2026 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 Sophomores 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":["1558746"],"_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":"Bender has the potential to help take Ballard to a different level. With his genetics and size, Jordan has the chance to be a top 2026 in the state. In my opinion, he needs to play as much as possible and continue to improve his basketball IQ. Jordan has the physical tools and athleticism to be a monster but needs to continue to season his game by playing as much as he can. He may start as a JV kid this season but could be a major factor for the Bruins by February.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6532e4df05f78"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1543591"],"_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":"Bryten has transformed his body and his game since the end of the summer. He's dropped nearly 25 pounds and improved his overall skill level. Already a good passer, Close appears to be stronger with the ball and being a more active rebounder than he's shown in the past. With [player_tooltip player_id='1702596' first='Landon' last='Blakey'] gone back to LaRue County, Close is likely to be the anchor for the Cardinals in the post and can be a hard cover in the 5th region.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6532e4df05ff8"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1565983"],"_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":"Cayson is super athletic and went viral last season for a huge dunk in a JV game. As a Sophomore, Trae needs to be ready to contribute for a Douglass team that badly needs more bench help. The roster is full of athletic guards and Cayson can thrive in an up and down system where he's allowed to press and play in the open court. For Douglass to get back to Rupp, Cayson needs to help off the bench.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6532e4df0604b"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1359135"],"_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":"Coming from Beechwood where he started the last two seasons, Harney will split time at the point guard spot with fellow Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1575699' first='Athens' last='McGillis']. Cash is at his best getting into the paint and finishing or kicking to open shooters. The Covington Catholic offense has thrived off drive and kick for threes over the last couple of seasons and Cash likely gives them their best option to continue that. Harney is a stout and strong guard whose role will likely grow as the season progresses.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6532e4df06094"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2248846"],"_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":"Blaackar will be the driving force for a Lloyd Memorial squad that will have high expectations and is expected to compete with Cov Cath and others for the 9th region crown. [player_tooltip player_id='1252216' first='EJ' last='Walker'] gets all of the headlines (deservedly so) but [player_tooltip player_id='2248846' first='Anthony' last='Blaackar'] can have more impact on the game since he always has the ball in his hands. Coming off a big summer of AAU with [program_tooltip program_id='2229551' first='Moss' last='Elite'], the Sophomore guard is primed for a big season and will be ready to go head to head with all the guards in a 9th region loaded with talented backcourts.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6532e4df060dc"} /-->