Just like with the senior class statewide, the girls’ Class of 2010 (juniors) is led by a future player for both Louisville and Kentucky battling for the top spot.
Christian Academy’s Antonita Slaughter has committed to U of L and Nelson County’s Samantha Drake has committed to UK.
The two prospects are virtually interchangeable in the top spot and there is plenty more talent in the class that could produce a dozen or more Division I players.
The photo (right) is of sleeper Mary Jehlik of Montgomery County.
Here are my rankings:
- Antonita Slaughter, Christian Academy, 6-1: She has a little of both her sister (Toni) and brother (A.J.) in her game. She’s a big-time talent.
- Samantha Drake, Nelson County, 6-3: On any given night, Drake is the No. 1 player in the class. She has been solid for several years.
- Ebony Rowe, Paul Dunbar, 6-0: A number of Division I colleges are drooling.
- Sarah Beth Barnette, Lexington Christian, 6-1: The UK commitment should average a double-double.
- Madisen Webb, Scott County, 5-10: She already has a lot of varsity experience and is the next star in a long line of stars from the program.
- Tayla Foster, Madisonville, 5-10: Jon Hood isn’t the only talented Maroon.
- Whitney Reed, Butler, 5-7: She could be the biggest surprise in the Louisville area this season. Reed can fill it up.
- Autumn Miller, Sacred Heart, 5-6: She’s a big-time scorer.
- Kayla Thacker, Bullitt East, 5-10: Has the size and ballhandling skills to create a ton of matchup problems for opponents.
- Katie Allen, Highlands, 5-8.
- Molly Ernst, Assumption, 6-0.
- Jewel Rogers, Clark County, 5-2.
- Jessica Upchurch, Lincoln County, 5-8.
- Zakiyah Martin, Manual, 6-1.
- Erica Smith, Bowling Green, 5-4.
Sleeper: Mary Jehlik, Montgomery County, 6-3: A freak of an athlete, Jehlik can run the floor like a guard but has a solid post game.