2020 Class Rankings Breakdown: Shuffled Top 5, Risers, Sleepers and Potential Movers
With our latest release of the 2020 class rankings, there is plenty to breakdown as we have had a lot of movement in the rankings since our last update in August of last year.
Below is a break down via four categories, “A Shuffled Top 5,” “Potential D1 Players,” “Sleepers,” and “Potential Movers.” As always, PHKY will continue to track and follow the state’s top talent and stay up to date on players who deserve and earn a boost up the rankings as they continue to take shape. Stay tuned!
A Shuffled Top 5
We have had a significant shift in the top 5 since the start of the high school season but number one remains the same. Justin Powell of Trinity remains in the number one spot. Powell already holds a handful of high major Division I offers and is the only 2020 player in Kentucky to be ranked in Prep Hoops 2020 National Rankings. At 6’5, Powell has great size for either guard spot. Justin mainly plays the point guard spot for the Atlanta Celtics during AAU season but splits ball handling duties with teammate David Johnson when playing for the Shamrocks.
Ksuan Casey (Madisonville-North Hopkins) rises from seventh to second since our initial rankings dropped back in the summer. The 6’9 Center is a load in the post. Averaging 15.5 points and 9.5 rebounds per game, Casey is one of the more dominant players in the usually very good 2nd region. Ksuan is shooting an impressive 60% from the floor on the season, including 6/9 from 3.
Dayvion McKnight (Collins) moves into the top 5 for the first time after starting at number 10 in our first rankings. Not many players in the state affect the game as much as McKnight. Although he’s a point guard, he averages over 7 rebounds per game to go along with more than 12 points and 6 assists per contest. McKnight is a great athlete who continues to improve. As his perimeter shooting improves, his ceiling will only continue to rise as well.
James Taylor Jr (St. Xavier) Taylor stays in the top 5 after starting at #2 in our summer rankings. James is a crafty lead guard for St. X. James is having a good sophomore campaign for the Tigers, averaging 13.1 points per game and pulling down 3 rebounds per contest as well. James is a heady playmaker but needs to improve his overall shooting numbers as he progresses through his high school career to stay in the top 5 of the rapidly improving 2020 class.
JJ Traynor (Bardstown) When you look at the season statistics, Traynor doesn’t look like he’s worthy of going from unranked all the way up to Top 5. But the 6’7 F has the potential to be a mid major or better D1 player by them time his high school career ends. JJ first caught our eye at the Next Up Recruits Jamboree back in November. The long, athletic forward was dunking everything and scoring at all 3 levels. If Traynor can continue to develop, he can be a contender for top player in the class.
Potential D1 players
There has been some movement in the rankings since our last update and there are several kids who are on the verge of being top 10-20 players the 2020. By the time graduation rolls around, these young men could be signed to Division 1 scholarships:
Marcellus Vail (Collins), Kenny White (Madisonville – North Hopkins), Howard Fleming (Male), Jackson Sivils (McCracken County), Noah Courtney (Male)
Sleepers
There are many kids who have the potential to be very good college players despite being lower in our rankings. Each of these players in this group can lead their team in numerous statistical categories on any given night, and will likely continue to put up solid numbers as the season rolls along.
Alex Matthews (John Hardin), Kaelin Drakeford (Mercer County), Marques Warrick (Henry Clay), Chesimon Moore (Collegiate), Jamison Epps (Marion County)
Potential Movers
There are several players who could move way up the rankings depending on how the rest of their high school and AAU careers go. Whether it’s their scoring ability, averaging a double double or the athleticism and ability they possess, all of these kids could make big moves up the rankings by our next update.
Jared Courtney (Franklin County), Cody Potter (Shelby Valley), Don Victor (Hopkinsville), Matt Cromer (South Laurel)