2019 Rankings Update:Top Shooting Guards
With our updated rankings coming out late last week, there were some big movers. But we also saw some familiar names at the top of the list. Here, we look at the top shooting guards in the class of 2019. The guard crop in 2019 is probably the deepest position in the class and will have several Division 1 signees before the class graduates and move on to the next level. Many of these young men are shooting guards at the next level but are primary ball handlers for their high school teams so don’t be surprised to see them playing point guard this winter.
Dontaie Allen, Pendleton County – With great size for the position at nearly 6’6″, Dontaie is one of the best one on one scorers in the state. While Dontaie is not super athletic, he is very long and thrives at finishing through contact at the rim. As Allen continues to add muscle to his lean frame, he will become an even more intriguing college prospect. He already holds offers from NKU, Morehead and EKU and could become a nationally known recruit with a strong junior season and 17u AAU campaign.
JJ Kalakon, Waggener – While Kalakon plays every position on the floor for Coach Bryan O’Neill, he projects as a wing in college and likely at the shooting guard position as he becomes a more confident perimeter shooter. Standing 6’4″ and possessing good athleticism, JJ already has received scholarship offers from Morehead State, Robert Morris and Southeast Missouri State.
James Nicholas, Hopkinsville – A skilled athlete with a great motor, Nicholas has had several Division I schools stopping in Hopkinsville this fall. Indiana State and Northern Kentucky have both shown interest in James. Nicholas has been starting for Coach Tim Haworth for a couple of years now and he’ll be counted on for more scoring and leadership this season after losing CJ Henagan to graduation and Jalen Johnson to transfer.
Bryce Long, Scott County – a 6’1″ sharpshooter who averaged nearly 12 points and 3 rebounds for Scott County as a sophomore last season, Long could easily average double those numbers at almost any other school in the state. Playing alongside Charlotte commit Cooper Robb and high major Michael Moreno, Long benefits from a lot of open looks. If Bryce can improve his shooting percentages as a junior, he should improve his college stock.
Hunter McCutcheon, Male – Averaging over 13 points per game as a sophomore in Louisville is no easy task. Hunter is one of the best shooters in the state, regardless of class. Shooting 43% from three and 91% from the free throw line last season, McCutcheon still has plenty of room for growth. As Hunter becomes a better penetrator and gets stronger, he should be a fringe D1 prospect by this time next season.