Kinnett Willis bringing a Magic set of Skills to the Mighty Lakers! @kinnett_wills_, @RC_MightyLakers, @Frenchie564, @KYEXPOSURE, @KYHighFootball,  @bigassfans, @minguabeefjerky, @khsaafootball

Kinnett Willis, "Two-Way Stud" for the Russell County Lakers

’26 WR/DB/ATH brings a ton of skills to the table for his Russell County Lakers

Kinnett Willis is a guy coming off a very good junior season. Willis is 6’0,” 175 (or close to, anyway) and registered 29-receptions for 656-yards receiving with six (6) TDs, to go along with his 49-registered stops on defense and three (3) INTs in only 11-games. Willis was the leader in receptions, TDs receiving, and INTs. Willis was among the leaders in scoring (3rd), FRs (1), and TFLs (2). That is a lot of two-way production out of one player. We believe this kid is a name to watch on our “likely to blow-up, big-time” watch list for ’25.

HB Lyon, Scouting Director, “KPGFootball”

Russell Springs, KY: They called him “The Magic Man.” His name was “Earvin Johnson Jr.” and the 6’9,” 220-pound point guard revolutionized the professional game of basketball.

Along with Larry Bird, Magic Johnson found an NBA facing declining interest, low TV ratings, and a lack of a strong identity. Bird and Magic brought star power and a compelling rivalry that captivated national attention. Bird and Magic saved the NBA. It is really as simple as it sounds.

Johnson had the handles, shot, and distribution ability to run an offense at the head of the Mighty Laker attack (Los Angeles). Johnson was often regarded as the greatest point guard of all time.

There is another set of “Lakers” in the sports world. There are probably a legion of “Lakers” across the country, if we are being honest.

There are two in the KHSAA with whom we are familiar, one in Calloway County (Murray) and one in Russell County (Russell Springs). Steven French, Russell County’s HFC is in the middle of a rebuild of the Mighty Lakers HS football fortunes. It is going pretty darn well.

The Russell County “Lakers” were 5-6 in ’24; but not all 5-6s are similarly constructed…

Friday Night Fletch

The Lakers were 5-6 in Kentucky 4A, district 7 in ’24. Not all 5-6s are alike.

The Lakers lost by six (6) to Adair (3A, 10-2). The Lakers lost by six (6) to Somerset (9-5, 2A semifinalist). The Lakers lost by two to East Jessamine (5A). The Lakers lost by nine (9) to Wayne County (4A D-7, 8-4). Turn around these scores and the Mighty Lakers are mighty indeed.

Kinnett Willis had a big junior year for his club. As Coach Lyon mentioned, Willis registered 29-receptions for 656-yards receiving with six (6) TDs, to go along with his 49-registered stops on defense and three (3) INTs in only 11-games.

Willis was the leader in receptions, TDs receiving, and INTs. Willis was among the leaders in scoring (3rd), FRs (1), and TFLs (2).

Willis, at 6’0,” 175-pounds, should be on plenty of college recruiting boards. This is especially true considering Willis’s versatility, athleticism, and on-field, multi-phase production. That 4.0 GPA won’t hurt the kid’s marketability, next level, either.

Are we telling you Willis is some sort of “Magic Man?” No sir; but we are telling you Willis has his “Mighty Lakers” looking ever more mightier and mightier as he matriculates through his HS football career.

Word to the wise; you have been told.

This is Friday Night Fletch, reporting for KPGFootball, reminding you to PLAY THROUGH THE WHISTLE!

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About Fletcher Long 1811 Articles
Two-time winner of Kentucky Press Association awards for excellence in writing and reporting news stories while Managing Editor of the Jackson (KY) Times-Voice

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