The Cardinals got a new import in Joshua Augmon but I would argue the most important thing for Taylor County is that Bryce stays healthy. A lethal shooter with deep range who also provides a lot on the defensive end, Bryce is perhaps the most overlooked player in the loaded 5th region. I think he could make the difference in Taylor County’s potential as a true state title contender.

The best shooter on this list, Bryce knocks down threes at a high clip. Vernon is also comfortable putting the ball on the floor and getting into the paint and is a very underrated rim protector. Standing 6’5″ with an even longer wingspan, Bryce will have to put some weight on his wiry frame but he may not be finished growing yet, either. The second Taylor County player on this list, Vernon is a future D1 wing who has long term potential as a 3 and D guy.

Formerly with Kentucky Basketball Club on the Puma-sponsored PRO16 Circuit, Bryce will join Tyson Duke Tyson Duke 6'4" | SG/PG East Jessamine | 2028 State KY and his fellow top 2028 high school teammate Cooper Stone Cooper Stone 5'10" | PG/SG Taylor County | 2028 State KY on the UA Rise Circuit with Griffin Elite . He’ll add length and versatility on the wing, making Griffin’s 16U squad even more dangerous than they already were.

Bryce is a long and lanky shooter who does most of his offensive damage from the perimeter. Vernon has a high basketball IQ and knows how to make an impact without the ball in his hands at all times. The next step for Vernon will be to continue improving as a movement shooter and less of a catch and shoot guy. He’s a player to keep an eye on as he could find himself getting real D1 interest soon.

Bryce Vernon Bryce Vernon 6'5" | SF Taylor County | 2028 State KY is 63-for-152 from three-point range this season, shooting 41.4% while averaging 2.6 makes per game. A pure shooter with strong playmaking ability, Vernon combines skill with consistent effort on the floor. He’s had several standout performances, including 23 points on 5-for-7 shooting from deep against Franklin County in January, 18 points on 4-for-8 from three in a win over Bowling Green, and six made threes against Western Hills in December.

The best pure shooter of this group, Bryce has a chance to be really good as he starts to add bulk to his frame and get more comfortable absorbing contact on his way to the rim. He’s already a good rebounder and has offered some rim protection at the guard spot when I’ve seen him at the high school level. Taylor County will need to Vernon to be dependable as their top scoring option this year.

Bryce was off to a hot start for Taylor County before he broke his arm. Sidelined since, the Cardinals can use his shooting and playmaking to take some pressure off of Davier White Davier White 6'5" | SG Huntington Prep | 2027 State WV on offense. Long term, Vernon projects to be a good prospect and likely has a lot of growing left to do. Once he fills out, Bryce will be a problem for opposing teams to handle.

Known regionally for his very good skills as a golfer, Vernon is the son of two basketball coaches so he has a high IQ, etc. Last time I saw him, Bryce was pretty frail. Interested to see if he’s bulked up any in the last 8 months.