Kentucky Freshman Showcase: All-Event First Team
There was a wide array of explosive incoming freshmen from all around the Bluegrass State and beyond showed in the gym for the Kentucky Freshman Showcase in Louisville over the weekend. After an action-packed afternoon of competitive hoops action at…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThere was a wide array of explosive incoming freshmen from all around the Bluegrass State and beyond showed in the gym for the Kentucky Freshman Showcase in Louisville over the weekend. After an action-packed afternoon of competitive hoops action at the MidAmerica Sports Center, it’s time to reveal my list of notable performers that impressed me the most on the court. Following evaluations of a wide array of skilled rising 2027 prospects, here’s my All-Event First Team.
1. Obinna Ekezie – C – 2027 – Prolific Prep (CA)
Making an immediate impact on the court was Obinna Ekezie, a 6-foot-11 incoming freshman center at Prolific Prep of Napa Christian School that caught my attention in the first game of the showcase. In addition to being one of the tallest prospects at the event, Ekezie impressed me with his ball control, physicality and presence in the paint, consistently collecting slam dunks as well as a mountain of second-chance opportunities. On the other side of the floor, Ekezie stood out with his ability to apply pressure on inside shooters, protect the rim with his wingspan and consistently block shots.
Obinna Ekezie
Obinna Ekezie
2. Jay Martin – PG/SG – 2027 – McCracken County (KY)
Also making his presence known was Jay Martin an athletic 6-foot-0 point guard/shooting guard at McCracken County High School that impressed me with his well-balanced effort on both sides of the floor. Martin was crucial to his team’s success due to his size and physicality, impactfulness from underneath the basket and his ability to score from anywhere on the floor. Martin showed off an impressive jumpshot, explosive speed in transition and durability at the rim. I also liked Martin’s rebounding and defensive effort as well as his ability to protect the perimeter from outside threes.
Jay Martin
Jay Martin
3. Dre’Mail Carothers – SG – 2027 – Owensboro Catholic (KY)
Another talented prospect that made an impact in the Freshman Showcase was Dre’Mail Carothers, a 6-foot-1 shooting guard from Owensboro Catholic High School that quickly proved he was a dangerous player to sleep on. What stood out most about Carothers was his size advantage, speed and physical edge, creating a number of issues for the opposing defense with his movement and positioning in the paint. Carothers additionally proved his ability to score underneath the rim and defend the other side of the floor. With solid height, Carothers also caught my attention defensively as he applied strong pressure on the other side and created turnovers.
Dre’Mail Carothers
Dre’Mail Carothers
4. Brandon Dayes Brandon Dayes 5'10" | PG St. Xavier | 2027 State KY – PG – 2027 – St. Xavier (KY)
Playing a crucial role in his team’s success on the court was Brandon Dayes Brandon Dayes 5'10" | PG St. Xavier | 2027 State KY , a highly impactful 5-foot-10 point guard at St. Xavier High School that displayed his talent at the top of the key. Dayes impressed me with his electric speed and precision from range, showing off his efficient three-point shot. Another aspect of Dayes that caught my attention was his durability, toughness and ability to drive to the rim. Dayes also took advantage of the paint, proving he can juke out defenders and score layups. On the other side of the court, Dayes stood out defensively due to his ability to pressure the defense from up top and steal the ball.
5. Kingston Shidler – PG/SG – 2027 – Henderson County (KY)
Claiming the number five spot on my list of top standouts is Kingston Shidler, a versatile point guard/shooting guard at Henderson County High School that stood out both offensively and defensively over the weekend. Shidler caught my eye with his well-balanced playstyle and team contributions, proving he can stun the defense with his footwork and physicality. Shidler made a number of smart passes and blasted the other team at the rim with his ability to drive to the lane as well as pull up for jumpers. On the other side of the floor, Shidler played solid defense up top, standing out with his toughness and ability to apply pressure, disrupt passing and steal the ball.