Top 35 Hoopers in Louisiana Regardless of Class (A-Mo)
Through the highways and bi-ways of Louisiana, I got a chance to see plenty of hoops this past season. Along with the senior class, great players from the class of 2021 and beyond showed off their extaordinary basketball skills. In…
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Continue ReadingThrough the highways and bi-ways of Louisiana, I got a chance to see plenty of hoops this past season. Along with the senior class, great players from the class of 2021 and beyond showed off their extaordinary basketball skills. In this Prep Hoops Louisiana two-part installment, I will take a look at 35 players from the 2019-20 season who will be returning to the prep hardwood floors in 20-21 as the top hoopers in Louisiana.
In alphabetical order:
Will Allen Will Allen 6'7" | PF Bonnabel | 2021 State LA (F / 6’6″ / Bonnabel) – The Bonnabel post is the hardest working post player in the Boot. He can rebound with the best of them and visits the free throw line a good bit. Let him add a short jumper to his repertoire and Allen will be hard to stop.
Devonte Austin Devonte Austin 6'0" | CG Wossman | 2021 State LA (G / 6’0″ / Wossman) – This Wildcat starter is one of the more dynamic players in the region of northeast Louisiana. Austin improved his scoring last season and will be looking to lead Wossman to another Marsh Madness appearance.
Camryn Carter (G / 6’2″ / East Ascension) – Carter is one of the more explosive combo guards in the 2021 class. He knows how to score above the rim in transition and from behind the arc. The Spartan offense will have his imprint all over it next season in their effort to return to the playoffs.
Joe Charles (F / 6’7″ / Carencro) – The UL-Lafayette commit had an injury-plagued season and ended up not playing the full year. A healthy knee and his skill set will make a player of the year candidate. Carencro always has a tough schedule and that may help him as well.
Jamaria Clark Jamaria Clark 6'2" | CG Doyline | 2023 State LA (G / 6’1″ / Doyline) – Clark had a dream season for a freshman being the 2nd leading scorer on a state championship team. Now, he will try to avoid a sophomore jinx as the primary scorer for the Panthers. The way he shoots the rock, it will be interesting to see.
Percy Daniels Percy Daniels 6'8" | PF Madison Prep | 2022 State LA (F / 6’8″ / Madison Prep) – The class 3A first teamer averaged a double-double last season for the Chargers. For Madison Prep to have a stellar year, Daniels will need to dominate the paint on both ends. Being #1 in his class may give him the incentive to do just that.
Jourdain Dishmond Jourdain Dishmond 6'7" | PF Holy Savior Menard | 2021 State LA (F / 6’7″ / Menard) – Dishmond was important part of a senior-laden team who made a deep playoff run. Now, he will be the primary threat during his senior season for Menard. With his inside-outside scoring ability, he may have an epic season.
Carter Domingue Carter Domingue 6'3" | PG St. Thomas More | 2021 State LA (G / 6’3″ / St. Thomas More) – Domingue is the best shooter in the 2021 class and a back-to-back state champion. He is also one of the better point guards the state has. Look for a senior year with plenty of gunslinging as he tries to win a third crown at STM.
Dorian Finister Dorian Finister 6'5" | CG Carver | 2022 State #173 Nation LA (W / 6’5″ / Carver) – Finister is one of the more explosive wings that the Boot has. He can score at all three levels and defend as many as many as three positions with his athleticism. His skill set should make him a first or second team candidate in 4A. A state title may come this season as well.
Claudell Harris Claudell Harris 6'3" | CG Hahnville | 2021 State LA (G / 6’1″ / Hahnville) – Harris is one of the best combo guards the Boot has to offer. He can score and dish the ball with precision. Harris was a key in Hahnville making Marsh Madness last season and can repeat that feat with he and most of the cast returning.
Brandon Harton Brandon Harton 6'4" | SF Jehovah-Jireh | 2021 State LA (F / 6’4″ / Jehovah-Jireh) – Harton is one of those players who does not get his just due for being a three time state champion. He defends the post on one end and scores effectively on the other. Harton has the ability to be the class C player of the year and may be at year’s end.
Tawasky Johnson Tawasky Johnson 6'0" | PG Port Allen | 2021 State LA (G / 6’0″ / Port Allen) – Johnson was given the keys to the car by Coach Jones upon arriving at Port Allen. Since then, the Pels have played for state titles twice (winning once). Look for Johnson to lead by example this season by scoring more while running the team.
Jalen Knox Jalen Knox 6'4" | SF Port Allen | 2022 State LA (F / 6’4″ / Port Allen) – Knox has been a solid post presence since his freshman year. He has made his money rebounding and scoring in the paint. The evolution of his perimeter game can elevate him to all-state level. That advancement may help the Pels reach Marsh Madness a third time.
Avontez Ledet Avontez Ledet 6'3" | CG Cecilia | 2021 State LA (G / 6’3″ / Cecilia) – Ledet has an offensive game that is matched by few. He is an offensive threat from anywhere and from any level on the floor. Ledet will be a legitimate first team 4A candidate. Look for most outstanding player consideration if Cecilia makes it to Lake Charles.
Chris Lockett Chris Lockett 6'5" | CG Isidore Newman | 2023 State #180 Nation LA (G / 6’5″ / Isidore Newman) – Lockett was one of the more entertaining players I saw last season. He seems to have genuine fun while on the floor. I guess I would too if I was as good as he is. Lockett can play either guard position and may be an all-state first teamer when next season is done.
Rayshun McCullar Rayshun McCullar 6'1" | PG Huntington | 2022 State LA (G / 6’1″ / Huntington) – McCullar morphed from a scorer to a well-rounded point guard during his sophomore campaign. With fewer traditional post players on the roster, greater individual success may align with team goals. Motivation from not making the all-state team may push him as well.
Emaryeon McDonald (G / 6’1″ / Scotlandville) – After a year off, McDonald will be at a new school and in a new offense. Along with having a massive chip on his shoulder, he will help Scotlandville moves into a new era. Pressure can bring the best out of players and I think that is what we will see out of McDonald.
Delatrion Moton Delatrion Moton 6'4" | CG Woodlawn-Shreve | 2021 State LA (W / 6’4″ / Woodlawn-Shreveport) – For a player who is not explosive to the rim or swift afoot, Delatrion Moton Delatrion Moton 6'4" | CG Woodlawn-Shreve | 2021 State LA is still one of the best players in the state. He outplays opponents with his IQ and use of angles. His will to win is stronger than most and he has a closer’s mentality. There is no player like him period.
While some of these names were all-state or all-district/all-city in their regions, they are foreign to some others. Despite the reemerging threat of Covid-19 this fall, hopefully it will not prevent people from seeing these players as the winter months approach.