Juniors Ready to Break Out in 2019-2020

<p>We're still 6 weeks away from the official start of basketball practice in Kentucky but that doesn't mean it's too early to look ahead to what should be a terrific 2019-2020 season. Here's a look at some Juniors who can make a big impact in Kentucky this season. They are presented in no particular order.</p> <p><strong>DeAjuan Stepp, West Jessamine - </strong>Dalton Bruner graduated and now Stepp should play with the ball in his hands more. Possibly the best college prospect in the 12th region, Stepp shined at the Prep Hoops 250 Expo last month and looks every bit the mid major or better D1 recruit right now. It remains to be seen how much help Dee has at West this year but if he doesn't have a big Junior season, I'll be surprised.</p> <p><strong>Dez Lindsay, Male - </strong>A two sport athlete, Dez is long and athletic and would be the main man on almost any other roster in the state. Right now, he's restricted to a role with Male but he offers serious depth and athleticism for Coach Haworth. If Lindsay ever gets more selfish, he can be a 15+ point per game scorer and double digit rebounder. Lindsay will be an interesting one to track this season as the Male roster figures out roles.</p> <p><strong>Tyler Slone, Oldham County - </strong>For years, Tyler has been talked about as a potential impact player in the 8th region and the time is now for the wing to establish himself as one of the best players in central Kentucky. At almost 6'5, Tyler has the ability to be a 40%+ 3 point shooter and average 8+ rebounds per game. If he can do that, Oldham could be the favorite to win the 8th region.</p> <p><strong>Alijah Watts, Hopkinsville - </strong>Talent has never been an issue for the 6'3 guard out of Hoptown but his Junior season needs to be a big one. Ability wise, Watts is a top 10 player in the class but after missing most of his Sophomore season, transferring to UHA then going back to Hopkinsville, Alijah needs a stable and productive year to remind everyone just how talented he is.</p> <p><strong>Jacobi Huddleston, Bowling Green - </strong>Size and ability are not in question for the Purples big man. In limited viewings, I worried about his motor but a college coach told me he's a no doubt D1 talent with the ability to play both inside and out. If Jacobi has found his motor, he can be the difference maker in Bowling Green being a state title contender or not.</p> <p><strong>Zion Thomas, East Jessamine - </strong>Thomas does a little bit of everything at East Jessamine. He scores, he rebounds, he guards the best player on the opposing team. What he hasn't gotten to do a ton in his career is win. Coming off an 11-18 season, Thomas can help get the Jaguars turned around in the second season under coach Nick Barton.</p> <p><strong>Darrian Crittenden, Collins - </strong>For Collins to win the region, someone has to step up and be a consistent third scorer for the Titans. Senior Tyson Turner didn't play all summer and his absence allowed Crittenden to really improve his game. A pest on defense, Darian plays super hard and continues to improve his offensive game. If he can keep getting better, he can be the third scorer that Collins needs this season.</p> <p><strong>Grant Proffitt, Scott - </strong>Another player who shined at our 250 Expo last month, Grant is going to have to raise his game significantly if Scott is going to maintain the level of success that they have had in recent years. With the transfer of Jacob Meyer, Proffitt is going to need to carry an even bigger load for the Eagles to have a good year.</p>