Scott County has one of the best traditions in all of Kentucky basketball. As part of that tradition, there is a “next man up” mentality. This year, Junior Michael McKenzie hopes to be the next man up. McKenzie is a 6’3 wing who shot the ball extremely well in the summer games I watched this month. Michael says he can do more than just shoot the ball though, “Offensively, I can score: by driving, knocking down the three, and getting out in transition. Defensively, I’m solid: I can guard the 1, 2, and 3 positions. I’m an effective ball handler who easily slides over to the 1 spot.”
McKenzie was a starter last season for a JV team that went 20-2 while he averaged over 13 PPG. On the varsity, McKenzie made a minimal impact for an upperclassman laden team that ended up the state Runners-Up after being ranked first or second in the state all season long. The Cardinals figure to be the top ranked team in the state in the pre-season for the upcoming season and they will be a tough team to beat in March. Michael is spending his spring and summer playing 16u AAU with the Kentucky Pressure and is having a good season, “I start as a shooting guard and average 20 ppg. We’ve won tournaments in both the gold and silver brackets.” Pressure is currently 19-6 heading into July and have high hopes for a big time July.
Just because Michael hasn’t seen the floor much for Scott County doesn’t mean he hasn’t gotten on some college radars. He already claims an offer from D3 Knox College in Illinois and, “I’ll have met with coaches at six colleges in Ohio and Illinois by the end of summer.” Heading into his Junior year, McKenzie just wants to help his team win and get back to Rupp Arena, “As my game continues to improve, I will confidently make a major contribution to SCHS’ varsity team during the 2018-2019 season. We plan to bring home the state championship next March.” If Scott County can make the return trip to Rupp and bring home the state championship, Michael McKenzie is likely to play a part in their successes.