Reflections on the Extravaganza Hoops Fest
The 2020 Louisiana Grassroots season just played its swan song at the Extravaganza Hoops Fest in Belle Chase, Louisiana. This event was put together suddenly due to the updating of Louisiana’s COVID status to stage three. Nevertheless, the energy in…
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Continue ReadingThe 2020 Louisiana Grassroots season just played its swan song at the Extravaganza Hoops Fest in Belle Chase, Louisiana. This event was put together suddenly due to the updating of Louisiana’s COVID status to stage three. Nevertheless, the energy in the building was the highest I’ve seen all season anywhere. As I watched the teams compete I began to discover players I hadn’t seen before. Just then I had an epiphany. Initially, I thought the class of 2021 was not a deep class based on the 2021 rankings. However, that may not have been the case, as it may have been under-evaluated as in the cases of Camryn Carter, Kendrick Delahoussaye Kendrick Delahoussaye 6'0" | PG Lafayette High | 2021 State LA , and JonQuarius McGhee JonQuarius McGhee 6'3" | CG Opelousas | 2021 State LA . With that being said, the Extravaganza tournament has allowed a new group of players to be discovered, and others to improve their evaluations.
Northshore was in the building
Jeremy Autin 6’3″ SG LA Lakers/St. Paul’s H.S. 2022
Jeremy Buckets was lighting it up every game whether it’s driving to the goal or drilling the outside shot. This firey competitor leaves it all on the floor, losing is not something he’s comfortable with. This young man will be a player to watch in the NOLA metro area. Jeremy will debut in later rankings.
Zachary Fenn 6’2″ SG LA Lakers/ St. Paul’s 2022
Zachary is definitely is a guy that will be on the scouting report every game due to his ability to make multiple 3 pointers a game. Fenn is definitely a preseason All-District candidate. Continuing these types of performances Fenn may enter and jump some people in the rankings.
Titan Rising
Bryce Weinmunson Bryce Weinmunson 6'2" | CG Mandeville | 2022 State LA 6’2″ CG Louisiana Titans/Madeville H.S. 2022
This weekend the only thing Bryce lack was a ticket dispenser and an apron because he was in full butcher mode cutting and chopping defenses up and apart. The athletic guard was able to beat guys off the dribble for at the rim finishes, sweet midrange pull-ups, and rebound over defenders. Bryce even had a 37 point performance in the event. His coach Clint Rowbatham asked me “are there 37 better guys better than Bryce?” I had to laugh, but honestly, Bryce will be climbing. I love it when guys I stumble upon continue to play well and improve. A tighter hand, improved feel, and pace can catapult Bryce into the upper echelon of the rankings.
Marquee Battle
The game that Displayed the most energy in the prep divisions was the matchup between Real Deal Elite16U (BR) vs W.A.W.G Elite16U. Both teams played tough scrappy defense, diving on the floor competing for loose balls, and angrily wrestling for rebounds. In the end, W.A.W.G Elite prevailed 62-53. Below are some players who stood out:
Rayvon Smith Rayvon Smith 6'1" | CG Scotlandville | 2022 State LA 6’0″ PG Real Deal/Scotlandville H.S. 2022
Rayvon is a quick guard who can get into the paint scoring or dishing to teammates. He possesses the ability to keep sagging defenders honest with the 3 point shot. However, Rayvon can be too saucy trying to look cute or draw attention to himself. This player has a lot of talent and potential, yet he must mature and become discipline at the point guard position to beat tougher teams, rise in the rankings or increase college coach interest.
Christian Pichon 5’9″ CG W.A.W.G/McMain H.S. 2022
Christian is a scoring guard, no if and or buts about it. The District 11-4A MVP relished the role of scorer for his team taking every hand down man down opportunity or slipping through any crack in the defense. If Christian is going to rise in rankings or place is name on college recruiters watch list he must increase the intensity of his on/off-ball defense and lead his team deeper in the playoffs.
Jacob Wilson Jacob Wilson 6'5" | SF Liberty | 2022 State LA 6’4″ PG Real Deal/Liberty H.S. 2022
Jacob is a talented smooth operator at the lead guard position. He is able to control the flow of the game with his passing and scoring. Jacob has shown more and more of what he’s capable of in changing summer teams in his last three outings. Currently, this prospect needs to work on his motor and intensity. Often times he seems to be bored instead of looking like a hungry lion looking to eat!!! If Jacob adjusts this aspect in his game he instantly ascends to rare air among prospects.
Alexzaye Johnson Alexzaye Johnson 6'4" | PG St Benedicts Prep | 2023 State NJ 6’1″ PG W.A.W.G/Cox H.S. 2022
Johnson was the highest-ranked 2022 prospect in the Extravaganza event. He played both 16U and 17U playing well in both divisions. What most people marvel at concerning his unselfish play, however, Johnson showed the ability to impose his will at times during the event. He showed the ability to get in the paint relatively at will. He and Wilson played like they wanted to prove something in their battles, which is what you’d like to see from top prospects. Areas for Johnson to improve on are displaying an ability to become a two/three-level scorer, not driving too deep, and anticipating reads quicker.
The Man Right Chea
Gavin Harris Gavin Harris 6'2" | CG Walker | 2021 State LA CG Real Deal/Walker H.S. 2021
Alert to all the colleges and universities at the low to mid-major level looking for a late addition or possible injection to the program… in the words of New Orleans Rapper Mystical “I heard you were looking for me.. here I go” Gavin is that guy. He’s a bundle of quick-twitch muscle. This under the radar prospect had to sit out last season due to transferring to Walker H.S. in Walker Louisiana. The Extravaganza was the second event I saw him in and he was just as consistent as the first time with less talent on his team the second viewing. This athletic guard is an attacking downhill guard, who shows signs he built differently. His athleticism allows him to change directions in a millisecond or pull up quickly for the 3 pointer. I don’t know what’s more impressive his ability to conduct an interview or the fact he doesn’t have bunnies but kangaroos!!! College coaches it’s okay to be late to the party, but it’s another to miss it entirely.