Small School, Big Game – Western Kentucky

<p>This series will take a look at some lesser-known players from smaller schools across Kentucky that have or will tear it up at the varsity level. You might not be able to find their hometown on a map, but that hasn’t stopped them from making a name for themselves.</p> <p><strong>DeAngelo Brooks, Mayfield (2021) - </strong>A stock riser in his Junior season, Brooks is transitioning to the wing and improved his ball handling and shooting as the season went along. The leader for a Mayfield team with some high expectations next season, DeAngelo is going to be one of the top Seniors in the first region next season and his energy level and leadership could propel Mayfield to be a surprise contender next season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="932780" first="Grant" last="Whitaker"], Murray (2023) - </strong>One of the state's top Sophomores, Whitaker is a dynamic scoring guard who can get hot in a hurry. When Murray beat the circus that was Prodigy Prep last season, Grant nearly had a triple double and he was the best player on the floor. He's definitely a player to track for the next 3 years as a potential D1 guard.</p> <p><strong>Blake Elder, Carlisle County (2021) -</strong> One of the leading returning scorers in the first region, Elder also led Carlisle in rebounding as a Junior. Blake can score the ball inside or out and should be close to a 20 point per game scorer in his Senior season as Carlisle looks to push Murray for the 1st region All A title.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="939117" first="Travis" last="Perry"], Lyon County (2024) - </strong>One of the best pure scorers in the state, Perry is a realistic threat to the all time scoring record for Kentucky. Travis has a smooth game and a high IQ. He's not going to blow anyone away with athleticism but he's a better athlete than he gets credit for. Look for him to earn scholarship offers in the not too distant future.</p> <p><strong>Jackson Shoulders, Lyon County (2022) - </strong>Shoulders probably doesn't get enough credit for what a good player he is because of all the attention Perry gets. Jackson is a good scorer with a high motor. He does benefit from some open looks caused by Perry but he capitalizes on his opportunities and should be on the radar for small colleges as he creeps near his Junior season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="923047" first="Boston" last="Devore"], Metcalfe County (2021) - </strong>Devore is a good prospect who misses out on some recruiting due to playing baseball instead of AAU but Boston can really play. He's got good wing size and a high IQ in addition to being a shot maker. Metcalfe has had some good seasons since Devore joined the program and they should be expected to have another winning season in 2020-21.</p> <p><strong>Chase Stines, Clinton County (2021) - </strong>Graduating Jackson Harlan was expected to set Clinton back a step but Stines was ready to step up and fill the void left by graduating the 4th region player of the year. Almost exclusively a slasher, Chase is able to be a playmaker in addition to a scorer. After being the leading scorer and rebounder for the Bulldogs last season, expect more of the same from Stines next season.</p>