KSR's Friday night Kentucky high school hoops roundup
It was another busy Friday night for high school basketball action across the Bluegrass State. Once again, KSR had boots on the ground across the Commonwealth, stopping in Woodford County and Bowling Green this week for a packed evening of Kentucky hoops.
KSR’s Brady Byrdwell witnessed one of the most talented sophomores in the country lead his team to a win while Piper McCoun got a first-hand look at a Top 10 team in the state of Kentucky. How did it all play out? Check out everything that happened below with a couple of recaps from our talented college interns.
Jasper Johnson, Woodford County Defend Home Court in Win over Collins
BY: Brady Byrdwell
4-star sophomore guard Jasper Johnson dominated in a massive win for Woodford County on Friday night. The Yellow Jackets defended their home court in a 62-56 win over Collins. Johnson led all scorers with 21 points to go along with six rebounds and two assists. Kentucky football target Makhi Smith, also a sophomore, added 16 points with four rebounds for the Yellow Jackets. The talented young duo has been fantastic this season; the two show a lot of potential for the future of Woodford County basketball.
“We started off rough, but we’re on a four-game winning streak right now, and we keep building it up. We keep going day by day and getting better daily; we want to get to Rupp,” Johnson said.
Collins’ leading scorer was forward Kenyon Goodin with 20 points. Those who follow KSR Preps know that Goodin starred at quarterback for the Titans this season. His play at QB earned the senior an offer from West Point Academy. Goodin will continue his football career at Army next season. Isaiah Cochran added 16 points and seven rebounds for the Titans; the sophomore is one to watch for the future in the Commonwealth.
Woodford County comes out hot
Woodford County head coach Jaron Brown had the Yellow Jackets running and gunning from the jump. Johnson came out firing with two quick runners and a three-pointer for a quick 10-6 lead. However, Goodin began to attack the basket with purpose for Collins. Two hard drives drew fouls from Johnson.
Once Johnson had to sit down with two fouls, sophomore Isaiah Cochran decided to take over. Although Woodford County has ample athleticism and speed, they needed more height to stop the 6-foot-7 forward.
A few Collins’ runs brought the Titans within striking distance at the end of the first quarter. Most Titan faithful would have taken a 12-8 deficit into the second quarter, especially when a 4-0 Titan run started the second quarter. On the other hand, this prompted Coach Brown to bring Johnson back into the game.
After the Titans and Yellow Jackets traded punches throughout the rest of the half, Woodford County took a 25-18 lead into the break. Most of the scoring in the first half came from Johnson and West Virginia football commit Aden Nelson. Nelson is the heartbeat of this Woodford County squad; he proves to be the perfect complement to Johnson and Smith. However, the Yellow Jackets still struggled with Goodin’s drives to the basket and Cochan’s rebounding.
Johnson spoke on the changes needed to stop Goodin, “We went into halftime and talked to our coaches. It starts on defense, makes them speed up, forces them to shoot threes, rebound, and push the ball ahead.”
Makhi Smith emerges in the second
The second half saw the emergence of Makhi Smith. The sophomore is currently being recruited on the gridiron by Louisville, Kentucky, Western Kentucky, and West Virginia. However, in the second half, Smith looked like a future Power 5 basketball guard. Smith quickly finished around the rim and played his butt off on both ends of the floor. This is precisely what the Yellow Jackets needed to stop the hustle of Goodin and Cochran.
Smith spoke on the intensity switch between halves, “Coming into the second half, we just had the mentality that we knew we had to win, and we came out and fought and got the result we wanted.”
The only way to describe the play of Smith in the fourth quarter would be a flip switch. It was as if someone had entered his brain and programmed the guard to do whatever it took to win. Smith truly is a coach’s dream, and he showed that in the encounter.
With Smith and Johnson hitting on all cylinders, the Yellow Jackets were able to defend their home court and take home the 62-56 win. This was a statement win for Woodford County, as they started the year at an abysmal 3-8 record. However, since a December 28th loss to West Jessamine, the Yellow Jackets have been on fire, winning seven of their last eight.
For Collins, head coach Chris Gaither will be proud of the heart and resiliency shown by the Titans. The Hive is known to be a tough place to play, as it proved on Friday night. However, the Titans still have an impressive 18-3 record and are a serious contender in the 30th District. Both these squads will be looking to break out of their district and make their way to Rupp Arena through the 8th Region.
Recruitment Outlook
Jasper Johnson is a name that the big blue nation MUST become accustomed to. The sophomore has already garnered interest from a ton of high-level schools. When asked who has approached him, Johnson said, “So far, it’s been Louisville, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Ohio State, Memphis, and Arkansas.”
With coaches such as Nate Oats and Eric Musselman interested, it’s easy to see why John Calipari has come knocking. “I’ve talked to Orlando (Antigua) and Cal a couple of times; I’m actually going to the game tomorrow.”
Great news for all of BBN, as Johnson will see one of the loudest Rupp Arena atmospheres in recent memory as the ‘Cats take on the No. 9 Kansas Jayhawks on Saturday night.
Bowling Green prevails in district matchup against South Warren
BY: Piper McCoun
The Bowling Green Purples got the last laugh in an intense game against district rival South Warren, beating the Spartans 49-36 on their home court. The Top 10 team in the state not only showcased their extensive athleticism and talent but also their grit and will to win. When the going got tough, the Purples kept their composure and validated their #9 spot in the KSR High School Basketball Rankings.
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“If you’re great defensively and you rebound on both ends of the floor, then you’re always going to give yourself a chance to win,” Bowling Green head coach D.G. Sherrill said. “That’s been our philosophy for years around here, and tonight, I think it rang true.”
Match My Hustle
At this point in the season, wins aren’t given, they’re earned. And boy did South Warren make Bowling Green earn this win. Coming off of a stunning 42-41 loss to Warren East earlier in the week, South Warren had nothing to lose coming into this game. Coasting right in the middle of the rankings in District 14, the Spartans had a chip on their shoulder to make their presence known to district competition. It didn’t play out in the Spartans’ favor, but they sure did make it tough for the Purples in this match.
Junior point guard Makayelus (MJ) Wardlow was the first player to score for Bowling Green. His floater tied up the match at 2 early in the first quarter.
From there, the teams traded points. It wasn’t until midway through the first quarter that South Warren got more comfortable in enemy territory and eventually lead the Purples 13-8 at the end of the first. Contributors such as Bryce Button and Drew Hudson gave the Spartans momentum during the first eight minutes.
Feeling the pressure, Bowling Green got back in check during the second quarter. MJ Wardlow and Deuce Bailey played comfortably and lead the Purples to a five-point advantage 26-21 at the end of the first half after outscoring South Warren in the second quarter by 10.
Purples Pull Away
The intensity of play on both sides of the ball by Bowling Green shined through in the second half and is what ultimately allowed them to pull away and win. Junior center Mason Ritter opened up the second half with a huge dunk.
This trend would continue through the third. When one team scored, the other would jab right back. Although the score at the end of the third reflected a close game at 32-31 with the Purples ahead, this would be the last time the Spartans had the game within reach.
Bowling Green played with a new urgency in the fourth quarter, which was really the determining factor in the outcome of the game. Bowling Green outscored South Warren 17-5 in the fourth quarter alone. The difference maker was the points off of defense and the 50-50 balls that the Purples got, which allowed Bowling Green to put themselves in a winning position. It’s the kind of grit that cannot be taught and only exists within players that have the will to win.
“You just try to get these guys to understand their opponents,” Coach Sherrill said. “To understand that the defensive end and rebounding the ball is where the game is gonna be won or lost. You don’t have to do anything but give maximum effort.”
The Bowling Green Purples look ahead to play district foe and the #1 ranked team in the state, Warren Central.
“We’re gonna go over there and give it everything we’ve got,” Sherrill added. “We’re gonna be on our toes and we’re not backing up a step… We understand Warren Central very well.”
The Purples’ next matchup will take place at Warren Central on Friday, Feb. 3, likely determining who will get the #1 seed in the regional tournament.
Scores from around the state
| Evangel Christian | 86 | vs.Martin County (at McBrayer Arena, Eastern Kentucky University) | 55 | All A State Tournament |
| Holy Cross (Covington) | 60 | vs.Hazard (at McBrayer Arena, Eastern Kentucky University) | 45 | All A State Tournament |
| Owen County | 55 | vs.Washington County (at McBrayer Arena, Eastern Kentucky University) | 45 | All A State Tournament |
| Owensboro Catholic | 61 | vs.University Heights (at McBrayer Arena, Eastern Kentucky University) | 60 | All A State Tournament (triple overtime) |
| Community Christian (Paducah) | 72 | vs.Portland Christian | 68 | KCAC Tournament |
| Heritage Academy | 88 | vs.Frankfort Christian | 74 | KCAC Tournament |
| Heritage Christian | 57 | vs.Oneida Baptist Institute (at Various Sites) | 48 | KCAC Tournament |
| Highlands Latin | 79 | vs.Christian Fellowship | 58 | KCAC Tournament |
| Whitefield Academy | 49 | vs.Foundation Christian Academy | 32 | KCAC Tournament |
| Kentucky School f/t Deaf | 49 | vs.Alabama School for the Deaf (Talladega), AL (at Florida School for the Deaf (St. Augustine), FL) | 22 | Mason-Dixon Boys’ Basketball Tournament |
| Danville | 87 | vs.Barbourville | 72 | Rocket Classic |
| Rockcastle County | 73 | vs. Leslie County | 45 | Rocket Classic |
| Adair County | 61 | at Marion County | 50 | |
| Apollo | 62 | vs. Trigg County | 53 | (overtime) |
| Bardstown | 63 | vs. Nelson County | 42 | |
| Barren County | 60 | vs. Glasgow | 51 | |
| Bath County | 78 | at Menifee County | 68 | |
| Bell County | 78 | vs. Middlesboro | 69 | |
| Bellevue | 58 | vs. Dayton | 34 | |
| Beth Haven | 73 | vs. Kentucky Country Day | 63 | |
| Bethlehem | 64 | vs. Caverna | 58 | |
| Bowling Green | 49 | vs. South Warren | 36 | |
| Brown | 49 | vs. Cloverport | 37 | |
| Bullitt East | 88 | vs. Waggener | 58 | |
| Butler County | 71 | at Trinity (Whitesville) | 66 | (overtime) |
| Campbell County | 58 | at Scott | 51 | |
| Carlisle County | 91 | vs. Fulton City | 46 | |
| Corbin | 79 | at Whitley County | 67 | |
| Danville Christian | 55 | at Russell County | 38 | |
| DuPont Manual | 63 | at Southern | 55 | |
| East Carter | 54 | vs. West Carter | 26 | |
| East Jessamine | 71 | vs. Burgin | 63 | |
| East Ridge | 88 | at Phelps | 42 | |
| Edmonson County | 58 | vs. Grayson County | 42 | |
| Eminence | 64 | vs. Valley | 45 | |
| Fern Creek | 59 | vs. Elizabethtown | 57 | |
| Fleming County | 35 | vs. Rowan County | 29 | |
| Floyd Central | 79 | vs. Betsy Layne | 68 | |
| Franklin-Simpson | 74 | at Todd County Central | 62 | |
| George Rogers Clark | 87 | at Montgomery County | 62 | |
| Grant County | 65 | at Williamstown | 47 | |
| Great Crossing | 54 | at Frankfort | 33 | |
| Harrison County | 60 | vs. Pendleton County | 51 | |
| Henderson County | 67 | at Union County | 47 | |
| Henry County | 54 | vs. Model | 43 | |
| Hickman County | 67 | at Fulton County | 65 | (overtime) |
| Highlands | 69 | at Cooper | 63 | |
| Hopkins County Central | 87 | at Dawson Springs | 69 | |
| Iroquois | 70 | vs. Bullitt Central | 33 | |
| LaRue County | 77 | vs. Green County | 49 | |
| Lee County | 73 | vs. Owsley County | 57 | |
| Lincoln County | 67 | vs.Garrard County | 53 | |
| Ludlow | 72 | at Villa Madonna | 49 | |
| Madison Southern | 78 | vs. Boyle County | 69 | |
| Madisonville-North Hopkins | 86 | at Caldwell County | 35 | |
| Male | 81 | vs. Ballard | 76 | |
| Mason County | 73 | at Augusta | 54 | |
| Mayfield | 65 | at Ballard Memorial | 45 | |
| McCracken County | 55 | at Graves County | 51 | |
| McLean County | 42 | at Muhlenberg County | 35 | |
| Meade County | 60 | vs. Breckinridge County | 54 | |
| Metcalfe County | 84 | vs. John Hardin | 60 | |
| Monroe County | 82 | vs. Bluegrass Blazers (Oakland), (KY home school) | 44 | |
| Nicholas County | 76 | at Robertson County | 40 | |
| North Laurel | 63 | at South Laurel | 46 | |
| North Oldham | 67 | at South Oldham | 38 | |
| Ohio County | 60 | vs. Hancock County | 55 | |
| Oldham County | 70 | at Shelby County | 49 | |
| Owensboro | 72 | at Daviess County | 54 | |
| Paducah Tilghman | 66 | at Marshall County | 59 | |
| Perry County Central | 85 | at Wolfe County | 57 | |
| Powell County | 60 | vs. Estill County | 56 | |
| Prestonsburg | 72 | vs. Lawrence County | 66 | |
| Russell | 53 | at Lewis County | 49 | |
| Russellville | 57 | at Logan County | 46 | |
| Ryle | 67 | vs. Bourbon County | 41 | |
| Sayre | 69 | vs. Scott County | 60 | |
| Seneca | 73 | vs. Christian Academy-Louisville | 63 | |
| Simon Kenton | 56 | at Gallatin County | 31 | |
| Somerset | 82 | at Pulaski County | 80 | (overtime) |
| Southwestern | 56 | at Wayne County | 54 | (overtime) |
| Spencer County | 54 | at Anderson County | 47 | |
| St. Henry | 84 | vs. Bluegrass United (Lexington), (KY home school) | 45 | |
| St. Mary | 80 | at Livingston Central | 60 | |
| St. Xavier | 70 | at Moore | 62 | |
| Taylor County | 49 | vs. Campbellsville | 44 | |
| Trinity (Louisville) | 63 | at Madison Central | 50 | |
| Trinity Christian | 72 | at Wellspring Guardians (Richmond), (KY home school) | 46 | |
| WEB DuBois | 63 | at Thomas Nelson | 36 | |
| Walton-Verona | 59 | at Dixie Heights | 51 | |
| Warren Central | 91 | vs. Greenwood | 59 | |
| Warren East | 63 | vs. Central Hardin | 47 | |
| West Jessamine | 73 | at Mercer County | 57 | |
| Western Hills | 68 | at Franklin County | 61 | |
| Williamsburg | 79 | at Knox Central | 57 | |
| Woodford County | 62 | vs. Collins | 56 |
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