The Class of 2022 Top 5
The Class of 2022 is a super talented bunch of players. The top five in the Louisiana class personify that. We will review who comprises the top five of this sophomore class and look at what places them at the…
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Continue ReadingThe Class of 2022 is a super talented bunch of players. The top five in the Louisiana class personify that. We will review who comprises the top five of this sophomore class and look at what places them at the top of their class.
#1 Percy Daniels (6’8″, Madison Prep) – Daniels is one of the premier big men in the state as a sophomore. Before a season-ending injury last season, Daniels was tearing it up in the post. This season, after starting slow, he has picked up his game once again. Daniels can score over either shoulder in the post. His wing span also allows him to retrieve rebounds and score on putbacks. Defensively, he is an eraser at the rim. He blocks or changes shots with regularity when he is on the floor. Look for Daniels to be a big factor as the Chargers make another push for a title in 3A.
#2 Labree Williams (6’5″, Calvary Baptist) – Williams has the most versatile skill set of any player in the top 5. He has a small guard’s handle and can get to the hole with ease. Williams runs the floor and can spot up from deep or fill the lane. His ability to shoot from deep is what seems to be the biggest thing that sets him apart from others. Williams can bury the three from anywhere in the half court. He is one of those super talented athletes where the whole game seems ease for him. Williams ability to score on three levels may be the key in helping Calvary become a state champion for the first time in school history.
#3 Dorian Finister (6’5″, GW Carver) – Finister is cut from the same mold that the player above him is cut from. His ability to score from mulitple levels and multiple places on the floor makes him an asset that rarely leaves the floor. Finister is outstanding at driving the basketball to the cup where he has shown that he can finish above the rim. On defense, Finister is great at playing the passing lanes on defense and causing breakaway buckets for himself. His talent helps him create offensive opportunities for others on his team. If Finister continues his balanced play, Carver should compete for a state title in 4A.
#4 Tyran Ratliff (6’8″, KIPP BTW) – Last year in the 1A championship game, Ratliff was rebounding and blocking shots all over the floor. Ratliff has a more mature body this season and continues to do those same things he did in that championship game. At this point in his career, his defense is ahead of his offense. However, that does not mean he cannot score. Ratliff can score enough to effect the game just from putbacks and running the floor. Ratliff is super talented and has limitless potential. He shouid be able to take advantage of his height more times than not and make a true difference on the floor.
#5 John Paul-Ricks (6’0″, Jehovah-Jireh) – RIcks is the best point guard 2022 has to offer right now. His talent and his knack for making winning plays is what has him as the top point guard listed. When games are in the balance, it seems like that is when RIcks does his best work. He has displayed the ability to drive it to the cup, when necessary, and draw fouls. Ricks shooting, in the clutch, shows the moxie of a player wise past his years. On defense, he is willing to guard anyone when the game is on the line. These characteristic may allow Ricks and the Warriors to raise another trophy with him leading the way.
The 2022 class seems to have the talent to rival the 2020 class. Only time will tell if they mature and play hard to be on that level. If they display their next level talent, they should have as many Division I signees as the 2020 class when it is all said and done.