Candidates for Mr. Basketball & Gatorade Player of the Year
Player of the year in any given state is a prestigious honor. Last year, Louisiana named LSU signee Jalen Cook as Mr. Basketball and Gatorade Player of the Year. This year, it is widely believed to be a two player…
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Continue ReadingPlayer of the year in any given state is a prestigious honor. Last year, Louisiana named LSU signee Jalen Cook as Mr. Basketball and Gatorade Player of the Year. This year, it is widely believed to be a two player race between Cook and UVA commit Reece Beekman. While they will be leaders out of the clubhouse this year, there will be others bidding to win one, or both, of these titles.
Primary contenders
The two players that head the list of course are Jalen Cook (Walker) and UVA signee Reece Beekman (Scotlandville). Cook won both awards last year partially due to his otherworldly performances against Ouachita, Sophie B. Wright, and Scotlandville. Beekman is the best point guard the state has to offer. He also has the ability to get 20 (pts.) and 10 (asst.) on any given night. Both players are gifted scorers and passers so deciding between the two is like splitting hairs. Either one could win. However, there are some players who could have something to say about that.
Strong contenders
Chanse Robinson (6’1″ combo guard from Lincoln Prep)
LaDamien Bradford (6’4″ point guard from Jonesboro-Hodge)
Cody Deen (5’9″ point guard from Bossier)
Derrick Tezeno (6’4″ wing from North Central)
It is something to be said about a player that can take over a game at any given time. These four players can do just that. Chanse Robinson has been the primary scorer and leading rebounder for a Panther team that has been on the cusp of Marsh Madness. To win player of the year, he will have to finally breakthrough. Bradford has made the top 28 and was one quarter away from the championship game. His overall skill screams player of the year. However, he would need to win it all as well to secure that title. Derrick Tezeno has won a title and was the best player on that team. With Coach Jordan leaving and the Hurricanes schedule, Tezeno will have to be the best player on the floor every night to win player of the year. Deen has the game, a strong Bossier squad, and a challenging schedule that could make player of the year viable for him. If he uses the Bearkat championship loss from last year to fuel him, that might be enough.
Others to consider
D’Marcus Hall (6’5″ wing from Calvary Baptist)
Hobert Grayson (6’5″ wing from East Ascension)
Kalep Crane (6’1″ combo guard from Simsboro)
Joe Charles (6’8″ forward from Carencro)
These four players are locks to be all state players. Player of the year is another thing. Hobert Grayson may be hurt by a long East Ascension playoff run but his talent to carry a team is undeniable. Joe Charles played in Marsh Madness consecutive seasons winning a championship during the first. He has to be the most dominate player in a region full of good players though to obtain POY honors. D’Marcus Hall helped Calvary Baptist to its first district title last season. However, with the Cavs improved strength of schedule and moving to 1A, Hall will have to sustain season long dominance. Plus, Calvary will need a Marsh Madness bid. Crane is off to a great start and could very well win a 4th state title. Winning player of the year is not impossible for a player in class B, it is just not likely with the caliber of players in other classes.