Next Up: 2030s Turning Heads This Season Pt.2

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kentucky's class of 2030 is shaping up to be a very talented group. In this article, I highlight eighth graders who are playing meaningful minutes at the varsity level and have been productive contributors for their teams this season</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1199136"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-697519b03343c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another eighth grader really turning heads this season is [player_tooltip player_id='1673604' first='Angela' last='Kabeya'], who is averaging 7.4 points per game for one of the top teams in the state in Simon Kenton. A 5'10 guard/wing with impressive length, Kabeya has quickly proven herself to be a reliable threat from distance knocking down 44% of her attempts from three-point range. She's just as impactful on the defensive end, using her size, length, and instincts to be disruptive. A true two-way prospect with big upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1197598"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-697519b0334d7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Russell has produced its fair share of talent over the years, and next up on the conveyor belt is [player_tooltip player_id='1311382' first='Kenley' last='Kouns']. The third-leading scorer for the Red Devils at 10.4 points per game, Kouns also leads the team on the glass, pulling down 7.2 rebounds per contest, while shooting an efficient 75% from the free-throw line. A fundamentally sound player who is confident in her game, she shows a nice stroke from the mid-range and from three, finishes well off two feet inside, and consistently impacts the game as a rebounder. Defensively, she adds value by protecting the interior. A young player on the rise in the 16th Region.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1480052"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-697519b033554"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McLean County has a roster full of young talent, and one standout to know is combo guard [player_tooltip player_id='1480052' first='Bentley' last='Wagner']. Averaging 5 points and 3 rebounds per game, Wagner plays with a competitive edge and impacts the game in a variety of ways. She can score, rebound, facilitate for her teammates, and make plays on the defensive end. Wagner excels in transition and shows creativity and flair when finishing at the rim. A 2030 prospect we're excited to continue tracking.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1686361"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-697519b0335ca"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1686361' first='Charleigh' last='Carter'] is a young guard out of the Louisville area who is firmly on our radar and making noise this season. She has been the go-to option for Waggener all year and showcased her scoring ability with a 25-point performance against Iroquois early in the season. With her combination of scoring and playmaking, Carter is a 2030 prospect to keep a close eye on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1203733"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-697519b033642"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1203733' first='Rylynne' last='Meserve'] is an 8th grader we like at Trinity (Whitesville), averaging 14.4 points per game for the Lady Raiders. A guard capable of providing instant offense, she has proven it with several 20-plus point performances this season, including a 32-point outing against Warren Central. Meserve should continue to show strong promise as she develops over the next few years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->