2019 All “A” State Tournament: Best 10 Players I Watched
This years 2019 All “A” State Tournament was hyped up to be one of the best tournaments in recent years. With almost completely even talent across the board, I wasn’t disappointed. I was only able to attend the nightcap of…
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Continue ReadingThis years 2019 All “A” State Tournament was hyped up to be one of the best tournaments in recent years. With almost completely even talent across the board, I wasn’t disappointed. I was only able to attend the nightcap of the event, so if you are a fan of any of the teams who played in the morning, please try not to be disappointed as there was some huge playmakers in that session! These players put on a show at Eastern Kentucky University at a big time event. Here are the best 10 players I watched at the nightcap…
1. Dekeyvan Tandy, University Heights: UHA was expected to come in and run all over Bishop Brossart. To start the game, KyKy went 5/6 3pt shots in the first quarter, hitting 5 in a row before he missed. Fans on both teams were completely shocked and recording it, it was a spectacle. After the first quarter he started to slow down after Brossart began face-guarding Tandy and setting up the 2-3 zone which wasn’t in his favor. After the 1Q, he ended the game scoring 13 more points, totaling 28 on the night. He also helped his team out on the glass with 6 rebounds and also added 3 assists as well. UHA had a close game with Brossart but ended up prevailing and winning comfortably.
2. Cody Potter, Shelby Valley: Potter finished the night with 34 total points, which was the most points by a player in the night cap. He helped push his team late in the game to a close game OT victory over Clinton County. This was my first time watching Potter play and I truly believe he can be one of the best players in the KY 2020 class. Not only scoring 34 points, he also added 12 rebounds and 2 assists to cap off one of the best performances in the All “A” Sweet 16.
3. JD Schumacher, Bishop Brossart: Schumacher I believe is the sole reason Brossart was able to stay in this game. His 21 point and 12 rebound performance proved that small schools can compete with the big dogs. He was electric offensively and defensively and did all the things his team needed him to do in order to compete. Schumacher is one of the top players in the 10th Region and is looking to lift his team to a post season tournament berth after their exit from the All “A” Classic.
4. Tahj Harding, Newport: one of the best forwards I watched play, Harding could be in the running for the POY in the 9th Region. He finished the game with 17 points and 9 rebounds. He scored all of his points exclusively from the paint in this game. With the exception of a few missed free throws and some off-balanced mid-range jumpers, Tahj could have had well over 20+ points. This game was the less-evenly matched contest in the All “A” and his performance helped Newport dominate Kentucky Country Day.
5. Jackson Harlan, Clinton County: one of the top players in the 2019 class and future WKU Hilltopper, Harlan didn’t disappoint. He helped his team come back after struggling late in the fourth quarter, making two consecutive three-pointers to send the game to OT. Unfortunately the Bulldogs didn’t have much left in the tank after battling back in the 4Q. He finished with 28 points and 9 rebounds. Clinton County will need to find more support guys heading into the back-end of the season if they want to be contenders in the 4th Region.
6. Zach Thornton, Danville: the Admirals were able to cruise past Elliott County to advance to the Elite 8. Danville was lead by senior Zach Thornton who posted 21 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists. Thornton has good company, which inclines me to put them as my favorites to go to Rupp Aren out of the 12th Region. Zach was set up by his extreme athleticism and it easily contrasted the difference between Elliott who wasn’t as competitive. Thornton and company move on to face Cody Potter and Shelby Valley in the All “A” State Tournament.
7. Drew McGowan, University Heights: took over most of the second half scoring after Tandy started to cool off. McGowan was firing on all cylinders, he also had the only dunk of the night session by throwing down an exclamation slam! Drew finished with 16 points and 6 rebounds which really helped UHA break the zone coverage. The Blazers move on the the next round and face Newport which is sure to be the best game in the tournament. I believe the victor of this game will end up winning the 2019 All “A” Tournament.
T8. Makhi McGuire & Donnie Miller, Newport: Newport’s trio of players are almost overwhelming. It’s no wonder why they are one of the best teams in the 9th Region and a top 10 team in the entire state. I honestly believe the Wildcats can win the 9th Region and make an appearance at Rupp Arena. McGuire finished with 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. Donnie Miller finished with 14 points and 3 rebounds.
9. Korbin Spencer, Elliott County: one of the state’s leading scorers was sure to bring excitement to this game. Unfortunately it was the opposite, Spencer had some costly/careless turnovers the whole game and struggled to find his shot. To be fair, Danville was probably one of the best defensive teams they have faced all year, but still crippled Korbin. He finished with 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in a disappointing exit to the All “A.” Luckily the 16th Region is down this year and it is looking like the Lions have their eyes on bigger goals like Rupp Arena in March, which is perfectly attainable for their team.
10. Michael Collis, Kentucky Country Day: he played much bigger than his actual size, which is around 6 foot. Only a junior, he has the capabilities to be one of the best players in the 7th Region when his senior season rolls around. He scored 13 points and 6 rebounds, a lot of his boards were gathered over players who were 6’4 or taller. Unfortunately they had to face Newport, who is one of the best teams in the field. KCD had an early exit and are looking forward to district and region play in the coming weeks.