Some new names, and one very familiar one at the top, highlight the top non-senior performers so far this season in the Northern Kentucky area……
Brandon Hatton
• Brandon Hatton– ’14 Dixie Heights PG/SG: The long range shooter is averaging 19 points per game this season as his Colonels team is the top squad in the region. A bulky 6’2 combo guard with a powerful slashing game and a tough, competitive demeanor Hatton is able to score at will from anywhere inside half court in NKY. This season he has proven to be more athletic then previously credited for as his foot speed and vertical explosion are at a new level. With his size, excellent shooting ability, and passing skills off the dribble Hatton is a sought after Division I prospect as only a sophomore in high school.
• Antonio Campbell- ’13 Holy Cross PF: The junior inside outside forward was an unknown before this year as he played at tiny Cincinnati College Prep Academy before moving over the river to play at Holy Cross. The experiment has been a success so far as the 6’8 Campbell has dominated play in NKY to the tune of 19.5 points and 12.5 rebounds a game, while shooting over 50% from the field. A three point shooter who can score in the post, or throw down a dunk in transition, Campbell has established himself as a clear cut Division I prospect whose name should blow up even bigger in the spring AAU circuit.
• Jordan Fox– ’14 Dixie Heights PG: With nice size for a young point guard at 6’3, and the IQ to be deceptively crafty off the dribble to create space without exceptional quickness, Fox has made a name for himself as one of NKY’s premiere playmakers. Fox can handle the ball under pressure and make solid decisions, while also providing the occasional special moment with a no-look pass. He shoots the ball well when left open and has proven that he can score around the rim, especially in transition where his Dixie Heights team loves to play. Fox at this point is somewhere between a priority Division II recruit and a low-major Division I recruit who could very well end up on the highest level of play by the time his Colonels career ends.
• Nick Fredrick– ’13 Covington Catholic PG/SG: The junior was born into a shooting family, as his father Joe still holds three point shooting records at Notre Dame University, and has found his niche in the Covington Catholic offense by averaging three made three point field goals per game so far this season. Deep range and soft touch from beyond the arc have combined with some newly formed confidence to help Fredrick score the ball consistently. TDP has been most impressed with his improved abilities off the dribble to drive and pull up quickly from 15-17 feet for a jumper. Also a solid ballhandler with vision Fredrick is a true combo guard.
Antonio Campbell
• Nick Ruthsatz– ’14 Covington Catholic PG: Like Antonio Campbell no one knew about Ruthsatz until this year as the Ohio native transferred from national powerhouse St. Anthony’s (Jersey City, NJ) when his father, Scott, got the head coaching job at Covington Catholic. Through early February the sophomore was averaging a team high 18 points per game as he excels at creating mid-range looks for himself off the dribble with a quick release and supreme confidence. A gifted ballhandler with toughness the PG is also adept at driving into contact and drawing fouls, where he is able to get to the line and convert. Ruthsatz is a name that NKY hoops followers will be hearing more and more often over the next few seasons.
• Drew Mays- ’13 Ryle PG/SG: A confident combo guard that can really shoot the ball Mays has had several 20+ point games this season already. Capable ballhandling skills with a quick release allow him to use his strong frame to create space and get his jumpshot off against a variety of defenders, while he has the toughness and size to attack the paint and score as well. Playing on a team with limited scoring options, TDP has also been impressed with the ability of Mays to create offense for his teammates when the defense collapses on him.
• Nate McGovney– ’13 Campbell County SG: While TDP has not had an opportunity this season to evaluate McGovney he is among the areas top scorers at 22 points per game while shooting over 50% from the field and 40% from behind the arc.
• James Bolden- ’15 Covington Holmes PG: The young buck has made some big impacts in big moments this season, scoring 6 points in a loss to top ranked Dixie Heights most notably. Bolden is a talented ballhandler that can really break down defenders off the dribble. He is learning how to score the ball with a floater, as opposed to getting too deep and getting his shot blocked by bigger players, but improved understanding of the game should come with time. A confident and streaky shooter from mid to long range Bolden is best as a scorer at this point and should really make a name for himself in a larger role for Holmes next season.
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