Kentucky’s Biggest Sleepers: 2019 Class
Kentucky has several Division I players in the Senior class but there are also a lot of players who are going to make an impact in college that many have not heard of yet. Here’s a look at some of the biggest sleepers in the 2019 class:
Pete Knochelmann, Covington Holy Cross – Pete is a legit 6’8 post with ability to score with his back to the basket. All indications are that new coach Brandon Grammar is going to play through Knochelmann in the post and the big guy should see a big increase in his stats and college exposure.
Donnie Miller, Newport – Miller is a dynamic PG who can score at all 3 levels and distribute the ball to his teammates. If he went to a good juco and hit the weights, Donnie could be a low D1 point guard 2 years from now.
Corey Girton, North Bullitt – “Boogie” has been all over America in recent years and has fought some injuries but his ability as a slasher cannot be underestimated. Athletically, Girton may be the best in 2019. If he stays healthy for his senior season, he could sneak onto a D1 roster next year.
Reese Tolley, Butler – Tolley is small but he really scores the ball in Coach Goodin’s system. Being about 5’10, Tolley has a lower ceiling as a prospect (no pun intended) but if I were coaching at a D2 or NAIA school, I would stop in the gym at Butler and see what Tolley can do.
Alex Holley, Ballard – Alex is a bit of a tweener as a 6’6 power forward. Holley can shoot the ball from the perimeter but needs to improve his ball handling to be a wing in college. Hopefully Alex improves his rebounding rate as a senior.
Trey Meister, Scott – Meister is one of those players who does a little bit of everything and plays with a great motor. Trey is traveling all over the tri-state area on campus visits and is likely to find a home at the D2 or NAIA level when all is said and done.
Tyler Fleek, Covington Catholic – Fleek has good size and skill but lacks the quickness and athleticism to guard his position at the highest level. Tyler has the ability to score at any level and should fit in the D2 or NAIA level as a stretch 4.
Richard Ninamou, Seneca – Ninamou is super athletic and plays with an incredible motor. He reminds me of a DeAndre Liggins type of junkyard dog who takes pride in guarding the best player on the other team and being a pest all game long. As his skill level improves he could go D1 after a stint at Junior College.
Jerry Davis, Valley – Davis has so much potential as a big time athlete and rebounding machine. He has played down an age level in AAU more than once so he could be a candidate for a year of prep school or perhaps a junior college kid whose best basketball is ahead of him.
Dakota Walden, Daviess County – The lone returning starter from a team that was loaded with Seniors a year ago, Walden is a combo guard who should see a major increase in his scoring output this season as he becomes the leader for one of the better teams in the 3rd region.
Tylan Mann, Hopkins County Central – Long and versatile, Mann averaged 17 points and 6 rebounds as a Junior and if he can improve his shooting percentages, he can elevate his stock big time. Mann should be considered one of the best players in Western Kentucky this year.
Deshaud St. Martin, Danville – St. Martin is big and physical who will greatly benefit from agility workouts and a Vertamax. Deshaud has the ability to step out and stretch the floor. If he goes to the right Junior College and puts the work in, he could be an impact player as a stretch 4 in a couple of years.