Louisiana Power Rankings Review (5A-3A)
On yesterday the latest unofficial power rankings were released by the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) for each class and division. While each ranking list has an abundance of representation from south Louisiana, north Louisiana has some quality, notable schools that make up for their lack in quantity.
5A – Natchitoches Central (1), Pineville (9), Ouachita (10), West Monroe (18), Southwood (23), Alexandria (25), Parkway (28), Airline (30)
With three team in the top 10 and 5 teams in the top 25, district 2-5A looks like one of the most competitive districts in the state in this early part of the season. Natchitoches Central is the #1 team and they have shown why so far winning by an average of 17 points a game led by senior scorer BrianWhite. Pineville, with their ultra quick junior guards Alphaeus Burton and Fred Braxton, can cause problems on both ends of the floor. Ouachita (who had a big road win last night at Bossier) can prove to be a definite threat with their inside prowess from 6’4″ senior Willie LaPoole and outside scoring from juniors Paul King and Rjay Hill. Southwood and new coach Eddie Hamilton will be a team to reckon with if they can survive their murderous early season schedule. If seniors Yancee Kelly, Maliq Smith, and Letreavin Black can win against Natchitoches Central as well as possible tournament opponents like Jehovah Jireh, Landry Walker, and Lafayette Christian, they will definitely rise in the rankings.
4A – Bossier (3), Woodlawn-Shreveport (5), Tioga (6), Franklin Parish (9), Buckeye (10), Huntington (12), Benton (13), Neville (18), West Ouachita (24), BT Washington (27)
1-4A and 3-4A have seven of the top thirteen teams in this week’s power rankings. Bossier, who lost a nail biter to 2-5A #10 Ouachita, is the top north Louisiana team followed closely by Woodlawn-Shreveport. The Division 1 talent of guards Jacoby Decker (Bossier) and Tra’michael Moton (Woodlawn) power these teams along with athletic post/wing players like senior Courtney Moore (Woodlawn) and sophomore Dante Bell (Bossier). The guard and wing duo of senior Dustin Roy and junior Jerry Moore have Tioga sitting right in the thick of things. The surprise team is Benton. They have not been ranked this high in some years. Their guard play has propelled them to their fast start.
3A – Peabody (2), Sterlington (7), Wossman (12), Jena (13), Carroll (14), Madison (20), Green Oaks (21), Union Parish (22), Caldwell Parish (28), Richwood (29), Botlon (32)
Of the top 32 teams in class 3A, there are not any real surprises in who ranked from north Louisiana. Perennial power Peabody (say that 3x fast) is led by junior scoring machine Kyron Gibson, 6’4″ wing Darius Smith, and senior Dwight Simon. Carroll has a post presence that mirrors the height of Peabody but not as lethal. Paul Millsap Classic most outstanding player Randy Jones drives the Bulldogs attack from the wing. Following a deep run which resulted in a 3A state runner up finish in football, Richwood hopes the infusion of talent from football will change their basketball fortunes and improve their rankings.
There is two thirds of the season left, so these rankings might change frequently. Looks out for next week’s review of classes 2A, 1A, and class B. Have a good one!!