We’ve Got Next: Kentucky’s Top 2023s
While the primary focus of our site is current high schoolers, it’s never too early to look ahead at the next group of ballers to come up the ranks. Kentucky is in a unique position where many of the state’s…
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Continue ReadingWhile the primary focus of our site is current high schoolers, it’s never too early to look ahead at the next group of ballers to come up the ranks. Kentucky is in a unique position where many of the state’s top middle school ladies are able to play up on the high school level when they’re proven to be good enough. The 2023 class looks to be a very strong one in Kentucky. Here’s a brief rundown of some of the better rising freshmen. This is not to be considered the entire list as there will definitely be more in the future.
Ellie Heid, Portland Christian – Her school is tiny and traditionally not very good but you can’t help but be impressed by an 8th grader averaging 20 points per game. If she progresses as you’d think she will, Heid should end up among the leading scorers in state history by the time she graduates.
Triniti Ralston, Fern Creek – The Creek has been known more for their talented boys program for the last few years but the girls program isn’t far behind. Ralston is an impact player in the 6th region, already averaging 16 points per game and only going to get better over the course of her career.
Jakayla Thompson, Fern Creek – Fern Creek’s second leading scorer (11.2 PPG) and third leading rebounder (3.8 RPG), Thompson and Ralston are on track to be the best 1-2 punch in Louisville for several years.
Taylor Guess, Crittenden County – Most couldn’t find Crittenden County on a map but chances are good some college coaches are going to be getting their atlas out to make their way to see Guess in a couple of seasons. After leading the team in scoring at just under 11 points per game, Guess is going to be a player to watch in Western Kentucky for the next few seasons.
Kaela Ballard, Southern – Southern limped to a 6-14 record and finished on a 10 game losing streak but it wasn’t for lack of trying on Ballard’s behalf. Kaela was the Lady Trojans’ leading scorer and will keep getting better over the remainder of her career.
Destiny Thomas, Paducah Tilghman – Probably my early favorite for best 8th grader in the state, Thomas averaged 18 points and 9 rebounds per game for Tilghman and is just beginning to scratch the surface of her potential. Thomas is already long and athletic and will only get better over the next 4 seasons.
Amiyah Collier, Russellville – Collier is a common name for great athletes in the Russellville area and Amiyah is off to a great start after averaging just under 11 points per game for an 18 win Russellville team this past season. Watch out for Collier in the 4th region.
Saniyah Shelton, Bowling Green – Bowling Green’s ladies program has been on par with their boys for the last several years. Averaging 8 points and 4 rebounds for the 26 win Lady Purples, Saniyah is going to be counted on for more production as a freshman next season.