Louisiana Top 5: Div. I
New Rank | Team | Record |
---|---|---|
1 | Scotlandville | 24-1 |
2 | St. Augustine | 23-2 |
3 | Holy Cross | 21-5 |
4 | Jesuit | 22-4 |
5 | Catholic BR | 18-5 |
- Scotlandville (8-1)
We got to see a little glimpse into the future for Scotlandville last week, when they went up against Dunham without Javonte Smart, who was held out with a back injury. It turns out, the future is still pretty bright. They have a pair of very talented sophomores in Reece Beekman and Tai’Reon Joseph, that combined for 46 points, as well as another talented sophomore (Carvell Teasett) that is ineligible this season after transferring in from Southern Lab. Something tells me that even after Javonte Smart graduates this season that the Hornets are still going to be the cream of the crop in Division I.
- St. Paul’s (9-1)
St. Paul’s has had a big December so far, and they have the opportunity to keep that going, heading into Country Day’s tournament. They were able to hold a very talented Rummel squad scoreless for the entire first quarter of their game, and went on to win handedly. They have a trio of incredibly talented seniors in Parker Edwards, Chandler Owenby, and Devonte Allen, who all fit very well together. They have the opportunity to be favored in every game heading to the championship game of the Country Day tournament, and if they are able to walk away with the tournament win, there will be a new top team in Div. I.
- Catholic BR (8-2)
After starting the season on a blazing 8-0 record, Catholic has dropped their last two games straight. The Bears have a ton of young talent, including a pair of talented sophomore guards in Kentrell Garnett and Collin Holloway, as well as 6’6 G/F Nick Judice, an absolute knockdown shooter from outside. They also have a talented frontcourt member, Bailey Luckett, who is a hardworking competitor. Catholic BR will also competing in the Country Day tournament this week.
- McKinley (9-4)
McKinley is coming off a trip to the Final Four last season, and I don’t expect much to change on that front this season, as long as Tyrece Radford stays healthy. Radford is as tough as nails, and the Panthers are going to go as far as Radford is able to take them. They have had some good wins so far this season, but have also had some pretty tough losses. If they can eliminate those losses, they can earn a top four seed and be a shoe in for the Final Four.
- Rummel (8-2)
The Raiders aren’t able to throw out much size on the court, but their trio of guards are as tough as you will find in the state. Iman Fazande (2018), Donte Mitchell (2019), and Corey Smooth (2020) all have the opportunity to play at the next level. Fazande and Mitchell are both more of combo scoring guards, and are capable of going for 20+ points on any given night. Smooth on the other hand is as talented of a passer that Louisiana has seen for the past few years. Rummel is also going to be playing in Country Day’s tournament this weekend, and will be taking on #3 Catholic BR in the first round, in a game that can have playoff implications.