Class of 2020: Unsigned Seniors (Part II)
The class of 2020 has one of the deepest talent pools in recent history. In that last article, we highlighted five unsigned preps who will probably be in line for MVP in their respective districts. This edition will discuss more…
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Continue ReadingThe class of 2020 has one of the deepest talent pools in recent history. In that last article, we highlighted five unsigned preps who will probably be in line for MVP in their respective districts. This edition will discuss more of the unsigned players from the 2020 class. These gentlemen might not win district MVP; however, they have talent that should catch the eyes of schools near and far.
#15 Salle Wilson Salle Wilson 6'4" | SF Dunham | 2020 State LA (6’5″ – Dunham) – Wilson is a player who can knockdown a three pointer or score one the tradition way. His ability to score on all three levels makes him as versatile as they come on the Louisiana prep scene. What makes Wilson so effective is that he has a strong upper body and the fact he can withstand the punishment in the paint from others. Mix in his championship experience with his scoring ability and willingness to defend twos through fours, Wilson will be an asset to a program on the next level. (Possible next stop: Low major DI or Division 2)
#16 Reggie Gause Reggie Gause 6'5" | SG Covington | 2020 State LA (6’4″ – Covington) – Gause reminds me of Deangelo Russell with his shooting ability. He can knockdown several in a row and at the end of the game it will look like he did not score that much. Along with a silky jumper, Gause has a great handle and can get to his spots with ease. He is one of those lefties who has a certain smoothness to his game. Gause is never rushed and can score with the best of them. Schools in search for a scorer will not find one better than Gause. (Possible next stop: Low major DI or Division 2)
Jason Perry Jason Perry 6'4" | PF Madison Prep | 2020 State LA
#18 Jason Perry Jason Perry 6'4" | PF Madison Prep | 2020 State LA (6’4″ – Madison Prep) – Perry won the MOP for the state 3A championship last season because he shot the ball well from deep and rebounded well. This season he has taken his game up a notch. Because there has been no true point guard for the Chargers, Perry has had the ball in his hands more. This has allowed him to attack off the dribble more while improving his ball handling. Now, Perry is a threat anywhere on the floor and not just on the perimeter. The improvement in his game will intrigue many. (Possible next stop: Low major DI or Division 2)
#20 Kentrell Garnett Kentrell Garnett 6'1" | SG Catholic | 2020 State LA (6’2″ – Catholic-BR) – Garnett has seemed like he has been on fire since the summer. From the grassroots season, elite camps in the fall, and not into the playoffs, his jumper has been on automatic. He has gone from a good shooter to one you cannot leave open. Garnett has also shown improved scoring ability off the bounce. This has turned Kentrell into a top 20 prep in Louisiana with real upside for the next level. Schools that like to put it up from outside will love him. (Possible next stop: Low major DI, Division 2, or Division 3)
#21 Carvell Teasett Carvell Teasett 6'1" | SG Scotlandville | 2020 State LA (6’1″ – Scotlandville) – One of the best shooters the state has to offer. His mechanics are very good. Teasett has one of those motions where every jumper looks like it is going in. He is also a tenacious defender who does not mind taking charges or doing what the team needs on the defensive end. With the attention that Scotlandville has gained this year with being nationally ranked, those traits may help Teasett receive interest from outside of the Ark-la-Miss area. (Possible next stop: Low major DI or Division 2)
Kyle Hayman Kyle Hayman 6'4" | SG Ouachita Parish | 2020 State LA
#22 Kyle Hayman Kyle Hayman 6'4" | SG Ouachita Parish | 2020 State LA (6’4″ – Ouachita) – Hayman is one of the more intriguing wings in the state. He can score from the outside or take defenders off the dribble. On the defensive end, he can play stingy man-to-man defense or be the top man of his team’s zone press. Hayman has long arms and creates a ton of deflects for fast break opportunities. He can also play help side and block shots for his team. Hayman is an excellent defender who has above average scoring skill. Next level schools will love his versatility. (Possible next stop: Mid-major DI, Low major DI, or Division 2)
Nick Traylor Nick Traylor 6'4" | PF Wossman | 2020 State LA
#23 Nick Traylor Nick Traylor 6'4" | PF Wossman | 2020 State LA (6’4″ – Wossman) – Traylor is a walking double-double. There is no other player in the 2020 class who can score and rebound like him. He does not kill opponents with post moves. Traylor is just tenacious on the boards and finds a way to score when he gets the ball in the paint. The free throw line is where he has upped his scoring. Traylor converts and 1 opportunities while stacking up fouls on his defenders. He may end up being on undersized post on the next level. If he is, he will be a good one. (Possible next stop: Low major DI, Division 2, or NAIA Division I)
#24 Jude Hopewell Jude Hopewell 6'5" | SF Holy Savior Menard | 2020 State LA (6’4″ – Holy Savior Menard) – Hopewell is a shooter with underrated athleticism. While is calling card may be from deep, Hopewell can crash the boards and create extra scoring opportunities as well. He is very good at filling the wing on the break and has the skill to finish above the rim. Hopewell is an underrated passer as well. He seems to be adept at finding shooters from the high post whether Jourdain Dishmond Jourdain Dishmond 6'7" | PF Holy Savior Menard | 2021 State LA (6’6″, 2021) is in the game or not. A next level school with a shooting need will find he is worth a look. (Possible next stop: Low major DI, Division 2, or Division 3)
#27 Charquez Owens Charquez Owens 6'3" | CG Ouachita Parish | 2020 State LA (6’3″ – Ouachita) – When the Lions need a bucket, the ball seems to just find this kid. Owens is not one to shy away from the moment. He can score a bucket at any one of the scoring levels proficiently. With his athleticism, Owens can also make highlight plays when given the avenue to do it. His first step to his left is lightening quick and he can be at the rim above or through contact. Owens can also be an elite defender when engaged. He can make a good team better on the next level with his ability to do multiple things well. (Possible next stop: Low major DI or Division 2)
#28 Corey Dunning Corey Dunning 6'7" | C Lafayette | 2020 State LA (6’7″ – Lafayette) – Dunning, I feel, is probably the most skilled 2020 big in south Louisiana. He can play with his back to the basket and score from the post. Dunning is very good on rim runs and will beat other big men down the floor to get easy baskets. He has an improving perimeter game that will keep other big men honest who have to guard him. Dunning is also a willing shot blocker who can get the break started with his defense. Schools in need for a talented big should look his way. (Possible next stop: Low DI, Division 2, or NAIA Division I)
Coaches will have some better than average ball players to select when they look at the Louisiana talent. We should see some of these players during the week of semifinals and finals in Lake Charles the second week of March. That would be the perfect place to show their next level skills since all games will be played on a college floor.