Prospect Spotlight: Vince Rankin (2019)
The Ryle Raiders have started the young Kentucky high school basketball season as about as well as any coach would like, sitting at 4-1 through five games. More importantly during that time, they’ve accumulated a 3-0 record against region foes. A huge part of their success thus far? The play of junior guard/forward Vince Rankin, who is averaging 22.3 points and 12.3 rebounds per game.
Through his first five games, Rankin is also shooting just under 60% from the field. He’s nearly automatic from mid-range. Rankin’s statistical numbers have jumped up rather drastically from last season, which is saying a lot after a successful sophomore campaign that saw him averaging 11 points and 7 rebounds per game.
In Ryle’s only loss (this year) against Simon Kenton, Vince dropped 31 points and grabbed 15 boards while battling one of the state’s top bigs and Navy commit, Zach Kelch.
Last season Rankin was named to the 9th Region All-Tournament team after a 25 point, 5 rebounds performance against Newport Central Catholic. Even more telling, during his sophomore season Rankin played some his best games against the toughest of opponents. In three games vs. state runner-up Cooper High School, Rankin averaged 10 points and 6 rebounds per game. Against state tournament Cinderella Scott High School, Rankin poured in 23 points and grabbed 12 rebounds.
Vince has played AAU ball the last two summers the NKY Force and head coach Brent Sowder. “Vince is extremely fundamental and is ever improving,” said Sowder. “Great kid, he’s the most popular guy on our AAU team. The guys gravitate toward him.”
More success to come as Rankin’s high school career takes off over the these couple seasons.