N. LA Unsigned Senior Showcase Standouts
On April 14th, an unsigned senior showcase was held in the gym of the Calvary Baptist Cavaliers. Unsigned seniors from all across north Louisiana showcased their talents to a host of coaches from various divisions. During the action, several players…
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Continue ReadingOn April 14th, an unsigned senior showcase was held in the gym of the Calvary Baptist Cavaliers. Unsigned seniors from all across north Louisiana showcased their talents to a host of coaches from various divisions. During the action, several players showed attributes that they hoped would land them at one of the colleges or universities observing them. At day’s end, eight players stood out among the campers at the showcase.
Jarrius Jackson / 6’3″ / Haynesville
Jackson was a player whose athleticism stands out as the day began at Calvary. During the drills session, he showed adequate ballhandling skills. However, when it came to dribble moves and layups, Jackson put on an athletic show for the coaches in attendance. Even at 6’3″, Jackson has the kind of bounce that will make fans take note. His two hand dunks were rim-rocking. During the scrimmage session, Jackson ran the floor well and finished when he had the opportunity. He is more of a slasher style player who has the ability to finish at and above the rim. His athletic ability should peak some interest from schools who need an athletic slasher.
Bobby Baker / 5’6″ / Southwood
The point guard play at the senior showcase was solid. Of the point guards who played, Bobby Baker displayed true point guard ability on both ends of the floor. On defense, Baker caused mistakes and turnovers by the offense by disrupting drives, taking charges, and harrassing ballhandlers. Along with his constant pressure, he talked on defense quarterbacking defensive possessions. Offensively, he made several passes catching cutters in stride. Some were not finished due to the player fumbling the ball away. Baker also knew when to take the open shot. He made them more times than not. A college team in need of a true point guard should find Baker and interesting find during the signing period.
Marvin Young / 6’3″ / Captain Shreve
Continuing his hot play that carried Captain Shreve into the playoffs, Young had a stellar day at the senior showcase. Young displayed his handling ability during the skills and drills portion. He also showed an ability to get up to the rim that was not really shown during the regular season. During the scrimmages, Young reminded us that he is very adept at putting it in the hole. Young understands angles well and finished easily at the cup. It appears that his midrange game is extending to the three point line as well. While he may need some more lift on his jumper, his long arms allow him to still get off shots. Young is evolving into a presence on the floor that can do many things well. He will definitely aid a college that gives him a shot.
Xavien Beasley / 6’2″ / Bossier
This Bossier wing showed why he is the player he is during the scrimmage portion of the showcase. Beasley can take the ball off the defensive board and make a layup on the other end. He is stronger than most guards and gets to the cup amid contact. Beasley is often times the smartest player on the floor and sees plays before they happen. While on the red team, he played with some other player he was familiar with and it seemed like they had been on the same high school team. His advanced knowledge just helps him play at a different level. Beasley does need to work on his jumper so that it will be more consist. However, his talent is undeniable. I believe he would be a welcome addition to a college or university looking for his skill set.
Gianni Nelson / 6’1″ / Simsboro
Nelson is not the typical point guard. He has morphed into one because of the amount of time he has the ball. During the senior showcase, he displayed a skill set that his fundamentally sound. During the skills portion, he displayed a fundamentally sound set of skills. Nelson is able to pull up under control on dribble moves and attacks the rim aggressively when necessary. During scrimmage play, his ability to defend rose to the forefront. He has a way of making guards commit to their move and picking them clean. He can also lead the break or finish at the rim which he did on several occassions. Finding his true position might be an issue on the next level. If a school invests the time in him, he may develop to be a great lead guard at that level.
Ahmad Green / 6’1″ / Woodlawn
Green had one of the more impressive sessions during the senior showcase. He showed that he is comfortable at either guard position and can make the adjustment to playing whichever one is needed at the time. His ballhandling is better than I thought and he consistently displayed enough ability to handle being the lead guard. Green can pass the ball and make smart plays on offense. When he runs the wing and spots up, his shot goes down at a high rate. Coming from a season where he did not have to showcase his ballhandling, it was refreshing to see that he was not afraid to lead a team. If he finds a program that will give him the freedom to do both, they might have a real steal for their program.
Two other players who performed well during the showcase were Michael Williams and Joseph Wiggins. Since the camp on last Saturday, both of them have committed to Centenary College in Shreveport. This proves that the purpose of the senior showcase was served. It gave college coaches a look at new possible recruits while helping others reaffirm why they made offers to others. Hopefully these six, and others, from the showcase will find a home where they can continue to play the game they love. If so, the unsigned senior showcase definitely did a good service.