Key Games & Key Players: Top 10 Tuesday in N. Louisiana
Top matchups are the theme for the beginning of the week on the Louisiana prep scene. While New Iberia (#1) and Bonnabel (#5) face off today in New Orleans, there will be some big top ten games going on in…
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Continue ReadingTop matchups are the theme for the beginning of the week on the Louisiana prep scene. While New Iberia (#1) and Bonnabel (#5) face off today in New Orleans, there will be some big top ten games going on in North Louisiana on Tuesday night. In big games of this nature, key players often constitute the outcome of the game. We will take a look at three of these big games and the players that may decide the outcomes.
#2 Natchitoches Central vs #9 Southwood (pictured above)
The Lowdown – The Chiefs and Cowboys have both begun undefeated in their district thus far. Southwood is 4-0 and Natchitoches Central is 3-0. Both teams come in after being battle tested throughout the season. All of their losses have been to top ten teams in their respective classifications. Needless to say, there should be some high quality basketball played in this one.
Key players – The point guard matchup in this one should be epic. Daniel Ortiz (6’0″, 2021) and Devonte Snow (6’1″, 2020) have put up big numbers against stiff competition all season. Both players are team first guys and will do whatever the team needs for them to win. One thing is for sure, there will be some fireworks between the two of them because they both know how to fill it up.
X-factors – Wing play will be the decider in this one. Aydrion Brown (5’10”, 2020) and Nathan Curtis (5’11”, 2020) played quality minutes last year for the Chiefs in route to the quarterfinals. On the flipside, Eric McKnight (6’4″, 2021) and Marquarius Johnson (6’1″, 2022) did not see the floor for the Cowboys. The shooting and defense of these four will probably determine who comes out on top. While McKnight has thrived of late, Johnson has been in a two month slump. The Cowboys will be at home so shooting in their home gym may help. Brown and Curtis will not be afraid of the moment however.
College coaches will want to see: Daniel Ortiz, Devonte Snow, Christian Caldwell, Darius Young, & Cameron Steward
#4 Alexandria vs #3 Ouachita
The Lowdown – Ouachita has had these top matchups year after year usually involving the Natchitoches Central Chiefs. This time the ASH Trojans are on the opposite side of this contest with a new coach and new approach to things. Coach Brasher has the Trojans looking towards a different finish to their season as has been the last couple of years. Ouachita is looking to claim that top spot after a NISH loss last week and if Natchitoches Central slips up.
Key players – The off guards in this contest can flat out score the rock. Charquez Owens (6’3″, 2020) and Desmond McQuain (6’2″, 2020) are lefties who can create their own shots. If they are guarding one another, the night may come down to who is playing better on the defensive end. If McQuain can get the upper hand on both ends of the floor, ASH might pull off the win. However, the game is at the Madhouse and Ouachita rarely loses there.
X-factors – ASH is not terribly large inside and Ouachita can throw a number of bigs at them. Kyle Hayman may not be a big man but he has the length and capability to dominate inside. Pounding the glass should be the priority of the Lions in this one. If Hayman and company can control both backboards, ASH may have a long night in Monroe. Kids in today’s game do not believe in blocking out. ASH will need to put a body on a body to rebound or this one may get out of hand quickly.
College coaches will want to see: Desmond McQuain, Charquez Owens, Kyle Hayman
#8 BTW-Shreveport vs #6 Woodlawn-Shreveport
The Lowdown – The Knights and Lions both come into this district 1-4A contest tied for the district lead. Both teams have defeated preseason favorite Huntington so this game is for high stakes. Coach Bush has continued his winning ways like he has at every other stop while Kenneth Goldman leads the boys squad after the departure of Coach Kenny Sykes.
Key players – The player who controls the tempo of the game out of Herman Key (5’10”, 2020) and Delatrion Moton (6’4″, 2021) will go a long way in determining the winner. Key can score but has played the traditional point guard role at times this season with much success. Moton is one of the smartest basketball players Louisiana has. He can control the game with the dribble or with his rebounding. The intelligence of these two will be the determining factor of who pulls this one out.
X-factors – The inside-outside game of Cason Dunlap (6’4″, 2020) and Michael Pryor (6’5″, 2020) may be what sways this contest. Both young men can hit midrange shots and finish in the paint. Pryor will make a couple of three pointers which would be a welcome sight for the Knights. Dunlap has to be the enforcer on the inside and score. Being the Lions only true big man, he has a lot on his shoulders. If he stays out of foul trouble, the Lions will be in this one for the long haul. Getting dominated on the glass by Woodlawn would not bode well for BTW and being successful.
College coaches will want to see: Michael Pryor, Delatrion Moton, Donovan Seamster, Chanse WIlliams, Herman Key, & Cason Dunlap
These three contest will go a long way in determining who has a leg up in their respective districts. I believe the Knights and (Ouachita) Lions will win their contest. The Cowboys and Chiefs game is a pick’em game due to each squad playing well on the other’s court last year. Whatever happens, these games will be some of the best in the Boot on Tuesday night.
Photo cred: Shreveport Times