Prep Hoops Louisiana Top 250 All-Expo Wings
The Prep Hoops Top 250 in Baton Rouge showcased several players who impressed the coaches and writers. Some of the best players during the day were guys who roamed the perimeter. Because of their excellent play, I think the following players were All-Expo at the wing position.
Tai’reon Joseph / 6’2″ / Scotlandville / 2020
Even though it was my first time seeing Joseph, it did not take me long to realize this guy was one of the best at the camp. Tai’reon made his first impression on the defensive end by causing a turnover and diving on the floor for the ball. However, he did not stop there. In traditional wing player fashion, he got out and ran his wing on the floor to the tune of thunderous left handed dunks. If that did not catch your attention, he provided a little trash talk while draining three pointers. What Joseph showed was a total perimeter game on both sides of the ball which translates well to the way today’s basketball game is shifting.
Jakemin Abney / 6’2″ / Simsboro High / 2020
In today’s game of basketball, players need to be flexible in what they can do offensively. Jakemin Abney fits this bill to a tee. He is like a Swiss Army knife on offense. Whatever the team needed at the time, he gave them exactly that. In one game his team was down by almost double digits. They needed scoring and he commenced to hit three straight three pointers. When the team needed a ball handler, he played point forward dishing out assist and driving the lane. Abney’s skill set makes offense look effortless. He has a silky smooth stroke and great touch from deep or in close. There was not a more gifted wing scorer on the floor during the day. Jakemin was a definite joy to watch as the day progressed.
Bryan Bayonne / 6’4″ / Live Oak High / 2019
One of the more under the radar performers of the day was Bryan Bayonne. Bayonne showcased stellar defensive skills as a wing defender. On several possessions, Bryan caused deflections and turnovers with his wing span. When he is in defensive position, he reminds me of Trevor Ariza. Bryan has long arms that can affect someone taller than him because he can contest almost any shot. Bayonne also chased down a couple of smaller guards in the open floor and blocked their shot from behind. When he was on offense, Bryan used his wing span for plenty of put back layups. Because of his build, he was hard to keep off the glass if he was not blocked out. With his play at the Expo, I can see Bayonne garnering plenty of next level looks on his defense alone.
Caleb Robinson / 6’4″ / Lake Charles College Prep / 2020
All of the wings mentioned have great leaping ability which is a part of what makes them great wing players. There is their leaping ability and then there is Caleb Robinson. The ability he has and the height of which he gets off the floor is other worldly at times. Robinson is an alley-oop waiting to happen. There were several times during the Expo while he was running the wing or being the trailer I thought, “this is gonna be good!” More times than not it was. Robinson is one of the most athletic wings in the state and he proved that fact during the Expo. Using the momentum from his above the rim play during the camp, Robinson should place fear in defenders hearts when the season commences.
Wings as talented as these four are hard to come by. Each one of them definitely made a statement with their level of play during the Prep Hoops Top 250. With more exposure, these young men will show the whole state that they are top tier players. From there, playing at the next level should be well within their reach.
*All players listed have photos in the photo article from the exposure camp.