Kentucky Stockrisers: Five Impactful 2025s

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After an exciting season of high school basketball action in the Bluegrass State last year, it's time to look back at some of the most impressive standouts both sides of the floor. Today, we will be highlighting some high-level 2025 prospects that made their presence known last season. Without any further ado, here's my list of five impactful 2025s in the state of Kentucky to watch for this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1229152"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64c82c2b382e2"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At the top of my list of notable performers is [player_tooltip player_id='1229152' first='Eli' last='Finley'], a 6-foot-2 point guard at Calloway County High School. Finley made his presence known on the court for the Lakers during his sophomore stint of high school basketball. In 31 contests, Finley was the top scorer and second-best rebounder on the team, collecting 650 points and 158 rebounds, averaging 21.0 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. In addition to impressive size and speed, what stands out about Finley is his consistent shooting from around the perimeter, his composure at the top of the key, his speed in transition and his rebounding effort.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1512908"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64c82c2b38335"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another high-level talent to watch is [player_tooltip player_id='1512908' first='Trevor' last='Ellis'], a 6-foot-6 power forward at Mercer County High School. Ellis was highly explosive weapon for the Titans during his sophomore stint of high school hoops last season. In 32 games, Ellis was the top scorer and rebounder on Mercer County's roster, recording a total of 544 points and 296 rebounds, averaging 17.0 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. What makes Ellis so efficient on both sides of the floor is his height, wingspan and footwork, proving he can do it all offensively with solid shooting from around the perimeter and in the paint.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1798617"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64c82c2b38395"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At number three on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='1798617' first='Kaylen' last='Alexander'], a 6-foot-3 power forward at North Bullitt High School. Alexander was a gamechanger for the Eagles during his sophomore campaign of high school basketball last season. In 32 contests, Alexander was the second-best scoring weapon and rebounder on North Bullitt's roster, collecting a total of 424 points and 240 rebounds, averaging 13.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. With great size, speed and versatility on both sides of the floor, Alexander showcased his ability to blast the opposition with his shooting from range and was a crucial presence underneath the rim with his physicality and ability to grab rebounds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1587491"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64c82c2b383f1"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I was additionally impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='1587491' first='Jace' last='Birney'], a 6-foot-3 shooting forward at Ballard Memorial High School. Birney established himself as one of the most efficient talents on the Bombers' roster during his sophomore season of high school basketball last year. In 30 games, Birney led the team in both scoring and rebounding, collecting 595 points and 195 rebounds, averaging 19.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. What makes Birney so efficient is his electric presence offensively, contributing strong ball control and quick movement from in the paint. Birney also utilized his footwork to juke out and stun defenders, allowing him to show off his strong shooting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1428320"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64c82c2b38444"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming in at number five on my list of standouts is [player_tooltip player_id='1428320' first='Briar' last='Griffin'], a 6-foot-0 point guard at Butler County High School. Griffin was a highly versatile and athletic weapon on the Bowling Green's roster during his sophomore stint of high school basketball last season. In 19 contests, Griffin contributed valuable minutes on the court for the Purples, picking up a total of 34 points and 30 rebounds, averaging 1.8 points and 1.6 rebounds per game. With great size, speed and toughness, Griffin contributed a well-balanced team effort, showing off strong ball control as well as confidence at the top of the key. Griffin also made his presence known in the paint and at the free throw line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->