’24 Rankings Update – Power Forwards
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Power Forwards Class of ’24 Mariah Knight Mariah Knight 6'1" | PF Butler | 2024 State KY – 6’1″ – PF – Christian Academy-Louisville Knight averaged 12,3 points per game last season for a loaded team, was the 2nd leading…
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Continue ReadingPower Forwards Class of ’24
Mariah Knight Mariah Knight 6'1" | PF Butler | 2024 State KY – 6’1″ – PF – Christian Academy-Louisville
Knight averaged 12,3 points per game last season for a loaded team, was the 2nd leading scorer, and is the leading returning scorer this year. From what I have seen of the new offense, she is going to have more room to operate this season with a team surrounding her that has great size but has increased their skill level to be better equipped to step away from the basket on offense. I think this bodes well for increased numbers for her and multiple other players.
Knight has a strong body and has slimmed down a little without losing any power. She is faster than before and the offers have been rolling in from the D1 programs. She pulled down 7.6 rebounds per game last winter as the 2nd leading and returning rebounder on the team. She has a strong Free Throw Line area jumper, a mature Post-Up game, and is a force on the offensive glass.
Quinn Eubank Quinn Eubank 5'11" | PF Ryle | 2024 State KY – 5’11” – PF – Ryle – Cincy Angels
I don’t believe we have Eubank’s height listed correctly, if we do she plays much bigger than this. She is an at-the-rim type of player with great leaping ability and speed making her an ideal Rim Runner and Rim Protector. As a shot blocker, she is elite. She alters multiple shots and sends them kareming off of her fingertips and away from the hoop
I think I was unaware that she scored 13 points per game last season but she certainly did. I suspect mostly on rebound putbacks and layups in transition. She is so effective in her role that she elevates that role into a starring position. She made 47.5% of her field goal, 67.9% of her free throws, and shot a very respectable 32.1% from the three-point line.
There is a saying that “Boardman” gets paid. Referring to players that grab a ton of rebounds and Eubank qualifies. She pulled down 305 rebounds last year for 9.8 per game which was good for 47th in the KHSAA Top 50 Rebounds Leaders List. She is yet another great player you can see at the Queen of the Commonwealth Tournament this winter.
Destiny Jones Destiny Jones 5'11" | PF Central | 2024 State KY – 5’11” – PF – Central
Speaking of some top players at the Queen of the Commonwealth next up is Jones who led her team in scoring (15.4 points per game) and rebounding (7.7 rebounds, 222 total) last season. Jones is back and better than ever. Last season she was primarily a threat to score on the break and on offensive rebounds. Now she is taking people to the hole and forcing the ball into the basket like there is nobody in her way.
I don’t mean to say she is plowing through opponents but she is sidestepping them when needed to score the ball. She is perhaps the most improved player in the state that I saw last year and then again this summer. Her body is changed. She appears to be covered in muscle without losing flexibility. She defines the Power in Power Forward and makes several shots after contact.
When a player this good improves this much lookout. She was the 9th most efficient scorer last season scoring the ball in 60.4% of her field goal attempts. Interestingly enough, especially in today’s game, Jones shot exactly ZERO three-pointers last year. That is an old-school kind of stat that really makes me smile. Don’t miss seeing this one play Coach.
Payton Acey Payton Acey 6'1" | PF Southwestern | 2024 State KY – 6’1″ – PF – Southwestern – Kentucky Premier
Acey is quite a player and the 3rd leading and returning scorer in a 33rd most potent offense in the Commonwealth last season. They were the toast of the Sweet 16 making it into the Semifinals before falling. She is a face-up 4 with a plethora of skills for scoring the ball and setting up teammates for open looks. If you live anywhere along or east of I-65 you ought to be able to find her playing somewhere close to you this season.
She averaged 12,3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game last winter, 236 total. She shot 44.7% from the field, 28.4% from three-point range, and 72.9% at the foul line. But beyond the stats, it is the way she plays the game that is special. She has clearly been well-coached and is versed in the various intricacies of all of the hardest-to-defend tactics of the game. She is very adept and all aspects of the Ballscreen, Dribble Handoff, Staggered Screen, and other tactics from the perspective of the Big. That kind of play is something I very much appreciate.
I also got the chance to see her interacting with teammates, coaches, and a few kids over the summer and was very impressed with the way she was as a person. That goes a long way towards getting the college offers too and remember players, you never know who is watching and who they know. Be the best you when you are around the game. I know she received an offer from a Coach that values character immensely.