Corey is a player I have had a high opinion of since I saw him playing in the 8th grade state tournament a few years back. A big body who knows how to use it and can also step out and shoot the ball, Cunagin continues to improve and is going to have a massive role for North Laurel over these next two years. Potentially, Corey could be the best big man in the region for the next two years and be a D1 recruit by this time next year.

Cunagin plays winning basketball. He’s extremely comfortable playing with his back to the basket and uses his size very well to create advantages for himself versus smaller defenders. His crisp footwork helps him get to his spots in a hurry and he knocks shots down at a high level once there. He’s also a confident threat from long distance when needed. He showcased all of these attributes plus more this past weekend.

With Midwest Basketball Club 3SSB I always feel like I see the best out of Cunagin as his ability to score as a roll man and create extra possessions as an offensive rebounder. With numerous and-1 finishes at the rim, Cunagin showed the ability to finish through contact and play with toughness. North Laurel loses Reece Davidson Reece Davidson 6'8" | PF North Laurel | 2026 State KY to graduation but with a majority of the rest of their core projected to return, if Cunagin takes a step offensively, I could see the Jags getting back to Rupp Arena next season.

The size of North Laurel was a major difference on Wednesday as Cunagin made his presence known in the middle of the North Laurel zone defense and as a helpside defender when they were in man to man. Cunagin converted on all five of his free throw attempts in the contest. North Laurel still has some impressive talent returning next season but will want to make the most of Davidson’s last playoff run.

In between his freshman and sophomore seasons, Corey has shown so much growth. Corey has steadily been able to hold his own in the paint. Corey is smooth around the basket, and can knock down the fifteen foot jump shot as well. Don’t leave him open beyond the arc, because he can knock down the long ball as well.

Corey had the task of guarding Harlan’s best player. He was able to play lockdown defense whether it was around the perimeter or underneath the basket. Corey’s long and lengthy frame helps him to jump in passing lanes to initiate fast break opportunities. Corey finished the game with 14 points.

Corey is tall and his presence is BIG! Throughout 25 games for the North Laurel Jaguars, Corey is his teams second leading scorer at 11.1 PPG and 5.3 RPG. Corey is hard to guard around the basket and can step out and shoot the jumper. Over the summer Corey learned how to dunk and is not afraid to attack the rim. I expect Corey to have a big year on the Adidas Circuit.

North Laurel found a way to win a grind it out game in the opening round of the tournament thanks to strong play from Cunagin off the bench. The sophomore big made a strong catch and lefty finish early in the game, hit a fallaway jumper and even knocked down a corner 3-pointer. Cunagin did have a chance to win the game at the end of regulation but missed his corner 3-point attempt but the Jags were able to hold on in overtime to move on.

I was really impressed with Cunagin this weekend as a big who can make an open shot, battle in the paint, rebound and make layups. It sounds silly but even checking two or three of those boxes on a circuit team is going to help you win games. Described as one of the most improved players in the program from spring to summer, it’s nice to see Cunagin get rewarded with production on a winning team for his hard work to improve his game.

A bruising big man, Cunagin caught my eye when he was an 8th grader at Jackson County. He’s got to continue to improve his overall skill level and get more athletic but Corey is very skilled around the bucket. Possessing a great motor, the North Laurel big man needs to continue to improve as an out of area rebounder but Coach Valentine is extremely high on his potential. Cunagin is a name to watch for a breakout this season.