The Scribe
11-27-2006, 04:24 AM
Seniors and Underclassmen to Watch in the 2006-2007 Season
© 2006 Ron Harrison<O:p</O:p
<O:p
I dont attempt to rate or rank players. However, here are some seniors that should be fun to watch in 2006-2007. These players are listed in alphabetical order, not ranked. This is an abbreviated list and I could easily have added 25-50 names from all corners of the state. Note: Players heights vary from source to source.
<O:p
Seniors (Class of 2007)
<O:p
Jeremy Anderson (Warren Central) 6-4 guard can light it up from downtown.
<O:p
Doug Beaumont (Louisville Male) 5-10 point guard is lightning fast and can either take you off the dribble or hit the pull-up jump shot.
<O:p
Antiquawn Beckham (Louisville Ballard) 6-5 guard is extremely athletic, scores on mid-range shot, and solid defender.
<O:p
Riley Benock (Meade County) 6-4 versatile perimeter player is extremely coachable, has good court vision, and possesses an excellent shooting touch.
<O:p
Kerry Benson (Pleasure Ridge Park) 6-6 athletic performer can play outside or in the lane. Benson was always a good rebounder and shot blocker, but has now developed a complete range of skills.
<O:p
William Bradley (Caverna) 6-2 guard can slash to the basket or score off his jump shot.
<O:p
Nick Britt (Warren Central) 6-0 guard is a top defender with a good outside shot.
Jeffrey Brooks (Louisville Doss) 6-8 swingmans game has improved tremendously over the last year. Brooks has the ability to score off the dribble as well as off the mid-range jumper.
<O:p
Josh Clemons (Ohio County) 6-10 forward/center was granted another year of eligibility due to a car accident last season. Clemons is a lefty with good post moves and a soft shooting touch.
<O:p
Thomas Coleman (Jeffersontown) 6-8 center is an excellent rebounder and shot blocker. He has a soft touch in the paint and rapidly improving post moves.
<O:p
Glenn Dalcourt (Franklin-Simpson) 6-4 guard is very athletic and either scores off his post moves or pull-up jump shot. Excellent defender.
<O:p
Chris Duncan (Fern Creek) 6-8 athletic forward runs the floor well and scores well in the paint.
<O:p
Matt Fraliex (Caldwell County) 6-4 combo guard lights up the scoreboard with his long range jump shot.
<O:p
Luc Graves (Allen County-Scottsville) 6-0 guard is a high energy performer with good quickness and possesses the ability to score.
<O:p
Johonne Hamilton (Louisville Ballard) 6-1 guard quickness allows him to be an excellent on-ball defender. He can score either off the dribble or with his jump shot.
<O:p
Jordan Hammonds (South Laurel) 6-4 swingman can score either inside or with a long range jump shot. Provides the intangibles for a winning program.
<O:p
Mike Hester (Simon Kenton) 5-9 point guard is an excellent ballhandler who can score from anywhere on the floor.
<O:p
Justin Hicks (Hazard) 5-11 point guard with excellent three point stroke.
<O:p
Austin Hill (Covington Holmes) 6-1 wing player has solid all-around skills and scores either off the dribble or with a jump shot.
<O:p
Tanner Jacobs (Louisville Trinity) 6-7 blue collar power forward is a hard worker who scores well in the paint.
<O:p
Todd Jacobs (Covington Catholic) 6-1 guard is an excellent shooter who can shoot his jump shot off the dribble or off a pick or screen.
<O:p
Duran Jefferson (Covington Holmes) 6-1 point guard is recovering from a football injury. Possesses excellent quickness, can handle, pass, and score.
<O:p
Jaron Jones (Bryan Station) 6-5 swingman is very athletic with the ability to get to the basket.
<O:p
Zach Kiernan (Newport Central Catholic) 6-6 center is extremely hard to defend in the paint.
<O:p
Preston Knowles (Clark County) 6-2 athletic combo guard is excellent in transition and scores either on penetration or with the jumper.
<O:p
Jamie McCarty (Johnson Central) 6-3 swingman can take you down on the blocks or shoot the three ball. He is also a solid defender.
<O:p
Jeffrey McClain (Fulton County) 6-5 wing forward is a good ballhandler, passer, and can score anywhere on the floor.
<O:p
Drew McDavid (Ashland Blazer) 6-3 solid all-around player with the ability to score, rebound, and distribute the ball.
<O:p
Andre Miller (Central Hardin) 6-7 swingman has the ability to stroke the perimeter jump shot.
<O:p
Steffphon Pettigrew (Elizabethtown) 6-5 forward is an absolute warrior in the paint and has added perimeter skills.
<O:p
Ty Proffitt (South Laurel) 6-3 guard runs the offense, has excellent court vision, and scores off the dribble or jump shot.
<O:p
John Smith (Harlan) 5-11 point guard is a good playmaker, possesses good quickness, and can light up the scoreboard.
<O:p
Trey Smith (South Laurel) 6-9 slender forward battles in the paint and has nice outside stroke.
<O:p
Robert Troutman (Bullitt East) 6-5 swingman rebounds well, has excellent inside moves, and scores well on the perimeter.
<O:p
Jonathan VanHoose (Russell) 6-4 versatile two guard has the ability to score both inside and out. Excellent shooting range.
<O:p
Eugene Wade (Shelby County) 6-8 forward is very athletic and can run the floor. Good shot blocker and rebounder who needs to pick up scoring during the season.
<O:p
Terry Walker (Ft. Knox) 6-3 athletic wing forward can jump and run the floor. Excellent in the open court and is a good finisher.
<O:p
Matt Walls (Scott County) 6-3 guard is an excellent floor general who can nail the outside shot.
<O:p
Underclassmen<O:p
This was even more difficult than the Class of 2007. I could have added several deserving names. Once again, these players are listed in alphabetical order.
<O:p
Juniors (Class of 2008)
<O:p
Aaron Boyd (Henry Clay) 6-4 wing player is gifted athletically and has good all-around skills. Boyd also stars on the gridiron.
<O:p
Tyler Brown (Apollo) 6-2 2-guard is a versatile back court performer who scores either off the drive or with his jump shot.
<O:p
Adam Decker (Pleasure Ridge Park) 5-11 point guard. It is not easy to man the point in PRPs attacking mode of play but Decker does it well. He is a team player, quick with the ball, and has the ability to break down a defense. Improved shooting touch and a tough defender.
<O:p
Arrez Henderson (Covington Holmes) 6-0 forward is very athletic and plays above the rim. Nice mid-range shot, rebounds well, and loves to wheel and deal in the open court. <O:p</O:p
<O:p
Scotty Hopson (University Heights) 6-5 forward exploded on the national scene this summer. Hopson runs the floor and has excellent hops. He has the ability to get to the basket and can hit the jump shot.
<O:p
Jordan Lee (Scott County) 6-6 center/forward athletic insider runs floor and could provided needed inside presence for the Cardinals.
<O:p
Shelvin Mack (Bryan Station) 6-2 point guard is an excellent ballhandler and floor general.
<O:p
Bud Mackey (Scott County) 6-4 athletic performer excels in the open court and has the ability to slash to the basket or hit the jump shot.
<O:p
Darius Miller (Mason County) 6-6 forward has the ability to score both inside and out. Athletic performer can handle, pass, rebound, and defend.
<O:p
Darnell Moore (Madisonville North Hopkins) 6-6 forward/center is very athletic in the paint area.
<O:p
Aaron Morris (Madison Central) 6-5 forward solid in the paint at both ends of the court, runs well, and will make the transition to the perimeter this season.
<O:p
Victor Moses (Henry Clay) 6-5 forward/center is a force in the paint on both ends of the floor.
<O:p
Nathan Novosel (Lexington Catholic) 6-5 inside player is a strong finisher in the paint and has the ability to hit the mid-range jump shot.
<O:p
Landon Slone (Paintsville) 6-3 swingman scores well with a jump shot from medium to long range. Good ballhandler with the ability to score off the dribble.
<O:p
Jordan Smart (Lexington Catholic) 6-6 perimeter player is an excellent outside bomber.
<O:p
Michael Sparks (Tates Creek) 6-4 forward is an efficient smooth scorer who performed well last season with even more expected this season.
<O:p
Clark Stepp (June Buchanan) 6-3 guard excellent jump shot and can score off the dribble. Nice ballhandler who will find the open man.
<O:p
Dante Stewart (Lafayette) 6-0 guard, good floor leader who gets to the basket.
<O:p
Taylor Stewart (Lexington Catholic) 6-5 guard/forward has the ability to score both inside and out. Good basketball IQ.
<O:p
Matthew Thomas (Ashland Blazer) 6-2 guard is an explosive all-around athelete who can score on penetration or on a mid-range jumper.
<O:p
Sophomores (Class of 2009)
Darren Ballou (Adair County) 6-7 forward/center handles the ball, has good quickness, and hits the mid-range jump shot.
<O:p
Garrison Collins (June Buchanan) 6-9 center got a lot of good experience this summer and is willing to work hard in the paint.
<O:p
Josh Crawford (Corbin) 6-4 swingman can score off penetration as well as off the jump shot. Crawford is a good rebounder and passer.
<O:p
Eric Dunlap (Oldham County) 5-10 point guard is a speedster with excellent all-around floor game.
<O:p
Ethan Faulkner (Elliott County) 6-0 point guard is an excellent ballhandler, team player, and can shoot the ball.
<O:p
Jonathan Ferguson (Elliott County) 6-2 swingman possesses a good all-around game. This athletic, hard worker will only get better.
<O:p
Jonathan Hood (Madisonville-North Hopkins) 6-5 swingman can score off dribble and has good range on jump shot.
<O:p
Nick Hudson (Paul Dunbar) 5-11 guard gets to the basket in a hurry, good defender, and good court vision.
<O:p
Jacob Jenkins (DuPont Manual) 6-3 wing player has excellent range on his jump shot and is capable of lighting up the scoreboard. Jenkins handles the ball well and is a good passer.
<O:p
Cameron Mattingly (Woodford County) 6-3 guard has the ability to slash to the basket as well as nail the outside shot.
<O:p
Russ Middleton (Mason County) 6-3 point guard point guard has excellent all-around skills, works hard, and understands the position.
<O:p
C. J. Penny (Anderson County) 6-3 athletic swingman has good mid-range jump shot and possesses excellent court awareness.
<O:p
Richie Phares (Scott County) 6-6 forward will fight for minutes on a talented Cardinal squad but has solid all-around skills that would indicate future stardom.
<O:p
Rashawn Phillips (Bardstown) 6-3 forward has athleticism and good work ethic. Tireless worker in paint and runs the floor well.
<O:p
Keshawn Simpson (Madison Central) 6-2 athletic performer can penetrate to the basket and is explosive off his feet.
<O:p
James David Strange (Pineville) 5-11 guard has solid floor game and is a good shooter.
<O:p
Ridge Wilson (Louisville Central) 6-4 center/forward is very athletic and strong in the paint.
<O:p
Freshmen (Class of 2010)
<O:p</O:p
Tate Cox (June Buchanan) 5-11 guard understands the game and scores off the drive or with his jump shot. Cox has good range on his jump shot.
<O:p
Dakotah Euton (Rose Hill) 6-7 forward rebounds well and has good range on his jump shot.
<O:p
Blaine Green (Middlesboro) 6-2 forward possesses nice overall game, can score and rebound.
<O:p
Ge-lawn Guyn (Henry Clay) Coach Daniel Brown likes this young 6-0 guard who brings a lot of energy and athleticism to the game.
<O:p
Chad Jackson (Rose Hill) 6-4 guard is excellent in the open floor and is excellent defender.
<O:p
Jamie Lebanion (Whitley County) 6-2 guard is a solid performer with nice all-around skills.
<O:p
Taylor Newsome (Shelby Valley) 6-2 forward possesses a nice shooting stroke and has a good understanding of the game.
<O:p
Josh Sewell (Louisville Trinity) 6-3 athletic forward scores mostly inside and has the ability to penetrate to the basket.
<O:p
Aaron Watts (McCreary Central) 6-2 swingman can score off the dribble or pull up for the jump shot. Good playmaker with court vision.
<O:p
Shaquille Wilson (Christian County) 6-5 up-and-comer shoots the ball well and is a good passer.
<O:p
Thoughts
<O:p
This has been fun but extremely frustrating. Although I dont attempt to rank the players, there were so many more names that could have and should have been added to the list, but for time and space considerations.
<O:p
There is always a lot of young talent in Louisville and throughout the state that I usually dont see much until their freshman year. Based on what I observed this summer in camps and AAU, and realizing how many players I didnt list or see play, the future of Kentucky high school basketball looks good.
<O:p
© 2006 Ron Harrison<O:p</O:p
<O:p
I dont attempt to rate or rank players. However, here are some seniors that should be fun to watch in 2006-2007. These players are listed in alphabetical order, not ranked. This is an abbreviated list and I could easily have added 25-50 names from all corners of the state. Note: Players heights vary from source to source.
<O:p
Seniors (Class of 2007)
<O:p
Jeremy Anderson (Warren Central) 6-4 guard can light it up from downtown.
<O:p
Doug Beaumont (Louisville Male) 5-10 point guard is lightning fast and can either take you off the dribble or hit the pull-up jump shot.
<O:p
Antiquawn Beckham (Louisville Ballard) 6-5 guard is extremely athletic, scores on mid-range shot, and solid defender.
<O:p
Riley Benock (Meade County) 6-4 versatile perimeter player is extremely coachable, has good court vision, and possesses an excellent shooting touch.
<O:p
Kerry Benson (Pleasure Ridge Park) 6-6 athletic performer can play outside or in the lane. Benson was always a good rebounder and shot blocker, but has now developed a complete range of skills.
<O:p
William Bradley (Caverna) 6-2 guard can slash to the basket or score off his jump shot.
<O:p
Nick Britt (Warren Central) 6-0 guard is a top defender with a good outside shot.
Jeffrey Brooks (Louisville Doss) 6-8 swingmans game has improved tremendously over the last year. Brooks has the ability to score off the dribble as well as off the mid-range jumper.
<O:p
Josh Clemons (Ohio County) 6-10 forward/center was granted another year of eligibility due to a car accident last season. Clemons is a lefty with good post moves and a soft shooting touch.
<O:p
Thomas Coleman (Jeffersontown) 6-8 center is an excellent rebounder and shot blocker. He has a soft touch in the paint and rapidly improving post moves.
<O:p
Glenn Dalcourt (Franklin-Simpson) 6-4 guard is very athletic and either scores off his post moves or pull-up jump shot. Excellent defender.
<O:p
Chris Duncan (Fern Creek) 6-8 athletic forward runs the floor well and scores well in the paint.
<O:p
Matt Fraliex (Caldwell County) 6-4 combo guard lights up the scoreboard with his long range jump shot.
<O:p
Luc Graves (Allen County-Scottsville) 6-0 guard is a high energy performer with good quickness and possesses the ability to score.
<O:p
Johonne Hamilton (Louisville Ballard) 6-1 guard quickness allows him to be an excellent on-ball defender. He can score either off the dribble or with his jump shot.
<O:p
Jordan Hammonds (South Laurel) 6-4 swingman can score either inside or with a long range jump shot. Provides the intangibles for a winning program.
<O:p
Mike Hester (Simon Kenton) 5-9 point guard is an excellent ballhandler who can score from anywhere on the floor.
<O:p
Justin Hicks (Hazard) 5-11 point guard with excellent three point stroke.
<O:p
Austin Hill (Covington Holmes) 6-1 wing player has solid all-around skills and scores either off the dribble or with a jump shot.
<O:p
Tanner Jacobs (Louisville Trinity) 6-7 blue collar power forward is a hard worker who scores well in the paint.
<O:p
Todd Jacobs (Covington Catholic) 6-1 guard is an excellent shooter who can shoot his jump shot off the dribble or off a pick or screen.
<O:p
Duran Jefferson (Covington Holmes) 6-1 point guard is recovering from a football injury. Possesses excellent quickness, can handle, pass, and score.
<O:p
Jaron Jones (Bryan Station) 6-5 swingman is very athletic with the ability to get to the basket.
<O:p
Zach Kiernan (Newport Central Catholic) 6-6 center is extremely hard to defend in the paint.
<O:p
Preston Knowles (Clark County) 6-2 athletic combo guard is excellent in transition and scores either on penetration or with the jumper.
<O:p
Jamie McCarty (Johnson Central) 6-3 swingman can take you down on the blocks or shoot the three ball. He is also a solid defender.
<O:p
Jeffrey McClain (Fulton County) 6-5 wing forward is a good ballhandler, passer, and can score anywhere on the floor.
<O:p
Drew McDavid (Ashland Blazer) 6-3 solid all-around player with the ability to score, rebound, and distribute the ball.
<O:p
Andre Miller (Central Hardin) 6-7 swingman has the ability to stroke the perimeter jump shot.
<O:p
Steffphon Pettigrew (Elizabethtown) 6-5 forward is an absolute warrior in the paint and has added perimeter skills.
<O:p
Ty Proffitt (South Laurel) 6-3 guard runs the offense, has excellent court vision, and scores off the dribble or jump shot.
<O:p
John Smith (Harlan) 5-11 point guard is a good playmaker, possesses good quickness, and can light up the scoreboard.
<O:p
Trey Smith (South Laurel) 6-9 slender forward battles in the paint and has nice outside stroke.
<O:p
Robert Troutman (Bullitt East) 6-5 swingman rebounds well, has excellent inside moves, and scores well on the perimeter.
<O:p
Jonathan VanHoose (Russell) 6-4 versatile two guard has the ability to score both inside and out. Excellent shooting range.
<O:p
Eugene Wade (Shelby County) 6-8 forward is very athletic and can run the floor. Good shot blocker and rebounder who needs to pick up scoring during the season.
<O:p
Terry Walker (Ft. Knox) 6-3 athletic wing forward can jump and run the floor. Excellent in the open court and is a good finisher.
<O:p
Matt Walls (Scott County) 6-3 guard is an excellent floor general who can nail the outside shot.
<O:p
Underclassmen<O:p
This was even more difficult than the Class of 2007. I could have added several deserving names. Once again, these players are listed in alphabetical order.
<O:p
Juniors (Class of 2008)
<O:p
Aaron Boyd (Henry Clay) 6-4 wing player is gifted athletically and has good all-around skills. Boyd also stars on the gridiron.
<O:p
Tyler Brown (Apollo) 6-2 2-guard is a versatile back court performer who scores either off the drive or with his jump shot.
<O:p
Adam Decker (Pleasure Ridge Park) 5-11 point guard. It is not easy to man the point in PRPs attacking mode of play but Decker does it well. He is a team player, quick with the ball, and has the ability to break down a defense. Improved shooting touch and a tough defender.
<O:p
Arrez Henderson (Covington Holmes) 6-0 forward is very athletic and plays above the rim. Nice mid-range shot, rebounds well, and loves to wheel and deal in the open court. <O:p</O:p
<O:p
Scotty Hopson (University Heights) 6-5 forward exploded on the national scene this summer. Hopson runs the floor and has excellent hops. He has the ability to get to the basket and can hit the jump shot.
<O:p
Jordan Lee (Scott County) 6-6 center/forward athletic insider runs floor and could provided needed inside presence for the Cardinals.
<O:p
Shelvin Mack (Bryan Station) 6-2 point guard is an excellent ballhandler and floor general.
<O:p
Bud Mackey (Scott County) 6-4 athletic performer excels in the open court and has the ability to slash to the basket or hit the jump shot.
<O:p
Darius Miller (Mason County) 6-6 forward has the ability to score both inside and out. Athletic performer can handle, pass, rebound, and defend.
<O:p
Darnell Moore (Madisonville North Hopkins) 6-6 forward/center is very athletic in the paint area.
<O:p
Aaron Morris (Madison Central) 6-5 forward solid in the paint at both ends of the court, runs well, and will make the transition to the perimeter this season.
<O:p
Victor Moses (Henry Clay) 6-5 forward/center is a force in the paint on both ends of the floor.
<O:p
Nathan Novosel (Lexington Catholic) 6-5 inside player is a strong finisher in the paint and has the ability to hit the mid-range jump shot.
<O:p
Landon Slone (Paintsville) 6-3 swingman scores well with a jump shot from medium to long range. Good ballhandler with the ability to score off the dribble.
<O:p
Jordan Smart (Lexington Catholic) 6-6 perimeter player is an excellent outside bomber.
<O:p
Michael Sparks (Tates Creek) 6-4 forward is an efficient smooth scorer who performed well last season with even more expected this season.
<O:p
Clark Stepp (June Buchanan) 6-3 guard excellent jump shot and can score off the dribble. Nice ballhandler who will find the open man.
<O:p
Dante Stewart (Lafayette) 6-0 guard, good floor leader who gets to the basket.
<O:p
Taylor Stewart (Lexington Catholic) 6-5 guard/forward has the ability to score both inside and out. Good basketball IQ.
<O:p
Matthew Thomas (Ashland Blazer) 6-2 guard is an explosive all-around athelete who can score on penetration or on a mid-range jumper.
<O:p
Sophomores (Class of 2009)
Darren Ballou (Adair County) 6-7 forward/center handles the ball, has good quickness, and hits the mid-range jump shot.
<O:p
Garrison Collins (June Buchanan) 6-9 center got a lot of good experience this summer and is willing to work hard in the paint.
<O:p
Josh Crawford (Corbin) 6-4 swingman can score off penetration as well as off the jump shot. Crawford is a good rebounder and passer.
<O:p
Eric Dunlap (Oldham County) 5-10 point guard is a speedster with excellent all-around floor game.
<O:p
Ethan Faulkner (Elliott County) 6-0 point guard is an excellent ballhandler, team player, and can shoot the ball.
<O:p
Jonathan Ferguson (Elliott County) 6-2 swingman possesses a good all-around game. This athletic, hard worker will only get better.
<O:p
Jonathan Hood (Madisonville-North Hopkins) 6-5 swingman can score off dribble and has good range on jump shot.
<O:p
Nick Hudson (Paul Dunbar) 5-11 guard gets to the basket in a hurry, good defender, and good court vision.
<O:p
Jacob Jenkins (DuPont Manual) 6-3 wing player has excellent range on his jump shot and is capable of lighting up the scoreboard. Jenkins handles the ball well and is a good passer.
<O:p
Cameron Mattingly (Woodford County) 6-3 guard has the ability to slash to the basket as well as nail the outside shot.
<O:p
Russ Middleton (Mason County) 6-3 point guard point guard has excellent all-around skills, works hard, and understands the position.
<O:p
C. J. Penny (Anderson County) 6-3 athletic swingman has good mid-range jump shot and possesses excellent court awareness.
<O:p
Richie Phares (Scott County) 6-6 forward will fight for minutes on a talented Cardinal squad but has solid all-around skills that would indicate future stardom.
<O:p
Rashawn Phillips (Bardstown) 6-3 forward has athleticism and good work ethic. Tireless worker in paint and runs the floor well.
<O:p
Keshawn Simpson (Madison Central) 6-2 athletic performer can penetrate to the basket and is explosive off his feet.
<O:p
James David Strange (Pineville) 5-11 guard has solid floor game and is a good shooter.
<O:p
Ridge Wilson (Louisville Central) 6-4 center/forward is very athletic and strong in the paint.
<O:p
Freshmen (Class of 2010)
<O:p</O:p
Tate Cox (June Buchanan) 5-11 guard understands the game and scores off the drive or with his jump shot. Cox has good range on his jump shot.
<O:p
Dakotah Euton (Rose Hill) 6-7 forward rebounds well and has good range on his jump shot.
<O:p
Blaine Green (Middlesboro) 6-2 forward possesses nice overall game, can score and rebound.
<O:p
Ge-lawn Guyn (Henry Clay) Coach Daniel Brown likes this young 6-0 guard who brings a lot of energy and athleticism to the game.
<O:p
Chad Jackson (Rose Hill) 6-4 guard is excellent in the open floor and is excellent defender.
<O:p
Jamie Lebanion (Whitley County) 6-2 guard is a solid performer with nice all-around skills.
<O:p
Taylor Newsome (Shelby Valley) 6-2 forward possesses a nice shooting stroke and has a good understanding of the game.
<O:p
Josh Sewell (Louisville Trinity) 6-3 athletic forward scores mostly inside and has the ability to penetrate to the basket.
<O:p
Aaron Watts (McCreary Central) 6-2 swingman can score off the dribble or pull up for the jump shot. Good playmaker with court vision.
<O:p
Shaquille Wilson (Christian County) 6-5 up-and-comer shoots the ball well and is a good passer.
<O:p
Thoughts
<O:p
This has been fun but extremely frustrating. Although I dont attempt to rank the players, there were so many more names that could have and should have been added to the list, but for time and space considerations.
<O:p
There is always a lot of young talent in Louisville and throughout the state that I usually dont see much until their freshman year. Based on what I observed this summer in camps and AAU, and realizing how many players I didnt list or see play, the future of Kentucky high school basketball looks good.
<O:p