Div. II Top 28 Preseason Picks
With basketball heading into a brand new space in Louisiana following the select/nonselect split when it comes to the playoffs, there is still much confusion about what teams fit under which group and who will be at the top of…
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Continue ReadingWith basketball heading into a brand new space in Louisiana following the select/nonselect split when it comes to the playoffs, there is still much confusion about what teams fit under which group and who will be at the top of each. We will be taking a look at all of the playoff classifications. (For more in depth look, I suggest checking out an article written by new contributor Brett Hudson taking a general look at each class https://prephoops.com/2016/11/analyzing-impact-new-playoff-system/ )
Next up, we will be taking a look at the wide open Division II, which is a combination of select schools from 3A and 4A.
1. University High School
You will be hard pressed to find another team in the state that has lost as much talent as U-High has lost in the past season. After the departure of FOUR players ranked in our top 50 for the 2016 class, including a pair of LSU teammates in Wayde Sims and Jalen Johnson, this season will undoubtedly be a step backwards for the Cubs, after finishing the season as arguably the best team in the state. However, behind those four, there was a number of young talent contributing, most notably a pair of top 40 players for the class of 2018 in Spencer Mays and Eric Reed Jr. I still expect U-High to be in contention for a wide open Division II.
2. STM
What a roller coaster ride the playoffs must have been for St. Thomas More last year. After securing the number 1 seed in 4A, Had the brackets gone chalk, the road to the Top 28 would have featured three straight games against district opponents. However, after the second round, there was an “upset” as 9th seeded Plaquemine took down Northside, meaning that despite wrapping up the number 1 seed, the Cougars would be traveling on the road for a spot in the Top 28. After playing from behind all game, the Cougars were down 8 points with 1:04 to go in the game, and somehow won the game in overtime. Once in the Top 28, the Cougars controlled their game against Bossier, leading the game for a total of 31 minutes and 34 seconds. However Bossier come out on top, and went on to win the state title. This years team is going to be quite different, but as always for the Cougars, it is the next man up. This year’s go to player on the offensive side of the ball will be 2018 G Jonathan Cisse, as well as senior G Jonathon Joseph. Don’t be surprised to see STM back in the Top 28 for the 4th time in 5 years.
3. St. Louis
If I know anything about high school basketball, it’s that Coach Rick Lebato’s St. Louis team is going to play fast. It has been his M.O. dating back to his time at Northside in the early 00’s as well as his time as an assistant at UL. After the graduation of two D1 guards, PJ Hardy at UL and Kelvin Henry Jr. at McNeese, the Saints are going to need someone to step up big time. The Saints are losing a combined 42 ppg, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists, a stat line that some teams average total. I expect the bulk of their scoring to come from 2017 F Sam Bruchhaus, who averaged nearly 15 points for them last season.
4. De La Salle
The win totals have increased every single season that Coach Paul Kelly has been at the helm of his alma mater. After winning only 10 games the year prior to his arrival, the Cavaliers have amassed a total of 18, 19, 20, 22, and finally 28 wins last season. And this season’s team has the potential to be the best in Coach Kelly’s time there. With three players ranked in the top 100 for the 2017, David Williams, Troy Nisby, and DaShawn Wright, there is little doubt that this will be his most talented team. Williams is a long, 6’7 F that has picked up multiple D1 offers, and expects to compete for the POY of 3A.
PHLA Pick– De La Salle– In the first “upset” pick in these preseason Top 28 picks, this should really show just how wide open Div III is, as I would not be surprised to see any team end up winning the title this year. There are still a number of question marks surrounding many of the traditional powers in this division, and I expect to be a number of growing pains for many programs. That is why I am going with the most experienced team, as well as the team with the best player.