2018 Final Rankings: Top Post Players
The 2018 class is, like most classes in our state, light on post players. There are a handful that will be impact players in college but may still be a year or two away from contributing at the college level. Here’s a look at the top post player in the 2018 class:
Jake Walter, Covington Catholic – The biggest player in the state at 7 foot tall, Walter shot a ridiculous 73% from the field this season and will head to Xavier this summer where he expects to follow guys like Matt Stainbrook and Kenny Frease in the mold of the big, efficient space eater in the post for the Musketeers.
Carter Hendricksen, Lexington Christian – A 6’9″ stretch 4 who became one of the best players in central Kentucky over the last two seasons, Carter will take his skills to North Florida next season. After a growth spurt early in his high school career, Carter transitioned from guard to big and caught a lot of college coaches’ eyes. Hendricksen’s size and ability to shoot should fit well in the fast paced system that North Florida runs.
Jarius Key, Bowling Green – One of the biggest stock risers of the 2018 class, Jarius went from no offers to several NAIA, D2 and Juco offers over the course of his senior season. Key went from being Terry Taylor’s backup to being the main piece of this year’s Bowling Green squad. It will be interesting to see what level Key decides to play college ball next season.
Zach Kelch, Simon Kenton – Kelch is a skilled 6’9″ post that can stretch the floor with his shooting. Zach never got the amount of post touches that usually go to a player of his size and skill in the 8th region. Kelch takes his talents to the Naval Academy for college basketball and will be set up for life after college if he completes his career in the Navy.
Clint Wickliffe, Fern Creek – 6’7″ and strong, Clint is a bruiser down low who can also step out and make jump shots. Wickliffe will take a prep year and reclass to 2019 in hopes of seeing more college offers. Prior to reclassifying, Clint held offers from Georgetown College and Pikeville.
Best of the Rest:
Michael Burns, Butler (Motlow State Community College)
Will Philpot, George Rogers Clark (Undecided)
Oumar Keita, Cordia (Undecided)
Ben Swolsky, St. Patrick (Mount St. Joseph)
Pierce Kiesler, St. Xavier (Undecided)