The Best of Kentucky: Elite Forwards/Wings
(picture credit above: Alex Walker / WKYT) In Kentucky, we are starting to see the separation in talent between individuals and teams. As each team is about to enter their 10th game of the season, regional favorites and contenders are…
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Continue Reading(picture credit above: Alex Walker / WKYT)
In Kentucky, we are starting to see the separation in talent between individuals and teams. As each team is about to enter their 10th game of the season, regional favorites and contenders are starting to form. Not only that, but the top players in the state are starting to rise and make a name for themselves. Also, these players are translating their performances into wins. Listed below are my picks for the Elite Forwards/Wing players in the state.
– Dontaie Allen, Pendleton County: the Wildcats have played 10 games this season and their tour has become the “Dontaie Allen show.” Rightfully so, Dontaie has scored 439 points in ten games, which means he is averaging 43.9 points per contest. Not only leading the state, but the whole nation in scoring. Allen also is second in the state in rebounds per game (15.4) and top 10 in the state in made three-pointers per game (4.0). Pendleton County has gotten off to a hot 7-3 start, also with a win at the Marshall County Hoopfest. Dontaie is a University of Kentucky basketball commit and has BBN flocking from all over the state to local gyms to watch him play. Allen and Pendleton County host the Phillip Wood Classic over the next three days and then go to the Ashland Blazer Invitational Tournament Dec. 27th-29th.
– Kyle Rode, Lexington Christian: Rode has led Lexington Christian to a great 6-1 record and to a top 3 spot in their region. According to statistics he is the second leading forward in the state, averaging 28.1 points per game and 10.3 rebounds per game. The Eagles only loss on the season is to the #1 team in the state Scott County, other than that, they have big region wins over PLD, Tates Creek, and Western Hills. Kyle wrapped up his recruiting process back in June when he committed to Liberty University. He is trying to push his team to a regional championship, but they will have to contend with state championship favorites Scott County in March. You can watch Rode and Lexington Christian at the King of the Bluegrass tournament at Fairdale over the weekend.
– Scotty Draud, Beechwood: considered to be one of the biggest risers in Kentucky High School hoops, Scotty has excelled this season. Beechwood has started the season 8-1 and are starting to solidify themselves as a basketball powerhouse along with football and baseball. The Tigers are now regional contenders along with Covington Catholic, Cooper, Highlands, and Newport. Draud has started the season posting 25.4 points per game on 44% shooting. He also is contributing to the team by leading them as a unit in rebounds per game (6.0). Scotty is only a sophomore and is rising further in the 2021 class, by the time he graduates he will most likely be the best player in Beechwood history. Also, 9 games into the season and he is already drawing D1 interest, Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky are now in the mix for him. Beechwood stays local this weekend but you can watch Scotty and the Tigers at the Lake Cumberland Holiday Hoops Classic the 27th-29th.
– Michael Moreno, Scott County: being apart of the best team in Kentucky means you will split scoring numbers with your teammates. Averaging 17.3 points per game, he is contributing in more ways than one to help the Cardinals continue their dominance. Not only is he leading his team in scoring, he owns their best FG% (62%) and he is the leader for rebounds on their team (8.4). Scott County has started their season with an undefeated record of 9-0. Moreno is still one of the top unsigned seniors in the 2019 class and it is looking like he is waiting for the season to conclude before making a decision. He should end up on a mid-major level D1 program and he might benefit to stay in-state if given the opportunity. Scott County is staying close to Georgetown this weekend before they head to Myrtle Beach, SC after Christmas to compete in the Beach Ball Classic.
– Jackson Sivills, McCracken County: Sivills entered the season as one of the top players in the 2020 class. He has led McCracken County to a hot 8-0 start and are believed to be regional favorites out of the 1st Region. The Mustangs already have played some powerhouse programs in Kentucky and are just absolutely steam-rolling into the second half of the season. Jackson comes in at #36 on the scoring leaderboards on the early season stats preview. He is averaging 22.5 points per game on 55% FG shooting. Also, big man wise he is averaging 7.6 rebounds per game, which is also leading his team. Sivills (only a junior) entered this season with 6 mid-major level D1 offers (NKU, Rice, Murray St., Samford, Kent St., UT Martin) and is looking earn his way onto a power 5 roster. Sivills and McCracken County travel to Palm Beach, FL after Christmas to participate in the Holiday Basketball Classic.
Others Just Outside of the List: (no particular order)
Alex Matthews, John Hardin: 19 ppg / 68% FG / 12 rpg / 6-0 start.
Chandler Clements, Monroe County: 25.2 ppg / 44% FG / 10.7 rpg / 6-3 start.
Reid Jolly, Campbell County: 19 ppg / 57% FG / 10 rpg / 7-1 start.
Darrius Washington, Fern Creek: 19 ppg / 61% FG / 10 rpg / 5-6 start.
Jacob Hobbs, Central Hardin: 18.3 ppg / 56% FG / 10.8 rpg / 6-2 start.
Conner Robinson, Clay County: 21.9 ppg / 58% FG / 6.3 rpg / 9-0 start.
Cameron Hurst, Burgin: 21.4 ppg / 10 rpg / 9-1 start.
Trey Francis, Phelps: 24.2 ppg / 47% FG / 11.2 rpg / 3-2 start.
Trevor Hardin, Henry County: 23.3 ppg / 60% FG / 8.7 rpg / 2-7 start.
Logan Patterson, McLean County: 28.2 ppg / 50% FG / 7.4 rpg / 2-6 start.