Statement Session Players to Watch
On September 27th, Louisiana will have an event that is the first of its kind between the grassroots and high school season. The Statement Session, hosted by tournament organizer Mal Mundy, will bring thrity top preps together to showcase their…
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Continue ReadingOn September 27th, Louisiana will have an event that is the first of its kind between the grassroots and high school season. The Statement Session, hosted by tournament organizer Mal Mundy, will bring thrity top preps together to showcase their talent in front of scouts and coaches at Southside High and via live stream on BallerTV. Some of the preps have played a lot during grassroots while some have not been seen at all. We will take a look at seven preps who will be players during the Statement Session in Lafayette, Louisiana.
Avontez Ledet Avontez Ledet 6'3" | CG Cecilia | 2021 State LA / 6’3″ / Cecilia / 2021
Ledet is a player who can flat out score. He can score at all three levels on the floor and is truly a marksman from beyond the arc. Ledet also knows how to facilitate an offense so he is well-versed at playing both guard positions. Because of his talent, it is perplexing why he does not have any offers to this date. With his capability to play both guard positions and his shooting prowess, schools will be interested in seeing what he can do in this setting.
Shammah Bryant Shammah Bryant 6'5" | SF Bossier | 2021 State LA / 6’5″ / Bossier / 2021
Bryant had an up and down grassroots season to say the least. Playing with a couple of different teams, in some tournaments he was more involved in the offense and others not so much. He also battled an injury that cause him to not play at his fullest. The Statement Session is a way for him to get back to that high he had after the Bossier state title. He can run the floor and block shots with the best of them. If he shows an effective mid-range game to go with his athleticism, he will attract some suitors surely.
Tawasky Johnson Tawasky Johnson 6'0" | PG Port Allen | 2021 State LA / 6’0″ / Port Allen / 2022
Another state champion who can make an impression during The Statement is Tawasky Johnson Tawasky Johnson 6'0" | PG Port Allen | 2021 State LA . He is one of the better point guards in Louisiana but has not played much, if any, this summer. I would not be surprised that his first game will be more knocking off rust trying to get adjusted to game speed. Johnson thrives at taking players off the dribble and making plays in the lane. If his conditioning is right, Johnson will be a hard guard for these elite players in this format.
Labree Williams Labree Williams 6'6" | SF Calvary Baptist | 2023 #186 Nation FL / 6’6″ / Calvary Baptist / 2022
Williams is another player that has not been seen by many in Louisiana. However, he has played in various showcases and grassroots tournaments in Texas. Playing with Cooz Elite keeps him busy in Texas, so many Louisiana players outside of north Louisiana do not know him or his game. The Statement will serve two purposes for Williams. Introduce himself to more of his peers in the Boot and show why he is highly rated. If he accomplishes those two things, he will definitely catch the eye of coaches watching.
Dezmond Perkins Dezmond Perkins 6'5" | SG Madison Prep | 2022 State LA / 6’4″ / Madison Prep / 2022
Perkins had a small coming out party playing with Louisiana Elite earlier this summer in Jackson, Mississippi. In that tournament, he displayed the ability to spot up and shoot the ball extremely well from deep. Not only did he shoot it well, he showed that he was agile and able to defend. The only knock he honestly has is his small frame so defending more developed players is an issue. However, his shooting ability will draw interest from coaches.
Rayshun McCullar Rayshun McCullar 6'1" | PG Huntington | 2022 State LA / 6’1″ / Huntington / 2022
The Huntington point guard is a player some would say does not need to attend and event of this nature. He already has four to five Division I offers from the SWAC to the American (conference). McCullar seems to like the spotlight when playing named competiton. The 2019 Showdown in the Lake is a prime example of that. McCullar can score and facilitate on a high level. He is also improving on defense. Watch for his star to shine brightly on this stage.
Alexzaye Johnson Alexzaye Johnson 6'4" | PG St Benedicts Prep | 2023 State NJ / 6’2″ / Helen Cox / 2022
Johnson was a great player for the 16U team that LIvOn Fleur de-lis sponsored. He took the responsiblity of playing point for them seriously and was their defensive leader during many of their games. Because he has experience playing with and against top tier preps, coaches will want to see more of his game. They know he is a defensive stalwart, they need to see his offense. Jumpers and offense development should have been a key for him during his small break. Any advancement to his offense should improve his recruitment.
Big time players like Solomon Washington Solomon Washington 6'7" | SF Carver | 2022 State #127 Nation LA (Carver), Carlos Stewart (Dunham), and Dorian Finister Dorian Finister 6'5" | CG Carver | 2022 State #173 Nation LA (Carver) will be missing from The Statement. At this point, coaches have seen them plenty via BallerTV and in person. Look for members of this group to raise their profile as recruitment begins to pick up this season.