Heading into their Sophomore seasons, there are several lower ranked prospects capable of big seasons and impressing fans and college coaches alike. Here are a few talented Sophomores who could have big years in 2020-21.
<strong>[player_tooltip player_id="164406" first="Amy" last="Thompson"] and [player_tooltip player_id="164407" first="Emma" last="Barnett"], Mercy - </strong>It could be a little unfair to group Thompson and Barnett together but they are similar players who share a big opportunity for next season. Both are post players for a Mercy team that is short on scoring and rebounding after graduation. While it is entirely possible that the two could play together and form a sort of "twin towers" type of front line, it is more likely that the two girls split time and post touches, especially early on in their Sophomore seasons. Either way, a tremendous opportunity and lots of playing time await the two.
<strong>[player_tooltip player_id="164413" first="Kennedy" last="Harvel"], Floyd Central - </strong>Kennedy is a skilled scoring wing with a bright future. She has a chance to be the top Sophomore in the 15th region next season if she can become a more efficient scorer and raise her shooting percentages after a Freshman season where she struggled to shoot the ball well consistently. Harvel and Senior [player_tooltip player_id="154522" first="Katie" last="Moore"] should give the Jags the best scoring combo in the region and be a strong contender to get to Rupp Arena in March.
<strong>[player_tooltip player_id="164415" first="Makyra" last="Beach"], Collins - </strong>[player_tooltip player_id="80508" first="Olivia" last="Federle"] is the best player in Collins history and she just graduated. Her absence leaves the Lady Titans missing 21 points per game heading into next year but Beach should be ready for the bigger role. The cousin of Western Kentucky point guard Dayvion McKnight, Makyra has the potential to be a D1 prospect if she can improve her shooting percentages in her Sophomore season.
<strong>[player_tooltip player_id="164405" first="Ellie" last="Heid"], Portland Christian -</strong> One of the best small school players in the state, Heid could play tomorrow at any school in the city and not miss a beat. Because of the small school circumstances, Ellie is a volume scorer. She has to score for her team to have a chance to win. She excels at getting to the free throw line and if she can improve her percentages at the charity stripe, she may lead the state in scoring next season.
<strong>[player_tooltip player_id="164401" first="Kaela" last="Ballard"], Southern - </strong>Another volume scorer from Louisville, Ballard, like Heid, has to do about everything for her team to get a win. Kalea has a chance to be a 20 point per game (or more) scorer if she can continue making strides in her shooting and ball handling. She isn’t afraid to drive the paint and look to get fouled or convert a 3 point play but if she had at least one more talented player with her, she could lead the region in assists next season.
