Unranked Tournament Week Standouts
From Haughton to Lake Charles, preps throughout Louisiana have been showing their skills during the various tournaments this week. We will take a look at preps who made an impression during the week during the early rounds of the Jack…
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Continue ReadingFrom Haughton to Lake Charles, preps throughout Louisiana have been showing their skills during the various tournaments this week. We will take a look at preps who made an impression during the week during the early rounds of the Jack Clayton Invitational and the Showdown in the Lake.
Javoris White / 6’4″ / Parkway / 2020
During the Panthers opening round win over Minden, White had eleven points. It was how he scored the points which was eye-catching. Minden pressed Parkway throughout the game. When the guards broke the press, they ended a few possessions with throwing an alley-oop to White. His alley-oop dunks and his one putback dunk were momentum changers. White also blocked several shots during the contest as well. He is a freakish athlete who can get up and down the floor and play above the rim. White will definitely be a key to the Panthers playoff push this season. If he can defend the rim and score like he did Wednesday, that just might be enough.
Bryce Roberts / 5’10” / Parkway / 2021
Roberts was the Panthers leading scorer during the opening round win. While he is known for his outside shot, he has added a couple of things to his arsenal. On Wednesday night, he displayed the ability to drive the baseline and find opposite side shooters. He was a will passer and threw and alley-oop to Javoris White in one sequence. Roberts has also added a floater which he also made time and time again. Roberts game is maturing and the Panthers are reaping the benefits. If he can continue his ascent, Roberts may indeed find himself playing on the next level.
Curtis Carter / 6’1″ / Minden / 2020
Carter is one of the most unheralded players I have seen the past two years. On Wednesday night, despite the Crimson Tide loss, Carter gave me, and the rest of the crowd, a reminder. He singlehandedly will Minden into a tie with his heroics. Carter showed that he is a triple threat on the court. He was able to bury jumpers off the dribble and the catch. Carter also drove to the basket and converted several key layups down the stretch. He is not quick by any stretch; however, his long arms and quick release help him make shots. Carter is definitely not afraid of the moment as was apparent on Wednesday. He is definitely a player who can make a difference.
Darrell Washington / 6’8″ / LaGrange / 2020
In the LaGrange Gators first game during the Showdown in the Lake, they took a lose to a very talented Madison Prep team. However, the play of Darrell Washington was eye-opening to say the least. He is a difference maker in the paint on both ends. On three consecutive possessions when stud sophomore Percy Daniels caught the ball, Washington blocked his shot. When the Gators got him the ball on the offensive end, he scored with ease. He knows how to post and seal a defender on the block. He has great footwork around the rim as well. If he can get subtantial touches, he will make a difference for his team going forward. Washington is very talented.
Zyquarius Cowart/ 6’0″ / Rayville / 2021
In the Hornets opening round game versus North Central, Cowart was the catalyst in their win. He might not have finished with the most points; however, he did provide the biggest spark. When the game was tight early on, Cowart buried two threes that pushed the lead to nine. With help from running mates, they began stretching the lead further and further. Cowart is a deadeye, lefty shooter who fits in run and gun system perfectly. He can run to his spots, spot up quickly, and shoot with accuracy. Cowart can also make go passes in the open floor. With his ability to shoot, he opens up the game for others. He is definitely a player to watch as Rayville goes for a three-peat.
Both of these tournaments will commence this weekend with the finals on Saturday. Lakeside will play Plain Dealing in the Jack Clayton tournament while the Showdown in the Lake will start with quarterfinals play today and semifinals early on Saturday.