PDE’s Preseason Mr. Basketball/Gatorade Player of Year Watch List
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It is never too early to talk about postseason awards in Louisiana. Especially when it comes to the two most prestigious awards, Mr. Basketball and Gatorade player of the year, it seems that those subjects can be a year round…
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Continue ReadingIt is never too early to talk about postseason awards in Louisiana. Especially when it comes to the two most prestigious awards, Mr. Basketball and Gatorade player of the year, it seems that those subjects can be a year round conversation. Since we are right under a month before the official tip off all classes playing in Louisiana, this seems like the perfect time to talk shop. In this article, I will look at the nine players that I believe have a serious chance at winning the two most coveted basketball titles in the state, Mr. Basketball and Gatorade Player of the Year.
Primary contenders
Percy Daniels Percy Daniels 6'8" | PF Madison Prep | 2022 State LA (6’9″ – SR. – Madison Prep) – 11 PPG / 11 RBDS / 2.3 ASST (20-21)
Daniels is the senior anchor for a Madison Prep squad who is one of the most talented teams in the state coming into this season. During the summer, Daniels showed that he could dominate on both ends of the floor. He is a player who can score in various ways in the paint and he is a rim protector that secures rebounds on the defensive end. The Seton Hall commit will have to be the most dominate player night in and night out to walk away each trophy in my estimation. He has the talent to do it.
Dorian Finister Dorian Finister 6'5" | CG Carver | 2022 State #173 Nation LA (6’5″ – SR. – Carver) – 13 PPG / 8 RBDS / 7 ASST (20-21)
Finister is the top guard in the class of 2022 and put up some impressive numbers last season. If his 20-plus point 4A championship game performance is any indicator of what his senior season will be like, it will be hard to stop he and his Carver teammates from making it back to Marsh Madness. Finister has a pure jumper, can get to the rim, and is excellent in jumping into passing lanes. While he is a prime candidate for the state’s top two honors, he will ultimately split votes with his teammate. That alone may cost him.
Chris Lockett Chris Lockett 6'5" | CG Isidore Newman | 2023 State #180 Nation LA (6’5″ – JR. – Newman) – 19 PPG / 8 RBDS / 4 ASST (20-21)
Lockett is the top junior in Louisiana’s class of ’23 and ranked in the top 60 nationally throughout most media outlets. He has the all-around game to be win each title and will have ample opportunity to showcase his talent considering the schedule Coach (Randy) Livingston has set for them. Lockett can score at all three levels because of his great touch on the offensive end. He is an above average rebounder which makes him dangerous in the paint even when he does not have the ball. A state title in Division III might secure his resume for the trophies.
Solomon Washington Solomon Washington 6'7" | SF Carver | 2022 State #127 Nation LA (6’7″ – SR. – Carver) – 14 PPG / 11 RBDS / 3 ASST (20-21)
Washington is the 2022 #1 player and he is very deserving of that mantle. He is a defensive and rebounding force of nature that takes as much pride in blocking shots and making stops as he does in scoring. Washington is also excellent in transition and he is a highlight reel by himself with his transition finishes. His ability to score outside of the paint will be what elevates him to player of the year status. He might have to add 4A most outstanding player as well to secure the crown.
Other Possibly Candidates:
Jamaria Clark Jamaria Clark 6'2" | CG Doyline | 2023 State LA (6’2″ – JR. – Doyline) – 30.8 PPG (20-21)
Clark was the most prolific scorer in class B, or any class for that matter, averaging 30 point per. He is one of the better combo guards in the state and will have his Doyline team in line to contend in class B. To be in the running for either crown, Clark will have to produce the same or similar numbers and win another class B title. Even those accolades may only get him close.
Joseph Manning (6’3″ – SR. – Bossier) – 21 PPG / 6 RBDS / 3 ASST (20-21)
Manning has been one of the main cogs in the Bearkats recent success since his sophomore season. He helped that team win a state title and then stepped his game up a couple of notches last season. He can score at all three levels, he rebounds extremely well for a guard, and he is one of the top defenders in the state. If Bossier can win another title with him being the focal point of the offense and defense, he may have a shot at the state’s top honors.
John-Paul Ricks (6’0″ – SR. – Jehovah-Jireh) – 28 PPG / 5 RBDS / 8 ASST (20-21)
Ricks is the best point guard in the state and a former class C most outstanding player. He is also a top 5 player in the class of 2022. The Warriors play any and everyone no matter the class so playing top competition will not be a question. Ricks will have to carry his team to wins against some of the state’s best to be in the running. A fourth straight state title will help his argument. Ricks may have to repeat as the overwhelming class C MOP to really be considered.
Labree Williams Labree Williams 6'6" | SF Calvary Baptist | 2023 #186 Nation FL (6’6″ – SR. – Calvary Baptist) – 16 PPG / 12 RBDS / 2 ASST (20-21)
At one point and time during last season, Williams was the most dominate inside presence on both ends of the floor in north Louisiana. He was taxing teams as he scored in the paint, he was rejecting shots coming through the lane, and he had his outside touch going. Williams needs to tap into that player again in order to walk away with the top honors in the state. Leading the Cavs to the Division IV title on his 4th try would be helpful also. We will see what happens.
Jacob Wilson (6’5″ – SR. – Liberty) – 15 PPG / 6 RBDS / 4 ASST (20-21)
Wilson is one of the most versatile players in the state and he should have a big senior season in a Liberty uniform. He plays both ends of the floor at a high level and knows how to run a team from the forward position. Liberty will have a challenging schedule so he will be able to showcase himself against marquee competition. For Wilson to win though these big individual awards, he would have to dominate and hope that others on this list falter. Wilson does have a chance though, in my opinion.
I am sure other candidates will emerge as the season progresses. However, these are the preps I feel will be the frontrunners for Mr. Basketball and Gatorade Player of the Year win the season commences in March.