2018 Rankings: Stock Risers
Kentucky’s 2018 class looks to rival the depth of the 2017 class, a class that saw over 15 players accept Division 1 scholarships and over 40 scholarships at the small college basketball level. PHKY takes a look at 2018’s Stock Risers who impressed in May and June – and who have jumped up the ranks and look to make some noise in July and going forward.
2018 STOCK RISERS
TOP FIVE
C.J. FREDRICK, COVINGTON CATHOLIC
Fredrick, who takes over the #1 spot in our most updated rankings, has quickly become one of the nation’s top shooters, showcasing a sniper like ability playing with Indiana Elite this summer. He ranks near the top among Adidas Gauntlet prospects in 3-pt field goal percentage, shooting over 51%. As junior at Covington Catholic, Fredrick averaged 19.7 ppg, shooting over 50% from the field. He also helped lead the Colonels to a 29-6 overall record. He currently holds offers from Iowa, Nebraska, Penn State, Xavier, Ball State, NKU, Wright State, Miami (OH), and Winthrop. He recently visited Michigan.
CHRISTIAN LORNG, TBD
It was reported this past week that now former-Wesley Christian F Christian Lorng would no longer be attending the school. It’s not known where the stud big man will end up, but one thing is sure – Lorng impressed during May and June with the Louisville Magic in the Adidas Gauntlet. After the first weekend, Lorng picked up an offer from Tennessee and now also holds an offer from Creighton.
TREVON FAULKNER, MERCER COUNTY
Faulkner had a very solid junior campaign with the Titans, averaging 24.2 points and 12 rebounds per game. He also helped Mercer County advance to the 12th Region championship, falling just short to Pulaski County. Faulkner has proved that he is capable of playing the two-guard position at the next level while running with Adidas Gauntlet Gold program 22 Vision. Some college coaches wondered if he was an undersized three-man. Those worries have seemed to fall off. Faulkner currently holds offers from such schools as Middle Tennessee and Northern Kentucky.
ANDREW TAYLOR, CORBIN
Taylor, depending on where he chooses to play at the next level, could end up having one of the more successful college careers of any prospect in the 2018 class. He is getting offers from schools that clearly fit his game and ability to impact a program. He currently holds offers from Davidson, Belmont, Air Force, Penn, Eastern Kentucky, Morehead State, Furman, any a number of others.
Taylor is capable of playing the game as a combo guard, as he has the ability to share the ball an hit shots from a number of different spots on the floor. He averaged just under 30 points and 12 rebounds per game as a junior for the Redhounds.
JAKE WALTER, COVINGTON CATHOLIC
The 6’11 big man holds offers from Western Illinois, Bowling Green, Kent State, Boston, NKU, Toledo, Wright State, and Ball State. His offensive skill set has improved and he is a sure fire rim protector. Playing with a top AAU program like Indiana Elite, as well as in-state high school winning program Covington Catholic, Walter will look to bring his wining background to whichever team is lucky get him.
KEEP AN EYE ON…
CARTER HENDRICKSON, LEXINGTON CHRISTIAN
Hendrickson is a versatile wing, who at 6’7 has a D-1 frame. He just picked up a scholarship from NAIA powerhouse Georgetown College. Look for schools like Bellarmine and even some D-1’s to give Hendrickson a look. Last season, Carter averaged 15.2 points per game. Improving his strength this off-season should be a priority.
ZACH KELCH, SIMON KENTON
6’8 big man currently holds an offer from West Point Military Academy and is visiting Navy soon. The military academies would be a great fit for the Northern Kentucky prospect. He could end up joining former 10th Region and Campbell County star Matt Wilson as Kentucky kids playing at Army.
ADAM KUNKEL, COOPER
Kunkel, a 6’3 guard who helped lead Cooper to the state tournament championship game, has currently picked up offers from Belmont and Northern Kentucky. Previously he held offers from Lipscomb, Samford, Central Arkansas, and Furman. Playing with 22 Vision has allowed college coaches to see his “sneaky” athleticism and ability to handle pressure at a high level around the perimeter.