Neville Team Camp: What did we learn?
The Neville Team camp opened on Tuesday with fifteen teams from the seven Louisiana classifications. During the first two sessions, teams and players previewed what the 2018-19 season will look like for their respective schools. Prep Hoops LA was there to highlight some of the things noticed during play over the first two days.
Rayville is still the best team in North Louisiana
We are two months removed from Rayville’s undefeated season. After three wins by double digits on the first day of this week’s team camp, it does not appear that they are going to lose. Mylik, Jamichael, and Jamarkus (Wilson) make things look effortless on the offensive end. One beats up the defense underneath (Jamarkus), one kills team’s on the fast break (Jamichael), and on dominates from inside and outside (Mylik). Then, they change the pace with the bench and pressure you on defense full court. Rayville become extra scary because they can grind it out or speed things up. To be honest, they might not lose a game this summer.
Woodlawn-Shreveport will bounce back
Losing eighty percent of their starting lineup and over sixty percent of their scoring will shake a team that does not have a good coach. However, that is the challenge that Coach Sykes has in front of him as this team camp begins. He does still have Tramichael and Delatrion Moton coming back from the run to the state championship game and that will be a big help. Incorporating so many new pieces is why team’s participate in these camps. Woodlawn started out with a loss to Rayville and a one point win over Franklin Parish. While there were positives in both games, people could tell that this team is still trying to find their way. When they do, they will be a force to reckon with.
Delhi is young…….and good
The Bears are in the same boat as the Woodlawn Knights as they lost three key players from their state runner up season. Just like the Knights, they have a young anchor with loads of potential to go to underneath. Delhi went won two out of three on day one largely due to the play of Quatarious Jones. Jones blocked shots, scored around the basket, and ran the floor impressively all day for the Bears. Coach Lusk featured him on quite a few plays and he seemed up to the challenge. To help with the transition from a veteran-laden team to this youth movement will be returning point guard Brandon Williams. Williams will definitely have to score more than he did last year. On Day 1 he seemed up to the challenge along with running the team. If these two take the leadership ranks head on, Delhi will still be a force in 1A.
Keys for other teams:
Carroll is returning four of their five starters from a team who made the quarterfinals in 3A before losing to crosstown rival Wossman. Look for the Bulldogs to make more strides in 2018-19 because of the experience they have returning.
Ouachita lost three players to graduation but are returning an experienced, guard heavy team who helped make the 5A quarterfinals. If they get good play from their post players with their guard play, look for them to make another run.
Lonnie Cooper gets a summer and a full season with the Patriots from Franklin Parish. They play hard and have a free flowing offense that looks for one another. With a full summer and the effort they are showing during this camp, Franklin Parish might be a surprise team.