Chase Jansen
The Sweet Sixteen kicks off on Wednesday afternoon at Rupp Arena. The marquee game of the second day is University Heights and Campbell County going head to head at noon but there are plenty of talented kids that will take the floor on Thursday evening, including two of the best teams in the state on a collision course for Friday night. Here’s a look at some names to watch:
Nathan Boyle, Apollo – The leading scorer for the surprising Eagles, Boyle is one of the top free throw shooters in the state, shooting 85% from the charity stripe. Averaging 15 points and 5 rebounds per game for the 3rd region champs, Boyle has been very consistent for Apollo all season long.
Hayden Shelton, Apollo – The senior shooting guard has started to hit his stride recently and has seen an uptick in his scoring numbers. Shelton is a marksman, making 44% of his 3 point shots and shooting 81% from the free throw line. Hayden can put the ball on the floor but is at his best as a catch and shoot guy.
CJ Fredrick, Covington Catholic – A finalist for Mr. Basketball, CJ is a big time scorer who has been playing great basketball since the calendar turned to 2018. Fredrick shoots an incredible 58/48/83 in shooting splits. If he’s open, the ball is likely going in. Frederick will play his college basketball at Iowa.
Aiden Ruthsatz, Covington Catholic – The most valuable player for the Colonels, Ruthsatz is a great point guard who make everyone around him better. Aiden runs the offense and is second on the team in scoring at 14 points per game. The guard is signed to D2 Christian Brothers University.
Jake Walter, Covington Catholic – Walter gives Cov Cath something that no other team in the Sweet Sixteen has, a legitimate 7 footer. Big Jake provides a solid post presence for the Colonels and has developed so much over his high school career. Walter will play his college basketball at Xavier.
Clint Wickliffe, Fern Creek – Wickliffe is the glue guy for the Tigers. He’s a leader on the court and his greatest impact isn’t always seen in the box score. At 6’7″, he’s going to have to match up against Walter in a potential second round meeting with Cov Cath. Wickliffe has committed to a post graduate year at Beckley Prep next season.
Ahmad Price, Fern Creek – Price is the Tigers’ leading scorer at 16 points per game and second in rebounding at 6 rebounds per contest. Ahmad is comfortable with the ball in his hands or off the ball. Price is more of a penetrator than a shooter, he’s shot 59% from the field this season but has only attempted 50 threes in 30 games.
Wing Reese Robinson, Boyd County – One of the top seniors in the 16th region, Robinson averages an impressive 16 points and 7 rebounds per game for Boyd County. Robinson boasts impressive shooting splits of 53/44/72 and is going to be counted on to help carry his team to what would be a massive upset over Fern Creek on Thursday night.