2020-21 Catholic League Outlook: Brother Martin (Video)
As we’re all painfully aware of, COVID-19 has put a stop to life as we know it since late March. That won’t stop us here at Prep Hoops Louisiana from taking a look towards next season, though, and we’ll start…
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Continue ReadingAs we’re all painfully aware of, COVID-19 has put a stop to life as we know it since late March. That won’t stop us here at Prep Hoops Louisiana from taking a look towards next season, though, and we’ll start with the prestigious Catholic League in New Orleans.
St. Augustine has reigned supreme for the last several seasons in 9-5A and we’ll take a look at each team to see who may have a chance to challenge them in 2020-21. One team will be released each day according to last year’s standings starting with Rummel and ending with the Purple Knights, which will also include a prediction for next year’s standings.
Here’s our outlook on Brother Martin:
2019-20 Catholic League Standings
1. St. Augustine | 31-2 (12-0)
2. Brother Martin | 29-6 (9-3)
BROTHER MARTIN
Brother Martin had a great season last year totaling nearly 30 wins while finishing second in the league behind St. Augustine. While there were only a few “marquee” teams on their schedule prior to 9-5A play, they took care of business with 14 wins of 28 points or more during a 20-1 start to the season.
Their best victory during that stretch was a 57-51 win over Class 5A runner-up Bonnabel and they also had leads on St. Augustine in both meetings before ultimately falling in both matchups, 63-56, and, 77-68. Their only other loss in league play was a shootout against Holy Cross, 74-71, who they later knocked out of the playoffs, 83-67, before losing to eventual champ Scotlandville, 88-45, in the semifinals.
Army signee T.J. Small was undoubtedly the top player for the Crusaders and was the most electrifying athlete in the metro area. Davonn Moore and John Louis also gave BM good minutes at the guard spots, but the Crusaders still have a solid nucleus returning led by 2021 forwards Grant DeLord and Brock Ranlett.
Both DeLord and Ranlett really came into their own last season and DeLord really stood out with his versatility and ability to knock down the 3-ball. He also mixed it up inside a good bit for rebounds and putbacks, the latter of which was more of Ranlett’s area of expertise throughout the year.
Alongside DeLord and Ranlett on the inside will be 2023 PG Corey Skillman Corey Skillman 6'4" | SG Brother Martin | 2023 TX on the perimeter. He has a ton of potential as a long guard who can really heat up from long range and he’s growing as a playmaker and distributor as well.
Crusaders coach Chris Biehl is another that Catholic League coach that caters his style to his players playing faster or slower depending on the group he has. This year’s upcoming team may not have quite the firepower of last year’s with Small leading the way, but they should have enough to compete with the Purple Knights once again.