6’5″ and Up: Unsigned Seniors from Marsh Madness
The LHSAA state championships, otherwise known as “Marsh Madness,” have concluded. For some unsigned seniors, this was the last opportnity to put quality game film together. There were some good unsigned senior frontcourt players who took the court during Marsh…
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Continue ReadingThe LHSAA state championships, otherwise known as “Marsh Madness,” have concluded. For some unsigned seniors, this was the last opportnity to put quality game film together. There were some good unsigned senior frontcourt players who took the court during Marsh Madness. While there are others in the state that are 6’5″ and above, these players opened some eyes during the state championships.
Jamal Hayward / 6’10” / Peabody
Hayward is a big guy to say the least. For the Warhorses, Hayward was a space eater who secured rebounds and ate mostly from put backs. During the season, very few offensive sets were ever run for him as was the case during Marsh Madness. The fact is he is 6’10”. What Hayward can give any college team is a solid rebounder and a force around the rim. Any school that decides to bring him in will have a solid player that fills those two needs.
Landing spot: A small school who needs a big to do the things he does well. Any school on the DII, DIII, or NAIA level looking for a big will love his size and rebounding.
Cadarious Leggins / 6’6″ / Delhi
During the 1A semifinal game against KIPP Booker T., there were a couple of times that Leggins was having his way in the paint. He has an active body that does not mind taking punishment. Leggins knows how to carve out space and rebound. Even though Delhi did not come out victorious, Leggins showed that he can be a force down low within an offense on the next level. Cadarious is a player who has the ability to be given the ball in the paint and produce a positive result whether it is with the pass or the shot.
Landing spot: A junior college that needs an active, but versatile, big man could be where he lands. Leggins does not clog up the paint and is mobile. While his best work is around the glass, he has the ability to move his feet and move laterally.
Charlie Russell / 6’7″ / Sophie B. Wright (picture above)
Charlie Russell did not have the best game during the 3A semifinals against Madison Prep. With that said, Russell probably has the most versatile skill set of any player on this list. He can shoot the ball very well from three. His touch from the arc is unquestioned. Russell can also post and rebound like any other high school big. Because of his skill set, he is a matchup nightmare for most teams. While his last game was not his best, he has had a host of others that should produce many suitors when the time comes.
Landing spot: Providing that he has qualified, Russell can end up anywhere from a mid-major to a top NAIA school (i.e. LSUA or LSUS). He has the skills to make a major difference at any school with his size and shooting ability. I think a mid-major will come in late and grab a steal in this kid.
LaJarrion Spinks / 6’6″ / Wossman
Spinks had two very good games during Marsh Madness. He scored in double digits during the semifinal and final with retrieving 5-plus rebounds in each game. For a guy who did not start, he was the first post player off the bench and did what Coach Jones asked of him. As a matter of fact, he probably gave more. Spinks rebounded against the tough frontlines of Peabody and Madison Prep. He also switched and helped defend guards on the perimeter. Spinks is definitely a player who can fill the need on the frontline and do the dirty work around the basket. If he starts to consistently hit a jumper around the paint, watch out.
Landing spot: Spinks is a good candidate to play at a JUCO where he can better his game. With his height and athelticism, he would be better served to do so. With some serious development to his post game and developing a mid-range jumper, Spinks can be an asset to a four year program down the road.
Myron Washington / 6’8″ / Ouachita
No big man had a better coming out party than Myron Washington. While we knew he was the anchor in the middle of Ouachita’s defense, sometimes he got lost offensively. During their semifinal loss to Walker, Washington showed that he could be a force on both ends of the floor. He worked in the paint for offensive boards, put backs and short hooks in the lane. On the defensive end he blocked several layup and shot attempts which helped Ouachita control most of the game. His active, under the pressure of the semifinals, displayed a player who could step up in the clutch when needed. This performance should go a long way in securing him a spot at the next level.
Landing spot: I can see Myron ending up at a competitive DII school or a top NAIA institution. His skill set of running the floor and blocking shots would fit in at those two levels. If he does not qualify, a junior college would love to have him as their big man.
Tyler Washington / 6’6″ / Delhi
Washington is one of those unsigned seniors who is very interesting. He has the tools to play at a high and definitely a mid-major. With his slight frame, his only drawback would be defending a player just as tall with more bulk. Washington can score at all three levels and has a flair for the dramatic. All one would have to do is flashback to his late game winner in the quarters to see that. Improving his footwork on defense is probably a must considering some of the fouls he received during the semifinal loss. With that said, Washington should be an intriguing prospect for the next level.
Landing spot: I would think one of the local low majors will be his home. He can definitely help them from a scoring and rebounding aspect. One a collegiate program where he would improve his weight training, he may be a player in a couple of years that becomes one of their top players.
JaMarkus Wilson / 6’5″ / Rayville
Of these players mentioned, there is not a player who has not played more top competition than JaMarkus Wilson. Rayville played any and everyone the last three years and he has guarded almost every type of player there is. During Marsh Madness, he did the same. He can switch out on guards and he can defend bigs. Offensively, he scores on all three levels exceptionally well. His outlet passes whether taking the ball out of bounds or from a rebound can make a break go. His versatility makes him a highly coveted player in the coming weeks.
Landing spot: I believe one of the Louisiana low or mid-major schools gets him in the end. If not, one of the NAIA schools in Louisiana are next. He knows how to win and he makes teams better. The fact that he is an unsigned senior is really a miracle in itself.
During this time, unsigned seniors like the ones above will be hitting various campuses and showcases for workouts and visits. Look for these seven seniors to be on a campus or showcase as the weeks lead up to the beginning of the signing period on April 17th.