I love to hear about all the recruiting stories for these Kentucky kids. Living in NKY, i get to see a lot of young talent all the time. I think Ryle, Connor, and Dixie Heights have some really good young kids on their way.

First up, for the Connor Cougars... soon to be sophomore point guard Jake Flesch is very quick. He has the ability to get to the rim and finish using his explosive combination of quickness and ball handling abilities. His good court vision and passing ability provide him with the makings of a really good, top tier upcoming PG in the state of Kentucky. His ability to play defense and shut down the opponents penetration is unmatched. He keeps his hands up or out and active to deny opponents an easy way to the basket. He is very much a lockdown defender. The kind of kid you put on the opposing teams best player when you need a stop, no matter what that kids size. He is still working on his jumpshot confidence. He has all the fundamentals down, he just needs the confidence to pull the trigger. When he pops it, it's like butter baby. He is currently near 5'9", and has 3 years to grow. The kid has the heart and strength of a lion and excellent passion for the game. He refuses to be denied and hates to lose. If he does begin the season on the bench, look for him to be starting and leading the break for the Cougars by the middle of the season. This is one kid that any coach would be very lucky to have. Simply put, he is a floor General.

Next up, for the Ryle Raiders... Bobby Stouffer is going into his Sophomore season with the Raiders and he should start the year on the floor, not the bench. This kid nears 6'6" and refuses to be denied in the paint. He has an array of moves in the post to be able to get around his defender and put the ball off the glass and into the basket. He has a thin frame, but don't judge a book by it's cover with this kid, he is strong on the block and wears his defender down. He can either back an opponent down physically or put the ball on the floor and work his way around the defense. If you decide to double team him, his teammate awareness and court vision allow him to kick the ball out to the shooters. The kid is relentless on defense using his lengthy wing span to block and disrupt shots and relies on his determination to never give up on the play. He also uses very active hands up around the elbows to create loose ball steals. A foul or fouls, or a bigger opponent isnt enough to shake this kids confidence. He is one to keep an eye on. His passion for the game and refuse to lose or get beaten attitude will take him far.

Lastly for now, the Dixie Heights Colonels... The Colonels have obtained a great young talent and PG by the name of Matt Trammel. He encompasses great ball handling abilities and quickness to get up the floor in transition. He uses those same skills to work past defenders on his way to the rack. The kid has the shooting fundamentals to stroke it from the wings and corners, but he is pinpoint from the top of the perimeter. If his shot isnt falling, this is no deterrent, he'll use his evasive crossover to work past defenders and finish at the rim. At this point in time, if he chooses not to finish he can also use his PG vision to kick it to the corner or dump it off to a teammate post presence. He also has solid defensive abilities, creating a wide base for himself with positioning, making it hard for the defender to get by. Like the two aforementioned athletes, he also has a knack for using his hand quickness to poke and prod balls from his opponent. He is loaded with confidence, not cockiness, and has the refuse to lose attitude that every competitor needs to have. With a lack of leadership for the Colonels, he should be starting for Dixie from the opening gate. A position he would have won early in fall practices anyway.

Each of these kids possess a strong will to win and they all want to be great ball players. They each have the "want" to learn and get better! Ever heard of the "it" factor? Im not sure what "it" is... but they've got it!

Each of these ball players showcase their skills for the Northern Kentucky Shining Stars (AAU), and NKY Bulldogs (AAU tournament team)

I'll continue to post on other kids from Northern Kentucky as we move forward.

I dont get to see much of Shining Stars (pittman), though I have heard a lot about them, and look forward to hopefully watching them. Shining Stars (McCord) is who the 3 kids I spoke of in the previous post play for. Thelen is a good player, however, he needs to work on defense. He loves the offensive side of the ball but lacks enthusiasm on the defensive side. I've also heard that for a big guy, he likes to work from the outside in. Not sure how true that is, but if he is 6'4" and over 200lbs. (these are the specs I've heard), he needs to work his way into the paint. Dont mistake me though, I have seen him play, he is a good player, with potential to be great.

Holmes is the odds on favorite in the 9th region for the next two years. Their current junior class is outstanding. Boone Co also has a very good junior class which on a given night can play with and beat Holmes. While I agree that Ryle has some very good young talent with a good soph class they will need to mesh with a very good junior class.

The Shining Star Pittman team is very very good. They have some of the best frosh talent from around the state with Gilbert & Pawsett (Mason Co), Schuette from LexCath along with some N Ky players such as Brown & Montgomery (Boone Co) and Geisler (NewCath).

Shining Star McCord is a very different type of team as their roster is made up of players from the N Ky area. They have some very nice players who will have very solid high school careers. In my opinion their top 4 players are Thelen (CovCath), Stauffer (Ryle), Smith (Scott) and Trammel (Dixie).

I think those 4 players along with the N Ky players on Pittman's team represent the top N Ky talent for 2011.

Wow...agree to disagree. Thelen can score the basketball and very few frosh post players have an idea as to defending the post. He will learn that in the next couple of years. Giesler from NewCath does a very nice job in the post and can step out and knock down the three. Smith is going to be the starting PG on a team mentioned as a dark horse pick to win the 10th region. Of all the kids you have mentioned the only two who have played significant varsity minutes as freshmen are Trammel and Smith. Stauffer is a very nice player but I hope you meant that he was going to be the best soph big man in the ninth next year because he has a ways to go to be called the best big man in N Ky next year.

Travis Montgomery from Boone County was as advertised. The kid is a 6'3" guard who can dunk 2 handed without taking off. Just a drop step and spring to the rim. It was interesting to see that. He seemed to be quite athletic, and was team oriented. Still want to see more of him and others. Anyways... this season should be very interesting.

Anybody have any news on any other young Northern Kentucky ball players?

Does anyone know who NKU is looking at locally?