Standout Performers from the Hall of Fame Games at Simsboro
Simsboro was the gracious host to a Hall of Fame game quadruple header over the weekend. Some of the best teams in class B and C joined the class B state champions to participate in the annual hardwood fundraiser for…
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Continue ReadingSimsboro was the gracious host to a Hall of Fame game quadruple header over the weekend. Some of the best teams in class B and C joined the class B state champions to participate in the annual hardwood fundraiser for the LHSAA Hall of Fame. Some of the top players and new faces in the two classes graced the floor on Saturday. In this PHLA exclusive, we will take a look at some of the standout performers from the Hall of Fame games played.
Terrance James Terrance James 6'4" | SF Gibsland-Coleman | 2023 State LA (6’4″ / Gibsland-Coleman)
James showed why he is one of the top basketball players in his class and in Louisiana. His athletic ability and basketball skill was showcased on both ends of the floor as he blocked shots and caught alley-oops helping Gibsland-Coleman to a blowout victory over reigning Division V champ Family Christian. James was a force on the backboards and was too physical for the FCA guards. His ability to rebound, run the floor, and defend showed that he will be a force during any game he plays and that is a talent that will have many suitors going forward.
DeMarquis Durham (6’2″ / Gibsland-Coleman)
The freshman forward had his way in the paint during the Bulldog win over Family Christian. Durham was highly active during the contest carving out space and grabbing rebounds at a high clip. He also showed his athleticism with a breakaway finish in transition. Durham may be a freshman but displayed an ability to handle his own during the HOF win.
De’Avery Durham (5’10” / Gibsland-Coleman)
Durham was one of the best players in the Class C championship game and picked right up during the Hall of Fame contest against FCA. Durham placed constant pressure on the Family Christian defense with his ability to push the ball in transition. He threw perfect lobs to James and scored from the mid-range on his own. His 17 point performance showed that he is a player to contend with when the Bulldogs play.
Chance Martin (6’0″ / Family Christian)
Martin showed why he was an all-state performer last season even during their loss on Saturday. Martin is a relentless driver of the ball who gets into the paint almost at will. He is also a tough rebounder who attacks the offensive boards like a power forward. Martin proved he could score at multiple levels and easily in transition. FCA did not have their best result on Saturday but Martin showed he is a force at the lead guard position.
Kaelip Wright (6’1″ / Simsboro)
Wright is one of the returning faces from the Simsboro championship team. While the style under Coach Carlisle might change some, Wright proved that his game adapts to any style. Wright was active in passing and lanes on the offensive and defensive boards. He also scored on short jumpers, offensive putbacks, and in transition. Wright fits the recent tradition of athletic guards playing at Simsboro and he displayed that he will be a force to reckon with on this Tiger team.
Trumarian Smith (5’5″ / Simsboro)
When Smith was on the floor for the Tigers, there was a definite change in how the Tigers half court offense flowed. Smith is a small lefty who has a vast basketball IQ. During their win against Atlanta, Smith found spots on the floor to be effective. He took open shots when he was open and made passes that led to buckets. His smart play was one of the reasons Simsboro walked away with the home win versus Atlanta.
Brandon Smtih (6’2″ / Atlanta)
The Atlanta big man gave Simsboro fits all game long on Saturday. Smith is an undersized big who carved out space and finished buckets at will against the guard-oriented Tigers. Smith showed he could rebound and push the ball which led to him being fouled on numerous occasions. His athleticism and frame allowed him to play through a lot of contact. It also showed that he will be a force in Class C this season.
The Lady Tigers and Tigers won both of their contests against Atlanta. Hall of Fame games will continue across the state until the season begins. Look for the Class B and C schools to begin play on Halloween night across Louisiana.