Players to Watch: 2020 Post Players
The class of 2020 is arguably one of the deepest in recent basketbal history in Louisiana. There are talented players at all classifications from this class. Some of these talented players are the forwards or wings that are asked to…
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Continue ReadingThe class of 2020 is arguably one of the deepest in recent basketbal history in Louisiana. There are talented players at all classifications from this class. Some of these talented players are the forwards or wings that are asked to play the post. Fresh off of the spotlights of Marsh Madness, we will take a look at five post players to watch this summer and next season.
D’ante Bell / 6’7″ / Bossier
The Bearkats have one of the most versatile big men in the state. When D’ante Bell is on the floor, Bossier usually plays at a different level. Bell has played the head of the Bosser press and been their most dominant post defender. He runs the floor and at times leads the break. When he plays defense in the half court, a player has to be cognizant of where he is or their shot will be sent in the stands. Bell has limitless ability on the floor. He has improved his movement in the post, worked on post moves, and has extended his range to right outside the paint. With a skill set that is off the charts, if he can make another jump offensively with his shooting during the summer, he will be one of the most intriguing recruits in the state next season.
Nikembe Johnson / 6’4″ / North Central (pictured above)
Nikembe Johnson was the top scorer in the 1A championship game against KIPP BTW. Matter of fact, his double-double was one of three double-doubles in the game. Johnson, even at 6’4″, is a legitimate post presence for the Hurricanes. He can play with his back to the basket and his rebounding is top notch for someone his height. Johnson, is also adept at handling the ball. When pressure was applied by KIPP during the championship, Johnson was able to help break pressure by bringing the ball down. Another thing that sets him apart is his ability to shot outside of 15 feet. Nikembe is not a prototype high school big guy like some others on this list, but he is very effective at what he does. His continued improvement of his ball handling skills mixed with his rebounding and scoring skills will draw many suitors during the next season.
Quatarious Jones / 6’5″ / Delhi
Another impressive, shot blocking specimen is Quatarious Jones from Delhi. His interior presence helped the Delhi Bears reach Marsh Madness for the second straight year. Jones is a player who can block the shot on one end, run his lane, and finish with a dunk on the other end. He is just that athletic. His ability to rebound helped him average 12 rebounds per game. Jones also has a jump hook that he uses to score. During last summer, he made strides in his scoring and rebounding. Another summer of getting stronger and improving his offensive game should get him looks from various schools. When his offensive catches up with his defense, the sky is the limit for this player.
Derrick Royal / 6’4″ / Summerfield
In class C there are not a lot of dominant big men. Most of the bigs are forced to play down in the paint because of their height. Summerfield’s Derrick Royal is one of those players. Royal is a long and athletic post who does his best work in the paint. With his long arms and athleticism, he rebounds like someone 6’7′ or 6’8″. He has a quick second jump that allows him to get the ball on the glass or through the hoop with ease. Royal is active on both ends rebounding. Often times he cleans the glass securing a defensive stop for the Rebels. Royal is trying to expand his shooting out to the three point line and displayed that during the waning moments of the class C championship game. If he expands his shooting to 15 feet consistently, Royal may become one of better players class C has to offer.
All of these post players are guys who are athletic, mobile players who can do multiple things. Because of their multiple talents, they help diversify their teams’ offense. With these guys playing in the paint, look for them to help their team be successful during the next season.