Championship Trios of North Louisiana
There have been many different formulas that coaches have used to win championships. Some have chosen to ride one star player with a helpful cast of teammates while others have preferred more of a team approach. There have also been…
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Continue ReadingThere have been many different formulas that coaches have used to win championships. Some have chosen to ride one star player with a helpful cast of teammates while others have preferred more of a team approach. There have also been dynamic duos who have played Batman and Robin roles to championships. More notably are teams who have three stars or very good players. Like the Dallas Cowboys “triplets”, these teams have three players who can help carry their team to new heights. There are six teams in north Louisiana that are hoping that their trio (along with help from others) can bring their school a championship this season.
Marvin Young, Kendall Coleman, & Kenneth “KJ” Jones – Captain Shreve Gators
The Gators have had an up and down season prior to district starting. They have had some close loses to teams like Live Oak, Logansport, and West Monroe. Since district has begun, however, they have raced out to a 4-1 start. The primary reason is due to the trio that has been carrying them all season long. KJ Jones (6’2″, 2019), Marvin Young (6’3, 2019), and Kendall Coleman (6’5, 2020) have made the Gators a viable playoff threat with their play. Coleman has been an inside threat both offensively and defensively. He erases shots and scores easily within 15 feet. Young facilitates the offense and spurs the defense. Jones has been deadly from three all season. He needs very little room to get his shot off. If they continue to play well together, a playoff birth will be in their grasp.
Nick Traylor, Rayson Robinson, & Devonte Austin – Wossman Wildcats
Wossman is currently the #2 team in 3A. While they are a well-balanced team, a lethal trio of guys make this Wildcat team go. Devonte Austin (6’0”, 2021), Rayson Robinson (6’2″, 2019), and Nicholas Traylor (6’3″, 2020) have been the trio that has posted big numbers in games that the Wildcats have won and lost. Austin is the point guard who can bomb from long range if the opposing guard plays off or drive right by them if they play tight. His athleticism is evident on every play. Robinson is the long range threat that is seemingly wide open every time Austin penetrates the lane. All season he has made teams pay for collapsing the lane to stop interior scoring. The biggest threat on the interior has been the scoring and rebounding on Nick Traylor. At 6’3″, while not the tallest, he has posted double-doubles against multiple teams. For Wossman to make a championship run, they will need all three players to be at the top of their games.
Jacoby Decker, Xavien Beasley, & Kaalas Roots – Bossier Bearkats
The trio that has driven the Bossier Bearkats to the top spot in class 4A is Jacoby Decker (5’9, 2019), Kaalas Roots (6’1, 2019), and Xavien Beasley (6’3″, 2019). These seniors have propelled the their team offensively and defensively in every contest. If there has been an important play in a game, one of them has been involved. Decker is the ultimate scoring threat. At 5’9″, he places so much pressure on a defense it allows others to score in an easier fashion. His improved passing skills allow wings, like Beasley, to find open areas in a defense to operate. Beasley is like a taller power forward with guard skills. He creates mismatches over and over again with his playmaking ability and his strength. Beasley can guard four positions without help on most nights. Roots defense usually takes out the primary scorer for the opposition. If Roots offense is on as well, Bossier is too tough to handle. Even though Bossier is ten deep, the play of these three make them the odds on favorite for the 4A title.
Jamichael Wilson, Jamarkus Wilson, & Mylik Wilson – Rayville Hornets
The class 2A defending champions have not had the season they probably envisioned coming off an undefeated 2017-18. They are still ranked #3 and have a solid core of players that have helped them to that status. Most important in that core are the Wilson trio JaMarkus (6’5″, 2019), Jamichael (6’6″, 2019), and Mylik (6’3, ULL signee). These three have combined for a state title and a state runner up the last two seasons and are looking to add a third trophy. JaMarkus is the low post threat of the crew. With his 6’5″ frame, he can score on just about anyone in the post. He has an outside touch as well which keeps defenders off balance as to how he will attack. Hampered by an ankle injury, Jamichael has not been able to show his full range of abilities lately. However, he can guard smaller guards with his quick feet and bury corner threes better than most others in 2A. Division schools like his versatility on both ends. Mylik is the best all around player 2019 has to offer. His athleticism, mixed with his basketball savvy, make him a hard guard. He attacks from various areas on the floor offensively and is the best help side defender in the prep game. With this trio’s leadership from their multiple battles over the past two years, a return trip to the title game is well within their grasp this season.
Roderick Stinson, Sadarionne “SD” Ellis, & Daniel Ortiz – Southwood Cowboys
In a wide open class 5A, one team really may get on a run and take this year’s crown. That team may be the Cowboys. With the trio that has been carrying them offensively, they have a very good shot. Sadarionne “SD” Ellis (6’2″, 2019), Rod Stinson (6’3, 2019), and Daniel Ortiz (6’0″, 2021) have led Southwood in scoring in every game this season. Ortiz has placed teams on notice since his debut against Bossier scoring 16 in one half. He is a scoring point guard who knows when to score and when to distribute. Very heady for a sophomore. Rod Stinson has let is go from deep and is the best pure shooter on the roster. He might be the best shooter in 5A. It is not necessarily his range but his consistency from deep that makes him lethal. Stinson’s defense has also improved as the season has gone. SD Ellis is probably the most gifted scorer to come through Southwood in awhile. His mid-range game is unstoppable and he takes a makes contested shots routinely. Ellis has played better defense as well and has become a leader vocally. With the field so wide open, this version of the Southwood Cowboys has as good of a shot as any at hoisting a state title at the end of the year.
Jakemin Abney, Calep Krane, & Gianni Nelson – Simsboro Tigers
Another state champion that seems to be rounding into form are the Simsboro Tigers. They started their season strong and then hit some bumps in the road without one of their main guys. Now that the trio is intact, Gianni Nelson (6’0″, 2019), Jakemin Abney (6’3, 2020), and Calep Krane (6’1, 2020) have opened up district play like defending champions should. The Tigers have mauled the competition these three have been at the forefront. Abney is the Swiss army knife of the crew. He can shoot it from deep, rebound, and block shots better than most 6’2″/6’3″ wings. Krane is a shooter and slasher who defends well on the ball also. Krane has shot the ball really well from deep this season which has prompted him to become a better all around scorer. Nelson, the MVP from the championship game, has been the defensive leader for the Tigers. He plays the head of their press or defends the opposition’s point guard on most nights. His quick hands and feet have allowed him to steal and ball numerous times for breakaway dunks. He has improved his shooting as well. With these three playing as they are now, it will be easy to see Simsboro back in the title game this season.
These trios are some of the best of the best. They are players who help their teams offensively and defensively. When the playoffs come around, each team should make plenty of noise benefitting from the play of the players mentioned. Their perspective schools hope to say the same as well. That will mean that the school will be hoisting a basketball state championship.