4-5A District Preview
(Photo: Billy Embody, 247 Sports)
The contenders: Scotlandville & Walker
There aren’t very many states that can boast having two teams coming off of state titles competing against each other for a district title, but that is the way Louisiana works now. Both of these teams were able to capture a state title last season, but both have lost some really key pieces from last season’s team. The good news for Scotlandville and Walker is they each have the best players for 2020, in Reece Beekman and Jalen Cook respectively. So while they might each take a step back, there is a good chance that neither team does, which will lead to great competition to capture the district title.
Should Compete: Live Oak & Denham Springs
There are pretty clearly three different tiers of teams when it comes to 4-5A, and the next up are going to be Live Oak and Denham Springs. Both of these teams are coming off successful seasons last year, and bring back a large portion of their contributors as well. For Live Oak, they are bringing back their top three players in the Bayonne twins (Bryan and Vince) on the wings as well as Dede Cappling at the guard spot. For Denham Springs, they are bringing back their all district big man from last year, Xavier Miles, as well as a pretty talented lead guard in Micah Banks. These two schools might not have the same star power that Walker and Scotlandville has, but they will be able to rely on senior leadership. I wouldn’t be surprised if either of these teams stole a game from the top teams.
Best of the rest: Belaire, Central, and Zachary
While I don’t see the rest of the district really competing very much, there is still some talent in the rest of the district. I am very intruiged by 6’10 sophomore center Ethaniel Rizan for obvious reasons. 2021 F Chris Hilton of Zachary is also an elite athlete and a really good basketball talent, but his future is clearly on the football field, so he might not be on the basketball court for too much longer.
Preseason All District 1st Team:
Jalen Cook 6’0 PG 2020 Walker
Reece Beekman 6’3 SG 2020 Scotlandville
Brian Thomas 6’4 SF 2021 Walker
Tai’Reon Joseph 6’3 SG 2020 Scotlandville
Bryan Bayonne 6’4 SF 2019 Live Oak
Others to watch:
Vince Bayonne 6’4 SF 2019 Live Oak
Ethaniel Rizan 6’10 C 2021 Central
Xavier Miles 6’5 PF 2019 Denham Springs
Dede Cappling 5’11 PG 2020 Live Oak
Chris Hilton 6’2 SF 2021 Zachary