Photo: @ dayvionnn20
Collins Dayvion McKnight’s guard was named Mr. Basketball of Kentucky on Sunday during a virtual ceremony. The 6’2 McKnight set the school record for points, rebounds, assists and steals in one race.. During his junior season, he led the Titans to the finals of the prestigious King of the Bluegrass tournament, defeating state champion Louisville Trinity along the way.
This season, McKnight brought the Titans to 8th Collins region title earned victories over # 5 Madisonville North-Hopkins and # 6 McCracken County during the regular season. McKnight averaged 20 points and 8 rebounds and shot 75% of the charity band. It combined with his teammate and Samford signer, Marcellus Vail (16 ppg) to form one of the best tracks in the state.
What impressed me most about McKnight is how much it meant to his team. Watching Collins play, it was clear how different the team looked when he was on the bench (in foul trouble or breathing) compared to when he was in the game. He is a deadly lockdown and dribble defender. His ability to rack up steals and rebounds (setting school career records as just a junior) reminds me of guys like Rajon Rondo (Louisville Eastern) and OJ Mayo (Rose Hill).
McKnight is committed to western Kentucky. He chose the Hilltoppers over the Northwest, Middle Tennessee State, Murray State, South Florida, and many other schools. Several recent Mr. Basketball winners have prepared for the Hilltoppers, including Camron Justice, Carson Williams, and Taveion Hollingsworth.
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