Kentucky Stockrisers: Talented 2026s to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After an exciting season of high school basketball action in the Bluegrass State, it's time to look back at some intriguing standouts on the floor from last year. Today, we will be continuing my "Kentucky Stockrisers" series as we take a look at another group of rising stars that are looking to raise their stock on the court. Without any further ado, here's my list of some talented 2026s in Kentucky to watch for this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1543614"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64cc14013f25d"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At the top of my list of notable performers is [player_tooltip player_id='1543614' first='Luke' last='Asher'], a 6-foot-5 power forward at Madison Central High School. Asher picked up valuable minutes during his freshman campaign of high school hoops with the Indians last season. In addition to outstanding size, speed and athleticism, what stands out about Asher is his ability to sink floaters in the paint and contribute explosiveness in transition. The rising sophomore out of Richmond, KY. should definitely be worth watching this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1543612"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64cc14013f2b7"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another high-level player to keep an eye on is [player_tooltip player_id='1543612' first='Jakob' last='Bartley'], a 6-foot-5 power forward at Somerset High School. Bartley made a considerable difference on the court during his freshman stint of high school basketball with the Briar Jumpers last year. The rising sophomore out of Somerset, KY. stands out due to his overall versatility and physical edge, utilizing his strength to overpower defenders in the paint as well as beat the opposition to second-chance opportunities. Bartley is without question an intriguing 2026 prospect to keep an eye on next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1543637"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64cc14013f2fd"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Finishing in the number three spot on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='1543637' first='Micah' last='Anglin'], a 5-foot-10 point guard at East Jessamine High School. Anglin proved beyond a reasonable doubt that he was a playmaker during his freshman year of high school hoops with the Jaguars last season. In addition to excellent size and speed, what stands out about Anglin is his composure at the top of the key and his deceptive footwork, showcasing his ability to drive to the rim. The rising sophomore out of Nicholasville, KY. should not be slept on this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1543601"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64cc14013f33f"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I am additionally impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='1543601' first='Aidyn' last='Brown'], a 6-foot-1 point guard at John Hardin High School. Brown began to establish himself on the court during his freshman season of high school basketball with the Bulldogs last year. With excellent size, speed and toughness, Brown made a big difference in the paint, utilizing his strength and solid ball control to make a difference. The rising sophomore out of Elizabethtown, KY. also contributes smart passing and a strong finish at the rim. Brown should be an interesting player to watch on the court this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1543622"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64cc14013f380"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming in at number five on my list of standouts is [player_tooltip player_id='1543622' first='Anthony' last='Coppola'], a 5-foot-9 point guard at Ryle High School. Coppola made his presence known with the Raiders during his freshman stint of high school hoops last season. What stands out about Coppola is his footwork, ability to maneuver the paint and his ability to quickly catch-and-shoot. The rising sophomore out of Union, KY. additionally contributed excellent physicality and solid ball control. After showcasing his talent on the court last year, Coppola is certainly an intriguing prospect to watch next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->