Kentucky’s Top Frontcourts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The season is on the horizon and the first round of preseason scrimmages start next weekend. There is more talent in Kentucky than I can remember in 8 years of working for Prep Hoops. With the season loading, let's break down the best backcourts in the state. These are in no particular order.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2522623' first='Luk' last='Tut'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2906291' first='Peter' last='Patterson'], West Jessamine - The biggest frontline in Central Kentucky is in Wilmore. With the 6'9" Tut and the 6'7" Patterson, Coach Steve Adams has legitimate D1 size and rim protection this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3550924' first='Chris' last='Armstrong'] and [player_tooltip player_id='3550925' first='Ben' last='Armstrong'], Spencer County - The twin brothers make up the biggest duo in the 8th region. With their inside/out versatility, Chris and Ben provide matchup problems for every opponent they face as well as both being good rebounders on the defensive end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1751496' first='Ferlandes' last='Wright'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2479666' first='Jarel' last='Butler'], Fairdale - Both Ferlandes and Jarel are long athletic forwards who can put the ball on the floor from the perimeter or post up smaller defenders. True difference makers in Louisville.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2141045' first='Ben' last='McKinney'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2272617' first='Griffin' last='Starks'], Newport - Both Starks and McKinney offer elite size and athleticism compared to what Kentucky is used to. They could potentially turn Newport into the most interesting team in the state title race.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2454749' first='Brady' last='Orem'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2360945' first='Bray' last='McNear'], Great Crossing - Orem is a great post scorer who continues to move more comfortably outside the arc. McNear is an advanced rim protector who can score the ball both inside and out. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2360949' first='Trey' last='Hillerich'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2398475' first='A'Darius' last='Pegues'], Male - Hillerich is back from his ACL tear and Pegues is an impact transfer from Fern Creek. They have the biggest front court in the Derby city and can be a big problem for opposing teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2529552' first='CJ' last='Thomas'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2529539' first='Andrew' last='Terry'], George Rogers Clark - Thomas has the chance to be a breakout player in the 10th region this year while Terry is a certified D1 recruit with a lot of offers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2396084' first='Jackson' last='Strite'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2851845' first='Mason' last='Grivna'], Ballard - These two are very different. Grivna is a low post banger while Strite is a finesse player who makes his living as a stretch big who isn't afraid to shoot from deep range.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2843314' first='Sam' last='Butterworth'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2381867' first='John' last='Paul Carrico'], Owensboro Catholic - Butterworth is an athletic player who plays above the rim while Carrico is a 4 star offensive lineman who happens to be a big, physical Center on the basketball court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3417549' first='Aaron' last='Moore'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2724804' first='David' last='Bradley'], North Oldham - The guards at North Oldham get the headlines but Moore and Bradley could be what puts the Mustangs over the top in their pursuit of a state title this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->