Marsh Madness Standouts: Part II
Day one of the state championships in Louisiana was nothing short of amazing with two close games to end the night. The championships on day two began the way day one ended with two games that went down to the…
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Continue ReadingDay one of the state championships in Louisiana was nothing short of amazing with two close games to end the night. The championships on day two began the way day one ended with two games that went down to the wire. There were standout performances throughout the Saturday tilts as well. In part two of the standouts from Marsh Madness, we will look at players who put in serious work during championship Saturday.
Melvion Flanagan / 5’10” / Peabody – The most outstanding player of the 4A championship might have taken over the game using his best asset (shooting); however, his full skill set was on display throughout the whole game. Flanagan used penetration to kick to other shooters at various points of the contest. He also used to mid-range jumper to score a few of his less challenging buckets. Along with leading Peabody to another state title, Flanagan reinforced that he is one of the better guards in Louisiana. He will definitely find a home on the next level. (Pictured above)
Tim King Tim King 6'0" | CG Bossier | 2020 State LATim King Tim King 6'0" | CG Bossier | 2020 State LA / 5’10” / Bossier – King has played his role for the better part of two seasons with the Bearkats. Corner threes and defense have been his calling card over that time. During the 3A championship, he showed his other great ability which is to take over a game when needed. King led the team in scoring with his shooting from three and his intensity on defense. He stuck his nose in and defended Wossman’s taller guards and gathered defensive rebounds to end possessions. King showed he was the best player on the floor and worthy of the MOP award.
Jaden Shelvin Jaden Shelvin 6'2" | CG St. Thomas More | 2021 State LAJaden Shelvin Jaden Shelvin 6'2" | CG St. Thomas More | 2021 State LA / 6’2″ / St. Thomas More – Shelvin seems like he has his best game when the stakes are highest. The Division II championship was another example of him playing big in big moments. While Jaden can score at all three levels, most of his scoring was in the paint and free throw line during the title game. He slashed to the bucket for layups and and-1 opportunities all game long. Coach Broussard saved the best play for last and called Shelvin’s number for the game-winning play. His free throws delivered a third straight title to STM and showed that he performs best in pressure situations.
Nikembe Johnson Nikembe Johnson 6'4" | PF North Central | 2020 State LANikembe Johnson Nikembe Johnson 6'4" | PF North Central | 2020 State LA / 6’4″ / North Central – One of the most versatile big men we have in the state is Nikembe Johnson Nikembe Johnson 6'4" | PF North Central | 2020 State LA . During the 1A championship game, he won another most outstanding player doing just that….showing his versatility. Johnson is one of those forwards who can rebound and push the ball. He is comfortable initiating the offense and made great decisions during the championship game. With the ball in his hands, Johnson finished in the lane to the tune of 20-plus points. Colleges watching the game should definitely have him on their radar.
Decari Markray Decari Markray 6'3" | CG Doyline | 2020 State LADecari Markray Decari Markray 6'3" | CG Doyline | 2020 State LA / 6’4″ / Doyline – Decari Markray Decari Markray 6'3" | CG Doyline | 2020 State LA has probably been the best player in class B all season long. In the Panthers defeat of Simsboro, Markray played one of his better games of the season. He is another forward who can rebound and go after a defensive rebound. However, his work on the offensive boards is where he made hay on championship Saturday. Markray knows how to carve out space and attack the ball when it comes off the rim. His 20-20 game displayed that he is one of the better interior players in Louisiana and that he should be a fit for some school on the next level.
Each one of these players earned Most Outstanding Player in their respective championship game. They won those awards because they played big when the pressure was on. Because they played well in those situations, new opportunities should arise for them going forward in their basketball careers.