Who’s Hot: NKY Players Making an Impact this AAU Season

All of these players put together strong seasons, each making a significant impact on their high school teams. Now, they'll have the opportunity to step into new roles, continue developing their games, and compete against different levels of talent alongside a wider mix of teammates. With plenty of basketball still to be played this summer, here's a look at the impact and performances these Northern Kentucky standouts have already delivered:    Earlier this month, Braden picked up an offer from Kentucky Christian University, a well-earned opportunity given his continued development. At the P32 League in Wisconsin, Elam averaged 11 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks while recording two double-doubles, showcasing his impact on both ends. At 6'8", he was a force inside with his defense and rebounding, while also contributing offensively with solid footwork, a good feel around the rim, and the ability to play with his back to the basket, using effective moves to create scoring opportunities.     During his AAU season so far, Blake has posted an 18-point outing in a win and averaged 12.3 points across three games at the Midwest Warmup in Rockford, Illinois. He's shown the ability to create his own shot, whether from the perimeter, something he's done effectively throughout the AAU season, or by getting to the basket. He's also proven to be a reliable catch-and-shoot option, runs the floor well in transition, and consistently makes plays on both ends. In addition, he's shown good vision and the ability to make the right pass when opportunities present themselves.     Wyatt has shined so far, earning All-Tournament honors at the Bearcat Classic in Cincinnati, Ohio. He's scored at all three levels and shows versatility as a lefty who can finish at the rim with either hand. He's found ways to score in a variety of ways as well, whether that's catch-and-shoot opportunities, using his ball-handling to get downhill, or taking a few dribbles before rising up for a mid-range jumper.     [player_tooltip player_id='2125709' first='Holden' last='Smith'], along with his Ryle teammate [player_tooltip player_id='2918344' first='Grace' last='Nsuti'], helped lead their team to a championship at the Spencer County Bears Challenge, capturing the 11th Grade Boys title. From the weekend, Holden showed his outside shooting ability, combined with his ability to score at the basket off the dribble. He used screens well to create space for shots. He showed really great awareness and a feel on the offensive side of the floor. He had a lot of craftiness with his ball handling and scoring ability.     In his first tournament, Dylan averaged 20.1 points, helping [program_tooltip program_id='2229551' first='Moss' last='Elite'] find early success, highlighted by a 27-point performance that included five made three-pointers, while also earning 16U Indy Showcase First Team honors. He elevated his play even further in his second tournament, averaging 21.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and three steals per game while shooting 48% from the field and 42% from three, leading [program_tooltip program_id='2229551' first='Moss' last='Elite'] to a 4-0 record.     In his first tournament, Amontae averaged 20 points and five assists, highlighted by an impressive 27-point performance that included five made three-pointers, earning him 17U Indy Showcase Second Team honors. He's displayed craftiness and scoring ability at all three levels, knocking down perimeter shots with confidence while also using his shiftiness to find lanes to the basket. His ball-handling has been a major asset, allowing him to create space, control the tempo, and make a strong overall impact on the game.     In his first tournament, Julienne Knuckles impacted the game in a variety of ways, making his presence felt defensively while contributing offensively in multiple areas, whether getting to the basket or knocking down threes. His athleticism stood out on both ends, allowing him to elevate for shot blocks and slip past defenders with ease.

All of these players put together strong seasons, each making a significant impact on their high school teams. Now, they'll have the opportunity to step into new roles, continue developing their games, and compete against different levels of talent alongside a wider mix of teammates. With plenty of basketball still to be played this summer, here's a look at the impact and performances these Northern Kentucky standouts have already delivered: