2020-2021 Breakout Candidates
The state of Kentucky is home to a lot of talented young ladies. While we just graduated a ton of talent in the 2020 class, there are others ready to step up and make an instant impact next season. Here’s…
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Continue ReadingThe state of Kentucky is home to a lot of talented young ladies. While we just graduated a ton of talent in the 2020 class, there are others ready to step up and make an instant impact next season. Here’s a look at some early candidates to break out next season.
Kayra Freeman Kayra Freeman 5'5" | PG Elizabethtown | 2021 State KY , Elizabethtown (2021) – The Lady Panthers graduated 7 Seniors including 2 D1 signees. Someone is going to have to take the bulk of the shots next season for the reigning 5th region champions. Freeman has slowed down a little since her hot start at John Hardin a couple seasons ago but now is her time to shine and Kayra is primed for a big Senior year.
Gracie Merkle Gracie Merkle 6'6" | C Bullitt East | 2022 State KY , Bullitt East (2022) – Seven points and 4 rebounds per game isn’t going to jump off the page at you but the God given size of Merkle makes her a hot recruit with college coaches and gives her the chance to be a game changer for Bullitt East over the next two years. After shooting 64% from the field in limited touches this past season, she should get even more chances to score off the low block as a Junior.
Hanna Robinson Hanna Robinson 5'9" | SF Holy Cross Covington | 2022 State KY , Grant County (2022) – Abby West Abby West 5'7" | SG Grant County | 2020 State KY is gone from Grant County and Robinson should get the lions’ share of the shots next year for the Lady Braves. If she can improve her shooting efficiency from last season, there could be a huge jump in scoring output for Hanna. Scoring 18-20 points per game next season is not out of the question.
Triniti Ralston Triniti Ralston 5'7" | PG Sacred Heart | 2023 State KY , Sacred Heart (2023) – Plenty has been said and written about Ralston already but the reason she makes this list is that she is about to play with the ball in her hands for about 32 minutes every night out. With her athleticism and skill, Triniti is going to have a chance to be the best young player in the City of Louisville next season.
Abby Holtman Abby Holtman 5'11" | SF Ryle | 2023 State KY , Ryle (2023) – Ryle graduates a D1 player and another takes their place but it’s unlikely that any one player will be able to replace Maddie Scherr Maddie Scherr 5'11" | CG Ryle | 2020 State KY ’s production next season. Holtman has a good shot at replicating Maddie’s scoring from this year but if she can do all the other little things as a Sophomore, Abby can keep the Lady Raiders from missing a beat as they look to defend their state title again.
Anna Kate Drakeford Anna Kate Drakeford 5'6" | SG Mercer County | 2024 State KY , Mercer County (2023) – Channing Lewis Channing Lewis 5'10" | SF Mercer County | 2020 State KY is gone and her 15 points per game graduated with her. “AK” is ready for a bigger role and is a lot better than just being a catch and shoot player which is the role she played for most of this past season. Looking ahead to next season, Drakeford and Timberlynn Yeast Timberlynn Yeast 5'8" | SF Mercer County | 2023 State KY could be the best duo in the 12th region. And they’re just getting started.