Who’s Up Next? 2022 Prospects Poised to Break Out
First and foremost, this list IS NOT to be considered a 2022 Class ranking. These are the incoming freshmen poised to make the biggest impact on the varsity level this season. Here are several names to know as they start high school this month.
Kendric Adams, Trigg County – As an 8th grader last season, Adams was third on the team in scoring and second on the team in rebounding. Kendric had a big AAU season and even played up on 17u on a couple of occasions. Adams is a tough kid who can bully his way to the rim and is only going to get better as he gets older. Kendric should be among the top players in the class for several years and will make an impact in the second region this season.
Brady Dingess, Paintsville – Brady just announced a move to Paintsville last week then broke his ankle the next day so he will be a little slower getting started with the Tigers. As an 8th grader at Sheldon Clark last season, Dingess averaged 19 points per game for a very young and not very good team. It remains to be seen what role Dingess with play at Paintsville but it’s unlikely he’ll have to take as many shots as he did at Sheldon Clark with more talent around him at his new school.
Aden Slone, Boyle County – Aden was a top 40 performer at the Next Up Recruits Camp in June and is likely to be the starting point guard for Boyle County this season. The younger brother of Bryce Slone who just graduated and headed to Alice Lloyd, Aden is as talented a scorer as his older brother with much better ball handling.
Brytton Walker, Madisonville-North Hopkins – Brytton is already 6’7 and likely to get above 7 foot tall if he keeps growing at the pace he’s been going. Walker has ability to stretch the floor and can play alongside Ksuan Casey or as his backup on what should be one of the best teams in the second region. Brytton got some great experience playing AAU all year and could be an impact player in the 2nd region as he grows and develops.
Austin Carr-Cole, Ballard – Austin played varsity ball for most of the summer with the Bruins and will step right into the battles that come with being a player at one of the best basketball schools in the state. Carr-Cole shows ability to score the ball at all 3 levels and could be one of the better scorers in the class next season.
Justin Becker, Robertson County – Becker averaged nearly 10 points and 5 rebounds per game while playing every game for Robertson County last season. As a freshman he is going to be counted on to provide a lot of offense for a team that will be favored to win the 10th region All A and possibly compete for the regional crown. At 6’5 and still growing, Justin is going to be a name to remember in the 10th for the next 4 years.