Louisiana Tech Team Camp Review – Afternoon Session
On last Friday, Louisiana Tech held day one of their annual team camp. Some of the finest high school teams from Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana played against one another. While most of the teams were there to improve chemistry…
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Continue ReadingOn last Friday, Louisiana Tech held day one of their annual team camp. Some of the finest high school teams from Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana played against one another. While most of the teams were there to improve chemistry and to grow as a team, others were there to showcase their talented rosters for next year. The afternoon sessions saw some of north Louisiana’s top teams playing one another. We will review some of the action and players who showcased themselves at the home of the Bulldogs.
Holy Savior Menard rolling
Holy Savior Menard was playing on the last intramural court against Mangham. In this contest, Menard had a firm hold of the contest up 15. If another team thinks that their team is Jourdain Dishmond (6’7″, 2021) and no one else, they will be sadly mistaken. Menard guards got up and pressured the ball on defense and made Mangham throw the ball away several times. Dishmond found himself guarding smaller players most of the time and he did a good job of moving his feet in man-to-man. If they continue to play like this going forward, Menard should make some noise during the regular season in 2A as well as the Division III playoffs.
Franklin Parish looking good
Franklin Parish represented 2-4A in the playoffs last year. Unfortunately, they met a Bossier Bearkat team that was destined to play for the 4A title. Well, by the way Franklin Parish looked on Saturday, they have begun their march for the 4A title beginning this June. They played a team, in Arcadia, that is similar to them in athletic makeup. However, FP put Arcadia on notice that they were there to play. While the game was close early, it was almost a 20 point game by the half. Senior Torrance Doyle (6’3″), had a game. He was driving to the hoop for dunks and dropping three pointers. His teammates played just as well in this blowout contest. Look for Franklin Parish to be a factor in the 4A lancscape this season. They should be very good.
Bossier continues
The Bearkats played a Vicksburg (MS) team on Friday afternoon that was similar to them athletically. Once the game began, Bossier’s top six played outplayed Vicksburg at every position. D’ante Bell (6’8″, 2020) has displayed a lot of versatility during the summer and showed it again on Friday. He has improved his ability to take players around his height or taller off the dribble and he did that plenty on Friday. Couple Bell’s ability with the shooters they have in their five out set and what you have is a team always loaded and ready to score. They do not have the defensive intensity that they had during the years when Jeremiah Williams ruled the sidelines. However, they have a core (led by senior Cody Deen) that will have them as one of the top four teams in 3A when the season begins.
Ouachita Reloaded
If it were not for the Herculean scoring effort of Jalen Cook, Ouachita might have hoisted a state championship. Well, this year’s version of the Lions may have a very good shot to do the same thing. In their game against Woodlawn-Shreveport, they showed the defensive intensity that is their trademark. On the offensive end, they were led by returning starter Charquez Owens (6’3″, 2020). Owens is a shooter and slasher who draws a lot of attention. Senior Robert Sledge (5’10”) was red hot early from three and was the sparkplug on the defensive end. Fellow senior Matt Hayman (6’5″) displayed his versatility shooting from deep and skying above the rim. Ouachita has pieces that should make them one of the teams to beat. Once they improve on the late game situations that cost them at the end of the Woodlawn game, they will be a tough team to beat.
Woodlawn-Shreveport shows heart
The Knights of Woodlawn-Shreveport have had a red hot summer. They continued their streak during the afternoon at Louisiana Tech. In a highly competitive matchup against Ouachita, the Knights turned up their play on both ends of the floor. Down by 7 with under a minute remaining, they caused two turnovers and forced a quick shot. On offense, they got a four point play by Delatrion Moton (6’4, 2021) and a late three with 1.5 remaining to steal the game from Ouachita. That is how Woodlawn-Shreveport has won this month. They have turned the pressure up on defense and depended on timely shooting offensively. This has produced a June with only two blemishes on their record. It has also helped them grow into a team who wins more with their defense. Look for this Knight team to continue their hot play and growth through the end of the month.
Team camp play will continue this coming weekend with camps at Madison Prep and Northwestern State. Look for all of these teams to be participants in one of them.