The Bluegrass Cardinal Classic gave high school teams and players the opportunity to play in front of college coaches in a much different way than what you typically see. Normally, college coaches chance to view players comes with their AAU teams at live events. The Bluegrass Cardinal Classic allows players to take advantage of a live period in June with their high school team rather than their AAU team. Below you can read about the 2027 players that stood out to us throughout The Bluegrass Cardinal Classic Team Event and Individual Showcase (listed alphabetically by last name).
Please note: There are a few write-ups below that were already featured on X (@riseupsports1) during the event. Also please take into account that each of us only caught one game per team for the most part, so these notes were based on performance in that specific game. Please let us know if any of the information below is incorrect and we will get it fixed as soon as possible.
Benningfield was getting it done on both ends of the court. She showed versatility in the ability to play inside and out on offense along with defending multiple positions defensively. Active hands led to steals and good decisions in transition. Crashed the boards well also.
This is a player who may not always check all the boxes on the stat sheet but is constantly in on the play whether it’s rebounding, going for 50/50 ball, looking for the open teammate, etc. If you are defending her, don’t get lost because she will punish you from deep or put herself in position for put-backs.
-TONIA WITT (Individual Showcase)
Long defender, can handle the ball when needed, consistent shooter from deep whether in transition or the half court.
-TONIA WITT (Individual Showcase)
Brown has so much speed and quickness that it’s very difficult for defenses to stay in front. She also has quick handles and could beat everyone down the court in transition. She made some really nice moves to get past defenders and she did a nice job changing up those moves to keep the defense guessing. Great active hands defensively led to a lot of steals as well.
Byrd was very impactful for her team. She made strong drives to the basket and also recognized when to stop and pop or pull up with the floater. Nice variety of finishes. Outside shot was also looking good and she was able to get her shot off quickly. Handled the ball well also.
Carr was showing off her playmaking abilities creating good looks for herself and teammates. Quick and tenacious defender. Great at constantly getting her hands on the ball. Very solid all-around game.
Caudill provided a strong presence inside for Hazard. Set strong screens and sealed really well on the roll. Also sealed well when posting up. Good strong finishes around the basket. Made some nice moves in the post. Rebounded well.
Claybrook just keeps growing her game and showing the high-level potential within her. Has the ability to play multiple positions and can score inside or out. Good shooter and elevates well over defenders to get good looks at the basket. Crashed the boards strong and came up with some nice blocks defensively.
You could definitely feel Duckwyler’s presence on the court at all times. Tenacious defender who doesn’t give up on plays. Also not afraid of physicality. Nice hustle and grit. Created well for teammates while also showing off her own scoring ability, including some really tough finishes. High IQ and tough player.
Eberhard showed a lot of versatility, playing and defending every guard/wing position at times. Made some really nice moves to create space from the defense and finished some tough shots off of drives. Also knocked down jump shots and made good passes. Crashed the boards hard as well.
Everidge was doing a great job handling the ball even when the defense was pressuring her a lot. Kept the ball low and her head on a swivel. Changed up moves to keep the defense guessing. The lefty also shot the ball well from deep and made some good plays defensively.
