Region 8's Small School Standouts

Now we move past Louisville and up the western side of the Bluegrass into northern Kentucky. This group includes players from Cornerstone Christian, Eminence, Gallatin County, Owen County, Trimble County, Walton-Verona, and Williamstown. In recent years, these schools have produced regional players of the year and multiple first-team all-region selections. While several programs were hit hard by graduation, there are still plenty of names worth knowing as the new season approaches.    [player_tooltip player_id='2740449' first='Cooper' last='Holland'] is a confident ball handler and scorer who can create his own shot at the rim. He averaged 11.2 points and 4.5 rebounds per game last season, providing steady production on both ends of the floor. While he connected on 26 threes a year ago, he continues to show upside as a perimeter threat. At 6'1, he uses timing and instincts to block shots and generate steals, making him an active presence defensively. A 31st District All-Tournament Team selection last season, he is primed for an even bigger role this year.     [player_tooltip player_id='2515108' first='Hudson' last='Jent'] is set to take on a larger role for Trimble County this season with two of the Raiders' top three scorers lost to graduation. The youngest player on this list, he brings plenty of upside and long-term potential. While his efficiency can improve, he has shown the ability to knock down shots and is aggressive attacking the basket. He plays with energy on both ends, defends well, and shows good instincts reading the floor. With continued development, Jent's ceiling is very high and he has the tools to grow in every area of his game.     Brady White plays with toughness, intelligence, and nonstop effort, making his presence felt on both ends of the floor. He thrives as a two-way guard, pairing a strong work ethic with excellent feel for the game. Offensively, he scores from all three levels with confidence, using a smooth jumper and the ability to create as a versatile combo guard. On defense, he's active and disruptive, turning energy into stops and transition chances. After a standout junior season, White has shown he can do it all.     Michael Smith isn't just a standout on the baseball diamond, he's also a key contributor on the basketball court. A member of the 8th Region All “A” Tournament Team last season, he averaged 9.9 points per game, shot 51 percent from the field, and led his team with 7.3 rebounds. He uses his size effectively inside and has the tools to become a consistent double-double threat this season.     If there's one thing you can count on, it's that Ethan Keller can shoot. He averaged 10.5 points per game last season and knocked down nearly 70 threes. Always hunting for his shot, he can score in a variety of ways, off the dribble, coming off a screen, pulling up deep, or even off-balance. Quick into his release, Keller is a dangerous perimeter threat who can stretch a defense at any moment.     Adam Gutman is the lone returning starter from last season's Walton-Verona team that reached the Class “A” State Quarterfinals. As a sophomore, he averaged 6.1 points per game and connected on 48 threes, establishing himself as a reliable perimeter threat. He's particularly effective from the corner, always prepared with his hands ready to step into his shot.     JaVonte Yangou is a versatile Swiss Army knife for the Demons. He averaged 10.1 points and 4.5 rebounds last season, proving he can contribute in several areas. On offense, he's a dangerous shooter who can connect from well beyond the arc and is capable of catching fire in a hurry. Defensively, he's strong on the ball and shows good awareness, keeping track of both his assignment and the action around him.    More standouts:   Kacee Biddle, Cornerstone Christian   Will Burkhead, Cornerstone Christian

Now we move past Louisville and up the western side of the Bluegrass into northern Kentucky. This group includes players from Cornerstone Christian, Eminence, Gallatin County, Owen County, Trimble County, Walton-Verona, and Williamstown. In recent years, these schools have produced regional players of the year and multiple first-team all-region selections. While several programs were hit hard by graduation, there are still plenty of names worth knowing as the new season approaches.