Top Ten to Unranked: N. LA All State Class C to 2A
On Saturday, the Louisiana Sportswriters Association (LSWA) began releasing their all state teams for 2018. They began with the the Class B selections and moved their way up to 2A. Along with the team announcements, they made proclamations for coach of year and most valuable player in each class. North Louisiana represented well in these four classes with an array of ball players. Here on Prep Hoops LA, we will delve into the first and second teams of each small school class and discuss just who made the all state teams from northern section of Louisiana.
Class C All state
Six members of the All state team for Class C reside in north Louisiana. The most notable of the six (and the only first team selection from north LA) is John Buggs (Summerfield) who was the Class C MVP. Buggs is a super athletic guard, at 6’3″, who led his team to the state championship this season. He was joined on the All state 2nd team by his point guard Zach Kingham (5’10” PG) who averaged 17.9 a game. Ebarb’s duo of senior Zack Faircloth (6’1″, 16 ppg) and junior Robert Meshell (5’10”, 20.8 ppg) were named to the second team in Class C as well. Pleasant Hill was represented by 5’9″ senior Ethan Johnson (15 ppg). The north Louisiana contingent was rounded out with Gibsland-Coleman’s senior Xavion Haulcy who averaged 25 ppg. All five members of the 2nd team were from north Louisiana.
Class B All State
Just like Summerfield in class C, class B state champion Simsboro placed two members from its team on the All state team. The class B MVP, Dee Livingston (6’2″, Simsboro), averaged 18 ppg for the state champions while his sophomore running mate Jakemin Abney (6’2″) put up 16.5 ppg. Another sophomore and second team member, Decari Markray (6’3″) averaged 23 ppg in helping his team to the playoffs. Two other high scoring seniors joined Dee Livingston on the first team. Senior guard LaDarius Cuthright (6’1″, 15.4 ppg) of Zwolle, who lost to Simsboro in the Class B championship, made the first team along with high scoring senior Elijah Hampton of Grace Christian. While all these players had individual success, it was coupled with team success. These five represented their teams, class B, and north Louisiana to the fullest.
Class 1A All State
Four players (2 on the first team, 2 on the second team) made the All state team from north Louisiana in class 1A. First team representatives Albert South (6’5″, Tensas, 14.8 ppg) and sophomore Thomas Howell (6’7″, St. Mary’s, 20 ppg) left lasting impressions of their basketball skills during their last games of the season. Howell had a double-double in St. Mary’s loss to Lafayette Christian in the Division IV state championship game while South went for 27 in Tensas’ loss to White Castle in his final game during the state semifinals. Those performances showed that both players could excel when the lights were brightest. Senior Abdell Phillips (6’2″, Delhi, 14 ppg) and sophomore Chanse Robinson (6’0″, Lincoln Prep) were the second team representatives from north Louisiana. Robinson is one of the best point guards in the state while Phillips is one of the premier off guards. Both players led their teams to the playoffs and Phillips ended his high school career losing in the 1A state finals. These players represented north Louisiana, and their schools, to the fullest by almost leading their teams to the ultimate goal.
Class 2A All State
Class 2A representatives on the first and second team have the smallest representation from north Louisiana. However, what it lacks in quantity, the members make up for in star power. The 2A MVP was Rayville’s Mylik Wilson (6’3″, 25 ppg). Along with being the 2A most valuable player, he is listed as the top junior in all of Louisiana for 2019. Joining Mylik on the first team was North Caddo’s super senior Chris Thomas (6’5″, 20 ppg, 15 rpg). These two faced off in the 2A state championship and anyone watching could tell that they were the two best players on the floor. Another member of the undefeated Rayville squad made the second team in 2A and that was 6’6″ senior Nashaun Ellis (15 ppg). Ellis and his unique touch from the 3 point arc helped him garner 2nd team honors. As I stated before, there might not have been a large number of players from north Louisiana on this team. With that said, these three are some of the best players that the state of Louisiana has to offer.
These players had great seasons and have been commended for their hard work. Some of them will be moving on to the next chapter in their career while others will be returning to make more memories. One thing is for certain, Prep Hoops Louisiana will be following their next steps and documenting these high schools stars future endeavors right here.