Class of 2021: The Top 5
The 2021 class has turned out to be one that is rich in talent. From multifaceted guards and wings to two sport athletes, this class has evolved into a group of players who will definitely be able to make a…
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Continue ReadingThe 2021 class has turned out to be one that is rich in talent. From multifaceted guards and wings to two sport athletes, this class has evolved into a group of players who will definitely be able to make a mark on the next level. The top five players personify this talent-laden class. We will take a look at those five juniors in this article.
#1 Derrick Tezeno Derrick Tezeno 6'5" | SF North Central | 2021 State LA / 6’4″ / North Central (Liv-On)
Tezeno ascended to the top position in this release by continuing to show his versatility. The two time state champion displayed some expansion to his game during the state championship with a consistent ability to hit shots from the perimeter. His between the leg stepback three in the second half might have been the shot that closed the door on Lincoln Prep. That shot showed the confidence that Tezeno has in his game. It also helps that he can rebound, post, and take players off the dribble. There are few players with a complete game like him in the state and he is the best of them.
Interested Schools: Tulane, New Orleans, Houston
#2 Javon Ruffin Javon Ruffin 6'5" | CG Phhoenix Prep | 2021 State #239 Nation AZ / 6’4″ / Isidore Newman (Liv-On)
The number two player in the class had an outstanding year. He was MVP of his district and guided his team to a semifinal birth in Louisiana’s Division III playoffs. Ruffin had games where he scored 40 points and nailed game winners. His ability to run a team and be a dangerous scorer separated him from other players in the class. Having the basketball IQ to see what your team needs and perform that task with a high degree of effectiveness makes him one of the top players in this class. Look for him to take his game to another level during the summer.
Interested Schools: Colorado, Virginia, Stanford
#3 Carlos Stewart / 6’1″ / Dunham (Liv-On)
Stewart was another player who had a stellar season. He led his team to the Division III state championship in a thrilling game. Along with being the most outstanding player in that contest, he was named the 2A player of the year. Stewart is an offensive machine who became more of a complete guard this season with his play on the defensive end. There seemed to always be a game where he had at least two breakaway dunks from steals via his on ball defense or playing the passing lanes. Stewart may eventually ascend to number one on this list. He is truly one of the best in this class.
Interested Schools: UL-Lafayette, Santa Clara, Colorado State
#4 Joe Charles / 6’7″ / Carencro (Louisiana Elite)
Charles showed how tough of a player he was this season. The UL-Lafayette commit played the majority of the season with a knee injury which ultimately cost Carencro his presence in the playoffs. Even on one good leg, Charles often displayed why the Ragin Cajuns think so highly of him. There are few 6’7″ players in the Boot and fewer who can handle the ball with guard capabilities. He can step out behind the arc or go into the paint and do the dirty work. While he needs to improve the launch point on his jumper, Charles is a dangerous player on both ends of the court. If he is healthy this summer, his game will only improve.
Interested Schools: Committed to UL-Lafayette
#5 Daniel Ortiz Daniel Ortiz 6'1" | CG Calvary Baptist | 2021 State LA / 6’0″ / Southwood (O.W.E. LA/Liv-On)
The newest member of the top five is Daniel Ortiz Daniel Ortiz 6'1" | CG Calvary Baptist | 2021 State LA . From the Prep Hoops Top 250 until his final game in Monroe, Ortiz went out and gave his all every time he hit the floor. While he played point guard for the Cowboys, he was the primary scoring threat as well. When Southwood needed big games or big moments from him, he delivered more times than not. His 30 and 40 point games against the likes of Walker and Natchitoches Central let people know who he was. Pivotal shots when the game was in the balance against Port Allen, Natchitoches, and Green Oaks displayed what type of DNA he has within. He will probably challenge for the top spot, as well, before the season is done.
Interested schools: Marist, Northwestern State, Southern Arkansas
Because the 2021 class is so talented, other players may enter into this list. Emaryeon McDonald has not played in a year due to LHSAA sanctions but may find himself in this conversation after a good summer. Other players like Jamond Vincent Jamond Vincent 6'2" | SG Landry-Walker | 2021 State LA and Will Allen Will Allen 6'7" | PF Bonnabel | 2021 State LA may also improve their stock after summer success. We will see who challenges these five players as we move further into the summer and closer to next year.