Bluegrass State Standouts: Top 2024 Shooting Forwards
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After an exciting year of high school basketball action in the Bluegrass State, it’s time to look back at some of the most explosive performers on the court last season. Today, we will be continuing my “Bluegrass State Standouts” series…
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Continue ReadingAfter an exciting year of high school basketball action in the Bluegrass State, it’s time to look back at some of the most explosive performers on the court last season. Today, we will be continuing my “Bluegrass State Standouts” series as we break down another list of talented players in a new position. After evaluating talented power forward prospects, it’s time to move onto some intriguing shooting forwards that deserve recognition. Without any further ado, here’s my list of the top 2024 shooting forwards in the state of Kentucky to keep an eye on this upcoming season.
At the top of my list of standouts is Kade Unseld Kade Unseld 6'5" | SF Warren Central | 2024 State #252 Nation KY , a 6-foot-5 shooting forward at Warren Central High School. Unseld was one of the most active and impactful players on the Dragons’ roster during his junior stint of high school basketball last year. In 34 contests, Unseld was both the second-best scorer and rebounder on the team, picking up a grand total of 549 points and 253 rebounds, averaging 16.1 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. Unseld additionally shot 55.1% (209-379) from the field, 45.4% (79-174) from the three-point line and 76.5% (52-68) from the free throw line. In addition to impressive size and speed, the rising senior out of Bowling Green, KY. adds excellent explosiveness on both sides of the floor.
In close second place on my list is Elijah Decker Elijah Decker 6'5" | SF Ohio County | 2024 State KY , a 6-foot-5 shooting forward at Ohio County High School. Decker was one of the most efficient and reliable weapons on the Eagles’ roster during his junior season of high school basketball last year. In 32 games, Decker was the top scorer and rebounder on the team, picking up a total of 553 points and 243 rebounds, averaging 17.3 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. Decker additionally shot 49.1% (215-438) from field goal range, 35.3% (61-173) from beyond the arc and 66.7% (62-93) from the free throw line. In addition to impressive size and speed, the rising senior out of Hartford, KY. plays with excellent physicality and effort on both sides of the floor, making a huge difference on the boards.
Finishing in third place on my list is Antonio Williams Antonio Williams 6'7" | SF Hopkinsville | 2024 State KY , a 6-foot-7 shooting forward at Hopkinsville High School. Williams was one of the most significant players on the floor for the Tigers during his junior stint of high school basketball last year. In 32 contests, Williams was the top scorer and rebounder on the roster, picking up a grand total of 576 points and 369 rebounds, averaging 18.0 points and 11.5 rebounds per game. Williams additionally shot 55.8% (241-432) from the field, 30.9% (17-55) from the three-point line and 66.4% (77-116) from the free throw line. In addition to impressive size and speed, the rising senior out of Hopkinsville, KY. makes a huge difference on both sides of the floor with smart passing, a strong shooting performance and solid physicality on the defensive side.
At number four on my list of standouts is Jacob Hand Jacob Hand 6'4" | SF Holy Cross | 2024 State KY , a 6-foot-4 shooting forward at Holy Cross High School. Hand was a highly explosive and reliable player on the floor for the Cougars during his junior season of high school basketball last year. In 30 games, Hand was the team’s leading scorer and rebounder, picking up a total of 617 points and 212 rebounds, averaging 20.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. Hand additionally shot 59.3% (254-428) from field goal range, 25.0% (13-52) from the three-point line and 63.6% (96-151) from the free throw line. In addition to impressive size and speed, the rising senior out of Louisville, KY. makes his presence known on the court with smart, passing, accurate shooting, and physicality on both sides of the floor.
Claiming the number five spot on my list is Derrell Bateman Derrell Bateman 6'4" | SF Christian County | 2024 State KY , a 6-foot-4 shooting forward at Christian County High School. Bateman was one of the most efficient players on the Colonels’ roster during his junior stint of high school basketball last year. In 30 contests, Bateman was the team’s leading scorer and rebounder, picking up a total of 525 points and 300 rebounds, averaging 17.5 points and 10.0 rebounds per game. Bateman additionally shot 50.2% (209-416) from field goal range, 42.5% (45-106) from beyond the arc and 57.4% (62-108) from the free throw line. In addition to impressive size and speed, the rising senior out of Hopkinsville, KY. makes a difference because of his smart passing, strong shooting from the perimeter and in the paint, and toughness on both sides of the court.