Showdown in the Lake All-Tournament Team
The Showdown in the Lake is one of the premier prep tournaments in Louisiana. Teams from all across the Boot come to play some of the best competition in Lake Charles and this year was no different. The final was…
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Continue ReadingThe Showdown in the Lake is one of the premier prep tournaments in Louisiana. Teams from all across the Boot come to play some of the best competition in Lake Charles and this year was no different. The final was an all north Louisiana affair as the Bossier Bearkats beat the Huntington Raiders. In this article, I will take a look at the who I feel were the all tournament performers from the tournament.
All-Tournament 1st Team
G – Cody Deen Cody Deen 5'9" | PG Bossier | 2020 State LA (5’9″ / 2020 / Bossier) – pictured
G – Rayshun McCullar Rayshun McCullar 6'1" | PG Huntington | 2022 State LA (6’1″ / 2022 / Huntington)
G – Jalen Cook Jalen Cook 6'0" | PG Walker | 2020 State #98 Nation LA (6’0″ / 2020 / Walker)
F – Dante Bell Dante Bell 6'8" | PF Bossier | 2020 State #461 Nation LA (6’7″ / 2020 / Bossier)
F – Kenny Hunter Kenny Hunter 6'10" | C Huntington | 2020 State LA (6’9″ / 2020 / Huntington)
Deen showed that he is one of the best guards in the state on the big stage. It was not just his shooting but the way he played point guard in key situations. McCullar proved that he was more of a scoring point guard. He made several key assists. McCullar also played solid defense. Cook was the usual force that he always is. He puts so much pressure on a defense with his ability to score. LSU is getting a good one. Bell deliver as the focal point of the Bossier offense at periods during this tournament. As a willing post passer, he was also very good. Hunter proved that he can dominate in the paint when given the opportunity. This was definitely some of his best work from his first to last game.
All-Tournament 2nd Team
W – Kashie Natt Kashie Natt 6'2" | SG Rayville | 2021 State LA (6’2″ / 2021 / Rayville)
W – Otis Smith Otis Smith 6'2" | CG Bossier | 2020 State LA (6’2″ / 2020 / Bossier)
W – Tai’reon Joseph (6’3″ / 2020 / Scotlandville)
G – Carlos Stewart (6’1″ / 2021 / Dunham) – pictured
F – Nikembe Johnson Nikembe Johnson 6'4" | PF North Central | 2020 State LA (6’5″ / 2020 / North Central)
This group was great on both ends of the floor. Natt did multiple things for the Hornets. His repertoire of inbound baseball passes, perimeter defense, shooting, and rebounding were all on display. Smith showed that not only was he a great defender, he could also score. He was a key in the Bearkats winning the title. Joseph gave his all on both ends. His defense and offense were exceptional for Scotlandville in their tournament run. Stewart was the best on ball defender at the tournament. He also displayed his athletic ability in the open floor on several occasions. Johnson used his inside and outside game to help North Central reach the consolation finals. His ability to post and handle was on display during all games.
All-tournament Honorable Mention
G – Melvion Flanagan (5’8″ / 2020 / Peabody)
F – Donald Butler Donald Butler 6'5" | SF Walker | 2022 State LA (6’5″ / 2022 / Walker)
G – Chris Lockett Chris Lockett 6'5" | CG Isidore Newman | 2023 State #180 Nation LA (6’5″ / 2023 / Isadore Newman)
G – Adrian Brown Adrian Brown 6'2" | CG Hamilton Christian | 2020 State LA (6’2″ / 2020 / Hamilton Christian)
G – Reece Beekman Reece Beekman 6'2" | SG Scotlandville | 2020 State #45 Nation LA (6’3″ / 2020 / Scotlandville) – pictured
Beekman showed why he was the ultimate team player. He played post defense, facilitated the offense, and scored when necessary during the tournament. Butler was the Wildcats inside presence. Not only did he score in the paint. He blocked shots and rebounded well for his team. Lockett displayed why he is probably the top freshman on the Louisiana prep scene. His ability to score and pass is very advanced for a freshman. Brown had a great tournament on both ends of the floor. He shot is well and competed on the defensive end against some good guards and wings. Flanagan displayed that he has evolved into a point guard who can score and pass. He has taken his game to another level.
All of these players proved that they have the goods against some of the better competition around the state. They will continue to prove their wears as tournament season continues on Wednesday after Monday and Tuesday night non-district action.
Above image provided by kplctv.com