8 Players to Watch on Wednesday at the Sweet 16 (Afternoon Session)
The Sweet Sixteen kicks off on Wednesday afternoon at Rupp Arena. The marquee game of the opening day is Trinity taking on on Scott County at 130 but there are plenty of talented kids that will take the floor on Wednesday afternoon. Here’s a look at some names to watch:
Andrew Taylor, Corbin – One of the few in Kentucky history to score 3,000 career points and grab 1,000 career rebounds. Taylor finally get the Hounds to Rupp Arena after 2 consecutive disappointing postseasons. Andrew is capable of scoring 30+ and/or going for a Triple-Double.
Chandler Stewart, Corbin – One of the more underappreciated players in the 13th region, if not the entire state, Stewart quietly averaged nearly 17 points per game for the Hounds while shooting 50% from the field. When Taylor was suspended earlier this season, I watched Stewart go for 33 points on 8-14 shooting. If he and Taylor are both going, watch out!
Caleb Bonny, Estill County – The regional player of the year, Bonny can fill it up for the Engineers. Averaging 20 points per game with shooting splits of 50/39/76, Bonny is an efficient scorer and not just a volume one. In order for Estill to compete with Corbin, Bonny needs to get over any first game at Rupp jitters and start scoring early and often. Corbin will give up plenty of points but Bonny will have to score a ton for the Engineers to keep up.
Michael Moreno, Scott County – Mr. Double-Double and one of the top juniors in Kentucky, Moreno is the most consistent member of the Cardinals team. Without Moreno inside, the Cardinals become a team of jump-shooters. It is vitally important the Moreno avoids any sort of foul trouble against Trinity.
Cooper Robb, Scott County – Robb is the Cardinals’ X factor. If Cooper gets hot in a game, he can put up buckets in a hurry. In order for Scott to beat Trinity, Robb needs to open up the floor with his outside shooting. If he gets in foul trouble and pouts (as he is prone to do) the door will be open for Trinity to take the game from the Cards.
David Johnson, SG/PG Trinity – One of the elite players in the state, Johnson is ranked in all of the national rankings in the 2019 class. He has elite size for the position and high major athleticism. Johnson already holds several offers from elite Power 5 schools. If David comes ready to play, he can make the difference in Trinity winning the state or falling to Scott County on Wednesday.
Jay Scrubb, Wing Trinity – Another big time athlete, Scrubb is the 2 time reigning player of the year for the 7th region. Scrubb vs Moreno could be a huge matchup if the two coaches choose to have them guard each other. Scrubb is a superior athlete but Moreno could get him in foul trouble if allowed to take him to the post.
Justin Powell, PG/SG Trinity – The consensus top sophomore in the state, Powell is a great playmaker and passer. Shooting an impressive 51% from 3 on the year, Powell cannot be left open. To be blunt, if Trinity’s Big 3 are all playing their best games, they are going to be a tough out all week and should be favored to win it all.