2026 Players to Watch (Part 2)
In this article:
We’re a half of the way through the 2021-2022 season and several 8th graders are already making their presence felt on the varsity level this year. This is not intended to be a ranking or an inclusive list of the…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWe’re a half of the way through the 2021-2022 season and several 8th graders are already making their presence felt on the varsity level this year. This is not intended to be a ranking or an inclusive list of the best 8th graders in Kentucky. It’s strictly a starting point for a watchlist for rankings down the line.
Carson Fraley Carson Fraley 6'1" | CG Pulaski County | 2026 State KY , Pulaski County – Fraley is a common name in the Somerset area and it seems like they all play basketball. Carson has been starting this season for a Pulaski team that is the last undefeated team left in Kentucky. On the court, Fraley plays with the ball in his hands quite a bit and is being battle tested early in his career.
Cash Harney Cash Harney 5'9" | PG Covington Catholic | 2026 State KY , Beechwood – Another guard who got the starting nod as an 8th grader, Cash is a highly skilled player and talented scorer. He doesn’t have a ton of size right now but Harney is a crafty finisher with a high basketball IQ and a good playmaker.
Jayden Johnson Jayden Johnson 6'5" | SG Trinity | 2026 State KY , Male – It’s early but Johnson has been seen on some early Class of 2026 national rankings. Starting for the Bulldogs, Jayden is a wing with great positional size already and is working to become more than a catch and shoot player. At 6’4 already, Johnson projects to have ideal wing size and be a good college prospect.
Jacob Spurlock Jacob Spurlock 6'3" | CG Boyd County | 2026 State KY , Boyd County – The leading scorer on our early watchlist, Jacob is averaging 12 points per game for a Boyd team that has surprised some folks in the 16th region so far this season. Already shooting 41% from three this year, Spurlock is on the short list of best three point shooters in Kentucky.
James Turner James Turner 6'6" | PF Newport | 2026 State KY , Newport – Probably the highest potential player on this list, Turner recently moved into a starting role for Newport. At 6’6 tall and having springs for legs, James has the sort of potential at this age that makes you think he could have college coaches showing up at Newport in a year or two.