All “A” Classic ~ Thursday’s Top Performers, Pt. 2

Prep Hoops Staff was in attendance for the opening round of the 33rd Annual All A Classic State Tournament hosted at Paul S. McBrayer Arena on the campus of Eastern Kentucky University. All 16 teams played in the opening round on Thursday. We have a collection of the best performances from the afternoon and evening games.

Covington Holy Cross, Senior Guard, Javier Ward Javier Ward 5'11" | CG Holy Cross | 2023 State KY

Ward is a blazing quick guard that is a scoring threat every time he touches the ball. Ward has evolved from “he is good because of his speed” to “his speed makes him great.” The duo of Ward & Meyer is another excellent backcourt. 

Covington Holy Cross, Senior Guard, Jacob Meyer Jacob Meyer 6'2" | PG Holy Cross (Covington) | 2023 State KY

I’m confident the analytics would agree, Meyer has his hands on the basketball for the majority of the Indians’ offensive possessions. And it is easy to see why…. He has a knack to snatch rebounds and race down the court. Even in the half-court, he can take the ball from 25 feet and evade defenders on his way to the hoop. Meyer finished the game with 37 points and 15 rebounds. 

Danville – Junior Wing, Owen Barnes Owen Barnes 6'3" | SF Mercer County | 2024 State KY  

First time getting an up-close viewing of Barnes and his athleticism really jumps out throughout the game. His athleticism can put him in positions on the court that most high school players in Kentucky cannot. Barnes is crafty with the ball, slithering his way in the paint for different finishes. When he is in rhythm, he can get hot from the outside, too. Barnes made one of the best blocks of the whole weekend with a two-handed snatch off the glass of a lazy layup. 

Hazard – Senior Forward, Landon Smith 

Smith plays with a fierceness that no one on the Mustangs team could match. He owned the paint area on both ends of the court for the majority of the game. Smith was one of the main contributors that saw the Bulldogs lead the game wire to wire. Smith finished with 14 points, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 2 steals. 

Hazard – Senior Guard, Max Johnson

Johnson played extremely well and dominated the backcourt. He plays with steady poise which is crucial in the lead guard position. Johnson is a true playmaker that makes his teammates better. Johnson finished with 17 points, 6 assists, and 6 steals. 

Bishop Brossart – Senior Wing, Mason Sepate

Sepate was the lone bright spot for this overmatched game. Sepate, is a crafty left-handed shooter that is skilled at getting his shot off before the defense can react. The Mustangs were desperate for Sepate’s offense and fortunately, he provided with 17 points before fouling out. 

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