New Year’s Stock Risers
As the New Year approaches, players from across the Bluegrass are working to raise their stock and get noticed by coaches at the college level. Prep Hoops Kentucky takes a look at some that have really helped themselves during the first-half of the season:
Stock Risers
Eric Boone, Bryan Station (2018)
The point guard out of Lexington’s Bryan Station High School is averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds per game while leading the Defenders as their floor general night in and night out. And it’s helped, as Station goes into 2018 with a 12-1 record while sitting atop the 11th region. Boone’s breakout game may have come against University Heights, where Boone went toe-to-toe with 2019 stud and four-star prospect Dekeyvan Tandy. Boone dropped 29 points and grabbed 13 boards, warranting an offer from D2 blue-blood Kentucky Wesleyan. Boone has the potential to play at the D1 level.
Jared Coomer, Barren County (2018)
The 6’6 wing from western Kentucky went into the season with an offer from Lindsey Wilson, and has since impressed so much that other NAIA Mid-South Conference teams have taken notice. As it stands, Coomer has picked up other offers from MSC programs Campbellsville and Pikeville. Coomer is averaging 17.7 points and 10 rebounds per game.
Jarius Key, Bowling Green (2018)
Jarius Key, a 6’6 wing out of Bowling Green, helped the Purples win that state championship last season primarily as a very good role player. Much has changed with the graduation of Terry Taylor and transfer of Zion Harmon. This is very much Jarius Key’s team now, and he’s seized the opportunity. Key has had numerous 20 point games while being a walking double-double and leading Bowling Green to an 8-5 record going into the New Year. His play has brought on offers from NAIA powerhouse Georgetown College, as well as Campbellsville and Motlow State (JUCO).
Isaiah Minter, Madison Central (2018)
Minter has been a very impressive guard for Madison Central. He is averaging just under 13 points per game to go along with 5 boards while leading the Indians offense. In a number of games, Minter has been on the verge of triple-double territory. He has interest from NAIA Asbury University and was approached by D2 King University after an impressive performance at Lexington Catholic’s Traditional Bank Holiday Tournament.
Dustin Geralds, Madison Central (2018)
Another impressive player on Madison Central’s talented squad, Geralds is a workhorse around the rim and is a top five rebounder in the state, averaging right at 11 boards per game. Not only that, he leads the Indians in points per game, averaging just under 20. D3 Berea College and NAIA Asbury University has shown interest in Geralds.
Dontaie Allen, Pendleton County (2019)
With handful of D1 offers already, it’s not like Allen’s stock needed to rise much more. But by averaging 30 points and 11 rebounds per game for the Wildcats through today, Allen is sure to be an even more sought out commodity in Kentucky’s 2019 class. Illinois State is the latest to reach out about Allen.
Nike Thelan, Covington Catholic (2019)
As soon as next season, Covington Catholic will be Thelan’s to lead. With three seniors (two of which are going D1 and the other going to playing high-level D2) graduating at the end of this season, the 6’6 junior forward has found himself very much a part of the Colonel equation this year. He is averaging just under 8 points per game and 5 rebounds. He has been offered by D2 powerhouse Bellarmine University.
Connor Guthrie, Mayfield (2019)
Guthrie is averaging 16.6 points and 7 rebounds per game while shooting over 40% from 3-point range. Guthrie’s numbers have carried over after a successful summer playing with Pocket City AAU. Mayfield is a contender to win the 1st Region.
Carson Guthrie, Mayfield (2019)
Connor’s twin, and the other half of Mayfield two-headed monster, Carson is averaging 14.5 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. Carson and Connor hope to find themselves leading the Cardinals to the state tournament.
Isaiah Cozart, Madison Central (2019)
One of Kentucky’s all-time great shot blockers (and he’s only a junior), Cozart picked up an offer from Eastern Kentucky University in March and now has an offer from Morehead State and interest from Western Kentucky. Cozart is averaging 12.4 points and just under 10 rebounds per game. He’s shown an ability to be more of an offensive presence in the post this season as well.