2022 Rankings Update: Top Posts
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With our updated rankings for the class of 2022, it is time to break down the top players in the class by position. We start with perhaps the most loaded position in the class: the post players. Not only does this position feature 5 of the top 12 players in the class, it has also seen a good deal of movement in our newest update.
Kennedy Lee, DuPont Manual- A player who has all the traits one looks for in an elite inside player, Lee is the inside presence for one of the state’s best teams. While playing on such a loaded team means she doesn’t put up the numbers of others on this list, she controls the interior, rebounding a defending the rim with the best of them. She also has strong scoring potential and could put up good numbers if given more touches.
Gracie Merkle Gracie Merkle 6'6" | C Bullitt East | 2022 State KY , Bullitt East- On a list of physically imposing players, none on this list, and perhaps the state, can match Merkle’s physical dominance inside. She has ridiculous size and strength, and this season she is using them to be a dominant player rather than just a physical presence. Her tremendous touch has led to a 20 point 12 rebound average while shooting an insane 78.7% from the field, tops in the state by a wide margin.
Halle Langhi Halle Langhi 6'1" | C Marshall County | 2022 State KY , Marshall County- A player who has all the physical traits to be an elite prospect, Langhi is an athletic two-sport star who has great volleyball skills in addition to her basketball talent. If she adds more polish, especially to her outside game, she could move even further up these rankings. Her strong shooting percentages, both from the field and the line, bode well for this future development with more volume.
Rachel Presley Rachel Presley 6'2" | C South Laurel | 2022 State KY , South Laurel- Maybe the most polished big in this class, Presley has a great inside touch and a variety of post moves that others on this list would love to develop. She’s even added a nice outside shot to round out her offensive game, making her extremely tough to defend. In an inverse of most players on this list, Presley’s areas for potential improvement are her rebounding and physicality inside.
Anaya Brown Anaya Brown 6'0" | C Lafayette | 2022 State KY , Lafayette- The top rebounder on this list so far this season, Brown has shown some of the best athleticism on this list. She has the ability to use this to step outside of the post as well as using her physical skills down low. She is another player who could add some offensive polish, but her natural rebounding and versatility make her a valuable prospect.
Alyssa Elswick Alyssa Elswick 5'10" | C Shelby Valley | 2022 State KY , Shelby Valley- A player who very much embodies the modern offensive game many now look for in a center, Elswick tiptoes the line between a post player and a faceup forward. She can knock down outside shots in addition to scoring inside, and while she is not the biggest player on this list she still has plenty of ability to physical on the inside.
Anastasia Dowlen Anastasia Dowlen 6'1" | C Russellville | 2022 State KY , Russellville- One of the best pure rebounders in the state, Dowlen is putting up exceptional numbers on the boards and has even more talent beyond what the numbers show. She continues the trend as a player with great physical traits who could raise her stock by adding some more polish to her offensive game.