Two great articles from J Demling of upcoming players in the state:

 

A lot of players have improved in the state of Kentucky but a few of the players I watched last week were stick outs as far as improvement.

So, here’s a listing of guys who are better than advertised.

• 1. Darion Burns, Fleming County - I had heard a lot about Burns, who is a freshman, and that class is loaded with top players. But you can add Burns’ name to the list. He plays hard, has a good skill level and is pumped up.

• 2. Sawyer Williams, Owen County -He’s a good size kid with excellent skills. I had heard a lot about Williams’ game, but the 6-foot-8 prospect was much, much better than I even anticipated - and I had a lofty impression.

• 3. Christian Cunningham, Scott County - He’s a true point guard and I love how he manages and handles a game. He has really improved in a year and his body is getting more and more mature. He’s impressive.

• 4.William Bryant, Moore - He’s a bit undersized for the next level but it seems like he collects every single rebound when he’s near the basket.

• 5. Craig Owens, Trinity - The forward had been playing with Indiana Elite but really fit in - and thrived - with the Louisville Magic. At times, he was a beast in the paint for the Louisville Magic. He’s going to be a good one.

 

Posted on May 27, 2011 by Jody Demling

Here are a few names from the Kentucky State AAU tournaments last weekend that you might not know a lot about now.

But these are kids that will make a name for themselves.

• 1. Zach McCormick (photo), Wilmington (Ohio) - The guard for the Kentucky Select team makes up a big-time duo with Dixie Heights’ Brandon Hatton. Both are going to be sophomores and McCormick and can flat out shoot it. McCormick had 36 in two games and 30 in at least two more games last weekend. He’s not all that big but he can fill it up. Word is he’s transferring to Dixie Heights but he said "nothing is official yet." He would likely become the best shooter in the state.

• 2. Shane Hall, Johnson Central - He’s an athletic 6-foot-7 wing who can jump out of the gym, is strong and solid in all phases of the game. The 2014 class is loaded but I think he has a shot to crack the top-10 when the new rankings are released.

• 3. Montez Buford, Iroquois - Buford played for the 17s Truth team and was one of the best players on the floor in the two games I watched. He said he averaged 8 points a game last year with the Raiders and that number will take a huge jump this year.

• 4. Daiquise Allen, Bryan Station - There are several big-time players at Bryan Station but don’t sleep on this 6-foot-1 guard. He has all the tools to become an all 11th Region performer.

• 5. Joe Jackson, Fern Creek - Jackson didn’t see any varsity action - and then it was limited - untily late in the season but he’s a talent and should be one of the top players next season with the Tigers.

http://blogs.courier-journal.com/jodydemling/2011/05/27/kentucky-aau-names-you-havent-heard-of-yet/

McCormick and Hatton in Dixie's backcourt will pretty much solidify them as the best guard tandem in the state IMO. They could likely both avg 18-22ppg each. Class of 2014 seems to be loaded for sure.

 

As far as McCormick to Dixie not being official, i guess we will see next weekend at the Simon Kenton Team Camp if he shows up with the Colonels.

As far as McCormick to Dixie not being official, i guess we will see next weekend at the Simon Kenton Team Camp if he shows up with the Colonels.

I wouldn't read too much into it if he wasn't there, Wilmington's last day is the 6th., JMO.

McCormick and Hatton in Dixie's backcourt will pretty much solidify them as the best guard tandem in the state IMO. They could likely both avg 18-22ppg each. Class of 2014 seems to be loaded for sure.

 

As far as McCormick to Dixie not being official, i guess we will see next weekend at the Simon Kenton Team Camp if he shows up with the Colonels.

 

 

I don't know about the state, but best in 9th region.

I don't know about the state, but best in 9th region.

 

If McCormick transfers to Dixie, it'll be a lot of fun watching those two against Quan Palmer and BJ Coston of Holmes over the next two years.

 

Not saying those two are better than Hatton and McCormick, but they are both very good guards as well with bright futures.

 

Best two backcourts in the region in 2013, IMO.

If McCormick transfers to Dixie, it'll be a lot of fun watching those two against Quan Palmer and BJ Coston of Holmes over the next two years.

 

Not saying those two are better than Hatton and McCormick, but they are both very good guards as well with bright futures.

 

Best two backcourts in the region in 2013, IMO.

 

Are these two playing AAU this summer?

Are these two playing AAU this summer?

 

Pretty sure Palmer plays with Hatton and McCormick on the KY Select/Tarheels team.

 

Coston plays for NKY Storm, according to the HS age thread.

Sounds like a few more snow days to make up than down here in NKY.

I wouldn't read too much into it if he wasn't there, Wilmington's last day is the 6th., JMO.

If McCormick transfers to Dixie, it'll be a lot of fun watching those two against Quan Palmer and BJ Coston of Holmes over the next two years.

 

Not saying those two are better than Hatton and McCormick, but they are both very good guards as well with bright futures.

 

Best two backcourts in the region in 2013, IMO.

 

IMO Palmer and Coston wont be able to hold McCormick and Hatton's jocks.

 

Palmer is a very good set shooter and Coston is a nice athlete but these guys cant fill it up like McCormick and Hatton. The Dixie guards will light up teams and they will likely avg 70-80 a game.

IMO Palmer and Coston wont be able to hold McCormick and Hatton's jocks.

 

Palmer is a very good set shooter and Coston is a nice athlete but these guys cant fill it up like McCormick and Hatton. The Dixie guards will light up teams and they will likely avg 70-80 a game.

 

Neither Palmer or Coston are as talented as the above players Q, but both can score in a variety of ways and are very talented.

 

Palmer is extremely quick and his outside shooting forces teams to defend him tightly which creates opportunity to get in the lane for easy buckets. Palmer is a pass first, score second PG which is why you won't see him putting up 20 a night. His 17 against Boone in the region tourney shows that he's able to score when needed.

 

Not sure how much you've seen Coston, but that kid can fill it up. He rebounds extremely well for a 6'0-6'1 guard and gets a lot of second chance points off missed shots. He has a nice stroke from outside as well which was shown late in the season for Holmes. IF you saw him more than once at the JV level like I did, you'd know this kid could end up being the best of that sophomore class. He is very strong and creates a lot of offense by being aggressive on defense. I don't know the exact numbers but I'd be shocked if he wasn't averaging atleast 18 ppg at the JV level this past season. Whether that will translate to the varsity level this year is still left to be seen.

 

Again, neither are as talented as McCormick and Hatton, but both are every bit as athletic as the two and it will be a good match up. Palmer held his own when defending Hatton in the game against Dixie last year. If I remember correctly, Hatton had his worst game of the year offensively with Palmer, Coston, and Hayes checking him out top.

McCormick and Hatton in Dixie's backcourt will pretty much solidify them as the best guard tandem in the state IMO. They could likely both avg 18-22ppg each. Class of 2014 seems to be loaded for sure.

 

As far as McCormick to Dixie not being official, i guess we will see next weekend at the Simon Kenton Team Camp if he shows up with the Colonels.

 

Let's not forget that Trinity will have a LOADED backcourt with Hicks and Foster. No one in Kentucky has a player like Hicks IMO.

 

Some other good backcourts: Ballard's Snider and Martin, and Bryan Station's Beckham and Morton (along with the Allen kid mentioned above).

Let's not forget that Trinity will have a LOADED backcourt with Hicks and Foster. No one in Kentucky has a player like Hicks IMO.

 

Some other good backcourts: Ballard's Snider and Martin, and Bryan Station's Beckham and Morton (along with the Allen kid mentioned above).

 

Agreed.

Look for Jake Schulte from Newport Central Catholic to be a force in KY before he's done. Going to be only a sophomore and is already 6'6' with doctor saying 2-3 more inches to grow. Already a skilled player with some playing time last year with the varsity. If he puts on some muscle they'll forget about loosing Jake Giesler to graduation in a hurry.

Let's not forget that Trinity will have a LOADED backcourt with Hicks and Foster. No one in Kentucky has a player like Hicks IMO.

 

Some other good backcourts: Ballard's Snider and Martin, and Bryan Station's Beckham and Morton (along with the Allen kid mentioned above).

Just think if Trinity still had Harrison.

Just think if Trinity still had Harrison.

 

Or Enes!