Director’s Cut: Louisiana Edition
As the first half of the grassroots season comes to a close we wanted to touch base with programs directors and coaches to see how things went during April and May. These articles aim to provide updates on the teams as well as under the radar players or the kids who are on track to have a big July.
Team Name: Elfrid Payton Elite – 16U
Mid-Season Update:
A group that has had their ups and downs throughout the year but have some flashes of promise. This is a program that is loaded with talent at the younger levels and has some guys playing up to better prepare themselves down the road. This 16U crew is one to keep an eye on for improvement in July.
Under the Radar Players:
• Jalen Ned – 6’3 G – likes to dictate the pace of the game, great at creating
for both himself and others
• Taireon Joseph – 6’2 G – lefty that can stroke it from deep and the rest of
his game is progressing
• Brian Thomas Jr – 6’4 F – class of 2021, absolute stud that should rank a top
of that class when rankings are released
Where can you find them in July?:
July 14-15: Pittsburg Summer Challenge – Pittsburg, PA
July 20-22: Super 6 Showcase – Atlanta, GA
July 25-29: Las Vegas Classic – Las Vegas, NV
Team Name: Louisiana Elite
Mid-Season Update:
This is a program that has found success at both the 16U and 17U level. Both teams rank in second place in their division and have qualified for the UAA Finals in July. This group loves t0 get out in transition and run the floor, very good at using their athleticism to their advantage.
Under the Radar Players:
16U
• Chance Robinson – 6’0 G – big time athlete, makes plays that make your jaw
drop, recently offered by Ohio State
• Jason Perry – 6’3 G – kid that scores at all three levels, only getting better
17U
• Jalen Cook – 5’11 G – can flat out score the ball, great leader on the floor, D1
offered
• Jahein Spencer – 6’5 F – long athletic kid that find buckets and hauls in any
rebound in his vicinity
Where can you find them in July?:
July 11-14: UA Challenge – Atlanta, GA
July 19-22: Best of the South – Atlanta, GA
July 25-27: UA Finals – Las Vegas, NV
Team Name: Louisiana Supreme
Mid-Season Update:
A team that has exceeded all expectations. This Louisana Supreme group only lost four games in the early go and have easily qualified for the Adidas Gauntlet Finale in July. A roster full of kids that can and will play and make a significant impact at the next level.
Under the Radar Players:
• Greg Hammond Jr – 6’5 W – high level prospect that is blowing up this
spring with his play, athletic wing that get fill it up
• Hunter Dean – 6’9 F – two sport athlete that will have his choice of basketball
or baseball in college, kid that can fly, interest is hot right now
• Kaleb Jenkins – 5’10 G – point guard that has an extremely high ceiling, high
IQ kid that defends at a high level
Where can you find them in July?:
July 12-15: Adidas Gauntlet Finale – New York, NY
July 18-22: Adidas Summer Championships – Orange County, CA
July 26-29: Fab 48 – Las Vegas, NV