Kentucky’s Early Season Stat Stuffers (Part 1)
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Since the state’s leaderboards were released a few weeks ago, there are multiple players who have found themselves in the top 50 in multiple statistical categories. While I can’t include all of those players in this article, I want to…
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Continue ReadingSince the state’s leaderboards were released a few weeks ago, there are multiple players who have found themselves in the top 50 in multiple statistical categories. While I can’t include all of those players in this article, I want to highlight some of the players that can currently be found in 3-4 different categories. So to kick off the New Year, let’s take a look at some of the players that have been absolutely stuffing the stat sheets so far.
4 Categories
KHSAA breaks down the leaderboards in 5 different individual statistical categories: Scoring (PPG), Field Goal Percentage (2’s and 3’s), Free Throw Percentage, 3-Point Field Goals (Average made per game), and Rebounding (RPG). You must have stat reports entered for a minimum number of games to be included on the leaderboards, so this doesn’t included every single player/team, but it does include a lot of players and teams. So, for the 2 players that can find themselves in the top 50 for 4 different categories is extremely impressive and speaks to how truly talented they are.
Feltner is currently the state’s 2nd leading scorer at 28.2 PPG. She’s used to finding herself at the top of this leaderboard as she actually finished her junior season in the top spot. She can really put the ball in the basket at a high level. She’s really hard to guard because of her ability to make things happen inside and out. You have to respect her no matter where she is on the floor, but the second you slip up, she makes you pay. Feltner also has the 2nd best field goal percentage in the state at 66.7% and she is top 31 in both rebounds (9.6 RPG) and free throws (75.3%).
Macy’s stats are so impressive and they don’t even take into account the games she played at less than full strength as she was recovering from an illness. She’s tied for 16th in scoring at 20.2 PPG and she also sits at 14th in field goal percentage at 59.1%. While that is an amazing feat in itself, it doesn’t stop there. Macy is 2nd in free throw percentage, shooting 90% from the charity stripe, and she’s also 2nd in rebounding at 13.7 RPG. Only a sophomore, Macy is already sketching out one of the most impressive resumes this state has ever seen.
3 Categories
Ford is currently top 12 in both scoring and rebounding. She ranks 6th in scoring at 24.9 PPG and 12th in rebounding at 10.7 RPG, so she is averaging an impressive double-double on the season, while facing some really tough competition. Ford is also tied at 29th for 3-point field goals after knocking down 2.3 per game. She’s a very versatile guard. I think what speaks the most to her talent is the fact that she has been able to put up these kind of numbers while often facing double or triple teams.
Bradley has made her way into the top 16 in 3 different statistical categories. She stands at 8th for scoring (23.4 PPG) and 4th for 3-point field goals (3.4 per game). Bradley is also 16th in free throws as she is shooting 79.7% from the line so far this season. Bradley is one of the best shooters I’ve seen, regardless of class or state or any other factor. She is shooting 40% from 3 and has taken 120 shots from deep. Like the players above, she is often facing double or triple teams, so that just makes what she’s been able to do that much more impressive.
Highlights
Maggard has one of the most impressive leaderboard resumes right now as she is top 10 in 3 different statistical categories. She’s 5th in scoring at 25.4 PPG and her 82.7% free throw percentage is the 9th best in the state. Maggard’s 3-point shooting has been extremely impressive. She’s taken over 100 shots from deep and is knocking down shots at a 41.1% clip. However, what has her 2nd on the leaderboards is her 3.7 made 3-pointers per game average. The talented guard has signed to play at Alice Lloyd next year where she’s sure to make an impact. Maggard is a true scorer who can create for herself and her teammates.
Collins is no stranger to the leaderboards as she is the definition of a stat stuffer. And what is so crazy about her game is that she would also probably find herself at the top of the leaderboards in multiple other categories if we kept track of them, especially blocked shots as she’s an excellent shot blocker. However, you can find her in the top 10 in 2 categories as it is, and she’s tied for 21st in field goal percentage at 56.9% on the season. Collins is tied for 3rd in rebounding with an impressive 12.2 RPG, and she is 4th in scoring at 26.8 PPG. Collins is a legitimate 2-way player who can really put the ball in the basket at a high level.
Thomas can contribute in so many ways on the court and the leaderboards give you a small snapshot of her impact. She has the 5th best field goal percentage in the state (62.3%) and the 11th best free throw percentage (81.7%). She is also in the top 25 in scoring at 18.6 PPG. What makes Thomas’ resume even more impressive is the fact that one of her teammates is also in the top 50 in 3 different categories. She is signed to play at Murray State next year and she will be coming into their program as a difference maker on both ends of the floor. Until then, her McCracken County team is ready to make some noise this season.
As mentioned above, Johnson plays on a team with Thomas, so the fact that they both find themselves in the top 50 in 3 different categories really speaks to their high level talent. Johnson actually brings the ball down the floor for the Mustangs and she is an excellent floor general, so the fact that she has one of the top field goal percentage’s in the state is spectacular. She currently sits at 7th on that leaderboard with her 61.6% average. She also has the 23rd best free throw percentage (78.1%) and is tied for 36th in scoring (17.1 PPG). Johnson has been garnering D-I offers and interest for a reason, and I don’t see that slowing down any time soon based on her all-around talent on the court.
Highlights
Gilbert not only is talented, but she really works when she’s on the floor. She plays on a team that actually has a true center, something that is somewhat rare in high school hoops, so the fact that she is 6th in rebounding at 11.8 RPG is actually beyond impressive. Gilbert also has the 12th best field goal percentage (59.3%) and is tied for 30th in scoring (17.9 PPG). She’s another player who would probably be towards the top of the leaderboards in blocked shots as well because she does a great job of moving her feet and keeping her arms straight up to get blocks without fouling.
Smalley may be at a new school, but her stats are impressive as ever. She’s averaging a strong double-double and currently stands at 8th on the rebounding leaderboard (11.6 RPG). She also has the 24th best field goal percentage (55.8%) and is tied for 27th in scoring (18 PPG). Smalley is long and athletic. She doesn’t back down from any challenge that is thrown at her and continues to prove that she can make an impact no matter what jersey she’s wearing or what players she has surrounding her. She had an outstanding summer showing and has continued that into her senior season.