Louisiana Small School Players with Big Game
It is a proven fact in Louisiana that some very good players come from the smallest schools. College all conference players like Bernard King (Gibsland-Coleman/Texas A&M) to NBA Hall of Famer and Karl Malone (Summerfield/Louisiana Tech), players from smaller schools…
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Continue ReadingIt is a proven fact in Louisiana that some very good players come from the smallest schools. College all conference players like Bernard King (Gibsland-Coleman/Texas A&M) to NBA Hall of Famer and Karl Malone (Summerfield/Louisiana Tech), players from smaller schools in the Boot have had great success. The most recent player from a small high school to have that type of success is Sun Belt Freshman of the Year Mylik Wilson (Rayville/UL Lafayette). While the following players may not be on the level of the people mentioned, they have big game and should impress this coming season.
Trenton Colbert Trenton Colbert 6'8" | PF Mansfield | 2021 State LA | 6’8″ | Mansfield | 2021
One of the most intriguing players in the 2021 class is Trenton Colbert Trenton Colbert 6'8" | PF Mansfield | 2021 State LA . Any prep who is 6’8″ and athletic is usually on everyone’s radar. However, Colbert had a less than stellar summer with Mansfield and did not finish the summer with Louisiana Elite. With the Wolverines only won 6 games last season, Colbert is now moving into his senior year with a lot to prove. With new coach Chris Bush, Colbert should see a lot of opportunities to score in the half court and on the break. His consistent mid-range shot and his ability to rebound should help him have a great year.
Jamari Markray Jamari Markray 6'2" | SG Doyline | 2022 State LA | 6’1″ | Doyline | 2022
The most important play in the class B championship game was the steal and subsequent layup by Markray to give Doyline the two point final margin. Going into next season, Markray and Jamaria Clark Jamaria Clark 6'2" | CG Doyline | 2023 State LA (6’1″/2023) should be one of the best backcourt duos in north Louisiana. Markray has a knack for rebounding and slashing to the goal for his buckets. He can also change ends quickly and is hard to stay in front of in the open court. Markray will have his full abilities on display and will be a primary option as the Panthers try to defend their title.
Malachi Evans Malachi Evans 6'9" | C Hamilton Christian | 2023 State LA | 6’9″ | Hamilton Christian | 2023
While Hamilton Christian will be losing a lot of firepower from their program this season, they will have one very interesting piece coming back. That is Malachi Evans Malachi Evans 6'9" | C Hamilton Christian | 2023 State LA . The 6’9″ post will be manning the middle for the Warriors and should be one of the focal points of their attack. Evans scoring was done by rebounds and put backs while he defended the rim by blocking shots. Expanding his ability to score in other ways will be big for him going into next season. If he can win in the paint on most nights, Evans and the Warriors will have great success next season.
Collin Coates Collin Coates 6'5" | SF University Lab | 2022 State LA | 6’6″ | Runnels | 2022
In all honesty, I believe Collin Coates Collin Coates 6'5" | SF University Lab | 2022 State LA has the ability to be class B player of the year next season. His offensive game reminds me of a Kyle Korver when he was a Creighton. I tall shooter who can give a team buckets from deep but surprises onlookers with his athletic ability. Coates shoots the ball, rebounds, starts the break, and blocks shots. He can be a one man wrecking crew if he is allowed to be. If he can improve his scoring into the mid-twenties and keep similar rebound and assist numbers, being player of the year is definitely foreseeable.
Deshawn Jackson Deshawn Jackson 6'3" | CG Pickering | 2021 State LA | 6’3″ | Pickering | 2021
Jackson is one of the most athletically gifted players on the small school level. He is also one of the better athletes in the state. I have seen the Pickering guard elevate over players and wondered how did he get that high. While he can sky with the best, he has rounded out his game. Jackson can shoot, drive, and dish all while defending the wing and paint for the Red Devils. Going into his senior season, he should be even harder to stop because he is a year wiser. Leading Pickering on a deep playoff run may have him in the 2A outstanding player race as well.
Car’tracus Mitchell Car’tracus Mitchell 6'2" | CG Rapides | 2022 State LA | 6’0″ | Rapides | 2022
A CENLA player who should have a noteworthy season is Car’tracus Mitchell Car’tracus Mitchell 6'2" | CG Rapides | 2022 State LA . He is a a deadeye shooter who is a blur in the open floor. Whether he is starting the break or finishing, he gets to the rim faster than most players. On film, he picks his spots well on offense. He finds open areas behind the arc to hit his high-arching three. Mitchell is a guard who can transition from defense to offense quickly also. His fast hands did create extra possessions for the Mustangs. If Mitchell has good scoring success and Rapides has playoff success, notoriety will come his way.
Small schools have many multi-sport preps who turn out to be great basketball players. Many of the small school players outperform players at larger schools. Look for the guys mentioned above to receive acccolades like all-parish and all-state for their performances next season.