Impact Freshmen around “The Boot”
In Louisiana, there have been a few freshman who have made an impact on the varsity level. These guys may play with their classmates/teammates on Mondays and Wednesdays, but they also contribute on Tuesdays and Fridays. Watch out for these…
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Continue ReadingIn Louisiana, there have been a few freshman who have made an impact on the varsity level. These guys may play with their classmates/teammates on Mondays and Wednesdays, but they also contribute on Tuesdays and Fridays. Watch out for these seven this season and beyond.
Chris Lockett Chris Lockett 6'5" | CG Isidore Newman | 2023 State #180 Nation LA / 6’5″ / Isadore Newman
The highly regarded freshman is an entertainer when he is on the court. He will trash talk with the best of them. Lockett also has some real game to go with his charisma. The ballhandling wing can flat out score the ball at all three levels. He has a mature basketball game and knows how to get to his spots with or without the ball. There are times he falls in love with the three but that is a given in today’s game. With Randy Livingston as his coach, the sky is the limit for Lockett.
Jamaria Clark Jamaria Clark 6'2" | CG Doyline | 2023 State LA / 6’1″ / Doyline
Doyline coach Michael Normand has been quoted as saying that Clark is “the best freshman in the state.” Midway through this season, he might be correct. Clark can handle the ball like a senior point guard and does not get rattled against pressure. His shooting is next level. Clark is comfortable shooting up to 25 feet. In the games I have seen, he usually makes at least three treys a game. Clark has helped Doyline to the top ranking this season and will likely be an all state player himself.
Lakavin Thomas Lakavin Thomas 6'0" | CG Bossier | 2023 State LA / 5’10” / Bossier
Thomas has been ravved about in Shreveport-Bossier circles for the past year. His ability to handle and score have him labeled as the next Bossier point guard. During this season, we have seen glimpses of what he can do. Thomas, who is a lefty, has great lift on his jumper. Most freshman come and their lift is something they have to work on. Thomas is not asked to do a lot as of yet due to the talent in front of him. However, when he plays, he is not intimidated one bit. Thomas has a bright future ahead of him in a Bearkat uniform.
Warren Young, Jr. / 6’1″ / Walker
Young has been a pleasant surprise on the Louisiana hoops scene this season. As a freshman starter for Walker, he has become a contributor already. On a top 10, 5A team, that is big. During the Rumble on the River, he showed the ability to handle the ball in spots and give Jalen Cook Jalen Cook 6'0" | PG Walker | 2020 State #98 Nation LA some relief. Even though he can handle the rock competently, the two things he does best is rebound and spot up. He has made big threes during some of the Wildcat victories this season. If his confident play continues, he will be a good one for the Wildcats.
Tyler Ringgold Tyler Ringgold 6'7" | SF Legacy Early College | 2023 State SC / 6’5″ / Southern Lab
Ringgold is a freshman who plays with plenty of confidence. He is 6’5″ and does not mind banging with the big boys underneath the basket. Ringgold also will talk trash to anyone around him. He can also play the game very well. Tyler has the ball skills to lead the break in the open floor or facilitate within an offensive set. He is already capable of taking punishment and completing plays at the rim. There is not much he can not do on the floor. Once he figures out certain nuances to the varsity game, the sky is the limit for this freshman.
Corey Skillman Corey Skillman 6'4" | SG Brother Martin | 2023 TX / 6’3″ / Brother Martin
Some freshmen just fit right into a varsity offense. For Corey Skillman Corey Skillman 6'4" | SG Brother Martin | 2023 TX , his fit is perfect for what the Crusaders need. Skillman has thrived as a three point shooter for Brother Martin. Whenever one of their wings or guards drives, Skillman spots up and knocks down shots when given the opportunity. Skillman is also athletic enough to get to the rim and finish with either hand. I can see him filling the role of TJ Small after this season and being the top scoring option for Brother Martin. His skill set is definitely a perfect fit for it.
Courtney McCarthy Courtney McCarthy 6'5" | SG Richwood | 2023 State LA / 6’3″ / RIchwood
When a team finds a freshman who is not afraid to take shots, a lot of the time they find a potential next level player. Courtney McCarthy Courtney McCarthy 6'5" | SG Richwood | 2023 State LA is one of those players. I was surprised that a freshman cracked the Rams starting lineup when I first saw them this season. A few minutes in, I could tell why McCarthy was on the floor. Whether it is from distance or mid-range, McCarthy will let it fly. His jumper is pure as cane sugar. Once he gets more lift on his shot, it will be impossible to contest. Look for McCarthy to be one of the top scorers in the Boot going forward.
These impact freshmen are names that we will hear for awhile on the prep scene. Freshmen who can contribute on the varsity level are vital program builders. Other freshmen see this and want to go to that school and be apart of that program. We will see how these seven freshmen help their prospective teams finish their seasons.