Freshmen Paying their Dues
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In many programs being a Freshman can be a daunting experience. Many want to be players often find themselves cut or reduced to toiling on the sub-varsity team. These sub-varsity players can find themselves as trainers, ball managers, or refreshment…
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Continue ReadingIn many programs being a Freshman can be a daunting experience. Many want to be players often find themselves cut or reduced to toiling on the sub-varsity team. These sub-varsity players can find themselves as trainers, ball managers, or refreshment specialists during tournament time. Yet some Freshmen find themselves talented enough or lucky enough to make, get minutes, or actually make impacts in games. Today I will highlight a few young stars I’ve seen, who are paying their dues in an effort to be BIG MEN ON CAMPUS!!!!
Austin Delahoussey 5’9” New Iberia PG 2024
Having five guys currently in football forced coach Todd Russ to call on a freshman to fill the lineup. Watching New Iberia twice this early in the year I noticed a steady hand at the point guard position. He wasn’t doing anything out of the ordinary, but he soundly did his job. After further discovery, I found out this baby-faced youngster was only a freshman. Watching Delahoussey play and learning about his early morning workouts…. coach Russ has a special player in the making.
Todd Jones Newman 6’7” F 2004
Jones is a rarity in Louisiana, a young tall kid who has a base to be a perimeter player and the
opportunity to do it. On the court, Jones plays like a throwback to the ’70s as glides to the hoop with his f George Gervinesque finger rolls. Jones does a decent job of rebounding, however in time with added strength and athleticism he might find himself at the top of opposing teams scouting charts.
Cornelius Brown Kennedy 5’7” PG 2024
This young cub has found himself to be the cornerstone of the Cougars rebuild. I had a chance to see him earlier in the Summer in underground workouts. I noticed he had a little confidence and swagger playing against guys 2-3 years older. Also, I saw an innate understanding of reading ball screens. In his first varsity game, Brown scored 31 of his team points in a 62-53 loss to NOMMA. It may be a long and trying season for the young cub, but it will only make him stronger.
Joshua Smith Madison Prep 6’1” PG 2024
Louisiana, we made have a problem. The rangy guard has the it…. Smith is bouncy, quick, and long. And when you add the fact that he has a competitive nature. You can see why a say Louisiana we have a problem on our hand for opposing guards in his class. He is a part of a freshman group that has giving Coach Jones at MPA a bolt of rejuvenation. Smith can get to spots on offense and use his length on defense well. When strength kicks in watch out.
Lawrence Nathan Carver 6’1” CG 2024
They call him BAM!!! This rugged “If it ain’t ruff, it ain’t me guard has a shot to be one of the best if not the best player at Carver during his tenure. Yeah, I know that’s a bold statement, based on the fact
Solomon Washington
Solomon
Washington
6'7" | SF
Carver | 2022
State
#127
Nation
LA
and
Dorian Finister
Dorian
Finister
6'5" | CG
Carver | 2022
State
#173
Nation
LA
are also at Carver. I stand by my statement if Nathan puts the work in and aligns himself with the right trainer!!! Nathan can take and give the bumps and bruises. In all the workouts or games, I’ve seen him play he doesn’t whine or complain. He plays mostly off the ball, but the lefty has a Harden like appeal with court vision to his game. Improvements in his athleticism and shot will give him a shot at possibly a top player in his class in Louisiana and beyond.