Louisiana 3A POY Candidates
Josh LeBlanc 6’7 F Madison Prep 2018
Honestly, there are two other Madison Prep seniors that don’t appear on this list, but are probably better than the 2nd best player in 2A, in Kobe Julien and Jharon Whitfield, but LeBlanc is the unquestionable leader at Madison Prep. The recent Georgetown signee has an incredibly high motor, and is one of the best defenders not only in the state, but in the nation. When watching him play, you can’t help but think of Draymond Green on the court, and LeBlanc has a good chance at being an NBA player in the future.
Travonte Sam 6’6 F David Thibodaux 2018
Sam is another really talented player that can be a difference maker on both sides of the ball. He is an extremely versatile defender, and at the highschool level he can defend 1-5 at the highest level. On the offensive end, he is a prototypical Small Forward, as he is able to shoot the 3 at a high clip, and can finish well driving to the rim. If he is able to lead David Thibodaux to their first final 4, he will definitely have a case to be made for POY.
Eric Reed 6’0 G U-High 2018
This was supposed to be a bit of a down year for U-High, and that was even before 2018 G Spencer Mays elected to spend his final high school season at Pro-Vision Prep in Houston. That means that Reed is going to have to step up even more this year. He is tough with the ball in his hands, and has a knack for getting to the rim. On the defensive end, he has the athleticsm and toughness to be a real difference maker. However, I am not sure if he has enough talent around him for U-High to be a true contender this season, but if they are, he is going to be the reason for it.
Norris Williams 6’1 G Archbishop Hannan 2019
Last season, Norris Williams put up some of the best numbers in the 2019 class, and Archbishop Hannan had one of the best records in the state, totalling 28 wins. I expect Williams to put up even bigger numbers this year, with 2017 graduate Brooks Murrell gone, as well as Coach Erroll Gauff being named the new coach at Hannan, spending the last few seasons coaching mens and womens college basketball. Hannan has moved up to 3A this season, and will play a much tougher schedule than last season, but Norris is talented enough to lead them to a good season.
Charlie Russell 6’5 F Sophie B. Wright 2019
Russell is on what should be one of the highest rising teams in the state over the next few years, and he should be a big part of that. Russell is a very smooth wing that is capable of playing inside out. He can finish well around the rim, and is a good 3pt shooter. His athleticism is constantly improving, as well and his ability to use his body to his advantage. He is still most likely a year away from really being able to compete for this award, but Sophie B. Wright should be right in the thick of things when it comes to a state title in 3A this season.