Kentucky’s Top Returning Scorers (Part 2)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you missed the first article in this series, you can check it out by clicking <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2022/08/kentuckys-top-returning-scorers/">here</a>! However, I'm going to begin this article with the same information I used in the intro to that article as I feel it's important to mention these points before getting into the players. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As I was looking through the KHSAA stats, I noticed that 5 of the top 10 scoring leaders from last season have now graduated. I pulled the stats for the top 15 scorers that are returning this season, and I wanted to look at and discuss those players a bit. There were also some interesting numbers that I found in my research, so I wanted to first point out 5 of the consistencies I saw and then I'll get into the players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol><li><strong>Rebounding is important!</strong> 8 of the 15 leading scorers also led their team in rebounds last season. Out of the 7 that did not, 4 were the 2nd leading rebounders on their team, and the remaining 3 were their respective team's main ball handler (and they still averaged 2.5-6.5 rebounds per game).</li><li><strong>With more shot attempts comes more scoring opportunities.</strong> I know this is an obvious statement, but when you look at the numbers, it's impossible to deny that this is a major factor. The numbers truly speak for themselves: 3 players took 300-400 shots. 8 players took 400-500 shots. 3 players took 500-600 shots. 1 player took 600+ shots.</li><li><strong>However, you also have to be able to make those shots.</strong> All 15 players shot 40+% overall. While that number isn't great, these players are <em>at least</em> hitting 4 out of every 10 shots they take. The average field goal percentage is 48.5%, so majority are hitting nearly half the shots they take. 2 players shot over 60%, which placed both of them in the top 5 for overall field goal percentage last season. Shot selection is key.</li><li><strong>Become a consistent outside shooter.</strong> 12 of the 15 leading scorers last season shot 30+% from 3. The 3 players that shot under 30% did not take nearly as many attempts on average (2 of them averaged only 1 attempt per game). If you can't shoot 3's, don't just try to force up outside shots, but it is definitely beneficial to work on becoming a consistent outside threat.</li><li><strong>Get to the free throw line!</strong> 10 of the 15 players shot over 70% from the charity stripe last season. However, what stuck out even more than percentage was how many free throws were shot. The <em>least</em> amount of free throws taken by any of these players last season was 128. Majority shot around 180-200, which means they're getting to the line at least 3 times (for 2 attempts) every game.</li></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Those were the biggest takeaways I got from looking through the numbers and similarities/differences, so if one of your goals is to become a top scorer in the state, I highly recommend keeping those things in mind as you go into this upcoming season. Now, I previously discussed the top 7 leading scorers going into this season, but now it's time to look at the final 8 players that round out the top 15 leading scorers. Full disclaimer: there are a few players in this group that I have not yet gotten to watch, so I wouldn't feel right analyzing their games at this point in time, but I definitely want to make sure I still include them below.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_631107da8f6cb","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["164385"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Yeast is one of the most athletic players in the state. In fact, she's also a star on Mercer County's track and field squad. Yeast won multiple track events at the 2A state championships (and led her team to win the 2A state title) back in June of this year. However, you can't deny that she's one of the best basketball players in the state as well. Yeast led Mercer County in points and rebounds last season, helping them finish the season with a 24-8 record. That's nothing new for the Buffalo commit though. Yeast has actually led the Titans in points and rebounds every season since her 8th grade year. In her junior season, she shot 52% overall while averaging 20.9 ppg and 8.4 rpg. More recently, she was a starter and key contributor for the 2022 GUAA champions, WV Thunder, so she's a high impact player no matter who she's playing with or against.rnrnThe versatility in Yeast's game truly separates her from other players. She can legitimately play or defend any position. She's such a smooth, offensive threat. It doesn't matter how good the defense is, Yeast will find ways to score. Floaters over defenders, crafty finishes around the rim, elevating above defenders on her jump shots, knocking down 3's. She can truly beat you in a variety of ways and that makes her extremely tough to defend. However, I also want to point out that Yeast is a true team player and that was extremely evident when you watch how she contributed to her WV Thunder squad. She was a lockdown defender when they needed one, she got constant deflections and steals in their press, she rebounded, she made hustle plays, she created for her teammates, etc. Yeast is one of the best all-around players in the state and if you get a chance to watch her in her final high school season, I highly recommend it.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["257275"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Bradley is the kind of player that doesn't even need to score to be one of the best players on the court, but at the same time, her scoring ability is undeniable. And the reason I say that is because of how much she contributes to the game outside of scoring. Bradley is a phenomenal defender. She can lock down ball handlers, she reads the passing lanes, she elevates to get deflections and/or steals, she uses quick hands to steal the ball when the offense relaxes, and she really slides her feet well to consistently stay in front. Bradley is also extremely unselfish and can throw some absolute dimes through traffic. She recognizes when help defense steps over on her and she sets up her teammates for success.rnrnHowever, Bradley can obviously put the ball in the basket at a high level. She has strong handles and she can easily create separation from defenders. She can score off of the dribble in the paint, at the rim, and on the 3-point line. She does a great job using both sides of the floor and her court awareness is really high. Bradley's ability to manipulate her body around the rim allows her to score tough baskets consistently. She has great form on her shot and she can hit from deep range. To put things simply, Bradley makes things happen whenever she's on the court. If you simply look at her numbers, you can see how impressive her overall game is. Bradley averaged 20.8 ppg and 3.1 rpg in her sophomore season last year while helping Hart County to a 21-9 record. She shot 51.3% overall and 36.2% from 3. She also shot 70.3% from the free throw line. I can't even imagine how many assists and steals she's been able to get in her varsity career, but I know that number has to be high. It'll be really exciting to see what she's able to do in her junior year.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["164384"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Ford was legitimately 0.3 rpg away from averaging a double-double last season. I mean she finished the season as a top 50 rebounder in the state despite being a point guard who constantly has the ball in her hands. She works when she's on the floor and she can do a little bit of everything. Ford led Rowan County in points and rebounds in her junior season (20.4 ppg and 9.7 rpg) while helping them finish with a 24-9 record. She's racked up nearly 2500 points, 1000+ rebounds, 600+ assists, and 500+ steals in her high school career. The Murray State commit is one of the best ball handlers in the state as well. Heavy pressure and double teams are not enough to stop her. Once she has her defender beat, it's nearly impossible for teams to recover because of her court awareness and skillset.rnrnFord is a true 3-level scorer. She can knock down 3's even with a hand in her face or with a defender running at her. When she drives, she does it with a purpose. She can pull from mid-range, hit floaters, or get to the rim. However, if help steps over on her for even a second, she recognizes where her teammates are and she delivers them the ball. Ford's ability to find the gaps and create better looks for herself (and teammates) is special. She can finish through contact or draw fouls. When she gets to the line, she had the 12th best free throw percentage in the state last season (82.1%). Ford dominated all summer long with her Kentucky Premier squad on the EYBL circuit as well, so she can do it against the best of the best. A 1st team All-State player, Ford should have a phenomenal senior season with her talented Lady Vikings team.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["164409"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Richardson is one of the players I referred to above that I have not gotten to watch before, so I don't want to comment too much on her game, but I do want to share the numbers she put up in her junior season that earned her a spot on this list. Last year, Richardson averaged 20.2 ppg and 6.1 rpg for Caverna. While her field goal percentage was just over 40%, she led the Lady Colonels in 3-point percentage and free throw percentage. She actually finished in the top 50 for free throw percentage in the state last year after shooting 77.3% from the line (and knocking down 153 total free throws).","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["254279"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Macy is not only one of the best players in Kentucky, but she's one of the best players in the nation. The numbers she put up in her freshman season truly exemplify how special of a player she is. No one on this list finished in the top 50 in as many statistical categories as Macy. On top of finishing as the 22nd best scorer, Macy finished 28th in free throw percentage (79.4%), 6th in rebounds per game (12.3), and tied for 5th in field goal percentage (62.3%). She was a gamechanger for the Jags last season, but she's a gamechanger no matter who she's playing for. In fact, she nearly averaged a double-double on the EYBL circuit this summer (10.2 ppg/8 rpg) in 21.2 minutes per game. And she's playing up on the 17U level. Her talent is special no matter what class she was in, but the fact that she's only just beginning her sophomore year is crazy.rnrnMacy can do it all at a high level and her basketball IQ is so obvious when you watch her play. She makes great moves, she finishes extremely tough shots that most players can't finish, she can stretch the defense with her ability to score inside and out, and she's smart with her shot selection. Macy is strong and she doesn't make things easy for opponents on either side of the ball. She plays solid defense and she's an excellent rebounder. To average a 20.1 ppg and 12.3 rpg double-double through a tough schedule as a freshman is an impressive feat. To do that on a team filled with talent (including multiple D-I caliber players), truly shows the work Macy puts into her game. She should finish her high school career as one of the most decorated players that this state has seen, but in the meantime, it'll be really fun to watch where she can help Mercy get in her sophomore season.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["367285"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"Howard is another player that I have not yet seen, but she did help her Christian Fellowship team finish the season with a 17-10 record, their best record that I could find in KHSAA history. In her sophomore season, she averaged 20.1 ppg and 6.3 rpg. Howard shot a solid 34.2% from 3 and 71% at the free throw line. The Lady Eagles will be looking to continue on their success from last season and with Howard leading the way, look for them to make some serious noise in the All A tournament.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_6_player_details_player_name":"Sydney Martin","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_6_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_6_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_6_player_details_position":"12125","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_6_player_details_school":"Pulaski County","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_6_player_details_club_team":"Kentucky Premier 16U EYBL","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_6_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_6_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"Martin just keeps improving and she's poised to have a really big junior season. The long, athletic, and versatile wing averaged 20 ppg and 6.8 rpg for Pulaski County (21-10) last year. She does a great job of switching things up offensively so that the defense is always left guessing what she will do next. She can knock down shots off of the dribble, catch, or on the move. Martin is a scoring threat at all 3 levels. She shot 30% from the 3-point line last season, and I'd expect that percentage to rise even more this season. When she gets to the basket, she can finish at the rim and she uses her length well to finish tough shots, including through contact.rnrnWhen Martin gets fouled, she can really knock down free throws at a high level. In fact, she finished with Kentucky's 4th best free throw percentage last season (85.9%). She can also knock down mid-range buckets and she has some solid moves in the paint that help her create more looks at the basket. Martin uses fakes really well to get the defense off of their feet. She also makes some good passes. On the other side of the ball, Martin reads the passing lanes and anticipates really well. She is a strong shot blocker as well. Her hustle and willingness to consistently crash the boards are some additional strengths in her game. And as talented as Martin is, she still has 2 years of high school ball remaining, so I'd say the best is yet to come.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_7_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='885325' first='JaMesha' last='Brown']","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_7_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_7_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_7_player_details_position":"12124","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_7_player_details_school":"Fulton County","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_7_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_7_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_7_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"Brown is the final player on this list, but unfortunately, she is also one of the players that I have not seen play. The 2025 wing averaged a solid 19.8 ppg and 6.5 rpg in her freshman season. She was her team's leading scorer and rebounder. The Lady Pilots only played 18 games last season, but they already have more than that scheduled for this upcoming season, so we will see what Brown is able to do in her sophomore year.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":8,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-6499c323f3366"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Top 15 Leading Returning Scorers:</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol><li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='173759' first='Kensley' last='Feltner']</strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kensley-feltner/"></a> – 26.9 PPG (Leading scorer in KY last season)</li><li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='376791' first='Brianna' last='Wilkins']</strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/brianna-wilkins/"></a> – 25.1 PPG (#3 last season)</li><li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='167101' first='Leia' last='Trinh']</strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/leia-trinh/"></a> – 23.1 PPG (#7 last season)</li><li><strong>Jamaya Chenault</strong> – 23 PPG (#8 last season)</li><li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='199611' first='Jermyra' last='Christian']</strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/jermyra-christian/"></a> – 22.3 PPG (#10 last season)</li><li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='167099' first='Shaelyn' last='Steele']</strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/shaelyn-steele/"></a> – 21.9 PPG (#11 last season)</li><li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='200350' first='Taylor' last='Guess']</strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/taylor-guess-2/"></a> – 21.2 PPG (#13 last season)</li><li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='164385' first='Timberlynn' last='Yeast']</strong> - 20.9 PPG (#14 last season)</li><li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='257275' first='Dea' last='Bradley']</strong> - 20.8 PPG (#16 last season)</li><li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='164384' first='Haven' last='Ford']</strong> - 20.4 PPG (#18 last season)</li><li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='164409' first='Kaliana' last='Richardson']</strong> - 20.2 PPG (#20 last season)</li><li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='254279' first='Leah' last='Macy']</strong> - 20.1 PPG (#21 last season)</li><li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='367285' first='Gracie' last='Howard']</strong> - 20.1 PPG (Tied #21 last season)</li><li><strong>Sydney Martin</strong> - 20 PPG (#23 last season)</li><li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='885325' first='JaMesha' last='Brown']</strong> - 19.8 PPG (#25 last season)</li></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>* Stats found at https://khsaa.org/2021-22-girls-basketball-stat-leaders/</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->