Players to Watch: Class of 2022 (Part 1)
While high school competition is the focus this month, we will take a look at the 2022 class. Some of these players had a good initial high school season while others have come on this summer. We will take a…
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Continue ReadingWhile high school competition is the focus this month, we will take a look at the 2022 class. Some of these players had a good initial high school season while others have come on this summer. We will take a look at some of the 2022 names to know as we move to the end of the June.
John-Paul Ricks / 5’11” / Jehovah-Jireh
As a true freshman he played big minutes in Jehovah-Jireh’s Division V championship game. He is a traditional pass first point guard who is not afraid to take big shots. This summer he has played for Louisiana Elite so he has gained more confidence playing against the best of the best on the UAA circuit. With the his experience this summer, he should be ready to contribute even more to another title run for Jehovah-Jireh.
Jadais Richard / 6’2″ / West Monroe
On a young West Monroe team, Richard was the best post option they had during the season. At 6’2″, he did not disappoint however. Richard has a quick first and second jump and is an above average rebounder. With a year of experience under his belt, look for Richard to expand his game some. If he begins to take post players off the dribble, he will be one of the Rebels top threats on the offensive end.
Rayshun McCullar / 6’0″ / Huntington
Imagine playing in a district where you have to defend Jacoby Decker, Tramichael Moton, and Herman Key on a nightly basis and be a scoring threat. That was McCullar’s freshman season. Well, he stepped up to the challenge and has become one of the top point guards in the state going into his sophomore season. His ability to distribute and score has already garnered some DI interest. Playing well his sophomore season should continue his upward ascent into notoriety around the state.
Kyran Ratliff / 6’7″ / KIPP Booker T. Washington
Ratliff was hampered in the 1A state finals by early foul trouble and could never get on track offensively. Make no mistake though. His prowess on the defensive end makes him a player to watch in the 2022 class. Ratliff rebounds and blocks shots at a high level. His length allows him to get to shots others can not. While his body still needs to fill out, Ratliff can still make offenses regret challenging him. This summer playing with LivOn Fleue-de-Lis should help him improve his skills on both ends of the floor.
Martin McDowell / 5’9″ / Calvary Baptist
Martin McDowell is one of the best shooters in Louisiana prep basketball. While he has range, the consistency with which he shoots is ridculously high. During this summer, he has also grown into a better point guard. McDowell has pushed the pace for the Cavaliers team this June and has either found the right person to finish on the break repeatedly. If his passing skills progress to the level of his shooting , McDowell will be one of the most dangerous players when Calvary steps on the court.
Patrick McCraney / 5’10” / Neville (pictured above)
When I think of a long distance shooter, Patrick McCraney comes to mind. He has the consistency of the player above him with range that is unrivaled by many. McCraney has range to about 28 feet easy. During the northeast Louisiana summer league, he released a couple that I thought were too far. They hit the bottom of the net. His range opens up the floor for him to drive past players who play him closely. While it was hard to see how a freshman could be the leading scorer for the Tigers with the talent they had returning. Once you see McCraney play, it is easy to see. Teams will need to pick him when he crosses halfcourt this season or they will be in trouble.
These players in the class of 2022 are not only some of the best in their class, they are great varsity players. Look for other players to watch in this class during part two of the class of 2022.