2017-2018 All Prep Hoops Kentucky Second Team
Now that the 2017-18 season is over and the championship trophy made its way back to Covington Catholic, the post season looms large. Before we move into AAU season and publish our final class of 2018 rankings, we need to recognize the players who made the most impact across the Bluegrass State in the regular season and into the postseason. Team success is taken into consideration with these teams and not just the individual statistics that players accumulated during the season. Here is the 2017-2018 Prep Hoops Kentucky Second Team (in no particular order):
Adam Kunkel, Cooper – A 6’3 guard who will attend Belmont for his college career, Kunkel averaged 20 points and nearly 8 rebounds per game this season while putting up incredible shooting splits of 51/45/83 and being hounded by the opposing team’s best defender every night.
Jake Walter, Covington Catholic – The only legitimate 7 footer in the Commonwealth, Walter provided a solid post presence for the state champion Colonels. Big Jake developed so much over his high school career and will only get better as he becomes a contributor in his college career. Walter will play his college basketball at Xavier.
Eric “Boss” Boone, Bryan Station – Boss made a big leap in his senior season for the Defenders. For the first 2 months of the season, Bryan Station was the biggest surprise of the season. They eventually fell back down to earth. Boone flashed his athleticism and lockdown defense throughout the season and projects as a solid combo guard at the college level. Boone is still uncommitted and will likely go the junior college route to start college basketball.
Jarius Key, Bowling Green – One of the top post players in the 2018 class, Key has a bunch of D2, NAIA and Juco offers. He averaged nearly 19 points and 10 rebounds per game for the Purples as they fell just a game short of getting back to Rupp Arena. Key will be an impact player as soon as he steps on campus wherever he attends.
Isaiah Cozart, Madison Central – Averaging a double-double at 13 points and 10 rebounds doesn’t tell the tale of Cozart completely. Standing 6’7 but possessing a 7’4 wingspan, Cozart blocks shots at a record pace. The big Junior shot 58% from the field and was 7/15 from behind the 3 point line for the season. He also has 536 career blocks and will have shattered the career record by this time next season.
Kyle Rode, Lexington Christian – The 6’7 point forward averaged 16 points and 8 rebounds while playing all over the floor for one of the top teams in the state. Kyle’s size and positional versatility is what makes him so valuable. Behind Rode, the Eagles made it to the 11th region title game and had a clean shot to win the game. Rode will be a finalist for Mr. Basketball next season.
David Johnson, Trinity – Like his teammates Justin Powell and Jayden Scrubb, Johnson suffers from being on a team that has a ton of talent on it. His season averages of 14 points and 6 rebounds per game won’t blow anyone away but there is no doubt that David is an elite talent and a top 100 player in the country in the 2019 class.
Zion Harmon, Adair County – Harmon lived up to his considerable hype this season. The 5’10” point guard led the state in scoring with 33.2 points per game and 50/38/91 shooting splits for the Indians.