The Best Prep Player from Each Parish – Volume II
Volume I highlighted top players from the northwest corner of Louisiana. In volume two, we will migrate East and identify who are the top returning players in many of the northeast parishes of Louisiana. Lincoln Parish Fred Payne Fred Payne…
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Continue ReadingVolume I highlighted top players from the northwest corner of Louisiana. In volume two, we will migrate East and identify who are the top returning players in many of the northeast parishes of Louisiana.
Lincoln Parish
Fred Payne Fred Payne 6'2" | PG Legacy School Of Sport Sciences | 2023 State TX (CG) | 6’2″ | Lincoln Prep – Payne is nationally rated by Prep Hoops and other recruiting websites. The class 1A all-state honorable mention and 1-1A second teamer can score the rock at all three levels and is an above average rebounder. With a state runner-up under his belt, Payne will now step into the go-to guy role that is being vacated by Buffalo signee Chanse Robinson Chanse Robinson 6'1" | PG Lincoln Prep | 2020 State #238 Nation LA . While Fred is a shooter, if he becomes a shooter at the level of his father, teams will have to guard him when he walks in the gym. He is a rising sophomore stud.
Lasalle Parish
Jordan Jackson (W) | 6’0″ | Jena – For a parish with two high schools, it may not be hard to find the best player. However, when the best team in the parish graduated ten seniors, it is hard to find that player. In this case, you often look to the best athlete. Jordan Jackson is probably that player. Jackson, the Jena quarterback, was a key player in helping Jena to last year’s 6th seed in 3A. He is a good perimeter defender who can get to the rack and draw contact offensively. Jackson will have to lead by example and hope his young teammates follow.
Tensas Parish
Ivan Clark Ivan Clark 6'4" | SF Tensas | 2022 State LA (F) | 6’4″ | Tensas – Clark was the fifth starter on a senior-laden team who made their second appearance Marsh Madness appearance in three years. Now, as a rising senior, Clark will be the lead guy on the latest version of the Panthers team. Clark is good at defending the rim, rebounding, and scoring in the paint. Expanding his game will be key to the Panthers success this coming season. Clark will be asked to score more than he has in the past. Improving his scoring ability should turn him into a viable player for the next level.
Ouachita Parish
Javion Richard Javion Richard 6'3" | PG West Monroe | 2021 State LA (PG) | 6’3″ | West Monroe – Richard may not be the highest ranked player in the parish but he is probably the best player. He played last season as the West Monroe point guard and did an excellent job. Richard is a very capable shooter from outside who is steadily improving on making the proper passes to his shooters and forwards. He can defend several positions on the floor, rebound, and score around the basket. His all-around game and ability to play the point will have many four year schools interested in his services.
Richland Parish
Kashie Natt Kashie Natt 6'2" | SG Rayville | 2021 State LA (G/W) | 6’2″ | Rayville – A lot of us thought that Rayville basketball was going to fall off without a Wilson on the roster. Kashie Natt Kashie Natt 6'2" | SG Rayville | 2021 State LA has been one player who stepped in and helped Coach West keep things moving seamlessly. Natt was all-state 1st team. all-NELA, district 2-2A MVP, and an overtime loss away from being a repeat state champion. All of this in possibly his second sport. Nobody plays the game harder than Kashie. He is a three level scorer and defends five positions for the Hornets. Natt may repeat all of this his senior season.
West Carroll Parish
De’mon White De’mon White 6'5" | PF Oak Grove | 2021 State LA (F/P) | 6’6″ | Oak Grove – WIth Taevon Anderson Taevon Anderson 6'4" | SG Oak Grove | 2020 State LA gone to the next level, it is next man up for Oak Grove. The logical choice is De’mon White De’mon White 6'5" | PF Oak Grove | 2021 State LA . The 6’6″ forward is a shot blocking presence who can have his way around the rim. He rim runs, finishes above the rim, and can be physical in the paint. While he does not have much of a perimeter game, he can more than make up for it with his activity and presence. To be a solid performer on the next level, he will need a perimeter game. However, he is one of the best athletes in the 2021.
Madison Parish
Marquise Hicks (G/W) | 6’2″ | Madison – Hicks has a similar situation to Jordan Jackson of Jena. He is the starting quarterback who played a key role on a largely successful basketball team. Now, as a returning senior, Hicks is going to have to step his game up even more if Madison is going to mirror last season’s success. Hicks can score in a myriad of ways and has the ability to guard multiple positions on the perimeter. While basketball might not be his primary sport, his leadership and experience should help him be successful this season.
Franklin Parish
Andre Hill (W/F) | 6’4″ | Franklin Parish – Hill will be one of the better players in northeast Louisiana next season. He has all the physical tools to be all-state when the season is said and done. Hill has the jumper in the paint, athleticism to guard small guards and wings, and can run the floor. If the defender is not careful, Hill will finish above the rim on them as well. Hill was a second team district 2-4A selection as a sophomore and his game has much more promise and potential. Watch for Hill to lead Franklin Parish to the playoffs this coming season.
Union Parish
Tyon Wallace (CG) | 6’3″ | Union Parish – Wallace is a big combo guard who should be one of the best players in 2-3A by the end of the season. He can really shoot the three well and is a very athletic defender. One of his best attributes is how he can push the ball from end to end. Once he has a head of steam going, he gets to the rim with ease. Wallace can finish through contact just as well as the top guys in his class. By season’s end, Wallace should be one of the top players in one of the toughest districts in the state. This rising senior is that good.
In the next volume, we will begin to look at players in the southern part of the state. From Cenla to the southern tip and northern areas I skipped, we will see who are the top players in each parish of the Boot.