16u All State Team
The 2020 class of talent in Kentucky has plenty of kids with lots of potential who need to start producing this season. Some players competed at 17u while most played 16u and competed against several of the top teams in the south and midwest. Here is this year’s 16U all state team comprised of players from Kentucky’s 2020 Class. All teams are presented in no particular order.
First Team:
Jackson Sivills, McCracken County – No one in the class had a better summer than Sivills. Jackson racked up multiple offers over the course of July and sits on top of the 2020 rankings while holding 4 D1 offers. Sivills could be a high major recruit a year from now.
Dayvion McKnight, Collins – Dayvion had a huge July and picked up interest from over a dozen schools while posting several double doubles. McKnight is one of only three Juniors with a scholarship offer currently and could still pick up more leading up to the start of basketball season.
Kenny White, Madisonville – North Hopkins – The third Junior with a scholarship offer, Kenny has offers from UT-Martin and Kent State after a good July. White’s versatility and size have put him on the map with college coaches.
Marcellus Vail, Collins – Possibly the best pure scorer in the class, Vail put up huge scoring numbers all season long in AAU and looks to keep that momentum going into the high school season where he and McKnight will try to get Collins back to Rupp Arena.
Marques Warrick, Henry Clay – Warrick just keeps getting better and becoming a more efficient scorer. Marques continues to improve and become more of an attacking wing as opposed to a catch and shoot player. Ques could be the best player in Lexington right now.
Second Team:
Matt Cromer, South Laurel – Cromer does a little bit of everything and keeps boosting his stock with the college coaches coming out of July. Matt can play with the ball in his hands or without and is really underrated as an athlete.
Noah Courtney, Male – Noah has good size and skill as a bigger wing or small post that can be a mismatch for defenders. He held his own in July especially playing up a grade level in Louisville at the end of the month.
Ray Surratt, Lafayette – Big Ray will never blow anyone away with athleticism but he is skilled and made some timely shots all month long. Surratt is a solid post defender and rebounder and excels at trailing the break and knocking down jumpers.
Brayden Sebastian, Garrard County – Brayden had a great AAU season and is likely to be among the top scorers in the state this season. Sebastian will get his fair share of shots in the 12th region this year and should put up a whole lot of points.
James Taylor, St. Xavier – Previously known as more of a facilitator and passer, “Junior” put up some huge scoring numbers in July after switching to play 16u for the “Rivals” team made up mainly of Trinity and St. X kids. Look for Taylor to make a large impact in the 7th this season.
Third Team:
Tyren Moore, Male – Moore showcased his scoring ability all July long. He’s skilled and strong at the point guard spot and showed off his shooting ability as the month progressed. Look for Tyren to thrive in the wide open system new coach Tim Haworth will bring to Male.
Daeshawn White, Newport – White put up scoring numbers all month long and keeps playing with a motor that cannot be taught. It’s hard to tell what Daeshawn’s ceiling is as a prospect but he should have a really big Junior season for Newport.
Dallas Rufus, Waggener – One of the most complete players in the 2020 class, Dallas keeps moving up the rankings and could break out this season at Waggener. Rufus can play either guard spot and is going to score the ball one anyone.
Alex Matthews, John Hardin – Alex missed a little time in July with an injury but not many kids affect the game more than he does. Whether it’s scoring, rebounding or finding open teammates, Matthews is one of those kids who makes winning plays all the time.
Kaelin Drakeford, Mercer County – Kaelin was one of the more consistent players for the CKy Magic all month long and is a two sport star at Mercer. Drakeford is the type of player that ends a game with 8 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists as he makes everyone around him better.