Outside the Top 100: Unranked Seniors
Even though the Division I signing period is still a little over two months away, some seniors are winding down their high school careers. With two weeks left, there is still time for these seniors to impress schools with quality…
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Continue ReadingEven though the Division I signing period is still a little over two months away, some seniors are winding down their high school careers. With two weeks left, there is still time for these seniors to impress schools with quality game or highlight film. Today, we will take a look at some of the seniors outside of the top 100 and the attributes they possess as recruiting continues.
Gary Smith / 6’3″ / Dutchtown
Smith is probably one of the best kept secrets in 5A. The 6’3″ wing has been one of the main reasons that the Griffins have been in the top 10 all season. Smith is a guard who attacks the rim with verocity and finishes with dunks or contested layups. He also has the ability to shoot the ball from deep when open. With his height and athleticism, Smith could easily play for a mid to low major, DI program and fit in nicely. He is also garnering interest from Ivy League schools with his 28 ACT score. Simply put, wherever Smith decides to play, he will be an asset to their program.
Kenneth “KJ” Jones / 6’1″ / Captain Shreve
One of the reasons that Captain Shreve is tied for the 1-5A district lead is the play of KJ Jones. Jones, who is one of the most deadly shooters in northwest Louisiana, does not need much daylight. If he catches the ball in his shooting pocket and the defender is playing off, more times than not its going down. KJ also has the ability to read screens and defenses to get off open shots as well. Schools at all levels are looking for consistent shooters. Because of his shooting prowess, Jones will be a coveted find for a school looking for one.
Rayson Robinson / 6’1″ / Wossman
Another shooter who has the ability to stretch the floor is Wossman’s Rayson Robinson. The Wildcat shooting guard has made defenses pay for collapsing into the paint to stop their interior scoring. Whether it is from the corner or the top of the key, Robinson shoots the rock with precision. As an added bonus, Robinson has long arms and plays passing lanes well on defense. When he disrupts passes, Wossman is able to get out in transition. Robinson has been a major part of Wossman being at the top of the 3A standings. A program looking for a shooter with a winning pedigree will like what he has to add.
Brandon Williams / 6’0″ / Delhi
The Bears lost in the 1A championship game in 2018 and are looking to get back. They are in the top 5 of their class again and part of the reason is the leadership of Brandon Williams. The 6’0″ point guard is a timely jump shooter and primary facilitator of the Bears offense. He has the habit of making teams pay for leaving him open with the shot or the pass. Williams is also excellent as an on ball defender. He makes the opposing point guard work to set up plays or score. His tough mindset also comes from his play on the gridiron. If he is given a chance on the hardwood at the D2 or D3 level, Williams will make a great point guard for one of those teams.
De’eron Brown / 6’1″ / Rayville
Brown has been one of the best surprises for the defending 2A state champions. The Hornets needed someone to step up and set the tone for them on defense and Brown has done that all season. He is a point guard who can switch and guard three perimeter positions. Brown can also defend full court if need be. His energy level on defense is very high. During the season, Brown has also become a reliable three point shooter and great at orchestrating the offense among the multiple weapons that the Hornets possess. Rayville is definitely making another run at a title. If they actually win another one, Brown will be a big part of it on each end of the floor.
Tarae “TJ” Robinson / 5’9″ / Airline
This year’s Airline Vikings are a scrappy bunch. Point guard TJ Robinson is a big reason why they have that persona. Robinson is a dog on defense and disrupts offenses by causing ball pressure. No matter which guard position he is defending, Robinson makes it tough for them to either get a shot or run an offensive play. He is just as important on the offensive end. Even being short in stature, that does not deter him from taking the ball to the hole. Robinson often forces himself into the lane and finds shooters on the outside. His best attribute might be that he is not afraid to take the big shot. Make or miss, he is not scared of the moment. TJ might not play at the D1 level; however, at the D2 or D3 level, he would be a great guard to have on a roster.
Truce Williams / 6’6″ / South Plaquemines
An unranked 1000 point career scorer. Senior Truce Williams is rare in that aspect. However, there is nothing average about his game as he routinely posts double-doubles when he is on the floor. His ability to run the floor is one of his gifts. Whether it is a steal, a rebound, or him running his lane, his long strides help him change ends quickly and finish with authority. If that is not enough, he tracks the ball well from a miss and gathers rebounds with ease. Williams also has range to 22 feet. His release is a little low but his results are usually successful. This kid scores on all three levels and defends at a high level also. With a 28 ACT score along with several Divison 2 offers and 1 D1 offer in hand, Williams may receive more offers following the season and playoffs. He is that good.
Bobby Baker III / 5’5″ / Southwood (pictured above)
Baker has had an up and down season that saw him spend some time away from the team. Even with that brief hiatus, there is no mistaking that he is one of the best defenders in 5A. Baker is the defensive dynamo that makes the Southwood engine go. He guards fullcourt often times and makes it hard for ball handlers to initiate offense. In the half court, he is one of the smarter defenders when it comes to providing help defense. He knows where and when to come to try and help his teammates. On offense he is lightening quick and hard to stay in front of. He also pushes the ball on the break and finds his wings early in transition. He is a textbook, pass-first point who plays defense. His work ethic gives him a shot at any next level school that takes a flyer on him.
De’Quan Randle / 6’4″ / Airline
Although the season is coming to an end, Airline senior wing De’Quan Randle might just be hitting his stride. Randle is a true two way player. He is long and agile which makes him an asset when guarding small guards or big forwards. Randle has an above average wing span that makes shooting over him nearly impossible. He contests, and alters, quite a few jumpers. Randle is also a good help defender who blocks shots better than most wings. On offense, he is just tapping into his potential. When he decides to go to the rim, no defender is able to stop him. He is long enough to finish over most players using the bounce. His jumper is practically untouchable. If he continues to get opportunities as the go-to person on offense, he may become Airline’s most reliable scorer. He will be an interesting recruit at any college level.
Unranked seniors will definitely have opportunities to make their mark when the season is over. The number of showcases around the state will give various coaches and schools opportunities to see them in action. We will see if these seniors find a home when recruiting picks up after the season ends.