rupp Arena or not.