Top 35 Hoopers in Louisiana Regardless of Class (N-Z)
Earlier this week, I reviewed half of the top 35 hoopers in state from various classes. From Will Allen Will Allen 6'7" | PF Bonnabel | 2021 State LA to Delatrion Moton Delatrion Moton 6'4" | CG Woodlawn-Shreve | 2021…
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Continue ReadingEarlier this week, I reviewed half of the top 35 hoopers in state from various classes. From Will Allen Will Allen 6'7" | PF Bonnabel | 2021 State LA to Delatrion Moton Delatrion Moton 6'4" | CG Woodlawn-Shreve | 2021 State LA , these players have skill sets that travel from one gym to another. This second installment has players who are more of the same. They might be part of the second half of the alphabet but their game is second to none.
Daniel Ortiz Daniel Ortiz 6'1" | CG Calvary Baptist | 2021 State LA (G / 6’0″ / Southwood) – With Jalen Cook Jalen Cook 6'0" | PG Walker | 2020 State #98 Nation LA gone, I do not know if there is a better pure scorer at all three levels than Ortiz. He is a better passer than Cook and that helps when it comes to running a team. Whether on or off the ball, Ortiz will get a teams best defenders. However, I think he would have it no other way.
Fred Payne Fred Payne 6'2" | PG Legacy School Of Sport Sciences | 2023 State TX (G / 6’1″ / Lincoln Prep) – One of the best freshmen in the state was also one of the best players during the Panthers state runner-up campaign. He is already and elite scorer who will only get better. That is scary! Payne averaged 18 (ppg), 6 (reb), and 3 (asst) as a frosh. Those numbers can only improve.
Kyran Ratliff (F / 6’8″ / KIPP BTW) – While a KIPP return to Marsh Madness did not happen, Ratliff had a stellar season which culminated in his first team, all-state selection. Ratliff is one of the most athletic players in the state and can guard five positions because of it. Any improvement to his offense will only improve his upside.
Javion Richard Javion Richard 6'3" | PG West Monroe | 2021 State LA (G / 6’3″ / West Monroe) – When this season is done, Richard may be the best guard in north Louisiana. He has the height and offensive game to be dominant on offense. His length and athleticism can make him a special defender as well. Mix his talent with an all-state snub last year and his season may be special.
John Paul-Ricks (G / 6’0″ / Jehovah-Jireh) – Ricks stellar season saw him named class C player of the year. While being the Warriors top perimeter defender, he has developed into their best shooter in the clutch. There is no moment too big for Ricks. Look for he and the Warriors to add another championship this coming season.
Tyler Ringgold Tyler Ringgold 6'7" | SF Legacy Early College | 2023 State SC (W / 6’5″ / Southern Lab) – Ringgold is a tough guard for teams. He can post smaller guards and take post playing forwards off the dribble. His high level of play garnered him first team all-district honors. Next season may be a true coming out party for Ringgold where he receives individual and team accolades.
Javon Ruffin Javon Ruffin 6'5" | CG Phhoenix Prep | 2021 State #239 Nation AZ (G / 6’4″ / Isidore Newman) – The 11-2A MVP is the best combo guard going into next season in Louisiana. Ruffin can get to the rack better than anyone his size and finishes with either hand. He is also a top level passer who makes teammates better. When he is on from outside, he is dangerous at all three levels.
Jaden Shelvin Jaden Shelvin 6'2" | CG St. Thomas More | 2021 State LA (G / 6’2″ / St. Thomas More) – Shelvin is one of the best two-way guards Louisiana has to offer. He causes turnovers on defense with his length and quickness while scoring in various ways offensively. Shelvin is has been named 1st or 2nd team all-state while winning back-to-back state titles. Being three for three is a good bet.
Reginald Stoner Reginald Stoner 6'1" | CG North Central | 2022 State LA (G / 6’1″ / North Central) – Stoner has been an integral part of the success North Central has had the last two seasons. When the Hurricanes have made it to Lake Charles the past two years, Stoner has had a big game to aid in their success. Look for Stoner to be a two-way threat as the Hurricanes push for three in a row.
Carlos Stewart Jr (G / 6’2″ / Dunham) – Stewart is considered, in some circles, the best player in the 2021 class. The Santa Clara-commit is an explosive two-way player and one of the best shooters in the state. He is arguably the best man-to-man perimeter defender as well. Stewart is also the reigning 2A MOP and could win it again.
Derrick Tezeno Derrick Tezeno 6'5" | SF North Central | 2021 State LA (W / 6’4″ / North Central) – The top player in the Prep Hoops latest Louisiana rankings has had a great two year run. Tezeno has won two state titles and been able to enhance his profile playing on the EYBL circuit. Known for his rebounding and scoring, adding anything else to his game may make him unstoppable.
Dionjahe Thomas Dionjahe Thomas 6'8" | PF Ellender | 2022 TX (F / 6’8″ / Ellender) – Thomas has a very big upside going into his junior season. He has shown the ability to run the floor with purpose and to step out behind the arc. Thomas is also a defensive stalwart. If he begins to dominate from outside as he can in the paint, his ceiling will be the clouds by his senior season.
Lakavin Thomas Lakavin Thomas 6'0" | CG Bossier | 2023 State LA (G / 6’0″ / Bossier) – Thomas grew up before our eyes in the Bearkats push to the 3A championship. Early in the season, Thomas got spot minutes and the inconsistency showed in his shooting. Later on though, we got a peak into his potential. I see him being just fine as the next Bossier point guard.
Jaden Tyler Jaden Tyler 6'0" | CG Assumption | 2021 State LA (G / 6’1″ / Assumption) – The two-time district 8-4A player of the year is another combo guard who is hard to guard. Tyler can score at all three levels and is masterful at getting into the paint. He keeps defenders off-balance with his handles and makes them pay regularly. I see another MVP season from Tyler in his last hurrah.
Jamond Vincent Jamond Vincent 6'2" | SG Landry-Walker | 2021 State LA (G / 6’2″ / Landry-Walker) – Vincent is one of the top players in the 2021 class because of his skill set. He can put the ball on the deck, explode to the rim, and shoot it from deep. These are the main reasons he has been an all-district and all-Metro performer. Look for him to have an outstanding senior campaign.
Solomon Washington Solomon Washington 6'7" | SF Carver | 2022 State #127 Nation LA (F / 6’7″ / Carver) – By the time the class of 2022 makes it to graduation, Washington may be the biggest name in the group. He can already command the paint and run the floor better than most players. Look for his perimeter game to mature this season. To return to Lake Charles, his game will have to do so.
Labree Williams Labree Williams 6'6" | SF Calvary Baptist | 2023 #186 Nation FL (W / 6’5″ / Calvary Baptist) – Williams was one of the major keys for the success the Cavaliers had this season scoring from different levels with effectiveness. Williams can shoot the three, rebound, and drive to the cup. He will be the focal point of the Cavs offense next season and a prime candidate for MOP in class 1A.
These players in these two installments are the must see players of the season. All of them will via for all-district and all-state while some set themselves apart for player of the year. It will be great to watch these preps as the season wears on.