2020 Rankings: Top Power Forwards
With our very first 2020 class rankings coming out last week, there is a whole new group of kids to get to know across the Commonwealth. The talent level in 2020 is high overall and will potentially have several Division I signees before the class graduates and move on to the next level. The power forward position features several big, strong posts who have the potential to see D1 scholarships before their high school careers end.
Michael Mayer, Covington Catholic – Very strong and standing 6’6, Mayer figures to play a bigger role for Covington Catholic this season. Mayer started all AAU season a very good Indiana Elite program where his high school teammates Jake Walter and CJ Fredrick thrived. Mayer only averaged 2 points and 1.5 rebounds per game as a freshman but figures to see an increased role on the team that is probably favored to win the 9th region. Mayer is a star on the football field for Covington Catholic and figures to end up a college football player unless he either grows a couple inches or develops more perimeter skills.
Ray Surratt, Lafayette – Already 6’8″ and still growing, the Lafayette big man projects as a pick and pop 4 man in college. At this point, Ray seems more comfortable as a jump shooter than as a back to the basket post. As he continues to develop and add muscle to his skinny frame, Surratt will probably be a low Division 1 player at worst. Highly skilled and big bodied, Big Ray is one to keep tabs on over the next 3 seasons. His season opener will be a showdown with top ranked 2020 Center Riley Bodner and Lincoln County.
Jamison EppsMark Goode, LaRue County – Coming off a freshman campaign where he averaged 14 points and 6 rebounds for a LaRue County team that won 25 games last season, Goode had one of the better freshman seasons in the 5th region a year ago. A traditional back to the basket post player, Goode did show some ability to stretch the floor last season by going 5-10 from 3 for the year. LaRue will be a contender to win the 5th region this year and if they can get to Rupp Arena, Goode will be a big reason why.
Jamison Epps, Marion County – Part of a well known basketball family, Epps looks to make his own name this season. The youngest son of former Kentucky Wildcat PG Anthony Epps and little brother to WNBA Player Mikayla Epps, Jamison is focused on keeping the Epps name front and center in the 5th region. While Jamison only saw varsity action in 2 games last season, he will likely be a starter for coach Matt Turner in his first year at the helm. Already 6’5″ and working to develop more perimeter skill, Epps is one to keep an eye on this year and beyond.
Other names to know: Patton Roggenkamp (Male), Joe Meador (Franklin County), Joey Leachman (St. Xavier), Joseph Hill (Madison Southern)