The Best of Kentucky: Elite Guards
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…
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Continue ReadingIn 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 Guards in the state.
– Dekeyvan “KyKy” Tandy, University Heights: odds are you’ve seen a highlight tape of Tandy on Bleacher Report or a candidate for a SportsCenter Top 10 play. Not only is he dunking over 7 footers or making extravagant plays to the rim, he’s posting monster numbers. Seven games into the UHA season and they haven’t lost a game yet. KyKy is averaging 30.1 points per game on almost 50% shooting. He is one of the more exciting prospects in the Xavier University recruiting class and he is making a case for himself for Mr. Basketball. You can watch KyKy and UHA in the King of the Bluegrass tournament this weekend, hosted by Fairdale.
– Korbin Spencer, Elliott County: Spencer has led the Lions to early front-runners for the 16th Region title. His team is off to a hot 7-0 start before winter break and is looking to carry over their success into holiday tournaments. Korbin so far is 3rd in the state in scoring, averaging 31.5 points per game. He is also scoring those numbers on over 52% shooting and contributing with 9.7 rebounds per game. Korbin is on track to be the POY in his region and could sneak his way onto the Mr. Basketball ballot if his team can make a run at Rupp. You can watch Korbin and Elliott County at the Twin Lakes Classic hosted by Clinton County this weekend.
– David Johnson, Trinity: he’s not posting numbers quite like the guards before him, but he still is leading Trinity to an undefeated 7-0 start. Going into this season he is Prep Hoops KY #1 Guard in the 2019 class and a future Louisville Cardinal. This season, David is averaging 15.5 points per game on over 53% shooting. Also, he is contributing by clashing the glass with just under 8 boards a game. Trinity is also playing in the King of the Bluegrass, and if UHA wins tonight over Lexington Christian, we will be able to see KyKy Tandy v. Johnson square off Friday at 9pm.
– Derrin Boyd, Caldwell County: Boyd is off to a great start statistical-wise, posting scoring numbers at 29.2 points per game on 57% shooting. Like the other guards before him, he is also grabbing 8.5 rebounds per game as well. Caldwell plays in one of the toughest regions in the state (2nd) and faces teams like University Heights, Webster Co, and the Madisonville/Hopkinsville schools. Still, Derrin is contending withTandy for the second region POY and has a solid chance to win their region. You can watch Boyd and Caldwell County at the Limestone Bank Christmas Classic at Butler County tomorrow.
– Kelly Niece, Simon Kenton: Niece only a sophomore, is posting outstanding numbers tied with Boyd at 29.2 points per game. He is one of the best players in the 2021 class and potentially (don’t know the facts) but could be one of the only sophomores to win the 8th Region POY. He also has one of the cleanest shots in the state, shooting 62% from the floor and 63% three-point percentage. He has also led Simon Kenton to a 6-0 start heading into their holiday tournament they host. You can watch Kelly and the Pioneers this weekend at the SK Invitational Tournament.
Others Just Outside the Cut: (no particular order).
Jackson Harlan, Clinton County: 25.7 ppg / 41.1 FG% / 4.2 rpg / 6-1 start.
Dakota Walden, Daviess County: 28.8 ppg / 55.4 FG% / 3.5 rpg / 2-4 start.
Marques Warrick, Henry Clay: 22.5 ppg / 50 FG% / 3.8 rpg / 6-2 start.
Luke Morrison, South Oldham: 26.3 ppg / 61.5 FG% / 5.7 rpg / 7-2 start.
Matt Cromer, South Laurel: 22.4 ppg / 57 FG% / 3.6 rpg / 6-1 start.
TreVon Smith, Taylor County: 25 ppg / 53 FG% / 9.4 rpg / 9-1 start.
Cody Potter, Shelby Valley: 25.2 ppg / 61.5 FG% / 10.6 rpg / 5-0 start.