High School Season Recap: Airline Vikings
In 2017-18, there were a few teams that surprised others in the Louisiana high school ranks. Teams like Walker and White Castle were expected to be good but not expected to win a state championship. Others teams like Southwood and McDonogh #35 made surprise playoff runs before bowing out in the later rounds. Even though other teams might have had deeper playoff runs or more complete seasons, the Vikings from Airline were one of the surprise teams in north Louisiana, as well as the state, this year.
Season Highlights:
- The Vikings became back-to-back District 1-5A champions
- Were undefeated district champions (1-5A) this season
- Lost to St. Amant in the Doc Edwards Holiday tournament
- Trent Ivy was the 1-5A district MVP
Starting Lineup:
Brayden Thompson, 6’5″, 2020, P – Brayden is an ultra active post player who rebounds almost everything that hits the glass. He was also a facilitator of many sets Airline ran and became a good passer from the high post. As a sophomore, he was not asked to score a lot due to the fact that he was on the floor with the primary scoring options. If his scoring catches up with his rebounding and hustle, he will be a dynamic player for the Vikings going forward.
Brandon Marshall, 5’9″, 2020, PG/SG – With his defensive play, Brandon cemented a spot in the starting lineup. Even though he is not the biggest offensive threat, his ability to cause turnovers gave him opportunities to score. His play, paired with T. J. Robinson, caused them to be the most disruptive guard tandem in 1-5A. With more responsibility on the offensive end, Brandon should be more of a threat in the future.
Jon Jenkins, 6’3″, 2018, P/W – For a person who started off the year on the bench, Jenkins became a valued started during district play. Even though he is not very swift, he constantly used his ability to handle the ball and his body to create shots for himself and others. When in the paint, Jenkins created fouls using an array of post moves which caused him to shoot many free throws. With post moves like his, Jenkins may be able to continue playing on the next level.
Tarae Robinson, 5’9″, 2019, PG/SG – Time and time again, Tarae Robinson made big plays for the Vikings on offense and defense. Whether it was a steal in the waning minutes of a game or a big three to stop another team’s run, Robinson was a big key in Airline’s undefeated district run. Robinson is not afraid of big moments and looks to be a player who thrives in them. During his senior season, he should be the unquestioned leader of a talented team coming back.
Trenton Ivy, 6’5″, 2018, G/W – For a wing player, Ivy used the guard skills he developed to be the most dominant Viking on the floor. He used his handles to get the the rim and finish over post players with ease. His three point shooting capability set him apart from his teammates and made him a threat from anywhere on the floor. A school looking for a big guard might be able to appeal use his ability to create for others. Otherwise, ETBU will be the beneficiary of a guard how can definitely make his team better.
Bench Players:
De’ Quan Randle, 6’3″, 2019, G/W – A guard/wing player who showed flashes of having a similar skill set to Trenton Ivy. Randle was asked to defend and rebound mostly this year. However, do not be surprised if he assumes a larger scoring role during his senior season.
Fred Lemons, 5’9″, 2019, PG/SG – A guard that played alongside both starting guards and played the same stellar defense. There is no drop off defensively when he comes into the game.