Prospect Spotlight: Colby Napier (2021)
Knott County Central has been a consistent visitor at EKU’s McBrayer Arena over the last several years. They win the 14th region All A about every season and are hoping to get to Rupp Arena next March to compete for…
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Continue ReadingKnott County Central has been a consistent visitor at EKU’s McBrayer Arena over the last several years. They win the 14th region All A about every season and are hoping to get to Rupp Arena next March to compete for a state title after falling in the regional title game for three straight seasons. Junior shooting guard Colby Napier hopes to lead his fellow Patriots to Rupp in March. Colby is the returning leading scorer for Knott Central and was a standout at our Prep Hoops 250 event back in August. I recently caught up with Colby to break down his game, his recruitment and his hopes for his Junior season with the Patriots.
Napier is a self described “6’3 shooting guard with what I consider a long range shot. Even though my position is shooting guard, I feel that I play many roles on the team. I can shoot consistently from outside, mid-range, and close to the basket. My most appealing skill is my pull-up shooting, which is mostly off ball screens. I use rhythm dribbles to rise and fire, and I am competent tossing in floaters on the move. I feel that me being able to score from anywhere on the court makes me a huge threat. I am also the team’s secondary ball handler and can advance the ball up the court against any opposing defender. On the defensive end of the court I am quick and able to avoid screens from the opponents. I am quick to step up to my role in help defense, recovery and scrambling situations.” Colby told me that his scoring is his biggest strength as a player, “My biggest strength as a player is my ability to not only shoot the three pointer, but to score from virtually anywhere on the court. My ball handling ability gives me the opportunity to create my own shots by creating space and giving me the freedom to score with confidence.” His shooting was on full display when he lit up the 250 Expo this summer. Napier also realizes he has plenty of room for improvement, “My biggest weakness as a player is that I lack bulk in my physique. Standing 6’3” and weighing in at 180 pounds, I feel that this may hinder me some of my situations. However, over the next two seasons I hope to add muscle and strength to my game.”
Coming off a strong Sophomore season for Knott, Colby reflected back at his 2018-19 season while looking ahead to the upcoming year. “I feel like I had a successful Sophomore season. Last season, I was my team’s leading scorer. I averaged 13.1 points a game, with my highest scoring game being 27 points. I shot about 40% from the 3 point line and 75% from the field. I also averaged 4 rebounds a game. I helped lead my team to be the 14th region All A Champions and the 53rd District Champions.” Looking ahead to his Junior campaign, Napier is focused on leading his team to the State Championships. He told me, “My biggest individual goal for my next season is to help lead my team to a Sweet Sixteen appearance. I am going to work to become the best player in the 14th region by increasing my speed and taking the ball to the basket more (not relying on my three point shot so much). Overall I just want to take my entire game to the next level.”
While his focus is on high school ball, it’s time to start thinking about the next level for the 6’3 guard. Colby doesn’t play AAU because he is a multisport athlete. He already has a scholarship offer on the baseball diamond from Morehead State. He’s hoping to get his first basketball offers this coming season. “I don’t have any offers yet but I feel confident I will have received some by the end of this season. Some of the schools I am interested in are Morehead State, Marshall, Lincoln Memorial and Asbury. I am leaving my options open and praying God guides me to where I’m supposed to be.” Make sure to catch the Knott County sharpshooter in a gym near you this winter.