Class of 2010 girls rankings

With four players already committed to Division I colleges and plenty more prospects getting big-time looks, the girls’ Class of 2010 in Kentucky is strong.

And while there’s no clear-cut No. 1 player, it’s a deep and talented bunch across the state.

I’m going to stick with Christian Academy’s Antonia Slaughter (left) at the top for now, but it’s close between Slaughter and Nelson County’s Samantha Drake (right). Both will get plenty of support for Miss Basketball with Slaughter having helped her team to last year’s Sweet 16.

All in all, it should be a fun season with this class leading the way.

The photos are from the Louisville Lady Legends website (www.louisvilleladylegends.com). Both Slaughter (left) and Drake (right) played for the Lady Legends.

Here’s how I rank them:

1. Antonita Slaughter, Christian Academy, 6-2: I hear her outside shot it more consistent, which will make her really hard to guard. Has committed to Louisville.
2. Samantha Drake, Nelson County, 6-3: University of Kentucky commitment is a load to handle inside and really athletic for her size.
3. Sarah Beth Barnette, Lexington Christian, 6-2: Another UK commitment, Barnette will shine in her expanded role this season after losing several top seniors.
4. Ebony Rowe, Paul Dunbar, 6-1: Named best rebounder at Blue Chip Camp; Rowe has a lot of top colleges hot on her trail.
5. Madisen Webb, Scott County, 5-11: I just love her game. It seems like she’s always in the right spot on the floor to help her team out the most.
6. Kayla Thacker, Bullitt East, 5-10: Solid all-around guard who is seemingly the best player in an always tough Sixth Region.
7. Molly Ernst, Assumption, 6-0: Belmont commitment can hit it from outside and has gotten stronger since last season.
8. Erica Smith, Bowling Green, 5-7: The leader of a team that could surprise again this season and be a contender from the Fourth Region.
9. Therese Montano, Mercy, 5-9: From an athletic family that has produced a lot of standouts. She’s always around the ball and gives 110 percent effort.
10. Katie Allen, Highlands, 5-8: Very skilled and heady player – learns the game from former Miss Basketball Jaime Walz.
11. Taylor Foster, Madisonville, 5-9.
12. Kendra Brown, Lincoln County, 6-3.
13. Autumn Miller, Sacred Heart, 5-7.
14. Zakiyah Martin, Manual, 6-1.
15. Mary Jehlik, Montgomery County, 6-3.
16. Jessica Upchurch, Lincoln County, 5-8.
17. Courtney Sandfoss, Newport Catholic, 5-5.
18. Lynette Harris, Webster County, 6-1.
19. Jewel Rogers, Clark County, 5-2.
20. Bekah Towles, Highlands, 6-0.
21. Destiny Bramblett, North Hardin, 5-11.
22. Whitney Reed, Butler, 5-7.
23. Jackie Hafele, Sacred Heart, 5-11.
24. Lyndi Tedder, Madisonville, 5-6.
25. Stephanie Householder, Webster County, 5-8.
26. Samantha Coleman, Middlesboro, 5-9.
27. Paige Barclay, Hickman County, 5-9.
28. Jennifer Smiley, North Hardin, 5-9.
29. Maris Hovee, June Buchanan, 5-11.
30. Brittany Turner, Fairdale, 6-2.