2019 Bear Down Jamboree: Underclassmen to Watch
After months of waiting, basketball season is almost back in Kentucky. The first big group of scrimmages starts this weekend and we’ll be covering as much as possible. All day Saturday, Butler high school will play host to their annual Bear Down Jamboree. Here’s a look at the top Underclassmen to watch at the event on Saturday.
Shawnee vs Carroll County (noon):
Shawnee’s Keyonie Rutledge is a top Sophomore in the city and is likely to be the go to scorer for Shawnee this season. Keishaun Mumphrey is the second leading returning scorer for Carroll County this year. As a Sophomore he put up just shy of 15 points per game and should be a more than adequate second scoring option for the Panthers.
Moore vs Taylor County (1:15):
Darius Carver is going to have to be ready for the spotlight for a Moore team that was hit hard by graduation and the transfer of Quinton Anderson. Taylor County has a Senior dominated roster but look for Juniors Conner Wise and Carson Watson to be role players whose roles expand as the season rolls along.
Seneca vs Woodford County (2:30):
Seneca’s Byron Cox is a very athletic wing prospect with a potentially bright future as a recruit. I look forward to watching him play on Saturday. Woodford County is Senior laden but Junior Hunter Penn is a throwback big man who does his work in the low post on offense and is a solid rebounder.
Jeffersontown vs North Hardin (3:45):
J-Town is the most intriguing team in the event, in my opinion. It will be an experiment in chemistry to see how transfers Jaylen Fairman, Casey Steadmon and Quintin Anderson play together and alongside the returning Brandon Rayzer-Moore. North Hardin brings back Sophomore Jalen Sharps after he averaged near double figures in his Sophomore season.
Central vs Bardstown (5:00):
Shane Bibby of Central is a name to watch in the 2021 class and I’ll be interested to see how he performs as the main scorer after the transfer of Devin Perry and losing Josh Watkins to graduation. Bardstown has a freshman named TJ Greenwell that Coach Brewer is high on and Junior Javaughn Smith is a player to watch in the 5th.
Butler vs Scott County (6:15):
Scott County’s roster is a mystery right now but I was told Elias Richardson returned to the Cards after spending the summer playing for Great Crossing. He should be a reliable scoring option. Butler has Super Sophomore Turrell Cleaves but don’t sleep on Junior Tae Dozier for the Bears. Dozier is long and skilled and his best basketball is ahead of him.
Male vs Bourbon County (7:30):
Male has the top prospect in the 2023 class with Kaleb Glenn. They will be missing some Junior contributors who are still playing football but Cam Pope and Trey Stone should both play meaningful minutes all season long. Bourbon County is Senior dominated but Juniors Parker Estes and Landon Brown did see the floor for Coach Campbell last season and can contribute at a higher level this season.