Way Too Early 2024 Miss Kentucky Basketball Preview

The 1st Region is one of the regions that I am not as familiar with, but after watching McCracken County a few times this past season, I cannot imagine there is a better candidate within the region than Johnson. What she brings to the floor is special. She is a poised floor general with a very high basketball IQ. She can also score efficiently at all 3 levels.

2022-23 Season Stats: 17 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 61.1% FG (overall), 32.6% 3pt FG, 76% FT

Whitsell has great hands around the basket. She can finish tough shots and she does a great job of running the floor. She is very capable of scoring 20+ points in any given game. Her teammate, Emilee Hallum Emilee Hallum 5’8″ | SG Madisonville-North Hopkins | 2024 State KY , is another player that has the potential to be a candidate from the 2nd Region.

2022-23 Season Stats: 12.6 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 52.3% FG (overall), 55.6% FT

I have not watched Forte play, so I want to stay away from any evaluation, but Forte was a name that was brought up when I asked a couple of 2nd Region coaches who they felt could be a Miss KY Basketball candidate in their region next season.

2022-23 Season Stats: 12.3 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 39.8% FG (overall), 0/7 3pt FG, 47.2% FT

Johnson is a versatile player who can score at all 3 levels. I don’t get to watch the teams in the 3rd Region often, but I did get to see Johnson play a few times throughout this season and she always left me impressed, even when she wasn’t scoring in high volume.

2022-23 Season Stats: 12.8 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 45.7% FG (overall), 36.8% 3pt FG, 69.3% FT

I did not get to see Hughes play in person this season, but I did hear about her a lot this past season. To put it simply, she is a stat stuffer. She brings a lot of defensive intensity and can make a lot happen on the offensive end.

2022-23 Season Stats: 13.7 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 38% FG (overall), 16.4% 3pt FG, 62.4% FT

I got to watch Trinh play at a Christmas tournament this past season and the speedy guard showed me her impressive scoring ability in those games. She has strong handles and can get to the rim or knock down jump shots.

2022-23 Season Stats: 19 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 36.7% FG (overall), 33.7% 3pt FG, 73.4% FT

Unfortunately, I did not get to watch Varney play in person this past season, but she is another player I continuously heard good things about all season long. Her ability to score at all 3 levels makes her very tough to guard and she is a strong defender. She also has a lot of quick moves that make it hard on the defense to stay in front.

2022-23 Season Stats: 16.8 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 45.9% FG (overall), 32.7% 3pt FG, 77.6% FT

I did not get to watch Moons at all this season, even virtually, so I do not want to put out any player evaluation, but I did hear her name as a 3rd Region player who could potentially be a Miss KY Basketball candidate next season.

2022-23 Season Stats: 17.1 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 38.5% FG (overall), 25.9% 3pt FG, 70.5% FT

Bradley was one of the state’s top scorers this past season and her stats were truly impressive all-around. She is such a solid player with the ability to disrupt defensively and create shot opportunities offensively. She can do a little bit of everything and what the stats below don’t show is how much of a team player she is as well.

2022-23 Season Stats: 26.1 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 52.4% FG (overall), 39% 3pt FG, 73.9% FT

The 5th Region must be full of team-first players that are willing to do whatever it takes to help their team win because that is what has always stood out to me about Thurmond. She is a leader on the floor and she really gets it done on both ends. She can score in a variety of ways and is an excellent defender. Her stats give a snapshot of her impressive play.

2022-23 Season Stats: 17.2 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 50.1% FG (overall), 41.1% 3pt FG, 83.5% FT

Don’t count Isom out of the 5th Region race as she continues to show her value on the court. She is another player that can score at all 3 levels and can disrupt things defensively.

2022-23 Season Stats: 15.8 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 42.7% FG (overall), 38% 3pt FG, 69.5% FT

Bolin is so disruptive around the basket on both ends of the floor. She can finish tough shots in the post offensively and she blocks or alters shots defensively. She is a very solid player already, but will be even more dangerous as she continues to extend her game out to the perimeter.

2022-23 Season Stats: 16.6 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 51.7% FG (overall), 4.5% 3pt FG, 57.6% FT

Rodgers is the player I probably heard about the most in the 6th Region this past season. Every opposing coach I have spoken to mentioned how hard they felt it was to stop her because of her versatility and length. I saw the same whenever I got to watch her play and I expect her to improve in every statistical category next season as she takes over games.

2022-23 Season Stats: 11.8 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 40.5% FG (overall), 30.7% 3pt FG, 56.8% FT

White has multiple P5 offers for a reason and those didn’t just come because of her 6’4″ strong frame. She has great hands around the basket and she makes it so hard for opponents to score around the rim. With Butler’s new coach coming in, I expect White to thrive in her senior season, much like she does on the AAU circuit.

2022-23 Season Stats: 8.6 PPG, 8 RPG, 51.5% FG (overall), 0/3 3pt FG, 64.2% FT

Unless someone can de-throne the champs, Bender will win a state championship every single year of her high school career, a feat I don’t think anyone else in KHSAA GBB history can say. There aren’t many players that can put the ball in the basket like Bender as she is an impressive high-volume shooter from anywhere on the court. After speaking to some opposing coaches, Bender is likely the front runner in the talent-filled 7th Region, but her teammate, Angelina Pelayo Angelina Pelayo 6’2″ | C Sacred Heart | 2024 State KY , is another player that needs to be considered a potential candidate.

2022-23 Season Stats: 15.2 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 48.8% FG (overall), 33% 3pt FG, 75.5% FT

Knight was a player that continuously stood out to me all season long. She is so solid on both ends of the floor and she has the ability to stretch the defense all the way out to the perimeter. Playing with talented guards who can put the ball in the basket themselves only makes her play more impressive. Her teammate, Savannah Gardner Savannah Gardner 6’0″ | SF Christian Academy Louisville | 2024 State KY , missed most of last season with an injury, but is another 7th Region player that will be considered.

2022-23 Season Stats: 15.1 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 54% FG (overall), 37.3% 3pt FG, 76.1% FT

Another player that dominates around the basket, Jones is one of two players on this entire list that actually averaged a double-double last season. She is so good around the basket and was a huge reason her team made it all the way to the 7th Region Championship game. She put up some crazy numbers all season long and should have a big summer as well.

2022-23 Season Stats: 20.5 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 59.4% FG (overall), 58.1% FT

Morrison is a knockdown shooter with good range, but she can also score inside of the perimeter. She is a shifty guard and it’s hard to stay in front of her on her drives. She also reads the passing lanes really well defensively and uses her quick feet to stay in front. I don’t know the 8th Region well, but I know Morrison is a well-regarded player in the region.

2022-23 Season Stats: 18.7 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 48.9% FG (overall), 39.5% 3pt FG, 73.3% FT

Again, I want to be transparent and say that I don’t know the 8th Region well, but Jenna Satterly and Haley Logan were two of the other names brought up when I was asking coaches for potential Miss KY Basketball candidates within this region. They are very different players, but both were standouts last season.

Satterly is more of a facilitator with a very smooth game. She can create for her teammates and I wish I had her assists for the season because she seemed to constantly finish games with 5+ assists.

Logan does a lot of her damage around the basket. She crashes the boards strong and has good touch around the rim. She finishes so well and can extend out to the perimeter.

2022-23 Season Stats (Satterly): 13.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 43.6% FG (overall), 31.6% 3pt FG, 84.9% FT

2022-23 Season Stats (Logan):13.7 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 56% FG (overall), 41.8% 3pt FG, 64.6% FT

What I love about Hamilton’s game is that you never have to question her effort. She makes constant hustle plays and is always willing to do whatever it takes to help her team win. Offensively, she is a strong, 3-level scorer. She can either score herself through pull-up jumpers, layups, floaters, 3’s, etc., or she can draw help defense to create for teammates.

2022-23 Season Stats: 15.9 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 40.2% FG (overall), 38.8% 3pt FG, 81.7% FT

Eubank is a very versatile player. She is effective inside or out and her ability to do a little bit of everything is special. The way she can score in various ways makes her very tough to defend, especially with her strong mid-range game. She is also a strong defender and rebounder. Eubank has already been adding D-I offers to her resume this AAU season for a reason, but another 9th Region player that has been pouring in offers and should be considered as a candidate is her teammate, Sarah Baker Sarah Baker 6’2″ | C Ryle | 2024 State KY .

2022-23 Season Stats: 14.3 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 55.6% FG (overall), 26.7% 3pt FG, 62.8% FT

Hunt was easily one of the best post players I watched this season. Her ability to block shots and grab rebounds really stood out. Her timing and the poise she plays with makes her a really intriguing prospect. She also has great touch around the basket and can step out to knock down jump shots.

2022-23 Season Stats: 13.2 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 51.1% FG (overall), 22.2% 3pt FG, 66% FT

Freihofer plays on a team loaded with players that will have the chance to continue playing at the next level, so her points and rebounds may not be as high as others, but just look at her percentages if you want to see how efficient she truly is. When I watched Cooper play, she was always their X factor. Excellent distributor and team player.

2022-23 Season Stats: 10.3 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 49.8% FG (overall), 48.5% 3pt FG, 80.7% FT

With Barrier moving back to the 2024 class, I would be shocked if she is not the Miss KY Basketball candidate from the 10th Region as she has been a standout player in the region since she was a 7th grader. She has some of the deepest range in the state on her shot, but can score inside or out. She is a playmaker as well and constantly puts in the work to be the best.

2022-23 Season Stats: 17.3 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 39.7% FG (overall), 32.2% 3pt FG, 69.2% FT

Darrington is one of two players on this list that averaged a double-double this past season. To give you a glimpse into her game, in the 11th Region Championship game, she put up 27 points and grabbed 29 rebounds. She is tough to keep off the boards and can finish some tough shots at the rim. Her athleticism and length are special.

2022-23 Season Stats: 13 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 51.9% FG (overall), 70.5% FT

Stone makes strong drives to the hoop and can knock down shots from deep range. She is also a strong distributor as she sees the floor and makes good passes. She moves well without the ball and the quick release on her shot allows her to get off shots even with a defender running at her.

2022-23 Season Stats: 14.7 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 35.5% FG (overall), 30.7% 3pt FG, 71.7% FT

Hensley continues to open eyes across the state. She is a really solid all-around player. She can score in just about any way you can think of – crafty finishes around the basket, spot up jumpers, pull-up jumpers off of the dribble, post moves, strong drives to the basket, etc.

2022-23 Season Stats: 16.5 PPG, 9 RPG, 49.9% FG (overall), 40% 3pt FG, 72.9% FT

Shropshire really stepped up in a big way for Franklin County this past season and I expect her to step up even more next season as she continues to grow her game this summer. She really showcased her ability to knock down outside shots at a high percentage while also using her length to finish at the rim and be a disruptive defender.

2022-23 Season Stats: 10.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 38.8% FG (overall), 35.7% 3pt FG, 67.1% FT

Martin has already been named 12th Region Player of the Year by various outlets as both a sophomore and junior, so it is not surprising that she is a player that I constantly heard mentioned as a probable Miss KY Basketball candidate next season. I haven’t gotten to see her play live, so I don’t want to comment too much on her game, but I know she is a very poised 3-level scorer with D-I talent.

2022-23 Season Stats: 22.7 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 49.7% FG (overall), 30.9% 3pt FG, 89% FT

Drakeford is a player I have gotten to watch live and I have always walked away extremely impressed by her abilities. She is a true playmaker and facilitator, but she also has the ability to score in many different ways. She brings intensity on both ends of the court and is just as strong defensively as she is offensively.

2022-23 Season Stats: 16.8 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 48.9% FG (overall), 31.7% 3pt FG, 69.9% FT

Like Martin, I haven’t gotten to watch Shearer play in person this year, so I don’t want to comment much on her game, but I have consistently heard that she can score inside or out and is a very efficient player.

2022-23 Season Stats: 15.3 PPG, 7 RPG, 57.6% FG (overall), 36.4% 3pt FG, 62.2% FT

Acey is capable of getting a double-double in any given game. She is strong and despite being surrounded by other talented scorers, she still averaged double figures. She is a very strong rebounder and she is a true team player that will do whatever she can to help her team win.

2022-23 Season Stats: 12 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 41.4% FG (overall), 25% 3pt FG, 69.2% FT

Johnson racked up a few triple-doubles this season which speaks a lot to her hustle and heart. She is a true floor general who always gives 110% when she steps on the court. Her ability to create and throw dimes is so impressive, but she also is a great scorer and defender.

2022-23 Season Stats: 21.1 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 49.2% FG (overall), 1/12 3pt FG, 66.2% FT

Wilder has been a well-known name for a while now and if you’ve seen her play, you know why. She is an elite scorer and she uses her length very well on both ends of the floor. She is a great finisher around the basket, but can stretch all the way out to the perimeter with her driving and shooting abilities.

2022-23 Season Stats: 19.5 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 53.7% FG (overall), 33.7% 3pt FG, 77% FT

Housley is so tough all-around. She can finish in crafty ways around the basket, score in various ways in the mid-range, or knock down outside shots at a high percentage. She does a lot more than score though and has great floor vision. She makes some really impressive passes and has strong handles as well. Her teammate, Darcie Anderson, is another 2024 that could be considered a candidate next season.

2022-23 Season Stats: 16.2 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 45.1% FG (overall), 40.1% 3pt FG, 80.8% FT

The 14th Region is one of the regions I never get to watch play, but I have heard a lot about Caudill and her abilities at the point. She is a strong ball handler who can create for both herself and her teammates. She can finish tough shots at all 3 levels and has strong handles. She is also one of the best rebounders from her position, if not the best.

2022-23 Season Stats: 22.5 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 42.7% FG (overall), 31.7% 3pt FG, 70.2% FT

Smith had some of the most impressive shooting percentages in the state last season, but to make it even more impressive, she did the same thing as a sophomore. She has deep range on her outside shot, but she is also a tough finisher around the basket. She has strong handles and makes great passes as well.

2022-23 Season Stats: 19.7 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 53.2% FG (overall), 50% 3pt FG, 87.3% FT

Clearly the point guard position is strong in the 14th Region as the 3rd name I’ve heard mentioned as a potential candidate is also a floor general. Gayheart is a high IQ player who helped lead her team to the state tournament this past season. While she can score in creative ways and is a great shooter, she is always looking to create as well.

2022-23 Season Stats: 17.2 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 45.4% FG (overall), 41.2% 3pt FG, 79.7% FT

There are plenty of talented players in the 15th Region that could easily be included on here, but from everything I’ve heard, it would be shocking if Rowe wasn’t the 15th Region Miss KY Basketball candidate next season. She is the definition of a true PG. It would be hard to find a player that has a higher basketball IQ or is more of a coach on the floor than she is, and she can also really put the ball in the basket. Extremely efficient.

2022-23 Season Stats: 16.2 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 51.4% FG (overall), 50% 3pt FG, 77.1% FT

Two of the other potential candidates from the 15th Region are actually Rowe’s current teammates: Kyera Thornsbury Kyera Thornsbury 5’7″ | SG Pikeville | 2024 State KY (Jacksonville WBB Commit; 10.2 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 47.4% FG (overall), 42.9% 3pt FG, 79.3% FT) & Emilea Preece Emilea Preece 6’1″ | C Paintsville | 2024 State KY (ETA Thunder – AAU; 16.1 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 38.2% FG (overall), 32.1% 3pt FG, 69% FT). Another potential candidate from the 15th Region is Martin County’s tough point guard, Laken Williams Laken Williams 5’4″ | PG Martin County | 2024 State KY (21.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 40.1% FG (overall), 29.3% 3pt FG, 66.5% FT).

The two big names in the 16th Region are both top players in the 2024 class and they happen to be AAU teammates as well. Steele is a crafty, athletic floor general. She can score at every level and has some of the toughest finishes. Her drives are really hard to stop and she’s an excellent passer as well. She is just as impressive on the defensive end of the floor.

2022-23 Season Stats: 19.8 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 42.6% FG (overall), 34% 3pt FG, 79.9% FT

Biggs stats below are a little deceiving because they only include the final 13 games of last season and those were games in which she was first returning from a knee injury that usually keeps players off of the court for much longer. Truthfully, how hard she worked to get back on the court as quickly as possible is a testament to her work ethic and you’ll instantly see that when you watch her play. She is a very tough defensive assignment as she can do a little bit of everything. Watch for her to have a big senior season.

2022-23 Season Stats: 12 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 37.3% FG (overall), 22.6% 3pt FG, 87.5% FT

Two of the other potential 16th Region candidates hail from the reigning 16th Region Champions, Ashland Blazer, and they both also play for the WV Thunder organization. Ella Sellars Ella Sellars 5’9″ | SG Ashland Blazer | 2024 State KY can fill up a stat sheet. She can score inside or out and she finishes well with both hands, but she also does a great job of creating for her teammates. She’s got good handles and is a tough defender. Jaidyn Gulley Jaidyn Gulley 5’9″ | SF Ashland Blazer | 2024 State KY does all of the little stuff that may not show up on the stat sheet, but she is also a stat stuffer. She uses her athleticism to rebound and defend at a high level. She also finish well, including through contact, and is the definition of a team player.

2022-23 Season Stats (Sellars): 16.8 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 44.9% FG (overall), 32.2% 3pt FG, 76.2% FT

2022-23 Season Stats (Gulley): 11 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 44.9% FG (overall), 25.4% 3pt FG, 59.6% FT

Barrett is already a 1st Team All-Region player and will certainly be one of the leading returners in the region next season, so she would be another potential candidate from this region. She is such a solid player who can play any guard position effectively.

2022-23 Season Stats: 19.9 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 42% FG (overall), 21% 3pt FG, 76.3% FT