All A Classic State Tournament ~ Top Undersized Guards, Pt. 2
Continuing our coverage from the 2022 All A Classic State Tournament, this two-part article aims to highlight the Top 10 Players listed at 6′ and under. The individuals identified in this piece can all certainly score, but they all did…
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Continue ReadingContinuing our coverage from the 2022 All A Classic State Tournament, this two-part article aims to highlight the Top 10 Players listed at 6′ and under. The individuals identified in this piece can all certainly score, but they all did other things that made a difference for their respective teams.
Jordan Akal Jordan Akal 6'1" | PG Harlan | 2022 State KY – Harlan, Senior – 6’0”
Most offensive possessions begin and end with Akal. And rightfully so as he is one of the top scorers in the state. He is a tireless worker and earns every basket he gets. Although technically undersized, he more than makes up for it with his athletic leaping ability. Akal creates distance from his defenders by clearing the air space after he jumps. He used his craft, mid-air acrobatics to convert several challenging shots in the paint area. Akal routinely put on his cape and heroically gave the Green Dragons a bucket when they needed it the most. His breakout game came in the overtime thriller against Bracken County. Despite fouling out, he still finished with 28 points.
Kaleb McClendon – Harlan, Junior – 5’10”
McClendon showcased his skillset as a bonafide knockdown set shooter. On this season, he takes under 10 shots per game despite leading his team in 3-point percentage at +40%. Throughout the event, it was clear that he deserves more shots! McClendon had his breakout game in the opening round against Campbellsville. He finished with 15 points knocking down 5 3-pointers.
Keian Worrix Keian Worrix 5'7" | PG Shelby Valley | 2022 State KY – Pikeville, Senior – 5’8”
The commitment to individual and team defense is what makes Worrix a special player for the Panthers. In all four games, he never let a possession go by without fighting through a screen, getting a deflection, or finding contact to box out for a rebound. There are very few players around the state that affect the game the way Worrix does. If there was a state-wide award for Defensive Player of the Year, he would be at the top of the list. His breakout game came in the quarterfinal match-up with Murray. He finished with 12 points, 3 assists, and 3 steals.
Kyran Tilley Kyran Tilley 6'1" | PG Evangel Christian | 2024 State KY – Evangel Christian, Sophomore – 6’0”
Tilley is part of a talented back-court that includes Christian Spalding Christian Spalding 6'4" | PG Evangel Christian | 2022 State KY and Charqwan McCallister. There isn’t one skill that Tilley lacks. He can score off the dribble or catch-and-shoot. He can slash for a cut to the basket or rise up for a put-back layup. Tilley’s breakout game came in the quarterfinal against Todd County Central. He finished with 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Luke Bellamy – Breathitt County, Junior – 6’0”
Bellamy was a key contributor for the State Championship runner-up, Bobcats. He has a textbook shooting form and follow-through. He plays with impressive basketball IQ knowing when to drift and lift on the wings so the ball can find him. Coach Noble has a few quick hitters for Bellamy but a lot of his shots come off penetration after Sperry or Collins drive through the paint. His breakout game came in the stunning, come from behind victory in the opening round against Lyon County. He finished with 15 points knocking down 5 3-pointers.
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