Impactful 2024s in Kentucky to Watch
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After an exciting season of high school basketball action in the Bluegrass State, it’s time to look back at some of the most impressive standouts on the court from last year. Today, we will be revisiting some impressive rising seniors…
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Continue ReadingAfter an exciting season of high school basketball action in the Bluegrass State, it’s time to look back at some of the most impressive standouts on the court from last year. Today, we will be revisiting some impressive rising seniors that made their presence known on the court as juniors in the 2022-23 campaign. Without any further ado, here’s my list of five highly impactful 2024 talents in Kentucky to keep an eye on this upcoming season.
At the top of my list of notable performers is Payton Mayhorn Payton Mayhorn 6'9" | C Lexington Christian Academy | 2024 State KY , a 6-foot-9 center at Lexington Christian Academy. Mayhorn competed for Henry Clay High School during his junior season of high school basketball. With the Blue Devils last year, Mayhorn contributed significant minutes on the court, collecting a total of 90 points and 80 rebounds, averaging 2.9 points and 2.6 rebounds per game. The rising senior out of Lexington, KY. additionally shot 53.7% from the field, 20.0% from range and 51.5% at the free throw line. What stands out most about Mayhorn is his unmatched strength and physical edge in the paint and underneath the rim, showing off his solid height, wingspan and ability to consistently make layups and grab rebounds.
Another talented prospect to keep an eye on is Braylon Hinton Braylon Hinton 6'4" | SF Tates Creek | 2024 State KY , a 6-foot-4 small forward at Tates Creek High School. Hinton made his presence known on both sides of the floor during his junior campaign with the Commodores last season. Hinton was one of the strongest scorers and rebounders on the team, recording a grand total of 190 points and 70 rebounds, averaging 7.6 points and 2.8 rebounds per game. The rising senior out of Lexington, KY. additionally shot 40.9% from field goal range, 36.6% from outside the three-point line and 75.0% at the free throw line. In addition to outstanding size and speed, what I like about Hinton is his footwork, physicality and ability to crossover and juke out defenders in the paint.
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Claiming the number three spot on my list is Owen Barnes Owen Barnes 6'3" | SF Mercer County | 2024 State KY , a 6-foot-3 shooting forward at Mercer County High School. During his junior stint of high school hoops, Barnes played for Danville High School. With the Admirals last season, Barnes led the team in scoring and was the second-best rebounder, picking up a total of 523 points and 211 rebounds, averaging 16.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. The rising senior out of Danville, KY. additionally shot 46.0% from the field, 33.3% from beyond the arc and 70.0% from the free throw line. What stands out most about Barnes is his overall athleticism and well-balanced playstyle, proving he can quickly maneuver the court, sink shots from range and drive to the rim.
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I was also impressed with Elijah Bundy Elijah Bundy 6'3" | PF Clay County | 2024 State KY , a 6-foot-3 shooting forward at Clay County High School. Bundy made a big difference on the court during his junior campaign with the Tigers. Bundy was one of the top scoring weapons and the second-best rebounder on the team, collecting a grand total of 137 points and 163 rebounds, averaging 5.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. The rising senior out of Manchester, KY. additionally shot 51.3% from field goal range, 20.0% from three and 55.6% from the free throw line. With great size, speed and movement on the floor, Bundy showcased strong ball control, smart passing, quickness in transition and accurate shooting from down low.
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In the number five spot on my list of standouts is Cameron Edwards Cameron Edwards 6'4" | SF Kentucky Country Day | 2024 State KY , a 6-foot-4 small forward at Kentucky Country Day High School. Edwards was a highly athletic weapon on the Bearcats’ roster during his junior season of high school basketball. Edwards was the second best scorer and the top rebounder on the team, recording a total of 316 points and 159 rebounds, averaging 11.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. The rising senior out of Louisville, KY. additionally shot 58.7% from the field, 25.0% from three-point range and 66.3% from the free throw line. What stands out about Edwards is his size, speed and overall athletic edge, showcasing strong ball control and the ability to adapt to pressure. Edwards was especially efficient at driving to the rim, overpowering the defense with his toughness.