Region 5's Small School Standouts

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 5, 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 Bethlehem, Campbellsville, Caverna, Fort Knox, Green County and Washington County.   Here's a look at Region 5's small school standouts for the upcoming season:    [player_tooltip player_id='3753864' first='Paxton' last='Bloyd'] is Green County's leading returning scorer after averaging 12.4 points per game as a sophomore. He was a threat from long range, knocking down 51 3-pointers while shooting 38.3% from downtown and averaging 2.1 makes per game. Bloyd also pulled down 4.2 rebounds per game, giving him an impact beyond his scoring. He has a lot of tools in his offensive arsenal and can hurt defenses in a variety of ways. With another year of experience under his belt, Bloyd could be in line for an even bigger role for the Dragons this season.     [player_tooltip player_id='2125710' first='Jack' last='Bradley'] averaged 13.6 points per game last season, shot nearly 50% from the field and led Bethlehem in rebounding at 5.3 boards per game. A standout quarterback for the football team, Bradley has also put together a solid career on the hardwood. He can score, rebound and pass while consistently playing smart basketball. Much like he does at quarterback, Bradley has a knack for reading the opposition, helping him anticipate plays and come up with takeaways. He could very well rack up multiple steals on any given night.     [player_tooltip player_id='3753867' first='Ty' last='Milburn'] is Campbellsville's leading returning scorer after averaging exactly 8.0 points per game last season. He led the team in both field goal percentage at 55.4% and rebounding at 5.0 boards per game. Milburn could be in line for a huge senior season following the graduation of key players and his ability to impact the game in multiple areas. His combination of size and skill gives him the tools to be one of the better big men in the region. If he takes another step offensively, Milburn could very well average a double-double next season.     Ethan Gripper-Montague led the Eagles in scoring last season at 11.2 points per game while also leading the team in free-throw percentage. He also averaged 4.0 assists and 2.0 steals per game, showing his ability to impact the game beyond scoring. Gripper-Montague's quickness allows him to make an impact at both ends of the floor. Offensively, he combines his speed, agility and ball-handling ability to create separation and drive by defenders. On defense, he can stay in front of his man in one-on-one situations and use his quick hands to come up with steals.     [player_tooltip player_id='2833071' first='Deacon' last='James'] averaged 11.3 points and 3.3 rebounds per game last season while knocking down 41 3-pointers. Like many athletes at small schools, James contributes in multiple sports and is also a successful football player. On the basketball court, he has a variety of ways to make scoring plays happen. He can create his own offense but also has the ability to set up opportunities for his teammates. James consistently puts pressure on defenses and can keep them on their heels throughout a game.     With Washington County's top three scorers from last season gone due to graduation, Caden Garrett is next in line after averaging 6.1 points per game. He also shot an impressive 82.9% from the free-throw line. Garrett does a good job in catch-and-shoot situations and doesn't waste time getting his shot off. He didn't take many shots from long range last season, attempting just 28, but that doesn't mean defenders should leave him open. With more opportunities likely coming his way, it wouldn't be surprising to see Garrett take a big step forward this season.

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.