Regional Tournament Underclassmen Standouts Part 2
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Region tournaments finished up yesterday and the state tournament field is set. Below are some underclassmen that came up huge throughout the regional tournament, Yamil Rondon KY #23 PG #5 HEIGHT 5'11" POS PG CLASS 2025 View Profile Yamil Rondon…
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Continue ReadingRegion tournaments finished up yesterday and the state tournament field is set. Below are some underclassmen that came up huge throughout the regional tournament,
I’m not sure there was an underclassmen in the state that made more of a statement than Rondon did this post season. Early on in the year, the knock on him was he played a bit out of control and got sped up pretty easily. As the season went on, he got more and more comfortable and became a much better decision maker. He led an undermanned Cooper to the championship game after knocking off state title contender Covington Catholic. He averaged 18.3 ppg during the tournament controlling all of the games he played in. Although they fell to Newport, Rondon is a name to remember.
One word to describe Boone’s play during the region tournament. Fearless. Played with an extreme edge, was in constant attack mode and set the tone for Frederick Douglas the entire tournament. The best part of Boone’s game is using his athleticism to get to the rim and finish in traffic, but he had a hot hand all tournament from 3pt range knocking down 9 – 3’s in 3 games making timely clutch shots. Will be exciting to watch him at state.
Kinney spearheaded an extremely young and talented Newport team to its first regional title since 2010. Kinney again proved he is one of the smartest and composed guards in the state. He scored when he needed to, but ultimately was most impressed with his ability to calm Newport down in tough situations. They wouldn’t be at Rupp if it wasn’t for his decision making and composure.
No surprise here. Johnson is one of the most talented players in the state/nation and led Woodford County to its first trip to Rupp in nearly 40 years. Johnson had a dominant performance vs region favorite North Oldham and eventually avenged an early season loss to Collins to win the championship. He effortlessly scored and got to the rim whenever he wanted. For him, typically his biggest obstacle is staying engaged as he seems to look bored at times. When he is dialed in like he was during this tournament, nobody can guard him.
Jayson Gasaway Jayson Gasaway 6'6" | PF Lousiville Male | 2025 KY
Jayson Gasaway Jayson Gasaway 6'6" | PF Lousiville Male | 2025 KY
Gasaway is an up in coming big man that really came into his own this season which led to a highly efficient tournament performance. He produced a double double in 2 of his 3 games and scored all over the floor. Although he is best around the rim, he showed he is a capable 3pt shooter which opened up the floor for him. Excited for him to get the opportunity to showcase his talents on the stage of the state tournament. Will get much more attention after next week.
Rawlings decided to have one of his best games of the year against South Laurel scoring 13 points and knocking down a 3. Throughout the season he has been playing in the shadows of Sheppard at the guard position which has been an incredible learning experience for him. Clearly, it is paying off as he is playing some of his best basketball at the most important time of the year. This is exciting for North Laurel fans as it looks like Rawlings is not only ready to step up at the state tournament, but he’s ready to take the reigns next year after a loaded senior class graduates.