2023 KY Junior All-Star Team Preview

One of the greatest traditions in high school basketball is the Kentucky/Indiana All-Star Game series. While the main attraction in the series is the two senior all-star games hosted in both Kentucky and Indiana, it is a huge honor to be selected for the junior all-star team as well. This Saturday, June 3rd, the Kentucky juniors will take on the Kentucky seniors at Eastern High School. Here is a preview of the junior roster, including information like offers, team info, and stats from this past high school season. A huge congrats and best of luck to these 14 players that were selected to be a part of this years team!!   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='158176' first='Hayden' last='Barrier'] (Montgomery County | WV Thunder 17U GUAA)</h2>   Known Offers: 7+ D1 offers (UNC Wilmington, Bellarmine, Youngstown State, Miami (OH), Morehead State, NKU, EKU)   2022-23 Team: Montgomery County (22-13); Lost by 27 in 10th Region Championship game vs GRC   2022-23 Individual Stats: 17.3 PPG* // 4.4 RPG // 39.7% FG (217/547) // 32.2% 3FG (89/276) // 69.2% FT (83/120)   22-23 State Leaderboards: Top 3-Point Field Goal Leaders (2.5 per game) – 32nd in KY   Overview: Might have the deepest range as far as outside shooting is concerned, but can put the ball in the basket in a variety of ways. Crafty driver with strong handles. Has become a top defender as well. Very tough. Moved back up to 2024 class and still remains one of the top players in her class which says a lot.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='245899' first='Reagan' last='Bender'] (Sacred Heart Academy | United Family 17U 3SSB)</h2>   Known Offers: 4+ D1 offers (WKU, ETSU, Murray State, Bellarmine)   2022-23 Team: Sacred Heart (36-3); Undefeated in state and won the last 3 KHSAA State Championships   2022-23 Individual Stats: 15.2 PPG // 3.1 RPG // 48.8% FG (229/469) // 33% 3FG (64/194) // 75.5% FT* (71/94)   Overview: Excellent shooter who can score in high volume. She's going to get buckets regardless of who she's playing with or against because she can get her shot off quickly, can knock down jumpers off of the dribble, and can score at all 3 levels.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='167104' first='Audrey' last='Biggs'] (Boyd County | WV Thunder 17U GUAA)</h2>   Known Offers: 15+ D1 offers (Pittsburgh, UNC Wilmington, Elon, WKU, Georgetown, Chattanooga, Southern Miss, Kent State, Xavier, Cincinnati, Charlotte, Youngstown State, Akron, Toledo, Marshall)   2022-23 Team: Boyd County (21-10); Lost 50-67 in 16th Region Championship game vs Ashland Blazer   2022-23 Individual Stats: 12 PPG // 4.9 RPG //37.3% FG (50/134) // 22.6% 3FG (7/31) // 87.5% FT* (49/56)   *only played in final 13 games after being cleared from ACL injury*   Overview: As tough as they come. Averaged 17.5 PPG and 7 RPG in her sophomore season. A really tough match-up because of her versatility and strength. Can play and guard multiple positions. Strong finishes, high IQ, and can do a little bit of everything.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='257275' first='Dea' last='Bradley'] (Hart County | KY Premier 17U E40)</h2>   Known Offers: 1+ NAIA offers (Campbellsville University); 5+ D3 offers; receiving interest from D1 and D2 as well   2022-23 Team: Hart County (19-12); Lost by 11 in 5th Region Final Four vs Taylor County   2022-23 Individual Stats: 26.1 PPG* // 4.9 RPG // 52.4% FG* (288/550) // 39% 3FG* (46/118) // 73.9% FT* (187/253)   22-23 State Leaderboards: Top Scoring Leaders (26.1 PPG) – Tied 4th in KY   Overview: Truly a hidden gem in the 2024 class. Such a smart player and her stats really illustrate that. Tough 3 level scorer. Teams focus on stopping her, but she still consistently finds ways to score. Excellent defender and ball handler as well.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ayanna-sarai-darrington/">Ayanna Sarai-Darrington</a> (Frederick Douglass | [program_tooltip program_id='713436' first='Lady' last='Magic'] 17U)</h2>   No Known Offers (would assume there is a lot of interest on the table)   2022-23 Team: Frederick Douglass (24-9); Lost by 2 in 1st Round of State Tourney vs North Laurel   2022-23 Individual Stats: 13 PPG // 11.2 RPG* // 51.9% FG* (126/243) //  NO 3FGA // 70.5% FT (74/105)   22-23 State Leaderboards: Top Rebounds Leaders (11.2 RPG) – 16th in KY   Overview: A walking double-double. Long and can really elevate to grab rebounds. Great hands allow her to make tough catches offensively and get deflections/steals defensively. Can score on both sides of the rim, but also makes good decisions on when to kick to teammates.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='239840' first='Quinn' last='Eubank'] (Ryle | IGB 17U GUAA)</h2>   Known Offers: 10+ D1 offers (Central Arkansas, Western Michigan, Wright State, UAB, Evansville, St. Johns, Ball State, Sacred Heart, Belmont, Stony Brook)   2022-23 Team: Ryle (24-9); Lost by 6 in 9th Region Championship game vs Cooper   2022-23 Individual Stats: 14.3 PPG // 8.5 RPG* // 55.6% FG* (189/340) // 26.7% 3FG (4/15) // 62.8% FT (91/145)   22-23 State Leaderboards: Top Field Goals Leaders (55.6%) – 27th in KY   Overview: Such a solid player overall. Has continuously been a standout regardless of how many talented players she's played with. High IQ, can score at all 3 levels, can finish through contact, excellent rebounder, good ball handler, and the list goes on. Recruiting has really taken off this AAU season and I don't expect that to slow down.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='167107' first='Liz' last='Freihofer'] (Cooper | KY Premier 17U E40)</h2>   Known Offers: 1+ D1 offer (EKU)   2022-23 Team: Cooper (29-4); Lost by 6 in 1st round of KHSAA State Tourney to Mercy   2022-23 Individual Stats: 10.3 PPG // 2.9 RPG // 49.8% FG (118/237) // 48.5% 3FG* (32/66) // 80.7% FT* (71/88)   Overview: Dangerous scorer - nearly a 50% shooter from deep, but one of the top drivers as well. Isn't afraid of contact and knocks down free throws. Such an unselfish, team-first player. One of the most underrated passers as well. Strong handles, great at getting into passing lanes, can really contribute in a lot of ways.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='369667' first='Claire' last='Johnson'] (McCracken County | KY Premier 17U EYBL)</h2>   Known Offers: 6+ D1 offers (Samford, NKU, Murray State, Radford, EKU, UT Martin)   2022-23 Team: McCracken County (35-3); Lost by 15 in the State Championship game vs SHA   2022-23 Individual Stats: 17 PPG // 2.9 RPG // 61.1% FG (251/411) // 32.6% 3FG (30/92) // 76% FT (98/129)   22-23 State Leaderboards: Top Field Goals Leaders (61.1%) – 8th in KY   Overview: Try to find another PG that can put up the kind of numbers she does. Such a smart, high IQ player. Only guard that finished with a top 10 FG percentage last season. Excellent passer, strong ball handler, great court vision, smart defender, etc. Can score in a variety of ways and just smooth overall.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='398020' first='Destiny' last='Jones'] (Louisville Central | United Family 17U 3SSB)</h2>   Known Offers: 1+ D1 offers (NKU)   2022-23 Team: Central (21-13); Lost by 27 in 7th Region Championship game vs SHA   2022-23 Individual Stats: 20.5 PPG* // 11.2 RPG* // 59.4% FG* (240/404) // NO 3FGA // 58.1% FT (175/301)   22-23 State Leaderboards: Top Scoring Leaders (20.5 PPG) – 23rd in KY // Top Field Goals Leaders (59.4%) – 11th in KY // Top Rebounds Leaders (11.2 RPG) – Tied 16th in KY   Overview: Another walking double-double. Only player in this article to finish in the top 50 in three different categories for the state's leaderboards (and she was top 23 in all). Just picked up her first D1 offer but should have more on the way. Strong finisher around the basket, excellent rebounder, stays with plays, good rim protector.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='231487' first='Mariah' last='Knight'] (Christian Academy of Louisville | Lady Gym Rats 17U EYBL)</h2>   Known Offers: 6+ D1 offers (NKU, Wright State, Arkansas State, Marshall, Murray State, Coppin State)   2022-23 Team: CAL (20-10); Lost by 11 in 1st Round of 7th Region tourney vs Central   2022-23 Individual Stats: 15.1 PPG // 9.4 RPG* // 54% FG* (176/326) // 37.3% 3FG* (19/51) // 76.1% FT* (83/109)   22-23 State Leaderboards: Top Field Goals Leaders (54%) – Tied 41st in KY   Overview: Really tough match-up because she has great moves around the basket and can finish through contact on both sides of the rim, but also can knock down shots inside or outside of the perimeter, so forces the defense to guard her at all 3 levels. Makes good passes, really solid defender, great rebounder, and strong. Never fails to impress.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='257276' first='Angelina' last='Pelayo'] (Sacred Heart Academy | WV Thunder 17U GUAA)</h2>   Known Offers: 9+ D1 offers (Southern Indiana, La Salle, UNC Wilmington, WKU, Lipscomb, Lafayette, Charlotte, Bellarmine, Xavier)   2022-23 Team: Sacred Heart (36-3); Undefeated in state and won the last 3 KHSAA State Championships   2022-23 Individual Stats: 11.7 PPG // 6.2 RPG // 63.1% FG (198/314) // 8.3% 3FG (1/12) // 64.5% FT (49/76)   22-23 State Leaderboards: Top Field Goals Leaders (63.1%) – 6th in KY   Overview: Always a fun player to watch. Has great size and length, runs the floor well, and makes good decisions. Really tough to stop around the basket - has solid moves and can catch high & finish at the rim. Makes great outlet passes and passes out of the post. Solid rebounder and rim protector.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='167106' first='Trinity' last='Rowe'] (Pikeville | ETA Thunder 2024 Fire Campos)</h2>   Known Offers: 13+ D1 offers (Wofford, Central Arkansas, UNC Wilmington, Radford, Chattanooga, Akron, Cleveland State, Southern Miss, ETSU, Xavier, Stetson, EKU, Murray State)   2022-23 Team: Pikeville High School (28-6); Lost in the 15th Region Championship Game vs Lawrence County   2022-23 Individual Stats: 16.2 PPG* // 2.5 RPG // 51.4% FG (197/383) // 50% 3FG* (113/226) // 77.1% FT (27/35)   22-23 State Leaderboards: Top 3-Point Field Goals Leaders (3.4 per game) – 4th in KY   Overview: The definition of a floor general. A coach on the floor and extremely vocal. Strong ball handler and one of the best passers you'll find. Sees the floor and creates. Smart shot selection - legitimately knocked down half of the 3's she shot while shooting over 51% overall. Playmaker with one of the highest basketball IQ's you can find in HS basketball.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='167099' first='Shaelyn' last='Steele'] (Russell | WV Thunder 17U GUAA)</h2>   Known Offers: 16+ D1 offers (Columbia, Cincinnati, Northeastern, WKU, James Madison, Boston College, Pittsburgh, Harvard, Penn State, Chattanooga, Buffalo, Toledo, Youngstown State, ETSU, EKU, Marshall)   2022-23 Team: Russell (22-12); Lost by 1 in the 16th Region Final Four vs Ashland Blazer   2022-23 Individual Stats: 19.8 PPG* // 7.7 RPG* // 42.6% FG (232/545) // 34% 3FG (54/159) // 79.9% FT* (115/144)   22-23 State Leaderboards: Top Scoring Leaders (19.8 PPG) – 26th in KY // Top Free Throws Leaders (79.9%) – 23rd in KY   Overview: Has the most D1 offers for a reason. Can do a little bit of everything. Strong PG skills, but can also really score the ball. Very athletic. Plays much bigger than she is - can score on players much taller and a very deceiving shot blocker. High basketball IQ and excellent ball handler. Makes great passes and creates for teammates. Scores at all 3 levels.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='167139' first='Ramiya' last='White'] (Butler Traditional | United Family 17U 3SSB)</h2>   Known Offers: 13+ D1 offers (Mississippi State, Bowling Green State, Clemson, Syracuse, Kansas State, Dayton, Florida State, Kentucky, Miami, West Virginia, Rutgers, North Carolina, Pittsburgh)   2022-23 Team: Butler (13-13); Lost by 22 in 6th Region Final Four vs Mercy   2022-23 Individual Stats: 8.6 PPG* // 8 RPG* // 51.5% FG* (86/167) // 0% 3FG (0/3) // 64.2% FT (34/53)   Overview: Has more P5 offers than anyone else in the 2024 class (in Kentucky). Not only has excellent size, but is strong and has great hands. Tough to keep off the boards and tough to stop around the basket. Can grab rebounds right off of the rim and can make tough catches in traffic. Good finisher on both sides of the rim. Constantly improving and poised to have a big senior season.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   *Team's leader (out of players that played in majority of team's games and met the minimum required attempts in each individual category)   If any of the information above is incorrect, please do not hesitate to reach out to me on Twitter at @alyxwhite_

One of the greatest traditions in high school basketball is the Kentucky/Indiana All-Star Game series. While the main attraction in the series is the two senior all-star games hosted in both Kentucky and Indiana, it is a huge honor to be selected for the junior all-star team as well. This Saturday, June 3rd, the Kentucky juniors will take on the Kentucky seniors at Eastern High School. Here is a preview of the junior roster, including information like offers, team info, and stats from this past high school season. A huge congrats and best of luck to these 14 players that were selected to be a part of this years team!!