3 The Hard Way: Central Louisiana’s Under The Radar Sleepers
Every season in high school hoops, there are players that explode on the scene to become impact ball players that no one outside of their respective team and coaching staff expected to contribute in any way. The unexpected impact that…
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Continue ReadingEvery season in high school hoops, there are players that explode on the scene to become impact ball players that no one outside of their respective team and coaching staff expected to contribute in any way.
The unexpected impact that these ball players make sometimes even comes as a surprise to the teammates, coaches, and even the prospect himself.
I have watched quite a few Central Louisiana ball players over the course of this current season and there are a 3 players that have stood out to make a name for themselves rising up the ranks from under the radar/sleeper prospects with no expectations to becoming a impact player for his respective team.
Louisiana Cliff presents to you 3 The Hard Way: Central Louisiana’s Under The Radar Sleepers.
Amauri Coleman, JR 6-2 G/F Peabody Warhorses (Alexandria, LA)
Coleman, who is athletic wing scorer and defender exploded on the scene in a big time way on a big time stage at the HoopFest Tour Big 8 Classic against fellow state powerhouse defending Class 3A State Champion Madison Prep (Baton Rouge, LA) where he put up 21 points and 8 Rebounds, including 4 game clutching free throws in the final minute of the game. Since that break-out game, Coleman has posted double figures in 4 out of his last 7 games and has made himself a permanent fixture in the Peabody rotation. Coleman is a more than capable ball handler and has very good size and athleticism for both Guard and Small forward positions. Coleman shoots the ball very well. He has a nice mid-range game and can step out and shoot the 3 ball. Coleman is a very tough and scrappy defender. He is very effective at attacking the rim, getting to the free throw line, and defending multiple positions on and off the ball. With the Warhorses losing 6 seniors at seasons end due to graduation, Coleman will almost certainly be “The Guy” that is called on the be the leader and go to man for the Peabody Warhorses next season. Coleman definitely has the tools to play at the next level.
Jaylin Pantillion, JR 6-4 PF/C Pineville Rebels (Pineville, LA)
College coaches take note. Pantillion, a very raw and untapped prospect with a high basketball I.Q. who didn’t play Varsity basketball until his Sophomore year, has been a consistent contributor all season and has truly shown that he has great upside and potential. The potential to be a dominant inside outside player that can play at the next level. Pantillion possesses a 6-8 wing span and is a excellent rim runner and defender. Very active around the rim. Pantillion is a tough, hard working player who works hard and competes on every play. He takes no plays off. Pantillion has a very smooth mid-range stroke as well as very soft hands and a soft touch around the rim. Pantillion is a high percentage free throw shooter with a beautiful shooting form. Having one more year of experience under his belt, continuing to work hard, keep adding skills to his game, and having the chance to have a break-out summer on the AAU/Summer league circuit will only add to his resume. Continuing to improve from year to year, Pantillion will have the chance going into next season to be one of the most improved, break-out players in the state.
Omarion “Diddy” Layssard, Freshman 6-1 G NorthWood Gators (Lena, LA)
Omarion Layssard, a dynamic Freshman, will certainly be a name to all teams and college coaches need to remember for the next 3 years. Layssard is a explosive guard who can score the ball in a variety of different ways. He is a solid shooter who can score the ball from the perimeter, but his main strengths are his athletic ability, finishing at the rim and being able to dominate a game on the defensive end by being a lock-down defender. He consistently draws the defensive assignment of guarding the opposing teams best offensive player and usually shuts them down and makes the player he is guarding work for everything. Layssard is a truly gifted/special player on both sides of the ball. Being thrown into the fire and being the best player as a true Freshman on a ranked team that is making a push for a District Championship and a State Playoff run can carry a lot of weight and pressure, but Layssard is a different breed that is cut from a different cloth. Layssard will continue to flourish and prove that he is not only one of the best Freshman in the State of Louisiana, but one of the best players in the state.