Next Up Recruits Camp: Top 26s and 27s
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This past Saturday, over 100 prospects from across Kentucky and border states converged on Lexington’s Sports Center for the annual Next Up Recruits Prospect Camp. There were a lot of talented players in the building. Here are some of my…
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Continue ReadingThis past Saturday, over 100 prospects from across Kentucky and border states converged on Lexington’s Sports Center for the annual Next Up Recruits Prospect Camp. There were a lot of talented players in the building. Here are some of my standout 2026s and 27s. They are listed by order of their jersey number worn at camp. Keep in mind that I didn’t see every prospect and some were surely missed.
Top 2026s:
Sam Spillman Sam Spillman 5'11" | PG Lexington Christian Academy | 2026 State KY . LCA – Spillman has grown and started to fill out since the last time I saw him. Sam plays with a clear confidence when he has the ball in his hands and was a solid shooter on Saturday as well.
Zach Hutchinson Zach Hutchinson 6'5" | SF Pulaski Southwestern | 2026 State KY , Southwestern – Zach made the top 40 All Star game after a very consistent showing at camp. Instead of trying to make a highlight tape, Hutchinson did a lot of little things to impress.
Jacob Spurlock Jacob Spurlock 6'3" | CG Boyd County | 2026 State KY , Boyd County – Spurlock was one of the most impressive players at camp on Saturday. A high level shooter, Jacob made tough shots from deep and also showed he can attack of the dribble.
Travanti Cooper, Great Crossing – Another player who has grown and improved a lot since last viewing. “T2” was very good on Saturday and looks capable of helping Great Crossing in their pursuit of a state title this winter.
Bryten Close Bryten Close 6'7" | C Taylor County | 2026 State KY , Taylor County – Close showed nice touch in the paint and looked more comfortable in pick and pop scenarios. He made the top 40 All Star game and looks like he’s getting better and his game is evolving.
Simon King Simon King 6'5" | SF Lexington Christian Academy | 2026 State KY , LCA – King looks bigger and more physically mature than most 2026 prospects. He was able to score the ball consistently all afternoon and should be a help to LCA this winter.
Top 2027s:
Joe Smith Joe Smith 6'4" | SF North Laurel | 2027 State KY , North Laurel – Smith is only a rising freshman but could pass as a Junior or Senior with his size and athleticism. Joe will be a factor for North Laurel this season.
Montez Gay Montez Gay 6'5" | SF George Rogers Clark | 2027 State KY , GRC – Montez is a long wing who is likely to be a major contributor for the Cardinals this season. Already 6’4 and still growing, Gay used his length around the bucket on both ends of the court.
Colton Helton Colton Helton 6'4" | CG Scott County | 2027 State KY , Scott County – Helton has a good activity level on both ends of the floor. He knows how to move without the ball but is equally confident as a playmaker with the ball in his hands.
Tyce Jarvis Tyce Jarvis 6'5" | SG Montgomery County | 2027 State KY , Montgomery County – Tyce has grown and his ceiling as a prospect may be the highest of anyone at the camp. His motor wasn’t always running hot on Saturday but when it was, he looked like a future High Major recruit.
Obinna Ekezie, Prolific Prep – Obinna played middle school ball in Louisville last season but is headed to California for high school. I’m old enough to remember when his dad played at Maryland and Obinna Jr. looks like he’ll be better than his old man if he reaches potential.
Omari Jointer Omari Jointer 6'0" | PG Woodford County | 2027 State KY , Woodford County – Jointer is a shifty guard who is able to get to the rim with the best of them. His shooting still needs to improve but Omari had one of the quickest first steps of anyone at camp on Saturday.
Trenton Cole, Harlan – Cole didn’t get a ton of shots in the game I watched on Saturday but he made shots at a high percentage and was also able to attack off the bounce and get to the rim more than once.