All A Classic State Tournament ~ Top Unranked Players, Pt. 1

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Prep Hoops staff was in attendance for every game played at 2022 All A Classic State Tournament in Richmond, Kentucky. We had a front-row seat to scout every player and every possession. As we get the opportunity to watch games all across the state on a weekly basis, we routinely find hidden gems. This event was a great way for us to highlight 10 players that are not currently ranked but played exceptionally well. Look for these players to make our final rankings coming soon!</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Nick Robinson - Pikeville, Senior</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The lone player on our list that made the All-Tournament Team. Robinson has been putting in the work all season long so his success is not a surprise to the folks at Pikeville. <a href="https://prephoops.com/2022/02/all-a-classic-state-tournament-saturdays-semifinals/">We wrote about his breakout performance in the semifinal Saturday night</a>. Robinson is a mobile forward that hovers around the paint area. He does a tremendous job to locate and pursue the ball rather than waiting for it to come to his zone. Robinson averaged 10.5ppg, 8.5rpg, and chipped in a couple of blocks and steals every game. He is becoming a complete player at the perfect time. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kobe Watson - Murray, Freshman</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Watson kicked off the tournament with a great opening game. Watson came off the bench and immediately gave his team a spark with his shooting. He knocked down one 3-pointer every quarter and ended with 12 total points. Only a freshman, look for Watson to become a well-rounded guard as his game develops. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jay Milburn - Campbellsville, Senior</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Milburn is a stocky big that showed flashes that he can be incredibly effective from everywhere on the court. His length disrupted shots all game and eventually forced Harlan to settle for outside looks. Despite only connecting on 22 3-pointers on the season, Milburn knocked down 3 triples that forced the defense to honor his shot. There are very few players in the state that can block a shot and snatch the rebound on one end, then knock down the trail 3-pointer on the other. <a href="https://prephoops.com/2022/01/all-a-classic-state-tournament-afternoon-session-standouts/">We highlighted his breakout game against Harlan in the opening round Thursday</a>. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Luke Bellamy - Breathitt County, Junior</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bellamy logs a ton of minutes on a talented Breathitt County team. He possesses all the traits to be a great shooter: balance, good hands, steady approach, clean release, and smooth follow-through. He is shooting north of 45% on 3-pointers. The next jump for Bellamy is to find a way to get more shots! The 2023 class is loaded with guards but as long as Bellamy continues his hot shooting for the final stretch of the season, expect his name to be on our final rankings.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kaleb McClendon - Harlan, Junior</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">McClendon and Bellamy were two of the best set shooters of the entire event. When McClendon can get his feet set and shoulders squared up, you believe the ball is going in even before it leaves his hands. McClendon was huge in the heartbreaking semifinal loss to Breathitt County as he poured in two 3-pointers and battled on defense.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p> <p><b>Make sure you are following</b><a href="https://twitter.com/prephoopsky"> <b>@PrepHoopsKY</b></a><b> on Twitter for weekly top games &amp; top performers!</b></p>