Kentucky High School Basketball – Buy Stock Now
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Being from Kentucky, I have a deep understanding of appreciation the people of Kentucky have for basketball. After spending the last 10 or so years at the college level, I have been a little disconnected from Kentucky High School basketball…
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Continue ReadingBeing from Kentucky, I have a deep understanding of appreciation the people of Kentucky have for basketball. After spending the last 10 or so years at the college level, I have been a little disconnected from Kentucky High School basketball as a whole. The last 2 months I have been fortunate enough to get back to traveling the state and watching teams as they prepare for the 2022-23 season. I thought it would be good time to share my thoughts so far of the high school landscape within the state of Kentucky.
Young Talent
The amount of young talented players I have seen has been the most obvious observation thus far. It seems that every gym I have been in, I have walked away thinking the best player was either a freshman or sophomore. Taylen Kinney Taylen Kinney 6'1" | PG Newport | 2026 State KY , James Turner James Turner 6'6" | PF Newport | 2026 State KY , Eli Finley Eli Finley 6'2" | PG Calloway County | 2025 State KY and Hayden Blakeman Hayden Blakeman 6'5" | SF Green County | 2025 State KY are just a few to name, but whether it was the Expo or open gyms, the young players have really impressed me. The next 3-5 years will be an exciting time for high school hoops fans throughout Kentucky.
Size
The size throughout the state has been most surprising. 7-0 Sam Gibson Sam Gibson 7'0" | C Holy Cross | 2023 State KY was impressive at the Expo blocking shots and showing flashes of scoring with his back to the basket. Gabe Dynes from Simon Kenton stands at 7-2 who recently committed to Youngstown State. Throw in highly touted recruit Malachi Moreno Malachi Moreno 6'11" | C Great Crossing | 2025 State #21 Nation KY at 6-11 and with just those three players, you may have the best combination of size and talent the state has seen in a while.
Basketball IQ
Some of the smartest players at the high school level I have seen has been in the last 2 months. Guys that naturally know where to be, what pass to make, the difference between a good shot and bad shot. It’s hard for a high school player to understand that and I give a lot of credit to the coaches in the state. They are developing and teaching which will pay dividends to these players down the line.
Versatility
The stretch 4’s have been really impressive so far. Guys that can play both on the perimeter and in the post. Jakob Fredricksen Jakob Fredricksen 6'8" | PF Central Hardin | 2023 State KY , Keith Robinson Keith Robinson 6'5" | PF Pleasure Ridge Park | 2023 State KY , Daniel Waters, Aydan Hamilton Aydan Hamilton 6'5" | SG Campbell County | 2023 State KY are just a few that would be steals for coaches at the next level to utilize all over the court.
Overall Takeaway
My overall takeaway is the state of Kentucky High School Basketball is at an all-time high. It is an extremely exciting time to be in the state and could see many division 1 players produced in the next few years.