Region 1 Prospects to Watch For
In this article:
It’s still the preseason, but there’s a lot of excitement surrounding the upcoming season. Across Kentucky, there are elite players that are representing their state well, and many to choose from. From veteran seniors to upcoming freshmen, the classes are…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingIt’s still the preseason, but there’s a lot of excitement surrounding the upcoming season. Across Kentucky, there are elite players that are representing their state well, and many to choose from. From veteran seniors to upcoming freshmen, the classes are loaded. To make it easier, let’s narrow it down from the top players in the state, to the best players by region. Here’s some prospects out of the 1st Region that you should watch for during the 2024 season!
As Murray’s leading scorer played only 12 games last season due to injury, Lincoln English Lincoln English 6’2″ | SF Murray | 2024 State KY stepped up in the top role. Averaging 10.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and shooting 52% from the field, there was never any doubt that English had talent. He has the strength and size that allows him to score at the rim and rip down rebounds. You can expect a big season from Lincoln.
Jace Birney Jace Birney 6’3″ | SF Ballard Memorial | 2025 State KY is a pure scorer. He uses his 6’3 frame to his advantage and is very versatile. Birney joined the 1000 point club as a sophomore, so he isn’t new to putting the ball in the basket at a high level. Last season, he averaged 19.8 points a game and shot exceptionally well from the free throw line. At 85%, Birney’s free throw percentage was good enough for top 20 in the state.
Highlights
Last season Eli Finley Eli Finley 6’2″ | PG Calloway County | 2025 State KY put up 650 points, averaging 21 a game. He shot over 50% from the field, nearly 40% from three, 75% from the free throw line, and pulled down just over 5 rebounds. Stellar numbers for a sophomore. He’s a three level scorer and hard worker on the defensive side. Finley brings a lot of toughness onto the floor and is a player you always want in the game.
Jonah Butler Jonah Butler 6’6″ | SF Calloway County | 2025 State KY completes, what will be quite a duo out of Calloway County. He’s already had a great career. Butler had the first triple-double in Calloway County history, he was apart of the 2A All-Tournament Team and has a Division 1 offer from Lipscomb. He’s a monster in the scoring and rebounding column, averaging 12 points and 10 rebounds. Led by Butler and Finley, Calloway County is a team to watch for in the first region.
Highlights
With McCracken County’s top three scorers graduating, Connor Miller Connor Miller 6’0″ | PG McCracken County | 2024 State KY is next in line. He’s the highest returning scorer at 8.9 points a game. In their state tournament game against Elizabethtown, Miller led the Mustangs with a 15 point, 12 rebound, double-double. As a coach, you can always count on Miller to get the job done. McCracken is always in the conversation for the first region, so keep an eye out for the talented senior.
Highlights
Owen Webb Owen Webb 5’11” | PG Mayfield | 2025 State KY is the leading returning scorer on a Mayfield team that went 28-6. He averaged 8 points a game, hit 23 of 29 free throws and hit 59 threes. He even hit a clutch shot to defeat first region foe, Graves County, in overtime. Webb is an extremely hard worker that will do whatever it takes to get better.
Carter Burnett
Carter Burnett
Carter Burnett led the Comets in scoring with 13.5 points per contest last season. In 23 of 32 games, Burnett put up double digits, including a season high 29 points in the postseason. He led Carlisle County in field goal percentage at 44% and shot 80% from the free throw line. In two seasons, he’s put up a total of 554 points and pulled down 184 rebounds. To end a solid season, Carter managed to make the First Region All-Tournament Team.