Shout Out:

 

Before we get started, I'd like to give a shout out to a friend of mine and BluegrassPreps, Mr. Dave Redden. Dave does a great job covering the 11th Region for 1300 AM WLXG, Lexington's ESPN Radio affiliate, and has helped to provide BGP with some nice action shots from games around the 11th. The pictures used in this article are some that Dave has allowed me to use, and if you click the link under the images titled 'HT: Dave Redden, WLXG', you'll be able to view the full galleries for that individual game. Trust me folks, Dave's work is a treasure trove for fans of the 11th.

 

Introduction:

 

I wanted to give our readers and update on what's been going on in the Lexington area basketball scene over the summer. The most logical way to do this ended up being to divide things into three categories: 1. Colleges, 2. AAU, and 3. Summer. Below is a break down of the type of information contained in each section.

 

1. Colleges:

 

The college section is divided into commitments and interest. I tried to survey a number of people and get a read on what players were interested in what schools or vice versa, but as most of you know, the recruiting frenzy can be tough to follow and things change fast. If any of the information I've provided is incorrect, no longer accurate, or incomplete, then please let me know in the responses to the article.

 

I know that for some young men, such as Teddy Ware and Lance Blakley (pictured below), the opportunities will probably be there if they want them, but that the specifics of those situations is not something that I am privy to.

 

 

Is Lafayette's Lance Blakely the best uncommitted player remaining in the 11th? His talent and versatility lead me to believe that the answer might very well be yes.

HT: Dave Redden, WLXG.com

 

2. AAU:

 

As the landscape of high school basketball has changed over the years, there's no denying the influence of AAU basketball. For most high level prospects, this is the time where scholarships are earned, as the top talents in an area consolidate onto a super team and play the best of the best, allowing the cream of the crop will rise to the top and get noticed.

 

This section will deal with what AAU teams most of the major contributors on from each of their respective programs are running with. However, again, I don't have perfect information and might have omitted someone, not picked up on a roster move, etc. If this is the case, please let me know in the responses.

 

 

Dunbar's Darius Williams is one of the top players in the Class of 2016, and is a key player on Ellis Myles' Louisville Magic squad. Darius will try to use the summer stage in the same way Magic alums such as Quentin Snider & D'Angelo Russell have. As of now, WKU is in the mix, but with a good summer, you could see Williams' offer sheet grow.

HT: Dave Redden, WLXG.com

 

3. Summer:

 

This section will focus on what the team's outlook for next year is at this point in time, as well as what the individual players need to do to improve over the summer and come back ready to help their team next season. Additionally, this section will cover miscellaneous issues around the program such as the hiring of coaches, potential transfers, etc.

 

 

Lafayette's Ross Jenkins (44) and Henry Clay's Felix Wilson (5) battle for a rebound. Both will be called on to play bigger roles for their squads next season. Already physically imposing at 6'7, Jenkins showed flashes of potential last season. With Jackson Davis gone, he'll have the chance to play himself into the conversation as one of the best bigs in the 11th. If he uses the summer to work on his body, particularly, enhancing his foot speed and upper body strength, then the rest of the 11th should be on notice.

HT: Dave Redden, WLXG.com

 

 

41st –

 

Woodford County –

 

 

Colleges:

 

Interest:

 

Eli Boggess – while Mr. Boggess has the propensity to fill up the nets, I’m told that it is more likely that he’ll pursue baseball, if anything, at the next level.

 

 

AAU:

 

It always seems as though Hundley has a dynamic scorer who can carry Woodford through the battles that you’ll face in the 11th. Look for sophomore lefty Keagan Stomberg to be the next in line. He’ll play AAU this season with a team based out of Cincinnati, and will likely be ready to come into next season ready to fill up the scoring column.

 

 

Summer:

 

Keenon Laine and Colton McCrady are a pair of forwards who look to step in and produce for the Jackets in the post next season. The duo offer a nice bit of athleticism, and will have their talents maximized under the guidance of Coach Hundley, who wasn’t much of a slouch at the forward slot himself.

 

Christian Ramirez, Michael Shelton, and John Couch are a trio of guards who will try and step into bigger roles next season as well.

 

I’m told that the Yellow Jackets will be attending the Lexington Catholic & Transylvania team camps, as well as the KBA’s State Tournament over the summer. While there, they’ll look to their own identity. If you were to proffer a guess, I’d think the sharp pick would be a team whose calling card is a strong defensive prowess (after all, they were the scout team to a high octane offense during practices last season), fearlessness, and a willingness to attack the backboards.

 

 

Woodford County's Colton McCardy skys for a rebound during the semifinals of last year's 11th Region Tournament.

HT: Dave Redden, WLXG.com

 

 

42nd –

 

 

Bryan Station –

 

 

Colleges:

 

Commits:

Marcellous Washington – Sinclair

Daquice Allen – Asbury

 

Interest:

 

Jordan Henry attended the Metro Exposure event in Louisville recently and had a nice showing. He had a nice performance, mainly by showcasing a high basketball IQ and that he was a willing passer. Though he’s already wrapped up his senior year, I will be following his progress, which hopefully concludes with him finding a niche for himself at the next level.

 

After a nice showing at the Metro Exposure event in Louisville, I have been told that Rend Lake College in southeastern Illinois might be a possibility. Rend Lake is significant because they were the JUCO National Champions in 2013. They had two kids from Louisville on that team in PRP’s Cortez Macklin & Jeril Taylor. Macklin was eventually named an NJCAA Second Team All American and later signed with IUPUI. Since 2012, six other Kentuckians: Jauan Akins (North Hardin), Stephon Bryant (Doss), Montez Buford (Iroquois), Richard Clemons (PRP), Ruben Gosa (North Hardin), & Robert Sawyer (PRP), have signed with Rend Lake, and are further evidence of the school’s pipeline into Kentucky.

 

AAU:

 

CJ Walker will be playing with Charlotte Court. His development there will be important, as he’ll likely be called on to lead the Defenders next season. Like many others, he excels on the gridiron and how he allots his time for each over the summer could play into his development. Regardless, he’s going to be expected to lead Station next year, as he is the most experienced perimeter player returning.

 

No word on whether or not Tequan Claitt will play AAU or spend the summer focusing on football, as he stars on the gridiron as a receiver and safety. Claitt and Walker were each named to the Lexington Herald Leader’s All-City Football Team as receivers in 2013.

 

Andre Davis will be a junior next season. While he didn’t get lots of minutes last year with Washington, Allen, and company logging the majority of minutes at guard, he is someone that hoops aficionados around the city expect to develop into the next in a long line of talented Defender guards. He is definitely a candidate to break out next season and become a name that everyone in the 11th is familiar with.

 

There were some rumblings about Davis’ lack of playing time earlier in the year, however, I seem to remember that he also got some burn in the regional tournament once Brown took over. If I were a betting man, I’d expect next year’s Defenders to revolve around a “two guard” backcourt where CJ Walker acted as the lead guard and facilitator while Davis played off the ball and got his chances to create his own shot as well.

 

DeAndre Dishman will get burn with the Charlotte Court 16 & Under squad this summer. Dishman is a kid whose progress will be pivotal if the Defenders want to make a return to the regional tournament. Reports I’ve received indicate that he’s grown and added to the 6’3 frame that he was listed at during his sophomore season. Considering that the Defenders are traditionally short on the interior, his presence on the interior could be a welcome relief to both whoever inherits the team and Taquan Claitt, a kid who battled on the interior last year, but struggled to overcome the limits of his standing only 6’2 when facing off against some of the bigger players in the region.

 

Summer:

 

No word is in yet on a new coach at Bryan Station. I’ve not heard anything firm to indicate that Jaron Brown, who manned the helm for the latter portions of the season, won’t be the person who is eventually hired, but I don’t feel as confident about saying that he’s a lock as I would have a few months ago. I’ll still stick with my prediction that he’s the next hire, if for no other reason than I haven’t really heard any other names strongly associated with the job.

 

**EDITOR'S NOTE**:

Since the original draft of this portion, I have been told that Station conducted interviews over the past week, and that a timetable of approximately three weeks from the dates of those interviews should yield a decision.

 

The development of DeAndre Dishman could end up being one of the bigger storylines for the Station Nation heading into next season. If he can hold his own defensively and on the glass, any post moves and scoring that he could provide will be icing on the cake. I think at this point, most will know what to expect out of Claitt, have an idea of what Walker can do when he’s one, and can see the upside in Andre Davis. Having a second or third kid with some height could be what determines their ultimate fate.

 

 

Bryan Station's Andre Davis (23) and CJ Walker (5) defend against Henry Clay's Jordan Green. Both of the Defenders will return next season and play larger roles as the departed Marcellous Washington and Daquice Allen do their thing at the next level.

HT: Dave Redden, WLXG.com

 

 

Henry Clay –

 

Colleges:

 

Commits:

Jordan Green – Western Kentucky

 

AAU:

 

The progress of the Tisdale brothers, Isaiah and Jeremiah, will be a vital part of Henry Clay’s potential in 2015.

 

The more-well known coming into 2014, older brother Jeremiah came into last season as one of the top juniors in the area, and had a nice campaign alongside Mr. Basketball candidate Jordan Green. With Green gone, Jeremiah will be asked to be the heart and soul of the team.

 

While his younger brother Isaiah didn’t have nearly the same expectations placed on him, but really came on toward the end of the season, and his presence as a third threat really helped push the Devils over the hump and into the regional final. Isaiah really came on when Green went down with a dislocated elbow, as the popular theory around the 11th was that the kids learned to do some things on their own and built confidence in Green’s absence before hitting another level once he’d returned.

 

Felix Wilson, Tariq Smith, and David McCorvney, three seniors to be, will be playing AAU with Lexington’s Charlotte Court 17 & Under team this AAU season. Charlotte Court has a great tradition in the Lexington area and puts a real emphasis on developing local kids over the course of their careers, so it will be intriguing to see if any of these 3 step up and separate themselves from the pack as a viable contributor.

 

Walt Finch, a junior to be who checked in at 6’5 as a sophomore, will be playing with Charlotte Court’s 16 & Under squad. Joining him on that team will be classmate Leander Ridgeway.

 

Finally, Paul Price, a guard who sat out last season, is currently playing with the Hoop Dreams 16 & Under squad. It is my understanding that Price is an undersized 2G at 5’9, but he is pretty dynamic—the kind of kid who seems a bit streaky, meaning he can shoot you in or out of a game. If he finds his touch during the AAU season, he could be a valuable addition as a complement to the Tisdale brothers. One of the Devils’ biggest faults last season, especially during some of their rougher stretches, was that they lacked kids outside of Green and Tisdale who could consistently score the basketball. If Price has a good summer and works on refining his stroke to the point that he’s more consistent, he could be just what the doctor ordered.

 

 

Summer:

 

Lets remember, we’re talking about a Henry Clay team that looked dead in the water during the holidays but ended up going 2-1 in their final regular season games (wins over Dunbar and Madison Central and a loss to Lafayette) before beating Bryan Station and Scott County to win the district. From there, they upset Lafayette in the first round of the region, easily knocked off Woodford County in the semis, and lost a heartbreaker to eventual State Runner-Up Scott County in the regional final.

 

If the Tisdale brothers continue to develop and some kids like Felix Wilson (Sr.), Dakahari Campbell (Sr.), John Barnes (Sr.), Sydney Hugle (Sr.), Smith (Sr.), McCorvney (Sr.), Jordan Houston (Jr.), and Leander Ridgeway (Jr.) can step up and fill roles around them, we’re talking about a capable Blue Devil’s squad.

 

 

Henry Clay's Jeremiah Tisdale was thrust into a huge role in '13-'14 after Cunningham, Grundy, and Ware left the Devil's program. With the loss of Jordan Green to graduation, Jeremiah and younger brother Isaiah will need to contribute even more.

HT: Dave Redden, WLXG.com

 

 

Sayre –

 

Colleges:

 

Interest:

Justin Sanders – unknown;

 

AAU:

With Justin Sanders is gone, Quinn Pergande will step up and try to replicate his production. Pergande will play AAU with Charlotte Court’s 17 & Under squad, so you know he'll be ready to play with anyone in the 11th simply by virtue of having faced off against many of them in practice over the summer.

 

While Sanders was a more prolific scorer, Pergande had some nice offensive outputs himself, and will look to aid Sayre in their quest for a bid to the All A Classic.

 

 

Scott County –

 

 

Colleges:

 

Commits:

Trent Gilbert – Louisville (walk-on)

 

Interest:

Tony Martini – Asbury, Campbellsville, Shawnee State, University of the Cumberlands,

 

Teddy Ware - Ware is a kid who probably has some interest from a few schools, or at least the opportunity to play at the next level if he wants to seize it. However, as of press time, I have no information as to where he plans on playing and/or if any schools are in the works. This isn't to say that there is no interest, or that he doesn't have something lined up, only that he is a kid that I didn't really find any information on from the people that I reached out to and received a response from. Again, I'm sure that Ware will have opportunities if he chooses to make the most of them, but I have nothing else to report.

 

AAU:

 

Tay Guyn saw limited minutes during his sophomore season, but is someone whose progress I’ll be tracking over the summer. In speaking with someone familiar with the program, they were encouraged by Tay’s progress which is great to hear as he’s a kid I really hope to see succeed.

 

Summer:

 

Contrary to earlier reports, I am hearing that Raekwon Long is still enrolled at Scott County High School, however, he is not participating in any team activities at this point. I’m unsure of what that means, but I’m told that reports of him leaving Scott County were premature. One AAU program that he may end up playing with is the CP3 All Stars, a North Carolina based team sponsored by Chris Paul that plays on the Nike EYBL Circuit.

 

While whether or not Long is back at Scott County next season remains to be seen, reports across the Internet seem to indicate that he won’t be returning to Georgetown, which would obviously be a huge blow to the Cardinals in terms of talent.

 

You can never count out Billy Hicks, but with Hines Jones, Tay Guyn, and Jamel Banks being the only returning players who saw even a hint of meaningful minutes on last year's State Championship squad slated as highly probable to return, one might wonder what "is in the Cards" over the summer.

 

 

Scott County's Hines Jones defends Madison Central's Isaiah Johnson during the semis of last year's 11th Region Tournament. If rumors of Raekwon Long leaving Scott County come true, Jones will be the only player from last year's team who saw significant minutes returning in '15.

HT: Dave Redden, WLXG.com

 

 

43rd –

 

 

Dunbar –

 

Colleges:

 

Interest:

 

Troy Black – as of press time, Troy is still looking for at his options at the next level, but I don’t know of anything past his keeping in shape by getting run in some pick-up games at local schools. I’m told that he might earn an opportunity to try out at Transylvania, which we at BGP are hoping for, as it’s always great to see local kids do well.

 

 

AAU:

 

Darius Williams is a talented kid with an exceptional skillset. I spent most of last season raving about him, and think that he’s a kid to keep an eye on over the summer. He’ll spend the summer before his junior year playing with the Louisville Magic. We wish him the best as he enters a critical period for evaluation. I do think that if he is playing at the top of his game on the right day, he is capable of having a performance that gets him an invite to an individual camp where coaches will get a look at him against the best of the best. I wouldn’t be surprised in the least if Western Kentucky University was a school that ended up getting involed.

 

Dontell Brown really came on in the last half of his freshman campaign, and I’ll be interested in tracking his progress over the years. As of right now, I’m unsure who he is playing with this summer, but I would think that we’ll eventually find out he’s playing with someone.

 

Tavieon Hollingsworth had an impressive freshman season and should continue to build on that momentum. Descriptors like quickness and talent are what you look for in guards, and this kid has both. The next step for him will be putting together the puzzle and becoming more of a floor general.

 

I have been told that both Dontell Brown and Tavieon Hollingsworth are playing with a team called the M.A.T.T.S. Mustangs, and that each plays a significant role on the team.

 

Jordan Lewis and Trey Penny, two kids entering their junior season, will be playing with the 859 Nuggets. Jordan is the younger brother of recently graduated Bulldogs floor general Donnie Lewis, and observers anticipate that he will try and provide minutes at the point as well.

 

Finally, Vince Clark will enter his junior season as a kid who might be asked to fill a bigger role and play more minutes. What he does with those minutes are up to him, but I have spoke with at least one other fan who thinks he could be a kid who fills a niche and finds little ways to contribute in that way. He’ll spend the summer running with Charlotte Court’s 16 & Unders.

 

 

Summer:

 

If the trio of Williams, Hollingsworth, and Brown decide to, they’ll be the foundation of some strong Dunbar teams for the next few years. There could be a real paradigm shift when looking at the balance of power in the 42nd, with both the aforementioned Bulldogs and Lexington Christian having some of the best young talent.

 

 

Taveion Hollingsworth (11) is a quick guard with a bright future. Here, he gets a bucket against Tates Creek's Desmond Duke (5).

HT: Dave Redden, WLXG.com

 

 

Lafayette –

 

 

Colleges:

 

Commits:

 

Jackson Davis – Butler: Most are probably familiar with Davis, as he is the son of former UK big Jonathon Davis. Jackson was originally committed to Rice, but decommitted and saw varying levels of interest from Alabama, Creighton, Texas Tech, and Vanderbilt before eventually committing to the Bulldogs.

 

Interest:

 

Lance Blakley – Getting interest from a variety of schools; rumors of potential visits and interest from a number of schools, but nothing that I could substantiate as far as particulars.

 

While some kids get too wrapped up in the biggest name/biggest offer game, I think there’s something to be said for a school wanting you and finding the right fit for your goals. Hopefully Blakley isn’t discouraged by the “small school” perception in finding his fit, because I think he could really excel if he found a school that recognized that while he is too much of a “tweener” to play at the D1 level right now, that he could still be an integral piece of someone’s team. Even if Lance doesn't go the JUCO route, he can have a fine and highly successful career at a number of schools, as the kid has a versatile game.

 

While the JUCO circuit might be a better immediate fit for Lance’s game, make no mistake, the kid is a solid student. I’ve been told he has over a 4.0 GPA on a weighted scale and takes a number of AP & Honors classes.

 

I have also been told that, after a nice showing at the Metro Exposure event in Louisville, there were some schools who wanted to know more about Blakley's game, including some interest from a top JUCO program, however I am unsure as to where he stands with those schools as of now.

 

Wherever he ends up, Blakley should be able to showcase his versatility. A big, thick kid who is still athletic, he can both play and defend a few different positions.

 

 

Dequise Robinson - While I haven't been privy to much information on Mr. Robinson, looking at him means assessing a kid who has started and/or played a large role at a Lexington Public for a number of years. He's a kid who will probably get a chance to play at the next level if he decides to take the opportunity, however, I wish I knew more to share but simply don't at this time.

 

 

AAU:

 

Shon Wright is a kid who had a lot of hype and was a member of the Kentucky Travelers at this time last summer, but sat out this year. His return could be something that would really boost the Generals’ overall talent.

 

Dontavion “Lucky” Jackson is a favorite of mine, and like the some of the other kid’s who’ll mentioned, is a two sport standout. He’s an All City receiver and defensive back on the football squad, so it will be interesting to see how he balances his time between each sport over the summer. Regardless, he’s one heck of an athlete who’ll play a bigger role with Davis gone.

 

Jajuante Carpenter, who, in my opinion, was underrated as a freshman, has a very bright future ahead of him, which is saying something given the Lexington Public School’s penchant for producing tough guards. He’ll be playing AAU with Lexington Future. Joining him is teammate Jake Duby, a younger kid in the General’s system who dressed out for varsity as a freshman.

 

Ross Jenkins, a 6’6 sophomore big who showed flashes this season, and Harrison Lane, the 5’11 sharpshooter who is the son of Transylvania’s Brian Lane, will each play with Kentucky Elite.

 

Sam Ifeacho, who was not listed on Lafayette’s varsity roster last season, will be spending his summer playing with the Charlotte Court 16 & Unders.

 

 

Summer:

 

How far the games of Jenkins and Carpenter progress over the summer could be telling. I can’t tell you how much of a fan of Carpenter I am. I can also see Jenkins breaking out and becoming one of the better big men in the 11th.

 

IF (and it’s a big IF) Wright ends up back in the fold on Reed Lane, the Generals might not miss a beat. Wright is an athletic kid who played for the Kentucky Travelers before sitting out last season, and one whose game would seem more conductive to the pace and style that Lafayette would probably (again, just if I were guessing) want to implement under Mendenhall.

 

As great as Jackson Davis was last season, I think the Generals could be just as good next year, as there might have been times when Davis’ presence caused a slight bit of friction with some of the other kids, but that’s just a personal observation. To be clear, I don’t think that Davis was a bad kid just that it was something that I had wondered to myself at various points in his career.

 

 

BGP favorite Dontavion "Lucky" Jackson (11) goes up strong against Lexington Catholic's Reese Ryan (22). Jackson plays with tons of energy and wrecks havoc defensively by using his speed, long arms, and overall athleticism to jump passing lanes.

HT: Dave Redden, WLXG.com

 

 

Lexington Catholic –

 

 

Colleges:

 

Commits:

Robert Dence – Transylvania:

 

Dence is one kid who I felt was one of the most underrated in the 11th last season. Fittingly, I had a whole blurb written up about him and had forgot to paste it in the article until I looked back at it months later to find something else and realized that it was missing. Par for the course for Mr. Dence, who would have had much more pop to his name if he weren't a year behind William & Mary commit Jack Whitman for most of his career. Knowing what I know about Robert though, getting the publicity here wouldn't be a big deal to him anyway, but since he's earned it, I'm going to go ahead and make up for my mistake and throw out a full recap of why I think he was one of the more underrated talents in Lexington.

 

His accomplishments include: MVP at the Ft. Harrod Classic, WVLK Star of the Game in the Championship Game of the prestigious Republic Bank Holiday Classic, a buzzer beater to beat host Lafayette in the Jock Sutherland Classic, and WVLK Star of the Game in a tough opening round district win against Dunbar. He held his own against the likes of Knott County Central's Evan Hall, Tates Creek’s Jordan Fucci, Clay County’s Jake Allen, Louisville Male’s Will Parker, Lafayette's Jackson Davis, and Doss’s Tyler Jefferson. He also averaged 11 points and 10 rebounds over two contests against against Scott County 7-footer Raekwon Long. Not a bad year if I must say, even if it's coming a little late.

 

 

AAU:

 

 

Tanner Johnson is playing with Hoop Dreams.

 

Jarrod Griffin is recovering from an injury suffered late in the high school season, but could end up seeing time with Louisville Magic when healthy.

 

No word as of yet on who lead guard Michael Talbott will be playing with.

 

Donovan Morris is playing with the Louisville Magic’s 16 & Under program. Morris playing with the Magic is probably a good sign for the Knights, as he is one of many kids who is a solid two-sport athlete. I don’t know if he’s giving up the gridiron, but his priority this summer could be telling.

 

 

Summer:

 

We know the Knights will return Tanner Johnson, Jarrod Griffin, and Michael Talbott. Those three alone will mean Lexington Catholic is, well... Lexington Catholic. While I think it's safe to say that the Knights will be reliant on guard play, shooting the basketball, and an up-tempo, pressure defense, just how reliant on those they end up being remains to be seen.

 

The Knight’s fortunes next season could turn on whether or not Sam Letton and Reese Ryan, two highly rated football prospects, decide to take to the hardwood next season. For Ryan, a quarterback, early enrollment is certainly something that one would think is on the table. It’s likely that regardless of whether or not they currently plan on playing, both will likely spend the majority of his time this summer focusing on the gridiron.

 

Walker Boothe will need to develop and make the most of his potential if he wants to step up and replace Dence. Boothe could be capable if he can put the pieces together. If he continues to progress, he might be my pick to take over as starting center.

 

Footballers such as Letton, Ryan, Morris, and/or JJ Ogbogu might opt to sit out and put more emphasis on the gridiron. While I don’t expect all of them to sit out, it wouldn’t surprise me in the least if a few of the names above don’t play either. Accordingly, depending on who plays and who sits, the Knights’ depth and athleticism 1-10 could be strength or a question mark.

 

Luke Johnson, the younger brother of Knights standout Tanner Johnson, saw some limited varsity minutes last season, but is a player who might be relied upon more heavily next year.

 

Seth Cambron is a kid who has some skills shooting the basketball, and could be another name to look out for if you’re trying to peg the rotation.

 

 

Lexington Catholic's Tanner Johnson (21) goes up as Lexington Christian Academy's Drew Trimble (13) looks on.

HT: Dave Redden, WLXG.com

 

 

Lexington Christian Academy –

 

 

AAU:

 

Matt Rose will play AAU with the Kentucky Travelers on the Nike EYBL Circuit, as the team looks to return to the Peach Jam.

 

Drew Trimble will be playing with Charlotte Court’s 17 & Unders this season. Here’s a kid that is someone who I’d label as ripe for a breakout season, as he had some big performances last season and seemed to begin to piece things together late.

 

Trevor Hill, a sophomore who transferred in from Corbin last season, is talented and will get exposure playing with Kentucky Elite (which also has Apollo guard Eli Wright, who ranks near the top of national rankings for 2016 wings).

 

Tre’ King could end up being the most talented of any of the returning players once his eligibility is complete. Though he primarily played with the JV team last season, his development is definitely worth tracking as he prepares to enter his sophomore year. Last season, reports listed King in the 6’4, 210 range, and mentioned that his athleticism and skill set were impressive as well. Pegged as one of the best freshmen in the 11th this past season, he is currently running with Lexington Future’s 14 & Under team this summer. King's bio on LCA's homepage can be found by following this link.

 

Brad Calipari is expected to be out this AAU season as he recovers from a knee injury, but played with the Kentucky Travelers last season.

 

 

Summer:

 

The biggest news coming from Reynolds Road this offseason is the resignation of Brad Carter and subsequent hiring of Nathan Valentine. Valentine comes to the Eagles after serving as an assistant at Transylvania. Before coaching, Nate played at Transy for 3 seasons after transferring in from Tusculum College (a small school in Tennessee that was Division 1 at one point). He had been a member of the Pioneers staff for the past 8 seasons.

 

In high school, Valentine starred at South Laurel alongside Richie Riley and Brad Sizemore. The trio led the Cardinals to Rupp in 2001 and ended the year with an oh-so-close upset bid against Louisville Male (with Michael Bush, Larry O’Bannon, and company) that fell just short.

 

Ironically enough, the three aforementioned South Laurel players are all enjoying successful coaching careers of their own. Sizemore is the coach at North Laurel and led the school to their first ever Sweet 16 in 2012; he was also an assistant coach on the South Laurel State Championship team in 2005. Riley is an assistant at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, where he has been for the past 3 seasons. Before that, he coached at his alma mater, Eastern Kentucky University. Riley also coached at Coastal Carolina, Georgetown College, and the University of Hawai’i-Pacific. He was also recruiting coordinator for Kelly Wells at Pikeville College from 2006-2009. Those are quite the accomplishments for each of those gentlemen both between the lines and from the bench.

 

 

LCA's Matt Rose (12) looks for an opening against Lexington Catholic's Robert Dence. Rose is a heavily recruited Division 1 prospect with a smooth stroke. His time in the Nike EYBL should only add even more polish to his game.

HT: Dave Redden, WLXG.com

 

 

Tates Creek –

 

 

AAU:

 

Jordan Fucci is still playing baseball with the Commodores, and I am currently unsure as to who he will play AAU with (if he even plays at all).

 

Desmond Duke and Darius Barksdale, a pair of guards who will be entering their senior years, will be playing with Charlotte Court’s 17 & Under program over the summer. Duke played a big role for Tates Creek last year and will be called on to provide even more with the loss of Ian Davis and Tanner Hart.

 

 

Summer:

 

Last season was tough sledding for the ‘Dores, but Jordan Fucci and Desmond Duke return. If Barksdale can further develop, it will be a step in the right direction. Tates Creek has one of the State’s best coaches in Wayne Breeden, so it would be unwise to completely overlook them, however, I am unaware of any kids coming up through their system who would be considered immediate difference makers.

 

 

Tates Creek's Jordan Fucci attempts to pin the shot of Dunbar's Darius Williams (23) to the backboard.

HT: Dave Redden, WLXG.com

 

 

44th –

 

 

Madison Central –

 

AAU/Summer:

 

Cameron Thomas burst onto the scene last year as a sophomore, and will be showcasing his athleticism with the Kentucky Elite over the summer. He’ll be joining up with some of the State’s best to produce what should be one of the State’s top AAU programs (at least as far as the 2016 class goes).

 

Isaiah Johnson is going to spend the summer playing with Lexington Catholic’s Tanner Johnson and Henry Clay’s Jeremiah Tisdale as a member of the Hoop Dreams 17 & Under club.

 

 

Cameron Thomas burst out onto the scene last season and hopes to keep that momentum going in his junior year. Here, he attempts to block the reverse layup attempt by Scott County's Trent Gilbert in the regional semis.

HT: Dave Redden, WLXG.com

Edited July 9, 201412 yr by JokersWild24
Updated Robert Dence's Player Profile

Just this minute was informed Troy Black was in Dunbar's signing ceremony today and it's official, he's off to Transy. You called it right! Congratulations Troy!

JW24 - takes a lot of work, research, and editing to do an article this big. Thanks, enjoyed it!

JW24 - takes a lot of work, research, and editing to do an article this big. Thanks, enjoyed it!

 

Thanks, it's much appreciated. Big thanks to everyone who sent me information, etc. and to Dave Redden as well.

 

I love doing the articles and trying to keep up with all the happenings.

 

Hopefully there'll be more updates as the summer goes on.

Michael Talbott's next step will be completing his senior season, 2014-15, at Lexington Catholic

Michael Talbott's next step will be completing his senior season, 2014-15, at Lexington Catholic

 

Gotcha. I was off on my Lexington Catholic roster. Had a mistake with one of their other kids as well that I'll fix.

 

Thanks for the find.

Great article, can tell you put a lot of work into it!

At this point Donovan Morris will not be playing football for Lexington Catholic. Sam Letton is most likely going to be transferring to play under his dad whenever he gets a new job. J.J. Ogbogu is not playing AAU to the best of my knowledge and looks like he'll be spending a lot of time at football as he is a projected starter at WR.

Reese Ryan should be playing basketball this winter. LexCath did not let Kyle Bolin do early enrollment when he was a senior so unless they make an exception for Reese or he quits he will be back. For the record I have not heard of Reese wanting to early enroll or quit.

And Byron Boothe goes by Walker fyi.

 

Hope that helps! Again great article.

Great article, can tell you put a lot of work into it!

At this point Donovan Morris will not be playing football for Lexington Catholic. Sam Letton is most likely going to be transferring to play under his dad whenever he gets a new job. J.J. Ogbogu is not playing AAU to the best of my knowledge and looks like he'll be spending a lot of time at football as he is a projected starter at WR.

Reese Ryan should be playing basketball this winter. LexCath did not let Kyle Bolin do early enrollment when he was a senior so unless they make an exception for Reese or he quits he will be back. For the record I have not heard of Reese wanting to early enroll or quit.

And Byron Boothe goes by Walker fyi.

 

Hope that helps! Again great article.

 

 

Thanks for the kind words and the updates on the Lex Cath kids. I'll be sure to refer to Boothe as Walker from now on. I was looking up a lot of the roster on the KHSAA's website originally.

 

Donovan Morris spending the summer to focus on basketball (if that's what he ultimately chooses to do) will probably elevate his game.

 

Didn't know that Lexington Catholic had discouraged Bolin from early enrollment. Kind of hate to hear that for the kid if that's what either his or Ryan's heart is set on. Getting in over the winter and having the chance to acclimate to the college game is huge for a quarterback, but you never get your high school years back either. Ryan seems like a tough kid, so injury isn't really as much of a concern with him as it might be otherwise-- probably safer playing basketball than practicing football against grown men anyway.

 

Do you know who, if anyone, Talbott is playing AAU with?