Louisiana’s Rising Stars: Potential All State Forwards & Wings
For today’s prep basketball players, there are certain achievements that motivate them. Whether it is being highly ranked in their class or being on a top team, players find motivation in all shapes and forms. One of those motivators, historically, has been being named to the all state team in their class. In this article, we will take a look at five forwards and wings that were not voted to any of the all state rosters in their class. This year, they should be all state performers by season’s end.
Jamichael Wilson / 6’5″ / Rayville High School / 2019 (photo cred – Jimmy Touchet)
One might wonder how can a senior on a state championship team from the previous year be a rising star. Well, when that player is Jamichael Wilson, it happens because of his demeanor. Wilson plays his role. Last year’s Rayville team needed him to play defense and be a glue guy. That is what he did. This coming season, however, Wilson will be asked to do more. During the summer, Jamichael got a chance to display his offensive potential driving to the basket and shooting the three. Defensively, he has always caused trouble for guards and wings due to his length. If he continues playing that way, he should be a member of the all state first or second team in class 2A.
Delatrion Moton / 6’4″ / Woodlawn High School (Shreveport) / 2021
In the 2017-2018 season, there were few underclassmen named to the all state first or second team. While there were some named in the lower classes, there were no underclassmen named to the first or second team in class 3A and above. That could change this year in class 4A with Delatrion Moton. The sophomore, younger brother of “T-Mike” Moton is ready to take on a larger role with this year’s Woodlawn team. He is a hybrid wing/forward who can handle the rock or score in the post. Moton is a hard guard for anyone trying to defend him. Because of multi-faceted game, he can dominate it in more ways than others. His play will probably influence how deep of a playoff run the Knights make. If he can take his game to another level, first or second team all state is well within his reach.
Courtland Lundy / 6’4″ / Tensas High School / 2019
Tensas had a great season last year led by Albert South (1st team all state). If they are going to duplicate the success they had last season, they will need their best player to step up. That player is Courtland Lundy. Lundy is a pure basketball player. He is asked to score, rebound, and facilitate for his team and he does all of those things quite well. Lundy is not flashy with his play. When he steps on the floor, he is there to outwork the player guarding him. During most games, that is enough. This year, Lundy will need to handle the ball more because he will have a mismatch during most games. He should average 20 points a game easily. If Lundy helps Tensas repeat the playoff success from last season, first or second team all state should be well within is grasp.
D’ante Bell / 6’7″ / Bossier High School / 2020
During his sophomore year, Bell was more of a defensive presence than a scorer. He was the defensive anchor Bossier needed as they tied for the district championship. Then, the summer came. Over the summer, Bell worked on his offensive game and played well against competition during grassroots and summer league play. Now, I believe he can be the go-to presence down low when Bossier has an off night shooting. His scoring numbers might not wow anyone because of all of the scoring the Bearkats possess. However, the numbers he will have in the rebounding and blocks categories will probably be all state caliber. If Bossier makes the run to the championship as most suspect, Bell will be one of the first or second team players for sure.
JaMarkus Wilson / 6’5″ / Bossier High School / 2020 (pictured above)
It is hard to believe when I saw JaMarkus Wilson play this summer that he was not even named all state honorable mention. It could be that Rayville had too many good players to name. Maybe it is his demeanor on the court. Wilson is a silent assassin. He is not boisterous or flamboyant. JaMarkus just concentrates on doing his job. For this year’s Rayville team, his play will be in the spotlight because they are the overwhelming favorite to repeat as 2A champs. Wilson plays both ends of the floor exceptionally well and his game has no holes. His ball handling is good enough to take slower post off the dribble or handling the rock during press situations. Often times this summer, he was the best player on the floor. If that trend continues, he will definitely be one of the top two teams for 2A players.
These players are some of the best forwards and wings that the Boot has to offer. For them not to have received any votes on last year tells people how good the talent was in last year’s class. Look for these guys to be on many of the post season awards list after the seasons winds up.