Class 5A: Who should be All-State?
The postseason is here and the naming of all district teams around the state have begun. Members of the all district teams, especially district MVPs, historically have been members of the all state teams. In class 5A, it is a…
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Continue ReadingThe postseason is here and the naming of all district teams around the state have begun. Members of the all district teams, especially district MVPs, historically have been members of the all state teams. In class 5A, it is a given that Jalen Cook Jalen Cook 6'0" | PG Walker | 2020 State #98 Nation LA (Walker) and Reece Beekman Reece Beekman 6'2" | SG Scotlandville | 2020 State #45 Nation LA (Scotlandville) are more than likely going to be first team members. In this article, I will take a look at players who should be considered for the other spots on the first and second team in class 5A.
Devonte Snow Devonte Snow 6'2" | CG Natchitoches Central | 2020 State LA / 6’2″ / 2020 / Natchitoches Central
The LSUA commit might be an easy choice. He was the leading scorer on a team that spent the majority of the season at the top spot in 5A. Snow was named 1-5A MVP and was named to the LHSCA all star team. Just on those merits alone, I would be surprised if he is not a first team selection. (Prediction – 1st team selection)
Corey Dunning Corey Dunning 6'7" | C Lafayette | 2020 State LA / 6’8″ / 2020 / Lafeyette
Dunning, a Xavier-Louisiana commit, was probably the best big man in the 2020 class this season. He helped Lafayette to a share of the 3-5A district title and a first round win in the playoffs. Dunning has averaged several triple doubles this season en route to being named an LHSCA all star. (Prediction – 1st team selection)
Kendal Coleman / 6’8″ / 2020 / Captain Shreve
Captain Shreve was a surprise, top 10 team for most of the season. They also came within three minutes of beating 5A champion Alexandria at home. Coleman was a giant reason for the Gators success. He is a first team, 1-5A selection and a LHSCA all star selection as well. While he might be more of a surprise to make the first team, I would understand if he was named otherwise. (Prediction – Honorable mention)
Taireon Joseph / 6’2″ / 2020 / Scotlandville
As one of the best wing players in the state, Joseph helped his profile by being one of the top two players on a nationally ranked team. Since the summer, Joseph has been a big name in DI and DII circles. He is a legitimate two-way player who became known as part of the Hornets 1-2 punch with Reece Beekman Reece Beekman 6'2" | SG Scotlandville | 2020 State #45 Nation LA . While he is very good, I do not know if two Scotlandville players make the first team. (Prediction – 2nd team selection)
Daniel Ortiz Daniel Ortiz 6'1" | CG Calvary Baptist | 2021 State LA / 6’1″ / 2021 / Southwood
One of the top scorers in the state, Ortiz put teams on notice that he was a force to be reckoned with. He is one of the few that has gone toe-to-toe with the likes of Jalen Cook Jalen Cook 6'0" | PG Walker | 2020 State #98 Nation LA and Devonte Snow Devonte Snow 6'2" | CG Natchitoches Central | 2020 State LA in reference to scoring. If Snow did not win 1-5A MVP, Ortiz would have. Daniel is one of the few who led his team in scoring and assists and he is a district 1-5A 1st teamer. While he deserves the nod, for some reason I do not think a junior will crack the 1st team. (Prediction – 2nd team selection)
Torrance “TJ” Small / 6’3″ / 2020 / Brother Martin
Small has made steady improvements in his game since the summer of 2018. Now he is a bonafide two-way player in his senior campaign. The Army signee has been one of the best players in the Crescent City all season which culminated in an All-star nod. His offensive numbers and his team playing in the Division I semis will help his cause for being named to the first team. The blowout loss however could relegate him otherwise. (Prediction – 1st team selection)
Kentrell Garnett Kentrell Garnett 6'1" | SG Catholic | 2020 State LA / 6’2″ / 2020 / Catholic (BR)
Garnett has a similar argument to the player above him. He has turned into one of the top scorers in the Baton Rouge metro area and has interest from colleges on the Division I and Division II levels. Garnett has become more than a shooter and can take people off the dribble at will. While it is a good resume’, I just do not know if its enough. (Prediction – 2nd team selection)
Charquez Owens Charquez Owens 6'3" | CG Ouachita Parish | 2020 State LA / 6’3″ / 2020 / Ouachita
On of the most athletic scorers in 5A is Owens. He can shoot it from deep, get to the rim almost at will, and defend on the perimeter. Owens was the leading scorer for a Ouachita team who was #1 or #2 all season long in 5A. However, not making it to Lake Charles this season may be something frowned upon by voters. (Prediction – 2nd team selection)
Hobert Grayson IV Hobert Grayson IV 6'5" | SG East Ascension | 2020 State LA / 6’5″ / 2020 / East Ascension
Grayson is one of the best players in the state. His skill set is one that is undeniable by coaches and players he has competed against. His numbers were probably better last year in scoring and rebounding and he did not get an all state nod at all. Grayson was still the best player on his team even after missing some time due to playing football. That time spent, plus an early playoff exit, may tarnish what was otherwise a stellar year. (Prediction – 2nd team selection)
Other players who will via for 1st or 2nd team spots:
Will Allen Will Allen 6'7" | PF Bonnabel | 2021 State LA (Bonnabel), Desmond McQuain Desmond McQuain 6'2" | SG Alexandria | 2020 State LA (Alexandria), Reggie Gause Reggie Gause 6'5" | SG Covington | 2020 State LA (Covington), Deondre Buggage Deondre Buggage 5'8" | CG H.L. Bourgeious | 2020 State LA (HL Bourgeois), Carvell Teasett Carvell Teasett 6'1" | SG Scotlandville | 2020 State LA (Scotlandville),
5A 1st Team All State (Unofficial)
Reece Beekman Reece Beekman 6'2" | SG Scotlandville | 2020 State #45 Nation LA (Scotlandville), Jalen Cook Jalen Cook 6'0" | PG Walker | 2020 State #98 Nation LA (Walker), Devonte Snow Devonte Snow 6'2" | CG Natchitoches Central | 2020 State LA (Natchitoches Central), Corey Dunning Corey Dunning 6'7" | C Lafayette | 2020 State LA (Lafayette), TJ Small (Brother Martin)
5A 2nd Team All State (Unofficial)
Kentrell Garnett Kentrell Garnett 6'1" | SG Catholic | 2020 State LA (Catholic), Daniel Ortiz Daniel Ortiz 6'1" | CG Calvary Baptist | 2021 State LA (Southwood), Hobert Grayson IV Hobert Grayson IV 6'5" | SG East Ascension | 2020 State LA (East Ascension), Taireon Joseph (Scotlandville), Charquez Owens Charquez Owens 6'3" | CG Ouachita Parish | 2020 State LA (Ouachita)