Rumble on the River All Tournament Team
The Rumble on the River, which was held at Madison Prep, had a good mix of up and coming heavyweights mixed with traditional powers this season. The field consisted of three defending champions and a host of other playoff teams.…
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Continue ReadingThe Rumble on the River, which was held at Madison Prep, had a good mix of up and coming heavyweights mixed with traditional powers this season. The field consisted of three defending champions and a host of other playoff teams. Selecting an all tournament team from this bunch of talent was hard to say the least. However, I think these players were the best of the best the past weekend in Baton Rouge. This is the Rumble on the River all tournament team (Preston Edwards version).
All-Tournament 1st Team
Damiree Burns / 6’6″ / Forward / Sophie B. Wright / Sr.
Jalen Cook / 6’0″ / Point Guard / Walker High School / Jr.
Charlie Russell / 6’7″ / Forward / Sophie B. Wright / Sr.
Jahein Spencer / 6’4″ / Guard / Madison Prep Academy / Sr.
Elijah Tate / 6’3″ / Guard / Madison Prep Academy / Jr.
The first team is loaded with guys who are definitely Division one talents.
Damiree Burns was a big factor in Sophie B. Wright making it to the tournament final. He was a double-double machine during the semifinals and finals. Burns is a load down low and showed it throughout the tournament. His ability to make moves off the dribble was another reason why he was a first team selection.
Jalen Cook is the personification of a scoring point guard. His ability to score and distribute is matched only by a select few on his level. Proof of that ability was his 17 point 4th quarter onslaught against Sophie B. in the quarters. He almost willed Walker to victory. Walker went 3-1 in this tournament and his play was the main reason why.
Charlie Russell was deadly from the perimeter. His shooting display put everyone on notice. With his quick release at 6’7″, there was rarely a person that could contest his shot. His 25-plus point outing against Walker was a reminder of what talents he possesses.
Jahein Spencer was the offensive and defensive leader for Madison Prep. On the offensive end he shot the ball extremely well from deep. Defensively he manned the boards and started the offensive on numerous occasions. His game has become complete on both ends and warranted a first team selection.
Elijah Tate did everything Spencer did not do. He was either in the passing lanes for steals, playing aggressive man-to-man defense, or driving to the basket. Tate also sacrificed his body attempting to take charges. His all around performance was a reason I picked him for the tournament first team.
All five players left a genuine impression on the crowd and are deservedly part of my all-tournament first team.
All-Tournament 2nd Team
Hobert Grayson IV / 6’5″ / Forward / East Ascension / Jr.
Shadon Green / 5’10” / Point Guard / Landry-Walker / Sr.
Timothy Jackson / 6’5″ / Forward / Jehovah-Jireh / Sr.
Tramichael Moton / 6’1″ / Guard / Woodlawn-Shreveport / Sr.
Daniel Ortiz / 6’0″ / Point Guard / Southwood / So.
The second team is full of players with limitless potential at the next level.
Hobert Grayson IV was a another double-double guy during the tournament. When he was on the floor, he showed that he was a dual threat commanding both ends of the floor. Grayson was also able to show the versatility in his offensive game with off the dribble and post moves added to his perimeter game. Although his team came up short in the consolation final, Grayson IV proved that he is an offensive force to be reckoned with on any given night during this tournament.
Shadon Green proved to be not only a guard who can distribute, but a guard that has many skills on the floor. Green unleashed his three point shooting ability in a narrow loss to Sophie B. Wright. His 29 points against a high caliber team displayed that he can score against anyone. He definitely falls into the line of Landry-Walker guards that have elite talent and showed it during the weekend.
Timothy Jackson is an athletic scorer that sneaks up on people. He might score on put backs and layups time and time again. After the game when you look, he has double digits and you wonder how he got it. Jackson has elite talent and belongs on the second team for this tournament.
Tramichael Moton played lights out for the majority of the Rumble. Not only did he constantly breakdown opposing guards in the full court, he killed their will in the half court. No one could stay in front of him during the weekend. His championship game outburst against East Ascension (21 1st Qtr points) left no doubt that he can get it done on the floor. Elite scoring and ball handling is why Tramichael is a pick for this team.
Daniel Ortiz might not have been a known name before the tournament. However, after the Rumble, basketball people will know who he is. He served as the floor general that led Southwood to the semifinals. The consistency of his outside shooting with his ability to get to the rack (blowing by anyone) was refreshing to see. Ortiz is the lone sophomore of the group but played like a three year high school vet. He was definitely a certain add to this team.
The Rumble on the River usually showcases high caliber play and talent. This year was no different. Look for these players to continue their stellar play during the season. Also, look for more tournaments with this type of talent as we wind down the tournament portion of the season.