Parkway Tournament Players to Watch
The Parkway Tournament (sponsored by Barksdale Federal Credit Union) began on Wednesday with a host of teams from the northwest Louisiana parishes. A host of unranked and ranked players are participating in this tournament, with their teams, hoping to garner…
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Continue ReadingThe Parkway Tournament (sponsored by Barksdale Federal Credit Union) began on Wednesday with a host of teams from the northwest Louisiana parishes. A host of unranked and ranked players are participating in this tournament, with their teams, hoping to garner this coveted tournament season title. In this article, we will highlight some of the players from this tournament.
Trenton Colbert / 2021 / 6’7″ / Mansfield / Forward
The Wolverines won their first round contest on Wednesday and play tournament host Parkway on tonight. Any success that Mansfield has, Colbert is a big part of it. He is a rim protector in the middle and changes or blocks shots with a regular basis. On the opposite end, he is continually attempting to expand his game. He can shoot from about 14 ft consistently. Colbert will also attempt threes when he is not covered. Even with the game expansion, his bread and butter is still crashing the glass and layups around the rim. If Mansfield is to play in the tournament final on Saturday, they will need Colbert to be all of this and then some.
Devin Bilbo / 2020 / 6’1″ / Airline / Wing
Airline will play their first consolation game after a tight lose to Lakeview in round one. While they narrowly lost their round one game, the play of Devin Bilbo was a key reason why they were in it. Bilbo was very efficient from the field. His mid-range shooting, which analytical people frown upon, was the main factor used by the Vikings to stay within striking distance. Bilbo is also an excellent defender as well. He knows his help responsibilities off the ball and can keep a defender in front on it. Bilbo can also elevate to block shots against guards his size. He is one of those players who makes an impact with or without the ball in his hands. For Airline to come out victorious in the consolation bracket, Bilbo will need to continue this type of play.
Ryan Ward / 2021 / 6’3″ / Benton / Wing
Benton bowed out of the Parkway tournament with a loss to Woodlawn (Shreveport) in consolation action. While they will not take home any hardware, Ryan Ward made a name for himself. Ward is a shooter and rebounder who plays well off of the guard duo of Benton. He has the knack to find open spots behind the arc. More often than not, he is burying the shot. Ward uses the same method in rebounding. Due to his athleticism, he is hard to block out and that causes issues for the defense. He is especially good at tracking long rebounds and making the jumper in the paint afterwards. He has a feathery touch when he shoots. The Tigers have a legitimate scoring threat in Ward and they hope to see his production continue to increase for the remainder of the season.
Nate Braden / 2020 / 6’0″ / Lakeview / Combo Guard
Not many know Nate Braden outside of north Louisiana. His play during the Parkway tournament might have some finding out who he is later on this season in Lake Charles. Braden is one of the more athletic point guards that I have seen. He is also a very intelligent guard. Nate knows how and when to change speeds. He keeps his dribble alive until the right pass or shot is available. As a senior, he has expanded his range to three feet behind the three point line. So he is becoming even harder to guard. The best example of his maturing game was his game winning assist against Airline on Wednesday. Braden elevated to take the jumper with 3 seconds. Consequently, he found an open Tyrone Washington (5’10”, 2020) for the winning layup. Braden is maturing as a point guard before our eyes.
Herman Key / 2020 / 5’10” / BookerT. Washington (S’port) / Point Guard -pictured above
When one thinks of maturing point guards, Herman Key has to be considered. Key has been the Lions leader for three years now and each year he takes another step. In this tournament alone, he has led BTW to two wins over Benton and Lakeview. In those wins, he has been the go-to player when Booker T. needs a shot. Against Benton, he hit a big three to extend the lead when Benton made a push. The next night against Lakeview, he makes the game wining three. That is a definite sign of maturity to take, and make, those big shots. Key is also a more than capable passer and has gotten more teammates involved. Going into tonight’s contest with Captain Shreve, look for Key to show his mature game in an effort to help the Lions prevail.
John Mitchell / 2021 / 6’4″ / Captain Shreve / Forward
Mitchell is one of the more gifted players in Shreveport-Bossier. He had an eligibility issue that was resolved before the season began. With that renewed chance, he has taken it and run with it. Mitchell is a three level scorer who is adept at shooting from the perimeter or scoring from the post. He is one of those individuals who can take taller and shorter players off the dribble with a variety of moves. Mitchell can finish with either hand around the basket and is quick off the floor in rebounding situations. He is an offensive nightmare for teams. Captain Shreve will play Booker T. (Shreveport) in the semifinals. Needless to say, Mitchell will be important for the Gators. If he plays well inside and out, the Lions may have a long night.
The Parkway tournament ends on Saturday. The consolation finals will be played at one and the championship at 2:30. After this tournament, tournament play will continue for a lot of these players in Minden, Baton Rouge, and other areas.