2020 Rankings Update: Top 10
Now that the class of 2020 has completed their Sophomore seasons, they are about to embark on their first spring and summer playing in front of college coaches. A handful of players have already been getting recruiting interest but the state’s top 2020 prospect recently announced that he is transferring to Montverde in Florida for his last two years of high school. This class seems to be down compared to the most recent groups to come through Kentucky. It could wind up having 8 or more Division 1 players or as few as 3-4. Time will tell. Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 players in our updated 2020 rankings:
Ksuan Casey, Madisonville-North Hopkins – With the transfer of former #1 Justin Powell to Montverde in Florida, Casey moves up to claim the number one spot. Ksuan is a true post player at 6’9 and has shown ability to stretch the floor with some shooting. He’s also a good two handed rebounder and passer. If Ksuan can improve his physical conditioning and continue developing his skills, he could end up a high major post player.
Dayvion McKnight, Collins – The top point guard in the class, McKnight has a legitimate claim to the top spot. Dayvion is capable of going for a triple double every time he steps on the floor and averaged over 8 rebounds per game from the point this past season at Collins. A lefty, McKnight can see his college stock improve as he improves finishing with his right hand and knocking down open threes.
Marques Warrick, Henry Clay – Marques really took off once the calendar turned over to 2018. For the last month of the season, Warrick was one of the best players in the city of Lexington regardless of class. The lanky lefty hit nearly 50% of his threes on the season and became a much better finisher through contact. Marques best basketball is ahead of him and he has a high ceiling, especially if he grows.
Jackson Sivils, McCracken County – Sivils made the most of his opportunity playing at Rupp Arena in the state tournament last month. Jackson has good size on the wing and is a strong driver, especially with his left hand. Recently claiming an offer from Saint Louis, Jackson should expect to draw eyes this summer on the AAU circuit.
Marcellus Vail, Collins – The most explosive scorer in the class, Vail is capable of going for 30+ in any given AAU game. Marcellus was restricted to a 4th option and role player during the high school season but still averaged double figures for a good Collins team. Look for Vail to draw the eyes of coaches if he can show the ability to affect the game beyond his scoring ability.
Amari Taylor, Tates Creek – Recovered from a broken wrist that cost him almost his entire sophomore season, Amari is back and working his way back up the rankings. Taylor has “old man game”. Highly skilled and at his best scoring in the midrange, Amari will have chances to improve his stock and earn his first offers this summer if he can show improved athleticism and prove that he can guard his position at the next level.
James Taylor, Saint Xavier – High IQ point guard who looks to pass first and score second, Taylor is limited only by his size and athleticism. James has played up a level in AAU his entire competitive life and that shows in his ball handling and passing. “Junior” didn’t shoot the ball very well this high school season and will need to showcase improved shot making ability this spring and summer to earn the offers he covets.
Kenny White, Madisonville-North Hopkins – One of the highest ceilings of any player in the state, Kenny can play any position from point guard to post. What hurts White is his motor not running all the time. If Kenny ever gets the motor of a kid like Sivils or McKnight, he will pass those kids up in the rankings and could find himself a fringe high major player. There aren’t many 6’6 kids out there that have the versatility and athleticism that Kenny White has.
JJ Traynor, Bardstown – Another kid who will be scary if he ever puts it all together, Traynor has the length and athleticism that college coaches covet. JJ’s development was hurt when he didn’t play organized basketball as an 8th grader and he is still catching up. Traynor is nearly 6’8 and still growing. As he develops and adds more muscle to his skinny frame, JJ can end up in the top 3 in the class or all the way at number one. It all depends on how hard he wants to work.
Ray Surratt – The son of former Kentucky and Louisville post player Marvin Stone, Surratt is still catching up from a massive growth spurt a few years ago. Once he stops growing and hopefully increases his foot speed, Surratt should be a D1 level player. Ray is very skilled and can pick and pop with the best of them. In order for him to be able to reach the college level, Ray will have to increase his athleticism and foot speed.