Team USA (4-0) remains undefeated heading into Saturday’s 2024 FIBA U18 AmeriCup semifinals. The Americans, led by several Kentucky targets, took down Puerto Rico during Friday’s quarterfinals in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Wildcats new head coach Mark Pope had a front-row seat for the action, as well. Pope posted to social media Friday morning that he arrived in Argentina to do some recruiting and scouting (and to test his stick shift abilities). There were a handful of recruits in action who are receiving significant interest from Pope and the Wildcats, including Lexington native Jasper Johnson.
How did they all perform? For starters, Team USA beat Puerto Rico 98-66 in a game that was actually close until the young Americans took control in the second half.
USA’s leading scorer against PR, five-star Trey McKenney, is actually one of the prospects Kentucky has been in contact with as of late. The 6-foot-4 shooting guard finished with 17 points, nine rebounds, two steals, and three turnovers in 21 minutes of action. He shot 7-13 from the floor and 3-5 from long range.
McKenney, a starter with this group, is ranked No. 12 overall in the 2025 class by the On3 Industry Ranking.
As for Johnson, he played just 10 minutes in the win, but still managed seven points, one assist, one block, and two turnovers. The former Woodford County star shot 3-7 from the field while missing all three of his three-point attempts. Johnson entered this game shooting 4-7 from deep through the first three contests though. He’s one of Team USA’s first players off the bench. The No. 10 overall class of 2025 recruit is a top priority for Pope and Co.
Johnson’s lone block was easily the highlight of his day.
The other two Kentucky targets who took the floor were four-star small forwards Nate Ament (No. 15 overall) and Shelton Henderson (No. 43).
Henderson had himself a solid all-around performance, finishing with six points (2-5 FG), four rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block in 21 minutes off the bench. Meanwhile, Ament didn’t find his way onto the floor until the game was already decided. The 6-foot-8 wing contributed two points, two rebounds, and one block in his five minutes of action.
All four Kentucky targets will return to the hardwood for Saturday’s semifinals. Team USA will take on the winner of Canada-Brazil, which is set for later this afternoon.
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