Queen City Clash: Friday Kentucky Standouts

The Prep Hoops Circuit came to Cincinnati, Ohio for a two-day event that ends before Easter Sunday. In this article I'll break down the standout performers I saw from the first day of action from the state of Kentucky, playing on the north side of the Ohio river.    One of the top floor generals in Kentucky Rondon passes the ball at an extremely high level and on a team with as much talent as they have, it makes his life even easier out there. With some no-look or behind the back dimes that were flashy and drew wows from the crowd, it's the simple quick decision making that can really stand out to me. As a scorer, Rondon also knocked down some rhythm shots as well. Very talented available 2025 point guard who I think college coaches will enjoy having on their team.     Kinney was cleared yesterday to return to action and wasted no time making an impact just 15 or so miles from Newport High School where he starred as an underclassman. The most impressive plays he made were on defense with a pair of incredible blocked shots from behind. Kinney can finish above the rim with either hand, throwing down dunks with his left and right hand. One of the top point guards nationally in the class of 2026, Kinney had some tough and-1 buckets that included a 3-pointer where he was knocked over after the release. We'll see where Kinney will end up at the college level as he's drawn attention from high major powerhouse programs across the country.     One of the top offensive engines in Kentucky, Edelen can hurt you as a spot-up shooter, as a driver getting to the rim or as a passer swinging the rock to shooters or finding bigs for dunks. On this Wildcat Select team his spot-up shooting ability really shines through as he gets so many open 3-point attempts and he caught fire on Friday night by connecting on a bunch of long distance tries with one of them coming from near half-court. With a handful of Division I offers, Edelen will continue to be pursued during live period events with both Wildcat Select and Louisville Male.     One of the more talented athletes in Kentucky's 2027 class, Starks is such a fluid mover for a prospect his size. With his height and length, Starks has the measurables to be an impact defender and Starks had a couple of blocks where he came from the help-side and protected the rim. As an interior scorer Starks had one nice dribble drive attack, a jump stop finish and used his size to catch a contest pass to finish above a shorter defender. For Starks, consistently being aggressive on both ends and playing through contact will be keys as he looks to take the next step in his game.     Gilvin was the most impressive athlete on the VIP Kings squad that put together a strong performance on Friday evening. Gilvin had a spin move that gave him a wide-open layup and then quickly turned a steal into a transition layup. Once he got his confidence at the rim, Gilvin knocked down a pair of 3-pointers as well. Impressive to see Gilvin check so many boxes despite playing up an age group.

The Prep Hoops Circuit came to Cincinnati, Ohio for a two-day event that ends before Easter Sunday. In this article I'll break down the standout performers I saw from the first day of action from the state of Kentucky, playing on the north side of the Ohio river.