[blue1424]

It’s been a while since anyone could say this about a class of players in the state of Kentucky but the 2014 crop is loaded.

The ’14 kids could be the class the Bluegrass State has been waiting on.

There are several high-major prospects in the class and already more than a dozen kids that project at the Division I level.

And for that reason, this was the toughest group to rank. I considered five players for the top spot and could have listed almost a dozen other solid players at the end of the ranking. It’s going to be a fun group to cover and watch.

But at this point, I’m going with Central’s D’Angelo Russell in the top spot. He’s had a fabulous spring and early summer. And while I’m not comparing him to Rajon Rondo, Russell’s progression reminds me of what I saw from Rondo.

Henry Clay’s Trey Grundy and Lafayette’s Jackson Davis are next but Ballard’s Quentin Snider and Dixie Heights’ Brandon Hatton are also big-time performers.

Here’s a look at the rankings:

• 1. D’Angelo Russell, Central, 6-3: Expect the offers to roll in after college coaches get a look at him in the month of July.

• 2. Trey Grundy, Henry Clay, 6-6: He’s made a ton of strides since the end of the season and has room to go.

• 3. Jackson Davis, Lafayette, 6-8: The son of former UK player Johnathon Davis is improving and getting stronger.

• 4. Quentin Snider, Ballard, 6-1: Snider is the type of player that could easily end up No. 1 because of his ball skills.

• 5. Brandon Hatton, Dixie Heights, 6-2: He just flat gets it done.

• 6. Shane Hall, Johnson Central, 6-8: Athletic and can do a lot of things. Was the biggest surprise of the spring.

• 7. Justin Johnson, Sheldon Clark, 6-5: Johnson joined Hall in having a standout showing at the Super Soph camp on Atlanta.

• 8. Kelan Martin, Ballard, 6-5: Has a huge upside because of athleticism and size.

• 9. Jordan Green, Henry Clay, 6-4: Might be a top three player in most classes.

• 10. Kahlil Rasheed, John Hardin, 6-5: Special athlete with great skills.

• 11. Christian Cunningham, Scott County, 5-10

• 12. Darion Burns, Fleming County, 5-10

• 13. Antonio McDaniels, PRP, 5-8

• 14. Craig Owens, Trinity, 6-3

• 15. Justin Edwards, Pulaski Southwestern, 6-4

• 16. Jordan Fox, 6-0, Dixie Heights

• 17. LaMontrey Harris, PRP, 6-5

• 18. Snoop Johnson, Lafayette, 5-10

• 19. Zack Chaykowsky, Ballard Memorial, 6-0

• 20. Daiquise Allen, Bryan Station, 6-1

• 21. Robert Shaw, St. Xavier, 5-10

• 22. Cody Belter, Shelby Valley, 6-10

• 23. Richard Deloney, Fairdale

• 24. Anthony Walker, Greenwood

• 25. Zach McCormick – He’s in the rankings – likely in the top 10 – if he does transfer to Dixie Heights. Have heard that but nothing official.

http://blogs.courier-journal.com/jodydem...s-of-2014/

[Jed Clampett]

Its great to see 57th district players in Shane Hall and Justin Johnson ranked in the top seven. Those two should have great battles over the next three years.