Impressive 2026 Playmakers 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 high-level prospects that made a name for themselves on the court last year. After my last positional breakdown, it’s time…
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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 high-level prospects that made a name for themselves on the court last year. After my last positional breakdown, it’s time to continue to evaluate some talented freshman standouts. Without any further ado, here’s my list of some impressive 2026 playmakers in Kentucky to keep an eye on this upcoming season.
At the top of my list of notable performers is Taylen Kinney Taylen Kinney 6'1" | PG Newport | 2026 State KY , a 6-foot-1 point guard at Newport High School. Kinney made his presence known on the floor during his freshman campaign of high school hoops with the Wildcats last season. In addition to outstanding size and speed, what stands out about Kinney is his explosiveness in the paint and ability to blast defenders at the rim. The rising sophomore out of Newport, KY. additionally caught my attention with his ability to elevate himself in the paint and dunk the ball. After a strong showcase, Kinney is certainly a high-level prospect to keep an eye on.
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Finishing in the number two spot on my list of talented prospects is Jacob Spurlock Jacob Spurlock 6'3" | CG Boyd County | 2026 State KY , a 6-foot-2 shooting guard at Boyd County High School. Spurlock was highly explosive on both sides of the floor during his freshman season of high school basketball with the Lions. On top of his solid size, speed and well-balanced playstyle, what stands out most about Spurlock is his footwork and pin-point accuracy from beyond the arc. Another aspect of Spurlock that impresses is his composure from around the perimeter, challenging defenders with his jumper. After proving himself as a relentless shooting weapon last year, Spurlock is definitely an electric talent to watch for next season.
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Another high-level prospect to keep an eye on is Xavier Cosby Xavier Cosby 6'3" | SG DuPont Manual | 2026 State KY , a 6-foot-3 shooting guard at DuPont Manual High School. Cosby was a dangerous weapon on the Crimson’s roster during his freshman stint of high school basketball. Cosby is most impressive from the top of the key and around the perimeter, showcasing pin-point accuracy from range. The rising sophomore out of Louisville, KY. additionally stood out due to his strong ball control, quick decision-making and smart passing. After proving himself as a dangerous prospect on the court last year, Cosby should not be slept on this upcoming season.
Claiming the number four spot on my list is Max Meagher Max Meagher 6'6" | SF Lexington Catholic | 2026 State KY , a 6-foot-6 small forward at Lexington Catholic High School. Meagher made a big difference on the court during his freshman campaign of high school hoops with the Knights last year. With excellent size, speed and a solid handle on the ball, Meagher proved his efficiency in the paint as he could both drive to the rim and overwhelm defenders underneath the rim. The rising sophomore out of Lexington, KY. additionally showed off his impressive composure, footwork and solid shooting at the free throw line. After a solid year on the court, Meagher is definitely an intriguing prospect to watch for this upcoming season.
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I am additionally impressed with Kendall Phillips Kendall Phillips 6'5" | PF Wayne County | 2026 State KY , a 6-foot-5 power forward at Wayne County High School. Phillips contributed an electric presence on the court during his freshman year of high school basketball with the Cardinals last season. What stands out about Phillips is his ability to be a productive shooter from around the perimeter as well as his ability to overpower the defense down low. The rising sophomore out of Monticello, KY. also impresses with his overall versatility, physical edge and his focus on contributing to the team with smart passing. After making a strong impression on the floor last season, Phillips is definitely an intriguing power forward to watch for next season.