Stock Risers from the PH Top 250 – North LA Edition
The Top 250 exposure event in Baton Rouge on Saturday, August 18th was one for the books. Some of the best prep players from all over Louisiana descended on the Team Sportsplex showing the skills they bring to the table. Of the representation from north Louisiana, three unranked players stood out from the rest. From this event going forward, their stock should rise in the rankings and the Louisiana high school basketball scene.
D’Marcus Hall / 6’4″ / Calvary Baptist Academy
Hall came into the Expo after playing the post most of the summer with his high school team and his AAU team (Louisiana Select Team Millsap). During the Expo, D’Marcus showed that there is more to his game than low post moves. Hall, who is a great rebounder, displayed the ability to push the ball and play point man on the break after rebounds. He found guards running the wings with him as the primary ball handler. D’Marcus also showed great form and a high release on his jumper. He did not shoot the highest percentage on the day but he definitely has the ability to expand his game to the perimeter. With the talent to score at all three levels and his adept rebounding prowess, Hall will move from not being ranked to firmly within the rankings in no time.
Rollin Belton / 6’7″ / Ruston High School
During his freshman season, Belton did not appear on the Prep Hoops LA watch list for the 2021 class. After a summer with Louisiana Select Team Millsap, Belton now is firmly planted on the prep landscape in Louisiana. At Saturday’s Expo, Belton showed what improvements he has made. He is a gifted rebounder and takes advantage of his God-given height. No one is going to out duel him for position to get a rebound. Belton secures space and attacks rebounds. On offense, Belton displayed footwork of a more seasoned player. He used his strength and footwork to score layups or baby hooks around the basket. As a defender, he loves to bang with other bigs. Belton showed enough strength to play big men his size or taller. Look for Rollin to continue the improvement he showed during the Expo as the season approaches.
Kalep Crane / 6’0″ / Simsboro High School
Crane was another player who had a solid summer with Louisiana Select. He transferred that momentum from the summer and showcased it at the Top 250. Crane showed he could play on and off the ball in each game that he played. When he played the point, Crane displayed the ability to drive past his primary defender to finish or to find perimeter shooters. He also pushed the ball in transition causing the defense the same issues that he did in the half court. Off the ball, Kalep found open areas to shoot from deep or to attack the defense after he received the kick. On the defensive end, he caused major disruptions on the defensive end coming up with several steals and countless other turnovers. Kalep showed the ability to be versatile. His great day should cause his stock to rise into the rankings going forward.
Louisiana Select Team Millsap represented well at the exposure camp. The performance of these three attested to the quality of players who attended this event. With continued growth, these players will be some of the more sought after preps in the not-so-distant future.