Next Up Recruits Camp: Class of 2019 Standouts
180 players from 16 states descended on Luce Gymnasium at Asbury University on Saturday. Campers went through station work for 2 hours then played 3 games of 5 on 5 over the course of the afternoon. When the dust settled, the Top 40 and Top 20 all star game rosters were announced and a tired group of kids struggled through a sloppy all star game full of dunks and devoid of defense before heading home. Here are some of the 2019 standouts from the Next Up Recruits Camp.
Kyle Stivers, Franklin County (Pocket City) – Stivers was on fire all day long. Kyle used to be strictly a catch and shoot player but his game has evolved as he has aged and he’s going to be one of the best players in the 11th region next season. D2 and NAIA schools need to be out to see Kyle and Pocket City this July.
Ethan Coury, Eastern (The Ville) – Coury showed an ability to score the ball at all 3 levels and has good size for the wing position. Ethan could be primed for a big senior year in the 7th region and could draw the eyes of D2 and lower coaches.
Juanya Frank, Frankfort – Frank was way off my radar coming into camp but turned plenty of heads with his scoring ability and how he attacked the rim in transition. Frank is about 6’1 and long and he flashed good athleticism all day long. Could be a candidate for small college or junior college.
Michael Moreno, Scott County (Indiana Elite) – Michael is at the point in his recruitment that he doesn’t need showcase camps but he showed up and competed all day. Moreno is a favorite to be named 2019’s Mr Basketball and he showed his full array of skills on Saturday.
Keaton Simpson, Bryan Station – Simpson is lightning quick and a bulldog on the defensive end. He may not get the college looks he deserves because he is small, but Keaton could absolutely help the right college or university who needs a pass first point guard.
Bryce Long, Scott County – Bryce was his usual self all day on Saturday. Long shot it well but also showed his ability to get to the rim against athletes. Bryce is going to eventually find a home at the small college level and should contribute for all 4 years.
KyKy Tandy, University Heights (Team Thad) – Much has been said and written about Tandy over the years and Saturday he looked the part of the Top 100 player he is.
Anthony Russell, Fern Creek – Russell was the top ranked 2019 player in Kentucky once upon a time. Since then, he has taken the hard road through high school but popped up at Fern Creek this summer. If Anthony can keep his head on straight, he’s a D1 level combo guard.
Ethan Brook, Walton-Verona (NKY Squad) – Brook is long at 6’8 but is not particularly athletic. Ethan showed a good motor at camp and is a good two handed rebounder who can finish around the rim. Brook is likely to find a home at the D3 level.
Dieonte Miles, Walton-Verona (NKY Squad) – Brook’s teammate in high school and AAU, Dieonte was a monster on Saturday. He pushed the break, finished everything around the rim and blocked a ton of shots. Miles has a High Major ceiling as a prospect.
Jordan Graham, George Rogers Clark (M.A.T.T.S. Mustangs) – Jordan played well all day Saturday. Graham showed himself well in drill work and attacked the rim relentlessly all day in the 5 on 5 games.
Isaiah Cozart, Madison Central (M.A.T.T.S. Mustangs) – Isaiah showed his always improving offensive skills on Saturday. Nearly unstoppable with his left hand, Isaiah wound up in the Top 20 all star game at the end of the day.