Class 2A: Who Should Be All-State?
Much like class 1A, class 2A has some rich talent throughout. When it comes to players who belongs on the all-state 1st or 2nd team, the majority of the players may come from a handful of schools. Before the team…
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Continue ReadingMuch like class 1A, class 2A has some rich talent throughout. When it comes to players who belongs on the all-state 1st or 2nd team, the majority of the players may come from a handful of schools. Before the team is officially announced, I will delve into the players I believe will comprise the all-state 1st and 2nd team in class 2A.
Class 2A 1st Team
LaDamien Bradford LaDamien Bradford 6'4" | SG Jonesboro-Hodge | 2020 State #235 Nation LA / 6’4″ / Jonesboro-Hodge / 2020
The Texas A & M signee is one of the best guards in the South. When he has the ball in his hands, something good always happens. Whether it is scoring, rebounding, or passing, he gets it done. After a Marsh Madness trip in class 1A his junior season, he ended his career with a quarterfinal trip in class 2A. There is no other player with his height and skill set in the state let alone 2A. He should be a 1st team shoe-in. (pictured above)
Jourdain Dishmond Jourdain Dishmond 6'7" | PF Holy Savior Menard | 2021 State LA / 6’6″ / Holy Savior Menard / 2021
Dishmond is a walking double-double. He has an inside game that allows him to be a force on the court at all times. Dishmond also has the ability to step out and make jumpers when necessary. Consequently, his improving face up game makes him a threat at all three levels on the floor. His team’s quarterfinal exit should not be held against him because he is one of the more polished players 2A has. In my eyes, he is a lock for the 1st team.
Collin Holloway Collin Holloway 6'6" | SF Port Allen | 2020 State LA / 6’6″ / Port Allen / 2020 (unsigned senior)
The playoff run that Holloway put together only magnifies the season that he had during his lone year at Port Allen. His two 30 and 10 efforts during March Madness showed what kind of player he has evolved into. Holloway can handle in space, pass out of the double, and make open shots. His play helped raise the game of others around him which resulted in a state championship. I think he is a definite first team selection.
Carlos Stewart, Jr. / 6’2″ / Dunham / 2021
Stewart took his game to another level this season. It seemed like he took this season as a personal challenge to pick up his production so that Dunham would not miss Jordan Wright. Stewart raised his scoring average and still produced a top tier defensive effort. The result was another state title for Dunham in a tight title game with Epsicopal. His play on both ends of the floor plus that title will cement his first team selection in my eyes.
Javon Ruffin Javon Ruffin 6'5" | CG Phhoenix Prep | 2021 State #239 Nation AZ / 6’4″ / Isidore Newman / 2021
The top player in the 2021 class added an 11-2A district MVP to his trophy case earlier in the month. Because of that, I believe that a first team all state selection is not far behind. Ruffin helped lead Newman to a district title and was one round away from playing for a state championship. His game allows him to transition between facilitator and scorer with ease. He is definitely one of the best we have and definitely one of the top players in 2A.
Class 2A 2nd Team
Kashie Natt Kashie Natt 6'2" | SG Rayville | 2021 State LA / 6’2″ / Rayville / 2021
Writers, including myself, wrote off Rayville in the early summer. By the end of the summer, I was a believer. One of the main reasons was the play of Kashie Natt Kashie Natt 6'2" | SG Rayville | 2021 State LA . Natt is an athletic player who seems to be three players in one. He can score at all three levels, rebound well for his size, and defend any position. I believe his scoring and rebounding alone should secure him an all-state spot.
Billy Francis Billy Francis 6'2" | CG Lafayette Christian | 2020 State LA / 6’1″ / Lafayette Christian / 2020
The LHSCA West all star had a great season. He was named district 6-2A MVP and he helped LCA get to the semifinals of the Division III playoffs. Known as one of the best shooters in the 2020 class, Francis can definitely fill it up from deep. This year, he has developed his drive game which has led to even more success for him. I can see the Missouri Baptist commit pulling off a first team selection for class 2A. Just depends on the voters.
Nate Braden / 6’0″ / Lakeview / 2020 (unsigned senior)
Lakeview was a top tier team in 2A the whole season and lead guard Nate Braden was a big part of that. Last year, he was a key reserve on a senior laden team and was known more for scoring. This year, with the ball vastly in his hands, his ability to score and create was more apparent. Braden can drive and elevate or drive and kick with the best of them. His all around play helped the Gators to a Marsh Madness appearance and deserves an all state nod.
Salle Wilson Salle Wilson 6'4" | SF Dunham | 2020 State LA / 6’4″ / Dunham / 2020 (unsigned senior)
Wilson has been an integral part of the Tigers success the last three years. In 2018 and 2020, he helped the Dunham walk away with a state title. The MaxPreps All state selection is a versatile wing who can play inside or out. He is a man of many moves on the offensive end. He can attack a defense off the dribble, over the top from three, or pound the ball inside. His overall game screams first team. I just do not think he will make it though.
Deshawn Jackson Deshawn Jackson 6'3" | CG Pickering | 2021 State LA / 6’2″ / Pickering / 2021
This high flying, high scoring guard from Pickering had another stellar year. Jackson was a key figure in Pickering authoring the first round upset of Winnfield before bowing out to #6 Madison. He always seems to have a highlight play during each game in which he participates. Jackson is hard to stop going to the rim and he finishes above the rim often. In 2019, Jackson was on the second team. This season, I see a repeat selection for him. (picture courtesy of the Leesville Daily Leader)
Others to consider for class 2A All-State:
Jude Hopewell Jude Hopewell 6'5" | SF Holy Savior Menard | 2020 State LA (6’5″ / 2020 / Holy Savior Menard); Chris Lockett Chris Lockett 6'5" | CG Isidore Newman | 2023 State #180 Nation LA (6’4″ / 2023 / Isidore Newman); Tawasky Johnson Tawasky Johnson 6'0" | PG Port Allen | 2021 State LA (6’1″ / 2022 / Port Allen); Zyquarius Cowart Zyquarius Cowart 6'1" | SG Rayville | 2021 State LA (5’10” / 2021 / Rayville); Jaylen McDonald (6’2″ / 2020 / Red River); Jalen Knox Jalen Knox 6'4" | SF Port Allen | 2022 State LA (6’4″ / 2022 / Port Allen); Victor Dupre Victor Dupre 6'1" | CG LCA | 2020 State LA (6’2″ / 2020 / Lafayette Christian)
These are just my predictions. I am confident each of these players will be recognized on the all-state team. It will be a wait-and-see thing on which team in which they will be recognized . The 2A all-state team should be out some time during the weekend.