8 Players to Watch on Thursday at the Sweet 16 (Afternoon Session)
The Sweet Sixteen kicks off on Wednesday afternoon at Rupp Arena. The marquee game of the second day is University Heights and Campbell County going head to head at noon but there are plenty of talented kids that will take the floor on Thursday afternoon, including Multiple Division 1 signees. Here’s a look at some names to watch:
Dekeyvan “KyKy” Tandy, University Heights – Already holding offers from High Major D1 schools in his junior season, Tandy is an electric athlete who can score the ball at every level. KyKy averages just under 31 points per game and shoots 45% from 3. Kentucky coach John Calipari recently watched Tandy in person at the 2nd region title game.
TaQuan Hollowell, University Heights – The glue guy for UHA, Hollowell averages 11 points and 5 rebounds per game for the Blazers. A lot of his contributions don’t show up in the score book but Hollowell often guards the opposing team’s best player and is the spark that ignites many of the runs that the Blazers make.
Tanner Clos, Campbell County – The second leading scorer for the Camels; Clos is a go to scorer for the Camels. Look for Clos to take the big shots late in the game if the game goes down to the wire.
Reid Jolly, Campbell County – The leading scorer and rebounder for Campbell, Jolly averages 18 points and 10 rebounds for Campbell. Reid is going to provide an advantage in the post for Campbell and will be the toughest match-up for the Blazers defensively.
Travis Henderson, Oldham County – The best inside scorer for the Colonels, Henderson has a high motor and makes a difference on both ends of the floor. To keep up with high scoring McCracken County, Henderson needs to produce and avoid shooting slumps like he had when I last saw him play at the 8th region tournament.
Jackson Gibson, Oldham County – The MVP for Oldham, Gibson is a coach on the floor. Gibson puts his teammates in the right places and always wants the ball in his hands with the game on the line. If Oldham is going to make a run at Rupp, Gibson will be a major reason why.
Nathan Stonecipher, McCracken County – Stonecipher is one of the top players in the first region and not many outside of the area have heard of the senior. Stonecipher is the leading scorer for McCracken at 14.9 points and is also second on the team in rebounding at 7.8 per game.
Jackson Sivills, McCracken County – Only a sophomore, Sivils averages 13 points and 8 rebounds per game for the Mustangs and has the potential to reach big scoring numbers on the Rupp Arena floor this week. Sivils possesses good length on the wing and should have a chance to make his name a bigger one with a good week at the Sweet Sixteen.