By LARRY VAUGHT

Huntington Prep standout Andrew Wiggins, the nation’s No. 1 player,  had to go against another UK target, 6-9 Julius Randle, this summer and outplayed him. Randle is unique himself in that he has guard-like ballhandling skills and plays often on the perimeter rather than staying inside. That helped him lead the USA under 17 team to a gold medal this summer.

“Julius had a really good second half against Wiggins,” ESPN recruiting director Paul Biancardi said. “I believe he scored 15 points, all in the second half.”

Wiggins had 28 points and 18 rebounds in the overtime win while Randle, who also has North Carolina high on his college list, had 15 points, 13 rebounds and four assists.

“Randle is the most physically imposing player in the class,” Biancardi said. “He makes play rebounding and scoring based on his physical nature, incredible strength and size and power. He is just so, so powerful.

“He can score inside. He demands double teams when he catches the ball inside 15 feet. He can be relentless on the glass because he is so strong and athletic. He lives at the foul line, but he can also handle the ball away from the basket. Sometimes he tries to do too much, but he is a flat-out finisher and great player.”