Summer Rewind: O. W. E. Travel Ball Club (Part 1)
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Coaches Vic Morris (Calvary Baptist), Eric Shepherd (Evangel Christian), and Reginald Williams (Southwood) had this first-year program turning heads on the Prep Hoops Circuit all summer. From Dallas to Indianapolis to Birmingham, this group of guys made a collective statement…
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Continue ReadingCoaches Vic Morris (Calvary Baptist), Eric Shepherd (Evangel Christian), and Reginald Williams (Southwood) had this first-year program turning heads on the Prep Hoops Circuit all summer. From Dallas to Indianapolis to Birmingham, this group of guys made a collective statement to the rest of the country: Louisiana basketball is legit and its players deserve national attention. With dozens of offers already extended, college coaches at every level are taking notice. Now, let’s meet the guys who were on the O.W.E. roster during the live periods. (Players are listed in alphabetical order by last name.)
Sedric Applewhite Sedric Applewhite 6'6" | SF Bossier | 2022 State LA // 6’6″ PF // Bossier High // 2022
Applewhite showed flashes of brilliance all summer. His size and skill set make him very difficult to guard in the low post. He is able to finish with both hands around the rim and has developed a nice right-handed jump hook. The Bearkats big man typically makes strong outlet passes and also has the ability to start the fast break with his dribble off of defensive rebounds. If he continues to develop his midrange and face-up games, opposing defenses better watch out!
Kamron Coleman Kamron Coleman 6'8" | PF Wossman | 2023 State LA // 6’8″ C // Wossman High // 2023
I love the attitude of Coleman. He was the only member of O.W.E. who wasn’t from the 2022 class, but he made the most of his opportunity to play and practice with some of Louisiana’s finest. He is long and has great instincts on defense and on the boards. He blocked or changed multiple shot attempts every time he was on the court. He sets hard screens and rolls to the basket with purpose. Wossman’s center is definitely an intriguing prospect with a very high ceiling.
Jordan Crawford Jordan Crawford 6'2" | CG Simsboro | 2022 State LA // 6’2″ PG // Simsboro High // 2022
Simsboro has a gem of a player and person at point guard. Crawford is a great teammate and almost always has a smile on his face. He definitely embraces and enjoys every moment of every game. It is a pleasure to watch him unselfishly make the team better with his vision and pinpoint passes. He is a proven winner whose decision making can be trusted in late-game situations. In addition, he is a crafty finisher in the lane, elite defender, and rebounds very well from the guard position.
Marquis Harris Marquis Harris 6'5" | SF Bossier | 2022 State LA // 6’5″ SF // Bossier High // 2022
If I had to describe Harris in one word, it would be freak. He is instant energy and possesses rare athletic ability. He’s lean, strong, and humbly goes about his business. I watched him attack every rebound and grab most of them. While his offensive skills are raw and still developing, he is not someone opposing players want to see lining up across from them on defense. Marquis will not back down from a challenge, and he takes every defensive assignment personally. He will no doubt continue to work and improve in all facets of the game.
Noah Jonker // 6’6″ PF // Alexandria Senior High // 2022
A freak, in-game accident at the end of May cost Jonker most of his summer. He spent all of June and the beginning of July recovering from surgery to repair a broken wrist on his shooting hand. Already known as a knockdown 3-point shooter, the ASH forward used rehab as an opportunity to work on his off-hand dribbling and finishes. Now fully recovered, he has become a match-up nightmare. His improved handle and quickness give him the ability to take bigs off the dribble, and he can get his shot off over just about anyone.
Nick Maryland Nick Maryland 6'2" | CG Simsboro | 2022 State LA // 6’2″ CG // Simsboro High // 2022
It’s easy to see that Maryland has been in the gym all summer. He has turned his pull-up jumper into a reliable offensive weapon. Couple that with his ability to keep defenders off balance with his dribble drive, and opposing teams will be left guessing night in and night out. He’s also a bulldog on defense and plays with a noticeable chip on his shoulder. Much like his backcourt partner at Simsboro, Nick rebounds extremely well and can easily turn a board into a one-man fast break. Look for the Tigers to return to Marsh Madness in the Spring.
All of these guys deserve even more attention from college coaches than they are currently receiving. I fully expect more offers to come as the new high school season unfolds and the O.W.E. players step up to lead their respective teams. (Be on the lookout for Part 2 later this week.)