Grassroots Preview: NKY Force 17u
With the Kentucky high school season in our rear view mirror, it’s time to start looking forward to the Grassroots AAU season. Continuing our coverage, we take a look at Coach Brent Sowder’s NKY Force 17u squad. The Force are made up of kids from the 9th, 10th and 12th regions and one player from the 4th Region. The Force are coming off of a successful 16u campaign but did lose the services of Jared Coomer who signed with the Air Force Academy after playing down an age group last summer. The Force have a talented roster of small college prospects who can be quality college players.
Roster:
Dalton Bruner, West Jessamine – One of the top players in the 12th region, Bruner averaged 18.5 points per game and chipped in 4.3 rebounds per contest for the Colts.
Drew Wilson, Campbell County – The guard scored just over 10 points per game and collected 2.1 rebounds per game this year for the 10th region champions.
Noah Wirth, Campbell County – A role player for the Camels, Wirth averaged 1.2 points and .7 rebounds for Campbell County.
Thomas Thompson, Harrison County – The younger brother of NAIA All American Trenton Thompson, Thomas averaged 7 points and 4 rebounds for
Reid Jolly, Campbell County – The leading scorer for Campbell County, Jolly averaged a double double for the season 18 points and 10 rebounds per game on the season.
Vince Rankin, Ryle – Another member of the Force who led their team in scoring, Rankin averaged 18.1 points and added 8 rebounds per game for the Raiders
DeShaud St. Martin, Danville – Averaging 9 points and 6 rebounds for the Admirals, St. Martin is a big body who should help the Force with rebounding and post defense.
Yallen Wood,West Jessamine – Wood didn’t play for East Jessamine this season and recently enrolled at West Jessamine where he expects to play next season.
Will Bandy, Barren Co – Bandy averaged 11.6 points and 5.8 rebounds for a Barren County team that was a contender for the 4th region title all season long.
Schedule:
4/6-4/8: Big Shot Rocky Top, Gatlinburg, TN
4/20-4/22: Southern Exposure, Franklin, TN
4/27-29: Nike Midwest Takeover, Indianapolis, IN
5/19-5/20: Big Shots Louisville
5/26-5/28: 3 Stripes Cardinal Classic, Louisville
7/12-7/15: TBA
7/19-7/22: Columbus or Cincinnati
7/26-7/29: Big Shots Myrtle Beach, SC