Players with New Roles: 2019-2020 Preview
A new season is upon us. In a new season, teams and players have renewed chances at winning awards and titles. Several players will have new responsibilities as their roles on their teams change. In this article, we will focus…
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Continue ReadingA new season is upon us. In a new season, teams and players have renewed chances at winning awards and titles. Several players will have new responsibilities as their roles on their teams change. In this article, we will focus on five players who will have new (or increased) roles for their teams this upcoming season.
Elijah Tate Elijah Tate 6'3" | SF Madison Prep | 2020 State LA / 6’3″ / 2020 / Madison Prep (pictured above)
The UL-Monroe commit enters this season as the only double digit scorer from last year’s roster. Tate also enters the season as the Charger most likely to take on the responsibility of leading the team. That means he will be the top defender, leading scorer, and team leader on the floor for the Chargers. Tate is already an elite defender so defending the top player from the opposition will not be an issue. However, he will need to prove that he is a top level scorer and possibly an adequate distributor this season. While Madison Prep is loaded with talent, they do not have a true point guard. Tate may have to play some point to make sure things go smoothly. Playing multiple roles may just earn Tate some individual hardware at season’s end.
Bryce Roberts Bryce Roberts 6'1" | CG Parkway | 2021 State LA / 5’10” / 2021 / Parkway High
Roberts played very well at the elite camp at Northwestern State in August. He proved that he can score off the dribble and from behind the arc. Roberts was one of the preps who impressed that day. Fast forward to the new season and Parkway will need him to take on the role as their lead scorer. With the loss of Joseph Wiggins, the Panthers lost a ton of rebounding and scoring. Roberts may be able to take care of the scoring load because he is more versatile. Where Wiggins relied on others to get him the ball, Roberts can bring the ball up himself and make decisions being a guard. His improved ability to drive will provide looks for others on the team. With his ability to play both guard positions, Roberts may help Parkway surprise some people this season.
Kendal Coleman / 6’8″ / 2020 / Captain Shreve
As the main post option on a senior-led team, Coleman almost helped Shreve win a district title. Now, his role will be as the Gators primary scoring option under a new coach. Kendal Coleman had a fantastic summer where he impressed many college coaches who saw him play. As the 2019-2020 season approaches, Coleman is now the focal point in a Shreve attack under head coach Corey Deans. Coleman can score anywhere around the paint. He is efficient at both elbows with his jumper and can score over either shoulder from the block. Coleman also rebounds and blocks shots better than any post in north Louisiana in my opinion. He will be asked to do everything but bring up the ball. If Coleman plays like he did this summer, that may be just what the Gators need.
Jay Pleasant Jay Pleasant 6'4" | PF Rayville | 2020 State LA / 6’4″ / 2020 / Rayville
For the past two years, Jay Pleasant Jay Pleasant 6'4" | PF Rayville | 2020 State LA has been part of the Rayville Hornets highlight reels. Some of his dunks are legendary on those videos. Now, with all of the Wilsons gone, Pleasant will be counted on for big minutes at Rayville. The Hornets do not necessarily need a big man as they press pretty much all game. However, Pleasant will be counted on to play some post defense. He will also be needed to defend the rim. On offense, Pleasant will definitely have to pick up his scoring. He will have to score in a variety of ways. Whether his scoring comes by rebounds and put backs, outside shots, or dunks on the break, Pleasant will need to put the ball in the basket. If Rayville reaches Marsh Madness again, it will be because of Pleasant’s increased role.
Quatarious Jones Quatarious Jones 6'6" | PF Delhi | 2020 State LA / 6’6″ / 2020 / Delhi
After playing in Marsh Madness his sophomore and junior seasons, Jones is now a senior. If he is to play in Marsh Madness a third season in a row, the responisbility will fall squarely on his shoulders. Jones has expanded his game in preparation for the responsibility. He has expanded his shooting range to behind the arc while still using his athleticism around the basket. No longer is he a sophomore who just roams the paint to block shots. Now, he can score at all three levels and defend the perimeter as well as the paint. His team will need him to fill multiple roles on offense as well as defense Providing that he can do that, the Delhi Bears may make a third straight visit to Marsh Madness under Jones leadership.
Most teams will have upperclassmen stepping into new leadership roles while freshman and sophomores will be looking to contribute this season. We will look forward to seeing this all play out when games begin with classes B and C the first week of November.