Louisiana 2021 Rankings: Top 5
The newest 2021 rankings were released on Presidents’ Day across Louisiana. There were some new additions to the rankings along with some movement up and down for some. The top 5 is an outstanding group of performers who can compete…
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Continue ReadingThe newest 2021 rankings were released on Presidents’ Day across Louisiana. There were some new additions to the rankings along with some movement up and down for some. The top 5 is an outstanding group of performers who can compete with any class. When all is said and done, they might be one of the more accomplished groups Louisiana has to date.
#1 Javon Ruffin Javon Ruffin 6'5" | CG Phhoenix Prep | 2021 State #239 Nation AZ (6’4″ / Isadore Newman) – Ruffin is the quintessential combo guard. He can be the leading scorer when Newman is having trouble on the offensive end or he can facilitate the offense and get everyone going. The best thing about Ruffin is that he is under control no matter what mode he is in. Smaller guards can not rush him into mistakes and larger guards have trouble staying in front of him. He is a true three level scorer and playmaker. The number one spot is a coveted one and he has earned it with his play to this point.
#2 Derrick Tezeno Derrick Tezeno 6'5" | SF North Central | 2021 State LA (6’5″ / North Central) – When I see Derrick Tezeno Derrick Tezeno 6'5" | SF North Central | 2021 State LA on the court, he always does something to set himself apart. Whether it is a rim rocking dunk or showing more tenacity than anyone else for a rebound, he makes a special play. Tezeno has a great game inside the three point line. He tracks rebounds better than most and his ability to score in the paint is top level. He has become a better shooter and runs the floor like a man possessed. The scary part about his game is that it has room to improve. That spells trouble for a lot of teams.
#3 Carlos Stewart (6’2″ / Dunham) – Before this season, Stewart was already an elite three point shooter. He has been one of the most consistent bombers that plays on the Louisiana prep scene. This year, he has taken his game up a notch on both ends of the floor. Stewart’s defense has been the catalyst for breakaway dunks throughout the season. His lateral quickness have made him a defensive stopper also. Mix this with his increased upper body strength and willingness to drive to the cup through punishment and we have one of the state’s elite players.
#4 Emaryeon McDonald (6’1″ / Scotlandville) – Some might wonder how a player can still be highly ranked and not be playing. The answer is simple for me. The talent. There is no question that as far as marksmen go, there is no one better. He has range from 30 feet in easily. Couple that with his elite ball handling and quick release and he is a hard guard for anyone. This year, McDonald gets to indoctrinate himself in the Scotlandville system. This should make him a better offensive and defensive player. Unfourtnately we will have to wait for summer to see.
#5 Joe Charles (6’7″ / Carencro) – Despite nagging injuries this season, Joe Charles has still been one of the top five players in his class. He has taken it upon his shoulders to do whatever the team needs on each end of the floor. Charles is still an elite shotblocker and rebounder. Even with his slender frame, he still gets to rebounds because of his reach. Offensively, he has expanded his game to the three point line making himself a all level scorer. His shot mechanics will need adjusting for the next level but no other player does more for his team.
The 2021 top five are probably as talented as any group Louisiana has had in recent years. With the playoffs and grassroots season approaching, we will see who takes their game up yet another notch. Playoffs will begin the last Friday in February and the grassroots season will follow in late March.