Summer Review: Top Floor Generals in N. Louisiana from 3A to Class C
In the smaller Louisiana classifications, there always seems to be a player or players who stand out. Because their schools are not as big, their scoring and passing exploits are newsworthy on a nightly basis. The same can be said…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingIn the smaller Louisiana classifications, there always seems to be a player or players who stand out. Because their schools are not as big, their scoring and passing exploits are newsworthy on a nightly basis. The same can be said about the top floor generals in classes 3A through C. In those classes, north Louisiana has six of the best point guards that play at the prep level.
LaDamien Bradford / 6’5″ / Jonesboro-Hodge / 2020 (pictured above)
Bradford is the top point guard in north Louisiana. Even though he is 6’5″, he moves up the floor like a smaller guard. Bradford can change ends quickly but he looks very unassuming. Kind of like he is on a Sunday stroll. However, when it is least expected, he will fire a no-look pass to someone cutting to the hole. Bradford is a one man break also when he rebounds the ball. He always has his head up looking to make the right pass. If he does not have a good assist opportunity, he will bull his way to the rim for a layup or foul. When defenders play him for the drive, he then orchestrates the offense the way he wants. While he is better from 19 feet in offensively, he has the basketball IQ and talent to make a huge difference no matter where he lands next year.
Cody Deen / 5’9″ / Bossier High / 2020
No point guard was more successful than Deen during the summer. His Nike team (Pro Skills) qualified for Peach Jam and his Bossier Bearkats lost two games during the summer. Deen was the floor general during all of it. He has one of the best jumpers in the prep game. He has range out to 25 feet and has a very fluid form. Every attempt looks like it is going in. Playing with the likes of Micah Peavy, Collin Holloway, Kenny Hunter, and Dante Bell also gave him the opportunity to get back to his true point guard roots. With his total floor game being the best it has been during his prep career, Deen may be in the running for player of the year in Bossier’s new classification (3A). Mix in the motivation from last year’s finals disappointment with his improved game and Deen may have one memorable season.
Anthony “AJ” Taylor / 5’8″ / Loyola College Prep / 2020
Taylor was another guard who saw success in the summer. He is a prototypical floor general who believes in passing first. Taylor was the point guard on a resurgent Louisiana Roundballers team who played well in several Great American Shootouts. When the ball is in his hands, there is no one better at breaking down his initial defender. With his quickness, Taylor causes disruption whenever he gets into paint. He has the ability to pass or consistently make the elbow jumper. He is basically an assist machine in the halfcourt. In the open court, Taylor is a blur. Often times he takes the pull up jumper on the break as well. While he is not the biggest guard, his basketball IQ more than makes up for his height. Look for Taylor and the Flyers to be a tough team to handle in class 3A.
Calep Krane / 6’1″ / Simsboro High / 2020
Krane is one of the most successful preps in Louisiana having won three state titles with two different teams (Lafayette Christian & Simsboro). However, he did not rest on his accomplishments. He concentrated this summer on playing more point guard. At the NCAA Academy, he played as a point guard. Early on it was an adjustment but as the academy went on, Krane got better. The result, a Calep Krane who worked harder at becoming a better passer. Krane is a great finisher at the basket and used that ability to get into the lane. Once there, he tried to find open shooters and others in scoring positions. If his distribution continues to improve, Krane will become even more of a threat offesively. For Simsboro to win a third title in a row, they will need Krane to be a great scorer and facilitator.
Nathaniel Braden / 6’0″ / Lakeview High / 2020
Braden was the lefty junior who got a ton of minutes playing in a senior laden three guard attack. Now, as a senior, he is entrusted with leading the Lakeview attack. If the summer is any indication, Braden will do just that. During the Southwood team camp and the Prep Hoops Top 250, Braden was constantly in attack mode. He never takes a possession off. Even if his shot is not going, he still effects the game by rebounding or making hustle plays. What I like about his offensive game is that he is a multi-level scorer. Braden can drive and elevate, can shoot it from deep, or he can hit the mid-range jumper. He will also pick up guards fullcourt and hound them every possession. Braden does what his team needs to win. For Lakeview to make Marsh Madness, they will need Nate’s overall game to make it.
Martin McDowell / 5’9″ / Calvary Baptist Academy / 2022
Even though Coach Vic Morris will try a couple of others at the point as he did this summer, a large portion of what the Cavaliers will do will offensively will rest on the young shoulders of Martin McDowell. If his freshman season is an indicator, the Cavs should be just fine. McDowell is a knockdown shooter. However, he is really their most steady floor general. McDowell is a crafty guard who can pass with either hand. He can also lead the fast break and make the right basketball play. While he is just going into his sophomore sesaon, McDowell has a better than average basketball IQ. He will do what is needed to succeed. If it is his shooting, that is great. However, if he beats you with his passing, the Cavs can live with that, too. They may do just that all the way to Lake Charles.
Floor generals like these are hard to come by. Homer was without their floor general, Jayshun Miller, for the majority of the summer with an injury. So look for him to make an impact when he returns. The before-mentioned six are some high IQ players. It is hard to rattle them during games. I look forward to catching all six of them during the upcoming season which begins in November.