Preseason Candidates for Gatorade POY/Mr. Basketball
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With the beginning of practice right around the corner, we can begin taking an early look at the season to come. One of the things we are always interested in is the player of the year awards in the state.…
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Continue ReadingWith the beginning of practice right around the corner, we can begin taking an early look at the season to come. One of the things we are always interested in is the player of the year awards in the state. Louisiana always has some high quality contenders for Gatorade POY and Mr. Basketball. This year is no exception. In this Prep Hoops Louisiana exclusive, we will look at some of the players who will via for the top awards in the state.
Chris Lockett Chris Lockett 6'5" | CG Isidore Newman | 2023 State #180 Nation LA (6’4″ | Newman)
Lockett has been the top player in this class since his freshman year. He is also on a team that could compete with some of the prep schools in the country because they are just that loaded. Lockett has one of the most versatile skill sets in the country. He can play as a true point guard or play off the ball as a two guard or a high school three. His ability to score, rebound, and pass will have him filling stat sheets possibly all the way to these awards.
Brandon Hardy Brandon Hardy 6'4" | SG Zachary | 2023 State #234 Nation LA (6’4″ | Zachary)
The two-time, 5A state champion has been a cog in one of the most potent offenses in the state. This year, he will be the key senior surrounded by a solid core of juniors and sophomores. I expect Hardy to have the ball in his hands a whole lot because he can facilitate the offense as well as finish at the rim. Hardy will also be the primary defender against some of the better players in the Boot. His defense against them can go a long way in him winning as well.
Kameron Williams Kameron Williams 6'7" | SF Lafayette Christian | 2024 State #60 Nation LA (6’7″ | LCA)
Williams was Mr. Do-it-all for the Knights of Lafayette Christian last season. He led his team in points, rebounds, and blocks as he propelled the Knights to the Division III title game. For a player his size, he can play with his back to the basket, handle on the perimeter, and has a nice touch from long distance. Williams will put up massive numbers to be honest and will be right there in contention for these coveted end of the year awards.
Kohen Rowbatham Kohen Rowbatham 6'1" | CG St. Thomas Aquinas | 2024 State LA (6’1″ | Northshore)
The Northshore guard was one of the most difficult players to defend this summer regardless of the level of competition. Despite the loss in the championship game to Zachary, he seemed to have taken that loss to heart and decided to punish opponents all summer. Kohen is a three level scorer who has shown that he can defend at a high level as well. He is insanely hard to keep out of the paint and even more difficult to keep off of the charity stripe. If his team does not make a deep football run, opponents on the hardwood better watch out.
Jamaria Clark Jamaria Clark 6'2" | CG Doyline | 2023 State LA (6’2″ | Doyline)
Clark will end his senior season as one of the most prolific scorers we have seen in the Boot in a while. The 2020 state champion from Doyline is a lead guard who can score big time points but is just as willing to pass. Clark has put in work and it showed on each end of the floor this summer. He has improved as a defender and gotten better at attacking defenders offensively. This will more than likely translate into Clark being a player who will put an assault on the record books. He will also have a good chance at winning these postseason awards.
Others to consider
Trey’Dez Green Trey’Dez Green 6'8" | PF Zachary | 2024 State #54 Nation LA (6’7″ | East Feliciana)
Green was a load to stop this summer and will more than likely see similar success this season. The length of his football season will determine what kind of time he will be able to put in on the hardwood. He will have a legit chance to win the award however.
De’Vion Lavergne De’Vion Lavergne 6'3" | CG North Central | 2023 State LA (6’3″ | North Central)
Lavergne may be the best two way player that the state has. He can create turnovers and turn offense into defense at such a rapid pace that when the game is done, he may have near a triple-double every time. If he leads North Central to yet another title along with putting up big numbers, watch out.
Jayce Depron Jayce Depron 7'5" | CG Madison Prep | 2024 State LA (6’3″ | Madison Prep)
Depron was one of the most impressive offensive players on the UAA 16U circuit. Even in the midst of playing quarters with a shot clock, he still put up big offensive numbers. He is another player who can play two ways. This may lead him to having a legit chance to win these coveted awards.
Top players in their respective classes always have a chance to win Gatorade POY or Mr. Basketball. I believe one of these players will walk away with the awards this season in an exciting and fun-filled 2022-23 school year.