X-Factors: State Tournament Edition

Silverton may be the least talked about player on this very talented Newport team. He is a tough wing that can play any of the guard positions. He has a good looking shot that is more than capable shooting from distance.  His stats are severely misleading this season as he has only averaged 4.7 ppg making 9 from 3pt range. Silverton is a player that is more than capable averaging 10 – 12 ppg this state tournament. If he does, there is a good chance we will see Newport playing on Saturday.

Everyone knows about the big 3 from Lyon County but Bray Kirk Bray Kirk 6’2″ | SG/PG Lyon County | 2026 State KY is a player who would be the best player on a lot of teams around the state. He is averaging 7.1 ppg while getting limited touches shooting an unbelievable 56% from the field. Kirk gets most of his baskets sprinting the floor, making hard cuts and slashing to the rim. Defensively, he is ultra competitive and can guard multiple positions due to his strength. Kirk is the difference maker for this Lyon County team.

The defending state champions will look to repeat largely led by Jerome Morton and Trent Edwards Trent Edwards 6’8″ | PF George Rogers Clark | 2023 State KY , but Tyelik Maxwell might be the quiet deciding factor. Maxwell is a versatile forward/wing that can guard multiple positions and sets the tone from a toughness standpoint for this team. Only averaging 6 ppg on the year, he affects the game in so many ways grabbing rebounds and getting loose balls. At his best in transition and utilizing his athleticism to score at the rim. Maxwell needs to have a big week for them.

Chenault’s athleticism is contagious and electrifies this young Frederick Douglas team. Probably one of the best athletes in the state, he can finish above the rim both in transition and in the half court but usually his baskets lead to big runs for them. Streaky shooter that has the ability to get hot from distance. If he gets going and in a groove this week, they can win it all. Huge week for him.

Wells is a versatile, long and athletic wing that can play just about every position other than point guard on the floor. In a tournament where you will have to win 4 games in 4 days, Wells will be heavily relied upon to give quality minutes if Warren Central plans to win it all as the favorite. This senior leader provides energy at both ends for them and is a big time offensive rebounder crashing in from the wing. He will be relied upon at some point during the week and I look for him to come up big.

Asher is a 3 level scorer with good size and strength that is super dependable for his team. Capable 3pt shooter off the catch, but at his best putting the ball on the floor and getting to the rim. His size allows him to finish thru contact at the rim and collect rebounds in tight spaces. There is no reason Asher can’t get 10 ppg at Rupp which would be huge for Ashlands chances to get to Saturday.

Durbin is the heart and soul of this Elizabethtown team bringing elite energy and toughness. He does a great job using his quickness to get to the paint and finish at the rim. Also uses his quickness and strength to be a lock down defender for them. Although he is their 5th or 6th option offensively, he provides tremendous value to their success, especially in a tournament like they are about to play.