Spring Stock Risers: 2021 Class
The spring AAU season has only one weekend left and then players will return to run with their high school programs for June. Continuing with a look at the 2021 class, let’s take inventory of which Juniors are raising their…
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Continue ReadingThe spring AAU season has only one weekend left and then players will return to run with their high school programs for June. Continuing with a look at the 2021 class, let’s take inventory of which Juniors are raising their stock heading into summer ball with their schools and, eventually, July AAU.
Jaden Rogers, Fern Creek – There are only 3 Kentuckians playing on the 16u EYBL this season and Rogers is having the best year of the three. Jaden is shifty and can score the ball on anyone. He’s also becoming a better facilitator and was rewarded with his first scholarship offer (from Miami, Ohio). Jaden is in the mix to be the top player in the class and could be a high major point guard when it’s all said and done.
Anthony “Rooster” Woodard, Logan County – Woodard has always been athletic but he has started to turn the corner and become a more complete player this spring. Rooster is starting to get more comfortable with the ball in his hands and continues to improve with each additional viewing.
Devin Perry, Central – The point guard from Louisville has always been a favorite of mine in the class but he has recently really ramped up his offense and shown that he can do more than just facilitate. The next step is going to be improving as a finisher at the rim. If Perry can add a couple of inches of height to his 5’10 frame, he can really boost his stock.
Q’Daryius McHenry, Grayson County – McHenry has shown the ability to score the ball at a high rate this spring after posting several big scoring games at the state tournament at KBC. Q has shown a much improved ability to shoot the ball from distance after going just 12/39 from three as a sophomore. McHenry is hard to keep out of the paint. If he can make the right kick once he’s in there, he could lead the state in assists.
Nash Divine, Muhlenberg County – Divine has grown and is starting to fill out. He’s also learning to play without the ball in his hands and that’s a skill that not many in Kentucky have. The 3rd region should be relatively wide open next season and if Nash keeps improving, Muhlenberg will be right in the mix to cut the nets and get to Rupp.
Jeremiah Belton, LaRue County – Jeremiah has always been able to run a team from the point guard spot but with graduation taking a toll on the Hawks, Belton needs to be able to score the ball more consistently than he showed last season and he’s been doing that this spring on the AAU circuit. Belton went head to head with the Manimal guards at state then averaged over 15 PPG this past weekend on the UA Rise circuit.
Trace Flanary, Bowling Green – There are other kids at BG who get much more publicized but Flanary is the type of glue guy that can make a difference as a Junior for the Purples. Trace had a big scoring weekend this past weekend at the UA Rise but he also does the rebounding and dirty work that teams need to succeed at the highest levels.
Baylor Mattingly, Lincoln County – Heading into his 16u AAU season, the knock on Mattingly has been that he’s strictly a shooter and can’t put the ball on the floor. This AAU season he has started to play with the ball in his hands more and forcing his game to evolve past just a catch and shoot player. If he can keep adding to his skinny frame, Baylor can be an impact player in the 12th as a Junior.