2024 X Factors

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Basketball has started across the bluegrass and there is a lot of excitement for the upcoming season. There are several teams who can win the state title and it's a pretty wide open race at this point. Here's a look at some Seniors who can be an X factor for top teams in Kentucky.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1032747"],"_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":"Evangel Christian is loaded with talent and is the likely favorite to win the All A State title as well as the 6th Region. After losing Cyr Malonga to graduation, the hopes for a deep run to Rupp Arena could be pinned on Johnny and his ability to replicate some of the interior presence that Malonga provided. Djema likes to roam around and shoot threes but he should combine with Ben Tshaka to be a strong force on the interior for the Eagles.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653035565c192"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1320254"],"_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":"With [player_tooltip player_id='1130310' first='Malachi' last='Moreno'], [player_tooltip player_id='1110323' first='Vince' last='Dawson'] and now [player_tooltip player_id='2091803' first='LJ' last='Holman'] all holding D1 offers, it is the Senior forward that could be the key to a state title run for Great Crossing. Jeremiah may be the most athletic player in the 2024 class but he's also added improved three point shooting to his arsenal and would be the go to player for most other schools in Kentucky. If Godfrey can be a solid secondary weapon on offense and provide rebounding help, the Warhawks will be a tough team to beat by the end of the season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653035565c205"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1221721"],"_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":"Everyone associates Lyon County with the 2024 favorite for Mr Basketball, [player_tooltip player_id='939117' first='Travis' last='Perry']. But the most valuable player on the Lyons roster may be [player_tooltip player_id='1221721' first='Jack' last='Reddick']. Jack is the primary ball handler for Lyon and allows Perry to run around off the ball and get freed up for shots. Reddick never sees a double team so he's able to get into the paint and finish or make good decisions to get teammates open looks.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653035565c25c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1238514"],"_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":"Covington is 1/3 of a loaded backcourt with [player_tooltip player_id='1359137' first='Taylen' last='Kinney'] and Deshaun Jackson. Jabari may be the least heralded of the trio but is the key to a long and sustained run for the Wildcats this season. Covington can create offense for himself and others better than Kinney or Jackson, in my opinion. Jabari actually plays on the ball the most of the three and can impact the game with solid on the ball defense. If Newport wants to get back to Rupp Arena, they'll need Jabari to play at a high level again this season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653035565c2b1"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1122204"],"_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":"Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1359134' first='Gabe' last='Weis'] is getting all the headlines these days thanks to his recruiting taking off. Fellow Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1088850' first='Beau' last='Baker'] actually leads Washington County in points scored but it's [player_tooltip player_id='1122204' first='Riley' last='Brown'] who holds the key to unlocking the offense for the Commanders. Without Brown making shots, teams will play zone against Washington County and limit Baker and Weis by collapsing on them. If Riley has a big offensive year as a Senior, Washington County will be among the top teams in the region with a real shot to get to Rupp Arena.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653035565c306"} /-->