Region 1's Small School Players to Watch

There's talent everywhere, from small schools to big schools and from big cities to small towns. This list is simply an opportunity to highlight some of the small school players to watch this upcoming season across each region of the state.   For Region 1, schools eligible to have a player included on the “small school” list are members of the All “A” Member schools for the 2026-27 season. Those schools include Ballard Memorial, Carlisle County, Christian Fellowship, Community Christian (Paducah), Fulton County, Hickman County, Mayfield, Murray and St. Mary.   Here's a look at Region 1's small school standouts for the upcoming season:    [player_tooltip player_id='2046736' first='Wyatt' last='Rickard'] isn't just one of the top small school players in the 1st Region. He's one of the top players in the region, and one of the best big men in the state. He averaged 20.3 points, shot 52.1% from the field and grabbed 9.5 rebounds per game last season. His most recent college offers include Purdue University Northwest and Eastern Illinois University. He also has offers from Kentucky Christian University and UT Martin.     As a freshman, [player_tooltip player_id='2851847' first='Griffin' last='Mayes'] led his team in scoring at 15.9 points per game. He also shot nearly 50% from the field and went 110-for-139 from the free throw line, while averaging 4.7 rebounds per game. Mayes was named to the Paducah Sun All Purchase Team, becoming just the fifth freshman ever selected, and earned All District honors last season. He's also one of the top players in the state in the Class of 2029. Mayes plays with a ton of control and has a noticeable impact on the game.     [player_tooltip player_id='2859787' first='Jonah' last='Anderson'] averaged 22 points per game last season, knocking down 66 3 pointers at a 36.1% clip while averaging 5.5 rebounds. As a sophomore, Anderson surpassed 1,000 career points. He has a real offensive mindset and the consistency to attack. While he can knock down shots from deep, he's more than just a perimeter shooter. Anderson does a good job getting to the rim and finishing through contests and contact.     [player_tooltip player_id='2429595' first='Ja'Cobi' last='Nichols'] averaged 10.7 points per game last season while shooting 57% from the field and leading his team with 7.3 rebounds per contest. He earned All District honors and was selected to the 1st Region All “A” All Tournament team. At 6-foot-6, Nichols uses his size and athleticism to create advantages. He also brings value defensively, using his length to disrupt opponents. His versatility gives his team another reliable option on both ends of the court.     Brennan O'Neill averaged 12.7 points per game for the Comets last season. He brings a well-rounded offensive game, with a reliable 3-point shot and the ability to attack the basket in transition. Defensively, O'Neill has a knack for creating turnovers and can make multiple plays in a game with his activity. He also contributes in other areas, whether it's blocking a shot or coming down with a rebound. His versatility makes him a Swiss Army knife on the hardwood, capable of filling whatever role his team needs.     Bradon DeJarnatt led his team in scoring as a sophomore, averaging 22.4 points per game. He knocked down 92 3 pointers at a 39% clip, making him a dangerous threat from deep with a quick release and plenty of range. DeJarnatt also does a good job moving without the ball to create opportunities for himself. He showed that scoring ability last season against Fulton County, scoring 34 of his team's 67 points and knocking down six 3 pointers in a two point victory. That performance came after his team had lost to the Pilots by 25 earlier in the season.     Joining his teammate, [player_tooltip player_id='2851847' first='Griffin' last='Mayes'], as a freshman who led the team in scoring, [player_tooltip player_id='3717407' first='Jack' last='Griffith'] averaged 12.6 points per game. He knocked down 40 3 pointers at just over a 35% clip while also averaging four rebounds. Griffith has good size and physicality, allowing him to score both inside and outside the paint. He does a good job absorbing contact around the basket and using his body to create scoring opportunities. Griffith also plays an unselfish style, making him a valuable piece of the team's offense.    More:   [player_tooltip player_id='3699101' first='Grayson' last='Sparacio'], Ballard Memorial   Kasen Perez, Carlisle County   Braylan Hendrix, Fulton County   Davarius Freeman, Fulton County   Kaybrun Burton, Hickman County   Nyiahez Irons, Hickman County   Ashton Flint, Mayfield   [player_tooltip player_id='2381498' first='Brycen' last='Eubanks'], Mayfield   [player_tooltip player_id='2935091' first='Gabe' last='Morris'], Mayfield   Gray Robbins, Mayfield   [player_tooltip player_id='2381496' first='Mason' last='Hopkins'], Mayfield   Kenyon Cunningham, Murray   Micah Wyatt, Murray   Andrew Puckett, St. Mary   [player_tooltip player_id='2630011' first='Jude' last='Harmon'], St. Mary

There's talent everywhere, from small schools to big schools and from big cities to small towns. This list is simply an opportunity to highlight some of the small school players to watch this upcoming season across each region of the state.