Updated 2022 Rankings: The Top 10
With this latest updated Sophomore ranking, we have had a lot of change in the top 10. With such a bigger sample size of games to go off of now, we have had a lot of movement up and down…
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Continue ReadingWith this latest updated Sophomore ranking, we have had a lot of change in the top 10. With such a bigger sample size of games to go off of now, we have had a lot of movement up and down the rankings.Here’s a look at the new Top 10, including a new number one.
Maker Bar Maker Bar 6'9" | C Ballard | 2022 State KY , Ballard – When we last updated rankings, Maker wasn’t even in Kentucky. It took a week or two into the season before Bar was ruled eligible but he has impressed from the beginning and continues improving from week to week. He’s 6’9, long and athletic but more impressively, Maker is skilled and continues to improve. He stretches the floor with shooting and is shooting 64% from the floor and 44% from three (on limited attempts). With his ceiling, Maker moves into the rankings at the very top spot.
James Jewell James Jewell 6'6" | PF Marion County | 2022 State KY , Eastern – Sliding down one spot with the introduction of Bar into the rankings, James has already added his first scholarship offer (from Tennessee Tech) and is going to have the opportunity to earn more on the AAU circuit this season. Jewell is long and athletic and an excellent rim protector on defense. The worry with James moving forward as a prospect is if he will stretch his game beyond the post area. At 6’6, he’s going to have to start knocking down perimeter jumpers and look more comfortable off the dribble to keep boosting his stock with college coaches.
Christian Spalding Christian Spalding 6'4" | PG Evangel Christian | 2022 State KY – Jewell’s teammate in both high school and AAU, Christian is right on his heels as a prospect and could have the higher ceiling due to being a natural point guard who can run a team or create his own offense. Spalding is young for the class and is likely to keep growing over the next few years and his body hasn’t started to fill out yet so he should add bulk. As his game grows, Spalding should become a more efficient shooter and he has a high IQ and great feel for the game that should keep him at the top of the class and impressing coaches for the foreseeable future.
Tim Hall Tim Hall 6'6" | PF Westminster Catawba | 2023 State SC , Dunbar – Tim may be the most athletic player in the state, period. If you’re looking for a run and jump athlete, there aren’t many better in Kentucky. When he has the ball on the break, Tim looks like a blur in the open court. Tim has the full package to be able to guard multiple positions and score on them as well but needs to continue improving his wing skills. If he can become a solid shooter to go with his athleticism, there is a chance that Hall could become a big time college prospect in this class.
Jerone Morton Jerone Morton 6'3" | SG George Rogers Clark | 2023 State KY , George Rogers Clark – Jerone is the opposite of Hall in a lot of ways. He won’t blow you away with athleticism but Morton is super skilled and can score the ball at every level. Averaging 17 points and 5 rebounds per game in his second varsity season, Jerone’s stock will continue increasing as his shooting percentages and shot selection improve. If he doesn’t grow another few inches, Jerone will need to transition to the point but his stock is highest as a prospect when he’s playing off the ball and creating offense.
Jordan Akal Jordan Akal 6'1" | PG Harlan | 2022 State KY , Harlan – Akal remains a top player in the class but slips a couple spots after missing part of the season with injury combined with the ascension of other players like Bar and Spalding. Jordan is wired to score but is at his best when he’s getting into the paint and creating for others in addition to himself. Jordan is shifty and tough and will have chances to impress coaches this summer as he plays up an age group on 17u.
Brandon Rayzer-Moore Brandon Rayzer-Moore 6'4" | SG Jeffersontown | 2020 IN , Jeffersontown – If you’re looking for upside, Rayzer-Moore has to be among the best in the state. He’s long and a good athlete and can really score the ball all over the court. He’s averaging 15 points and 5 rebounds for a good J-Town team and shooting 53/39/75 on the season. Brandon is a very efficient scorer and is among the best prospects in the Sophomore class when his motor is running consistently.
Turner Buttry Turner Buttry 5'11" | PG Bowling Green | 2022 State KY , Bowling Green – One player whose motor is always running, Turner is one of the most consistent players in the class. Buttry is leading the Purples in every shooting category as he’s shooting 58.2% from the field, 51% from three and 80% from the free throw line. Turner plays both on and off the ball in high school and AAU but will need to be able to showcase his abilities as a primary ball handler moving forward in order to impress college coaches.
Justin Becker Justin Becker 6'6" | SF Robertson County | 2022 State KY , Robertson County – Becker is having a huge Sophomore season. He leads the entire state in scoring at 26.9 points per game and adds a team high 8.7 rebounds per game for a Black Devil team that is having a great season at 18-5 overall. At 6’6, Becker is shooting 59% from the field and 36% from three while making 80% from the free throw line and getting there with regularity, making 6 free throws per contest.If he continues to prove he can guard, he’ll get some college interest this summer.
Jaxon Smith Jaxon Smith 6'2" | PG Lincoln County | 2022 State KY , Lincoln County – Jaxon continues a strong career for Lincoln County but he has seen a slight dip in his shooting numbers this season. Smith is likely to have his college potential determined more in AAU games than in high school as the system at Lincoln doesn’t really allow for massive scoring numbers for any individual. Jaxon is a slashing point guard who can get to the rim or can kick out to teammates, which is how the Patriot offense thrives. As a team, they shoot 36% from three and a lot of those open looks are a result of Jaxon penetrating gaps and kicking to open teammates.