Class 3A: Who should be All-State?
The Louisiana Sportswriters Association (LSWA) should be releasing the largest classifications all-state teams beginning this weekend. We have already looked at the players I believe will make the teams in 5A, 4A, & 2A (2A was released today). In this…
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Continue ReadingThe Louisiana Sportswriters Association (LSWA) should be releasing the largest classifications all-state teams beginning this weekend. We have already looked at the players I believe will make the teams in 5A, 4A, & 2A (2A was released today). In this final edition, I will look at some of the top players in class 3A and try to project where I think they will land in reference to the all-state team.
Cody Deen Cody Deen 5'9" | PG Bossier | 2020 State LA / 5’9″ / 2020 / Bossier (unsigned senior) – Prediction (1st team selection)
One of the five best guards capped off his senior season with several accolades. He was named All-parish MVP, all-district 1-3A, and named an LHSCA all star. Deen is also a state champion after Bossier defeated Wossman in one of the top games of the year. Even at his height, Deen can control a game better than most guards he plays against. He can burn a team in so many ways on the floor. The 1st team is where he should land without question.
Dante Bell Dante Bell 6'8" | PF Bossier | 2020 State #461 Nation LA / 6’7″ / 2020 / Bossier – Prediction (1st team selection)
Before his knee injury, Bell had picked up his game over the last half of the season. He was becoming more of a force on defense and being more assertive on offense. The UNO signee has a versatile game for a big man. He is a big man who can create his own shot off the bounce or create a shot for others. When he returns to full strength, he is going to be a terror on the hardwood. His winning tradition will help him make the college transition well. (Photo above. Cred: Shreveport Times)
Devonte Austin Devonte Austin 6'0" | CG Wossman | 2021 State LA / 6’0″ / 2021 / Wossman – Prediction (2nd team selection)
Austin turned a corner this season. While he was the Wildcats second leading scorer, he also became one of their go-to players. Austin can get to the cup and finish as well as anyone in the Boot and he is better stroking the three. He is also the best defender on a defensive-minded team. He changes the game with his man-to-man defense. While I know how vital he is to what the Wildcats do, a second team placement is what I see for him.
Nick Traylor Nick Traylor 6'4" | PF Wossman | 2020 State LA / 6’4″ / 2020 / Wossman (unsigned senior) – Prediction (1st team selection)
When a player attempts to add variety to his game, sometimes those changes do not help the team. Especially when a player was first team all-state with what they were doing, they are resistant to do anything else. Nick Traylor Nick Traylor 6'4" | PF Wossman | 2020 State LA became more of a wing player instead of an undersized post and it benefitted the team. Traylor’s expansion in his game still garnered an LHSCA all star selection and parish MVP trophy. First team is a lock, again, for him.
Nick Penell / 6’4″ / 2020 / Brusly (unsigned senior) – Prediction (2nd team selection)
Brusly had one of their best seasons in recent history and was arguably 13 seconds away from playing for the 3A title. One of the biggest reasons for their ascent was the play of Nick Penell. As he showed in the Marsh Madness semifinal, he is a three point bomber and great rebounder. Penell averaged almost a double-double and he was trust for taking big shots. Even with the year Brusly had, I do not see him making it above the 2nd team.
Braeden Board Braeden Board 6'5" | PF Crowley | 2020 State LA / 6’6″ / 2020 / Crowley (unsigned senior) – Prediction (Honorable mention selection)
Board finished the season on a high note. He helped his team to a district title with a win over St. Martinville and helped his team to a first round win on the road. Board has a tantalizing skill set. He can really shot it from anywhere outside the paint. His mid-range jumper is his most lethal weapon. Board is definitely one of the more talented players in 3A. I just do not know if he did enough to impress voters for a 1st or 2nd team vote.
Jason Perry Jason Perry 6'4" | PF Madison Prep | 2020 State LA / 6’4″ / 2020 / Madison Prep – Prediction (2nd team selection)
Perry was almost a hero in the 3A semifinal with Wossman. His shot in the waning seconds tied the game before Wossman hit the game winner at the buzzer. Shots like that have made Perry one of the best players in his class. While he did not help the Chargers to another state title, Perry did help them secure another district title. He is also tied for leading scorer for Madison Prep. All of these positive traits still have me believing second team for him.
Elijah Tate Elijah Tate 6'3" | SF Madison Prep | 2020 State LA / 6’3″ / 2020 / Madison Prep – Prediction (2nd team selection)
Tate, a ULM signee, is one of the best defenders in the state. However, he spent the season trying to be lead guard for a very talented Madison Prep team. Tate did his best. He controlled the game with the ball in his hands and scored when necessary. Like Perry, he did not win a championship in his senior season. A district title, defensive MVP, and being an LHSCA all star are important accomplishments. Just do not know if they are 1st team worthy.
Percy Daniels Percy Daniels 6'8" | PF Madison Prep | 2022 State LA / 6’9″ / 2022 / Madison Prep – Prediction (1st team selection)
Averaging a double-double as a post player for Coach Jones is not something foreign to Charger followers. However, for sophomore Percy Daniels Percy Daniels 6'8" | PF Madison Prep | 2022 State LA , it was new. Daniels was the district MVP and helped Prep to another district title. While playing well on offense was a plus, his best attribute is his defense. Daniels was able to change and alter shots while being the Chargers defensive anchor. Those traits are probably enough to be a first teamer.
There are other players who can probably be placed on the first or second team like Kyran Ratliff (6’8″ / 2022 / KIPP Booker T.), Isreal Edwards Isreal Edwards 6'3" | CG Green Oaks | 2020 State LA (6’3″ / 2020 / Green Oaks), or Milan Mejia Milan Mejia 6'2" | SG UHigh | 2020 State LA (6’2″ / 2020 / University). Outside of Cody Deen Cody Deen 5'9" | PG Bossier | 2020 State LA and Nick Traylor Nick Traylor 6'4" | PF Wossman | 2020 State LA , spots are pretty wide open for all-state in 3A. The LSWA will have a time sifting through to see who will be on this team. While others classes have been cut and dry, this one is different.