Class B: Who should be All-State?
Continuing the “Who should be All-state” series, we will look at Class B. The class, as a whole, took a hit when Crescent City moved up to 1A. However, there are still some great players still on this level. In…
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Continue ReadingContinuing the “Who should be All-state” series, we will look at Class B. The class, as a whole, took a hit when Crescent City moved up to 1A. However, there are still some great players still on this level. In this edition, I will take a look at the ten players who I think should encompass the first and second teams.
Decari Markray Decari Markray 6'3" | CG Doyline | 2020 State LA / 6’4″ / 2020 / Doyline (Unsigned senior)
Let me start with who I think will be the class B most outstanding player. From game 1 until the championship game, Markray played as if he is the best player on the floor. On most nights, he was. His 22 (pts.) and 9 (reb.) are one of the main reasons that Doyline hoisted the class B trophy over a week ago. There really was anyone who performed better than him on a night to night basis. (Prediction – 1st team selection)
Garrett Edwards Garrett Edwards 6'5" | CG Pitkin | 2020 State LA / 6’5″ / 2020 / Pitkin (Unsigned senior)
The reigning class B most outstanding player made an even larger case this season. He raised his scoring average three points, averaged double digit rebounds, and found time for four assists per game. His 36 point game against Simsboro was done from the perimeter, in the paint, and on the break. Edwards is plenty good and whoever recruits him may have a steal on their hands. (Prediction – 1st team selection) (Photo cred above: American Press)
Jakemin Abney Jakemin Abney 6'3" | CG Simsboro | 2020 State LA / 6’3″ / 2020 / Simsboro
Abney has the game a talent to play on the NCAA Division I level. However, he elected to sign with NAIA Division I powerhouse LSUA. Abney is not a post player but he made his name as one. He can score from the post, take guys off the dribble, and dunk on someone if need be. His title game double-double mirrored what he has done on the floor for the past three years. Abney is one of the best to lace it up in 2020. (Prediction – 1st team selection)
Kalep Crane Kalep Crane 6'0" | CG Simsboro | 2020 State LA / 6’1″ / 2020 / Simsboro (Unsigned senior)
Crane was a three pointer away from being one of the most decorated players in Louisiana prep basketball history. His three that rimmed out would have made him 4 for 4 in state championship games which is a feat accomplished by few these days. Crane is one of the best guards in the state. He can attack a defense on all three levels and is a superior defender in his own right. Needless to say, he deserves a first team nod. (Prediction – 1st teams selection)
Hunter Strickland Hunter Strickland 6'7" | C Weston | 2020 State LA / 6’7″ / 2020 / Weston
This LSUA signee has gotten better and better each year. Last season he helped his team to Marsh Madness. This year he bowed in the first round. Make no mistake though, Strickland is a force in the paint. He commands double teams on the regular but has learned to be a passer out of them. For a player of his caliber, Strickland should be a shoe in on the 1st team. That early playoff exit may hurt, however. (Prediction – 1st team selection)
Shaquay Hunt / 6’0″ / 2020 / JS Clark Leadership (Unsigned senior)
If Strickland does not make the first team, this prep might. He was a 2nd team performer last year at 17.5 a game. This year, he averaged a double-double and added four assists per. Hunt might not have had a great championship game; however, his numbers were one of the reasons Leadership was there. He has a nose for the ball and gives his best on the floor nightly. I would not be surprised if he lands on the first team. (Prediction – 2nd team selection)
D’Marcus Fugett / 6’3″ / 2021 / JS Clark Leadership
Leadership made the championship with the help of junior D’marcus Fugett. This junior averaged 14, 6, and 6 for the season. On the high school level, that is a very good stat line. Fugett has shown the ability to score at all three levels. He was very effective from three and in the paint during the class B semifinal. Fugett is a legitimate player and may be a frontrunner for class B player of the year next year. (Prediction – 2nd team selection)
Kyle Montgomery / 6’0″ / 2020 / Zwolle (Unsigned senior)
Montgomery was the best player on a Zwolle team who started the season slowly but ended up in the top 5 (#4) where they normally would be. He is a guard who can facilitate the offense or slide over to the off guard and score. The only reason he did not guide his team back to Marsh Madness was due to running into a Garrett Edwards Garrett Edwards 6'5" | CG Pitkin | 2020 State LA -led Pitkin team. His game is definitely worthy of an all state placement. (Prediction – 2nd team selection)
Collin Coates Collin Coates 6'5" | SF University Lab | 2022 State LA / 6’5″ / 2022 / Runnels
One of the best sophomores in the state helped lead his team to the Division V finals. Coates can score in numerous ways and is a threat anywhere he catches the ball. Even though he and his team came up short, Coates may have his team back in the same position next season. With his skill set, that is pretty much a definite. (Prediction – 2nd team selection)
Jamaria Clark Jamaria Clark 6'2" | CG Doyline | 2023 State LA / 6’1″ / 2023 / Doyline
His coach called him “the best freshman in the state.” A 16.8 ppg and a state title can almost back up that statement. Clark got playing time as an 8th grader. He worked on his game and came back a more polished product that some upperclassmen. Clark has definitely made a splash on the prep scene, and definitely class B, with his play. I can see him being a first team selection for the next 3 years. That is how good he is. (Prediction – 2nd team selection).
Class B is has some talented players at many of the different schools. We will see who makes the team when the information is released later this week.