The Stars are Shining Bright on Opening Night
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Basketball season is upon us and teams, coaches, and players are trying to avoid Covid-19 like a ball-handler navigating through the full-court press. Nevertheless, games have begun. In today’s’ article I highlight some players who started the season with a…
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Continue ReadingBasketball season is upon us and teams, coaches, and players are trying to avoid Covid-19 like a ball-handler navigating through the full-court press. Nevertheless, games have begun. In today’s’ article I highlight some players who started the season with a bang. These players exploits have seen or acknowledge through scrimmages, Hall of Fame games, or the actual start.
Opening Night
Two games of excitement in the New Orleans area were Mc Main visiting Landry and BTW visiting Crescent City. Three of these (Mc Main, Landry, and BTW) teams showed “hey it’s early and we still need some work”, and one (Crescent City) showed “we may have reservations for a trophy presentation. Below are the top performers:
Nicholas Kaigler Nicholas Kaigler 6'3" | SG McMain | 2022 State LA 6’3″ F McMain 2022
The tweener Kaigler proved to be the boost to Mc Main’s 53-51 victory at Landry. Kaigler came off the bench to score 11 points in an all-around performance to erase a 17-2 deficit. The burly tweener used his build and heart to will his team back into the game.
Taj Gilyot Taj Gilyot 6'3" | SG McMain | 2021 State LA 6’4” PG Mc Main 2021
The senior point guard led his team in scoring with 12 points, having two timely 3 pointers in the comeback. Gilyot should take the lead from his teammate Kaigler on coming out charged and ready to play from the start. Since this is his senior year, and due to high expectations around the Mc Main campus.
Adien Bevrotte 6’6” F Mc Main 2022
The junior forward is proving to be a valuable asset to the Mustang’s chances of a possible Marsh Madness run. Bevrotte has been a consistent inside presence on offense and in terms of rebounding the three times I’ve seen the Mustangs play. There was a mistake in my Twitter post stating he scored 20 against Landry. He finished with 10 but missed 4 free throws and a few other shots which could have put him at 20. Nonetheless, if Bevrotte matures and becomes focused he could put the Mustangs on his back for that deep playoff run.
Jamond Vincent Jamond Vincent 6'2" | SG Landry-Walker | 2021 State LA 6’3” W Landry 2021
Vincent was Landry for the first quarter against Mc Main. He scored 10 points in a row, 12 of his team’s 17 points. They came in an array of fashion from inside including a monstrous dunk off a steal, the free-throw line, and a three-pointer. Sadly, enough Vincent was only able to muster 2 points per quarter the rest of the way, finishing with 18. I’m sure the coach will have a conversation with the team during film session about getting Vincent more shots.
John Kelly John Kelly 6'7" | SF John Ehret | 2023 State #237 Nation LA 6’7” F Crescent City 2023
Kelly finessed his opponents the BTW Lions and highly ranked Kyran Ratliff out of a win Monday night. The sophomore led the Pioneers with a game-high 24 points and 12 rebounds. The Lions had no answer for Kelly. Kelly is not the bulkiest forward, but he uses his speed, I.Q., and maneuverability to get his team buckets and rebounds. When speaking to his coach Shaun Dumas about Kelly’s performance he said “he definitely has to build off his performance.” Foes of the Pioneers must beware of the “Construction” taking place at Crescent City.
Nicholas Green 6’2” SG Crescent City
Coach Dumas at Crescent City would be said to be sandbagging if we were playing Spades. So, opposing teams beware if you think you can just run up on his team unprepared. He has a sharpshooter in the name of Nicholas Green, who left BTW looking like a tornado hit them, as he used his shot going 7/9 from the three-point line ripping the Lions zone defense from its foundation. We will keep an eye on the consistency of Green throughout the season.
Kurt LeBeaud 5’11” PG Crescent City
The Division IV MVP is back for a follow-up. LeBeaud was cautious this Summer not playing any events, however he opened up the season with a slight 10 points 9 assist performance in his team’s 77-45 drubbing of BTW. The retooled Crescent City line up is looking towards LeBeaud’s leadership and point guard skills to lead them in their quest to defend their title. And after his opening night’s performance, he may just do that.