Super Six Projections: Top Players in the 1st Region
High School’s across Kentucky have opened their doors for the start of a new school year, leading Prep Hoops Kentucky to open its doors to “way-to-early” preseason outlooks. Over the next few days we will give you our “Super Six Projections”, breaking down our picks for the top six players in Kentucky’s 16 regions. Here, we breakdown the 1st Region.
1st Region “Super Six” Projections:
(Rankings are in no particular order)
- Jerome “J.J.” Reed, Paducah Tilghman (6’6, 2018 forward)
Reed helped lead the Blue Tornandos to a 20-11 overall record as a junior last season, averaging 14.8 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. His success on the court last season earned him a spot on the All-Region team. He currently holds an offer from Samford Unviersity, with interest from Liberty, Western Kentucky, Murray State, and Southeast Missouri.
- Rodriguez Thomas, Paducah Tilghman (6’2, 2019 guard)
Thomas is a 6’2 point guard and is considered one of Kentucky’s top 2019 prospects. As a sophomore, Thomas averaged 13.8 points per game while shooting over 50% from the field (40.7% from beyond the arc on 123 attempts). Thomas is getting looks from a number of mid-major schools. With Reed and Thomas in the mix expect Paducah Tilghman to make a run in the region and a berth into the Kentucky state tournament.
- Carson Guthrie, Mayfield (6’5, 2019 guard)
Carson averaged 15.1 points and over 7 rebounds per game for Mayfield last year, in a season that saw the Cardinals fall just short of a trip to the state tournament. Mayfield lost 71-77 in overtime of the regional final to Graves County. Carson is currently getting looks from schools at D-II and NAIA level.
- Connor Guthrie, Mayfield, (6’2, 2019 guard)
Connor averaged right at 16 points per game, scorching the nets while shooting over 44% from the 3-point line (on over 200 attempts). This summer with Pocket City Connor had one game in which he scored 32 points on 6 made 3-point field goals. The Guthries are hoping their one-two punch can help propel them to the Sweet Sixteen.
- Dalton Jewell, Hickman County (2018 guard)
Averaging just under 20 points and 9 rebounds per game as a junior, Jewell led Hickman County to the 1st district championship, defeating Fulton County by 22 points. Hickman would fall in the first round of the regional tournament to Mayfield.
- Brenden Young, Graves County (6’6, 2018 forward)
With the graduation of Northern Kentucky University recruit Chris Vogt, expect Young to have more of an impact with Graves County this season. The senior forward gained valuable experience last season, averaging 6.5 points and 4.5 rebounds on a team that advanced our of the region and into the state tournament.