Hopson will wait to sign

By Jerry Meyer, Rivals.com

Normally the basketball signing period goes along as expected, but there is usually one or two surprises each year. This year's signing period begins with surprising news out of Hopkinsville (Ky.) University Heights High School. Top-10 prospect Scotty Hopson isn't ready to sign with Mississippi State, at least not right now.

"I'm not going to sign right now," said Hopson. "Me and my family decided that it is just not the right time."

Hopson, who has been committed to Mississippi State for over a year, still maintains his verbal commitment to the Bulldogs - although he won't be signing a Letter of Intent on Wednesday.

"I'm still committed to Mississippi State," he said. "I'm not opening up my recruitment."

Hopson, a 6-foot-5, 185-pound shooting guard, did not go into specifics as to why he is waiting. However, he did say there is the possibility that he would sign at the end of the week-long early signing period.

Hopson is the No. 9 ranked prospect in the Rivals150, and there will be a massive amount of recruiting activity swirling around him in the coming days.

Hopson on Hold

What are you hearing on Sam Robey?

I am hearing that the UK legacy and UL recruit is waiting to hear back from Florida on an offer.

Rivals.com reported already that he took a visit down there, but now we've heard that Florida might be the safe option to pick between the Kentucky vs. Louisville battle that he's been hearing for the last four years.

It would be tough for both schools if he slipped away out of state.

Both D.L. Wilhite and Terrell Combs are headed to Minnesota.

The Bryan Station boys are both going to be Gophers.

I think Minnesota has a good pickup there. Wonder if they are trying to make inroads in the state of Kentucky or if these guys were just too good to pass up.

Its 6A football as two top teams go head to head. Shelby Co. (6-4) leads a top ranked offense with starting quarterback Alex Matthews back from injury. Scott Co. survived a flying finish from Shelby Co. earlier in the year with a close 40-35 win. Scott Co. ran for over 500 yards. Can the Rockets of Shelby Co. stop the rushing attack and move on to the next round?

Best receiver in the state?

If you were a high school coach and could pick one guy to play receiver only - who would you take?

John Cole from Somerset?

Aaron Boyd from HC?

Justin Green from Male?

Bowling Green TE Ryan Wallace got an offer from Rutgers today.

It looks like Wake Forest and Arkansas might be right on their heals.

Frankfort: A new offer for Fields?

We are hearing that E.J. Fields got an offer from Louisville today. Interesting considering how few prospects in the state get Cardinal offers normally.

Good news - John Cole (from Somerset) is having his highlight tape released on Rivals.com tomorrow morning.

If you know a top KY kid in the 2008 or 2009 class that needs his highlight tape put online here for free - email me at kypreps@gmail.com

Louisville: St. Xavier named Nat'l Team of the Week

Great news! St. Xavier has been named Rivals.com's National high school team of the week, the first time a team from Kentucky has won this honor.

Check out the free link below.

RivalsHIGH.com's National Awards: Week 3

A 5-foot-10, 186-pound safety prospect from Bowling Green, Ky., Jared Carpenter is one of the strongest (and most intelligent) prospects in the Bluegrass state. Now you can check out his video highlight package on KentuckyPreps.com.

link below...

Bowling Green: Jared Carpenter video highlights

For those wondering what Kentucky's passing attack may look like once star wide receiver Keenan Burton moves on to the next level, the answer could be just a few miles west of Lexington in the Bluegrass State's capital city. Frankfort standout E.J. Fields has a host of schools offering scholarships, but one leader.

Eight offers, one leader for Fields

I know there are probably some opinions on this...SW vs. Somerset is probably the best in Pulaski County (especially now with all the bad blood)...North Laurel vs. South Laurel is probably the best in the area.

What do you guys think

Any thoughts on who some of the top Kentucky high school players in the Class of 2008 will be?

Campbell Co. beat Bourbon Co. 70-0

Shelby Valley beat Phelps 79-6

Two other teams scored 60+ and only half the scores for tonight have been reported so far.

what about the class of 09 at hart????

Did anyone go ? If so how did the teams look ?

Very funny stuff, I think we have allot in common, GO CATS!
I have a little Wildcat in my family so this Scarlet Knight roots for UK.


Funny stuff

Below are the pre-season Class of 2007 Top 40. Who moves up and down when we do our final ranking of KY's senior class? Who not listed below should be listed in the final rankings?

1 Steffphon Pettigrew
(6'5" PF Elizabethtown)
Gained national attention in AAU top events with consistent and outstanding performances. Incredible athlete with brut strength, owns the paint. Offensive skills have expanded to include perimeter game, has smooth midrange shot. Ballhandling skills have developed, has added cross-over move. Range is consistent at 10 to 12 feet, has ability to hit open threes. Rebounding is forte', nearly impossible to keep off boards at high school level. Solid in transition, best in half-court set. Post defense is strong, can step out to defend the perimeter. Refuses to accept off-nights, work ethic is tops.

2 Jeff Brooks
(6'8" CF Louisville Doss)
Stock has soared at the national level; college coaches see major D-1 potential. Climbing rapidly in several top national rankings, tremendous upside still untapped. Skills were buried beneath tentativeness, newfound aggressiveness catapult total game to new level. Perimeter game much improved, still at best near the block. Added consistent midrange game, has shown ability to play the perimeter at height. Ballhandling skills are improved, if further developed could be extremely effective at the 3. Effective half-court player, explosive in transition and plays above the rim. Wants to improve, extremely coachable.

3 Matt Walls
(6'3" PG Scott County)
Pure point guard with uncanny leadership ability, top decision-maker. Fearless in big games, cannot be rattled. Ability to breakdown defenders at will, goes left or right with equal effectiveness. Great court vision, hits open cutters with bullet passes. Strength and ballhandling skills make for tough defensive assignment. Smooth in half-court set, strong in open court. Fills the stat lines. Ability to create own shot, range extends to the arc. Plays to win every game, not showcase.

4 Ty Proffitt
(6'3" PG South Laurel)
Experienced floor general that does it all, can play point and shooting guards equally effective. Ability to spot up or create shot off the dribble, sharp ballhandler. Controls the tempo, can lead the break and run the offense with complete efficiency. Court awareness is unrivaled, finds scorers from all angles on the court. Can defend the 1, 2, and 3 spots, strong rebounder at height. Confidence is his key, can be counted on to make plays when it counts.

5 Twany Beckham
(6'5" CG Louisville Ballard)
Strong summer development, has improved overall game and impressed national scouts and D-1 coaches alike. Extremely versatile, quickness and leaping ability top assets at height. Creates havoc with mismatch ability, has developed more consistent midrange game. Shot range is efficient at 12 feet in, can hit the open trey. Improved court awareness has transition game climbing, equally effective at point or 2G spot. Solid perimeter and post defender, on-ball D is much improved. Leadership will be called on this season, expect strong results.

6 Jeremy Anderson
(6'3" SG Warren Central)
Big time offensive player, has ability to take over game. Unlimited shooting with ability to hit threes off the dribble, best from the spot up. Unreal strength provides ability to defend perimeter and post, unafraid of contact. Fundamental in transition, comfort level is in half-court set. Prefers the perimeter, has ability to post up. Understands how to move without the ball, plays determined for full 32 minutes. Will need to provide stellar play at crunch, leadership role will be relied on.

7 Austin Hill
(6'1" WF Covington Holmes)
Explosive scorer, quick and powerful wing player at height. Mismatch problem for defenses, a threat to score inside or out. Works relentlessly to get open for scoring opportunities, does not take a break on D. Solid on-ball defender, goes to the board recklessly. Has range that extends to the arc, prefers to challenge perimeter and post defenders by attacking the paint. Effective in half-court set, best in transition.

8 Thomas Coleman
(6'8" C Jeffersontown)
Interior force for defending state champs, had stellar summer against top national names in hoops. Strength has improved, has added new post moves to elevate ability to dominate at times in the paint. Blocking and altering shots when patrolling the lanes is top asset. Footwork has continued to improve, can check players away from the basket. Controls the boards when giving maximum effort, has knack for putbacks. Must raise intensity level to provide interior presence that offsets loss of top perimeter players from past year's championship squad.

9 Duran Jefferson
(6'1" PG Covington Holmes)
Crafty point guard that plays in high gear, excellent floor leader with top agilities. Runs efficient half-court offense, excels in transition. Ability to create shots off dribble, range extends to the arc. Tenacious defender, can D up on point and shooting guards alike. Can control flow of game with intensity, must be consistent throughout games without drop off in energy. Has ability to score from the PG spot, passing game is improved. Will need to keep others involved to provide team chance to win each game on schedule.

10 Douglas Beaumont
(5'10" PG Louisville Male)
High-octane point guard, quickness is devastating at times. Superior strength at size, moves as quick with the dribble as he does without the ball. Ability to take game over, either by creating shots for teammates or finding scoring opportunities for self. Can hit off the dribble or from the spot, ability to penetrate and score in traffic biggest asset. Has consistent midrange game, unafraid to pull up and hit the trey at any moment during a game. Plays aggressive defense from start to finish, leaves no doubt with respect to his desire to win.

11 Jonathan VanHoose
(6'4" SG Russell)
Pure shooting guard with unreal range, can hit from anywhere. Quickness is improved, ability to get open has followed suit. Incredible basketball IQ, understands how to utilize screens and move without the ball to get open for shots. Shoots midrange and three point tries with equal accuracy. Defense has improved, has ability to check 1, 2, and 3 spot. Proven clutch player, leadership skills will be a must for team to repeat in regional race.

12 Terry Walker
(6'3" WF Fort Knox)
Stock on the rise, demonstrated his worth near end of past season and in summer play. Has range extending to the arc, strong midrange game. Ability to create shots off the dribble, above average accuracy from spotting up. Equally effective in half-court and transition game, finishes strong at the rack. Shot selection is asset, has improved court awareness and locating open teammates. Defense has improved, will D up on guards and forward alike. Stock could rise further if performances continue to consistent during coming season.

13 Tanner Jacobs
(6'6" PF/C Louisville Trinity)
Rapidly improving in all areas, solid summer camp and tourneys has stock on the rise in college recruiting. Raw strength provides advantage in post, plays with intensity and is physical. Shot accuracy and development of post moves has increased offensive effectiveness, footwork improved. Battles for every rebound, blocks-out every possession. Defense is still improving, has learned to better position self when protecting the post. Refuses to be out hustled, expect leadership role to grow throughout coming season.

14 Matt Fraliex
(6'4" CG Caldwell County)
One of the state's most versatile guards, has total perimeter game. Excels in both full and half court tempos, fundamentally strong defensively and offensively. Effective scorer from the set and has knack to come down court and pull up for the trey. Defends every spot on the perimeter with tenacity, on-ball D is much improved. Consistent performer, who provides maximum effort, displays a passion to win every game.

15 Todd Jacobs
(6'2" CG Covington Catholic)
One of the state's premiere marksmen, has ability to score from any angle on the court. Versatile player from the point and shooting guard spots, ability to distribute the ball to open scorers compliments scoring prowess. Aggressive defender, has ability to create turnovers with quickness and physical play.

16 Zach Kiernan
(6'6" PF Newport Central)
Summer play has provided a major boost to overall game and provided exposure to skills and improvements. Savvy forward with ability to score posting up or facing the basket. Runs the floor well at height, best in half-court set. Defense is improving, has become more assertive in the post area and developed ability to defend perimeter. Expect to see a continuation of improvements and solid stat lines will show the results.

17 Riley Benock
(6'4" WF Meade County)
Multi-dimensional forward that can play inside and out, half-court and up-tempo styles. Jump-shot has perfect form and rotation with a soft touch, has range that extends 15 feet and hits occasional three. Midrange game is solid, can finish strong on the block. Defense is steady, can defend post and perimeter with equal effectiveness. Crashes the boards, has knack for pulling offensive rebounds with quickness over taller defenders. Attitude and willingness to learn are strongest attributes that will allow game to further improve.

18 Johanne Hamilton
(6'1" CG Louisville Ballard)
Lightning quick lefty with that can explode in transition, either leading or finishing the break. Ability to breakdown defenders with sharp cross-over dribble, midrange game has improved with shot range extending to 10 feet. Defense is major plus, plays unreal pressure defense on any perimeter position. Top asset is attitude, gives complete effort from tip-off to the final horn.

19 Mike Hester
(5'9" PG Simon Kenton)
Up and comer, proved his case on the court in past season and has reaffirmed it over the summer. Point guard with undeniably the best handles in his region, ability to dictate the pace of most any game. Court awareness is strong, ability to drive and finish in traffic. If sustains rate of improvement and keeps others involved in offense during upcoming season, stock will continue to climb.

20 Robert Troutman
(6'4" WF Bullitt East)
Has improved steadily each year since frosh, solid past season and summer performances provide top 20 ranking. Perimeter game is paced with ability to hit the open three, has improved midrange game and stepping toward the lane for pull up jumpers. Defense has become more aggressive, increased physical play will provide team with stronger inside presence both defensively and offensively.

21 Eugene Wade
(6'7" PF /C Shelby County)
Past expectations were exceedingly high, past season played in shadow of state's top shooting guard. Possesses tremendous untapped potential, improvements have occurred at a stagnate pace. Ability to be top interior force, shot-blocking and altering shots are key assets. Rebounding is strong, can finish strong near the rim. Athletic ability is there, must find assertiveness that will provide boost to overall game to maintain or improve in future rankings.

22 Nick Britt
(5'11" PG Warren Central)
Improved floor leader that plays wide open, fierce competitor. Strong ballhandling skills, can break down any defense off the dribble. Equally effective in half and full-court game, solid decision-maker. Court awareness is key asset, excels in transition and tough to press. Shooting range is consistent to 12 feet, can spot up from behind the arc. Leadership will be counted on for coming season.

23 Preston Knowles
(6'2" SG Clark County)
Playmaking shooting guard, ability to score in bunches. Midrange game is improved, can spot up for the trey from any angle. Defense has picked up, strong on-ball pressure. Clutch shooter, can create own shot. Improved shot selection and passing game has overall game climbing.

24 Drew McDavid
(6'3" SG Ashland Blazer)
Explosive scorer with top shooting range. Equally effective scorer from the spot up or off the dribble, ballhandling skills improved. Ability to score is complimented with passing skills, can locate and deliver assist to open scorers in traffic. Improved in transition, best at half-court set. Must play aggressive defensively.

25 Keith Tandy
(5'10" CG Christian County)
Extremely athletic combo guard has skills to distribute and score from the point and shooting guard spots. Ability to score from the perimeter improved, has consistent midrange game. Strong off the drive, can dish for the assist or finish strong in the lane. Expect to see stat lines improve in all facets in coming season.

26 Davin Anderson
(6'1" CG Louisville Doss)
Playmaking shooting guard, has complete package to play point and shooting guard equally effective. Excels in up-tempo game, efficient in half court set. Strong in transition, has excellent court awareness in locating scorers filling the lanes or shooters for the spot up. Midrange game is improved, can step outside the arc. Quickness off the dribble is key asset, can D up any spot on the perimeter.

27 Rod Basey
(6'3" WF Jeffersontown)
A pure slasher, has ability to get in the lane and hit short jumpers. Shot consistency is improved, creates mismatch problems with height on perimeter against smaller guards and with quickness against taller forwards. Versatile defender, can check 1, 2, 3, and 4 spots. Could be top rebounder, needs to focus on fundamentals.

28 James Sykes
(6'6" PF North Hardin)
Powerful interior player, has ability to go out on wing a draw mismatches. Range is solid at 10 to 12 feet, prefers to attack the basket with dribble drive. Equally effective in half-court set and transition, strong finisher on the break. Aggressive rebounder, has knack for offensive putbacks. Plays with emotion, has strong leadership capabilities.

29 Jerrell Mayo
(6'3" WF Russellville)
Overall perimeter skills are improved, shooting is more consistent. Strong open court player, finishes strong at the basket. Ballhandling skills improved, can score or dish off the drive. Rebounding is big plus at height, aggressive in the paint. Defensive skills are improved; on-ball pressure is asset.

30 Jeffrey McClain
(6'5" WF Fulton County)
Versatility and intensity is the combination that provides consistent stat lines. Aggressive inside/outside forward that is unafraid of contact. Offense has improved, ballhandling skills and shooting range continue to progress. Defends perimeter and post with equal effectiveness, crashes the boards on each end of the court.

31 Luc Graves
(6'1" CG Allen County-Scottsville)
Versatile guard offensively and defensively, plays in high gear. Efficient scorer with midrange game, ability to create shots off the dribble and locate scorers from penetrating the lane. Defense continues to improve, can D up with strong pressure on any perimeter position. Catalyst and team leader for upcoming season, look for all-around game to continue to improve.

32 John Smith
(5'11" PG Harlan)
High-energy floor leader, versatile distributor and scorer. Court vision and ballhandling skills are top assets, creates shots for self and open looks for teammates off dribble penetration. Ability to control tempo, can excel in transition with passing ability and finishing strong at the basket. Defense is improved, can disrupt opponents PG with aggressive pressure. Relishes leadership role, provides maximum effort every possession.

33 LaBradford Manning
(6'1" CG Louisville Eastern)
Quick multi-dimensional guard, strong perimeter skills provides versatility to excel at point and shooting guard spots. Consistent midrange game, prefers to attack the lanes. Solid half-court player, best in transition in leading or finishing breaks. Added leadership and scoring roles will be relied on in coming season.

34 Trey Smith
(6'9" PF/C South Laurel)
Post player with versatility to spring out for the midrange shot, invaluable experience and big time game experience provides edge. Blue collar worker in the paint, must become more assertive to provide stronger post presence both defensively and offensively. Upcoming season performance will depend on improved physical play in the paint, has skills to become one of the state's top inside/out forwards.

35 Glenn Dalcourt
(6'4" CG Franklin-Simpson)
Quick and agile, plays any pace effectively. Can shoot from the spot up or create shots off the dribble, range extends to the arc. Defends the wings aggressively, tough to shoot over and drive around. Team leader with knack for hitting clutch shots, has tremendous playmaking ability. Expect strong season, with consistency will rise in future ranking.

36 Jordan Hammonds
(6'5" SF South Laurel)
Versatile forward, can score from the post with a variety of moves or facing up. Equally effective in half-court set or in transition, finishes strong in the lane. Fundamental rebounder that blocks out every possession, inside/outside presence will be counted on this season.

37 Andre Miller
(6'5" WF Central Hardin)
Agile wing forward with above extremely efficient perimeter game, tough to defend on wing at height. Prefers the perimeter shot, utilizes pump-fake to locate shot off one or two dribble moves. Must become more physical and utilize quickness and height for drives and finishes in the paint, rebounding is fair but would improve with physical play. Perimeter defense is improving, can check 2, 3, and 4 spots.

38 Jaron Jones
(6'5" WF Bryan Station)
Athletic ability and agilities are top assets, aggressive and physical player that excels in transition. Midrange game is inconsistent, limited shot range offset by offensive rebounding ability. Finishes strong in the paint, improving post game. Defensive game has shown overall improvement, perimeter D is a plus.

39 Chris Duncan
(6'7" PF/C Fern Creek)
Athletic post player with super shot-blocking ability, provides solid inside presence. Soft touch in the paint with range extending to 8 feet, has tough to defend jump-hook shot. Overall interior play is solid, can create havoc with pulling offensive boards and altering shots. With added aggressive play and maximum effort, stock can rapidly rise to earning top 20 spot.

40 Sean Stiles
(5'10" PG South Oldham)
High-energy point guard with great quickness off the dribble, excellent floor leader. Ability to control tempo of games, excels equally in half-court and transition game. Has solid range and can spot up outside the arc, best at scoring off the dribble drive and in transition. Plays defense with tenacity from start to finish.
This post was edited on 3/5 8:56 PM by BestoftheBluegrassif(GetAdminCookie() != 0) {document.write(' (Revisions[/URL])');}

What day will the game be played and where?

Michael Elliott transfer to Eldorado High School
http://www.youtube.com/vegasfootballmike

http://www.youtube.com/vegasfootballmike

Word out is they have contacted former Coach Tommy Wade now an assistant for Okl City College NAIA National Champs to see if he has any interest to return. He was the one who got the Blazers to the top and really started the program. If this is true there will be several caoches in the Second Region that will have nightmares about the Blazers next year. He has wanted to return to his hometown for several years and almost had the Hoptown job last year. He now has his teaching certification and would have no problems with that issue now.

How will Trigg look this year in football

Cole Sturgeon will be attending Owensboro catholic High School. He is enrolled and attended school last week. This is the kid who played extremely well for Southern a few years back in the Little League world series. He also pitched for Owensboro High last year in their big win over Owensboro Catholic. However he now plays for them. I believe OHS may have issues to let a kid like this get away. I wish he had of come to Apollo.

nm

2008 top football recruits - get your profile listed on Rivals.com

If you are a 2008 football star who is already receiving calls and letters from Division 1 schools - you need to have your profile listed on Rivals.com's National database.

Getting listed will help you get more name-recognition and face time with college coaches.

Please send an email to howie@cardinalsports.com with the following information:

Name:
High School:
Hometown:
Height:
Weight:
Position:
Stats:
Any All-Conference, All-Region or All-State honors:
Colleges you like:
Colleges currently contacting you regularly (at least once a month):
Telephone Number for story updates: