Div. III Top 28 Preseason Picks
With basketball heading into a brand new space in Louisiana following the select/nonselect split when it comes to the playoffs, there is still much confusion about what teams fit under which group and who will be at the top of…
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Continue ReadingWith basketball heading into a brand new space in Louisiana following the select/nonselect split when it comes to the playoffs, there is still much confusion about what teams fit under which group and who will be at the top of each. We will be taking a look at all of the playoff classifications. (For more in depth look, I suggest checking out an article written by new contributor Brett Hudson taking a general look at each class https://prephoops.com/2016/11/analyzing-impact-new-playoff-system/ )
Next up, we will be looking at Div III, which is the select side of 2A in years past.
1. Riverside (Last season:
Since the arrival of Coach Timmy Byrd, following the closing of Reserve Christian in 2009, Riverside has played in a state championship game every single year, winning all but two state titles. I expect this year to be no different, even after the departure of key members on last year’s team, including two members now playing D1 basketball, in Malik Crowfield and Herb Mcgee (now playing at Southern Alabama and VCU, respectively). One of the key components for the Rebel’s success is their integration of young talent year after year, which leads to veteran leadership each year. Riverside will be lead this season by a trio of juniors, Jared Butler, Jalen Banks , and Garland Robertson Jr, all ranked in the top 50 in our class of 2018 rankings.
(For more on Jared Butler and Jalen Banks, check out their recent recruiting report’s here:)
Jared: https://prephoops.com/2016/05/recruiting-report-jared-butler-2018/
Jalen: https://prephoops.com/2016/11/recruiting-report-jalen-banks-2018
2. Country Day (Last season: 25-9. Lost in Top 28
The biggest challengers for Riverside this season is going to be coming from within their own district, in the form of Metairie Park Country Day. Last season’s Country Day team played extremely small, often opting not to have anyone on the court taller than 6’2, and I expect much of the same for the Cajun’s this season. Following the departure of Michael Corchiani to Southeastern this season, the Cajun’s are going to be lead by Emory University commit, Romin Williams. And don’t let the small school committment fool you. Williams had multiple D1 offers, and is making the decision to attend Emory based solely on academics. Regardless of who is on the court for Country Day, there is little doubt in my mind that Coach Mike Mcguire will squeeze every ounce of talent out of his players, as he does year in and year out.
3.Dunham (Last season: 29-6. Lost in quarterfinals)
Dunham was one of the teams that took the biggest leap last year, and I wouldn’t be all that surprised to see them take a big leap again, eclipsing the 30 win mark, after getting so close last season with 29 wins. One of the most impressive things about last years team is that they achieved 29 wins without a single senior on the team, showing the youth this team possesses. The best player for Dunham this season is going to be super Sophomore Jordan Wright. Standing at 6’5, you will be hard pressed to find another player across the nation who possesses the same size, ball handling and decision making that Wright possesses, which is why he was recently ranked as the 3rd best player in the nation for the 2019 class in our Prep Hoops 250 Expo rankings recently released. The biggest knock on Dunham is that even with their experience, they might still be a year away from their true potential.
(Jordan Wright Recruiting Report: https://prephoops.com/2016/11/recruiting-report-2019-jordan-wright-video/)
4. Episcopal (Last season: 30-5. Lost in quarterfinals)
After an incredibly successful 2015-2016 season, reaching 30 wins last season, don’t expect too much of a drop off this year. Once again the Knights are going to be in a hunt for a district title as well as a state title. The biggest piece missing from last season’s team is going to be PG Chris Beckman Jr., son of coach Chris Beckman. However I expect Sr. forward Kevin Tripeaux II, our 34th best player for the 2017 class.
PHLA Pick: Riverside– Only a month ago, my selection would have been very different, but after the LHSAA decision that Madison Prep would become a non-select score, basketball fans have been robbed of MPA-RCA pt. 2. Without Madison Prep, there is a different level between Riverside and their nearest competitor, but not enough that I wouldn’t be surprised if another team were hoisting the trophy by the end of the year.