2019 Rankings: Updated Top Ten
The 2018 class is off to college and the 2019 class are now Seniors. Our latest rankings update has a lot of movement throughout the list and even in the top 10 as Trinity Guard David Johnson has reclaimed the top spot in the rankings. Here’s a breakdown of our latest Top 10.
David Johnson, Trinity (Manimal Elite) – Johnson has all the intangibles and the size to be an impact player right away at the high major level in college. His skill level and athleticism are both impressive and he’s rarely rattled. I’d like to see him be more efficient with his shooting, especially from beyond the arc, but Johnson has the highest ceiling of anyone in the class and it would not be a shock to see his name called by Adam Silver on draft night in a few years.
Dekeyvan “KyKy” Tandy, University Heights (Team Thad) – KyKy was our highest rated player in the last few updates but he slipped back to #2 for one major reason. Tandy has zero interest in playing defense. He’s an explosive athlete and scores in bunches but he doesn’t show a desire to guard anyone. KyKy has the athleticism and ability to play lock down defense on opposing point guards but until he starts playing both ends of the floor, Tandy will not reach his ceiling as a player.
Dontaie Allen, Pendleton County (M.A.T.T.S. Mustangs) – Allen has had a remarkable spring and early summer as he has racked up high major offers one after the other. Purdue, West Virginia, Xavier, Western Kentucky, Virginia Tech and others have added their names to the list of Allen’s suitors and other high majors are circling. What Allen lacks in elite athleticism he makes up for with skill level and shooting. Dontaie is likely going to end up the second leading scorer in state history and is going to have a long list of schools vying for his services by the time he makes a decision.
Michael Moreno, Scott County (Indiana Elite) – Moreno is one of the most consistent players in the state. Michael is skilled and can play inside and out. He holds a bundle of offers from all over the country and figures to land at a very good mid major or better school. Michael enters his Senior season as the best player on the best team in the state and should have a huge Senior year for the Cardinals and could wind up as Mr. Basketball this season.
Isaiah Cozart, Madison Central (M.A.T.T.S. Mustangs) – Cozart keeps improving. As a result, the scholarship offers keep coming for Isaiah. Isaiah will finish his career as the all time blocked shots leader for the state of Kentucky. He’s also about automatic when he can get to his left hand and score over defenders of all sizes. As he heads into July, Cozart could very likely wind up as a high major recruit.
Kyle Rode, Lexington Christian (Indiana Elite) – Recently committed to Liberty, Rode is a tremendous pickup for the Flames. Kyle is a matchup nightmare for any team defensively and is likely to be the most valuable player in the city of Lexington if not the entire state. Rode is definitely going to finish his career as the best to ever play at Lexington Christian.
Dieonte Miles, Walton Verona (NKY Squad) – Recently returned from a major shoulder injury, Dieonte has had a big summer playing for the Kentucky Junior All Stars and making the Top 20 game at the Next Up Recruits Camp. His recruitment is strange as no one seems to know what’s going on with him or if he even has any offers. Miles has the most upside of anyone in the class with his size, ability and raw athleticism.
Jackson Harlan, Clinton County – A whirlwind recruitment of Harlan to Western Kentucky lasted about 2 weeks before Jackson committed to the Hilltoppers. Jackson has put up massive scoring numbers all summer long after averaging nearly 30 points per game as a Junior last season. Look for Harlan to push to lead the state in scoring next season as he tries to get Clinton County to Rupp Arena.
JJ Kalakon, Waggener (Manimal Elite) – Kalakon had a lackluster spring after a very successful AAU season a year ago. JJ is versatile as a scorer that can get buckets all over the court. He’s also the rare player who can guard all positions on the floor. A 6’4 combo guard, JJ is going to try to get Waggener to the Sweet Sixteen after a disappointing finish in the district semifinals last season.
Jordan Graham, George Rogers Clark (M.A.T.T.S. Mustangs) – Jordan is a 6’4 point guard with great size and strength for the position. As his game has developed the last year and more, so has his offer sheet. Currently holding offers from D1, D2 and NAIA schools, Graham has a chance to pick up several scholarships in July and finish his career by leading GRC to Rupp Arena.