Newport High School is poised for a significant upgrade as it welcomes four-star center Ben McKinney, a 6‑foot‑11 prospect who brings a blend of size, skill and experience to the court.
A new era for Newport basketball
McKinney, who honed his game in the Nike EYBL Scholastic League and previously starred at Sunrise Christian Academy in Kansas and Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School in Indiana, arrives with multiple NCAA Division I scholarship offers and is expected to anchor both defense and offense for the Wildcats.
His addition follows the recent commitments of guard Jayden Wilkins, a 6‑foot‑2 senior combo guard whose NBA‑connected pedigree includes his father, former NBA veteran Damien Wilkins, and forward Keith Starks, a 6‑foot‑8 senior who impressed coaches during workouts at Newport and at a Xavier University summer camp.
The Wildcats finished the prior season with a 21‑10 record but exited early in the 9th Region Tournament; the new roster is viewed as a chance to break through that barrier and contend for a deeper run.
Coach and athletic director have expressed confidence that the trio of newcomers, combined with returning players, will transform Newport into a regional powerhouse and elevate the program’s national profile.