Class 5A Preview
In this installment of our class previews, we get another class that has two state champions from last season that are loaded for a repeat. With last season's 4A champion on it's way to 5A, it'll be a fun season to…
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Continue ReadingIn this installment of our class previews, we get another class that has two state champions from last season that are loaded for a repeat. With last season's 4A champion on it's way to 5A, it'll be a fun season to see which team comes out on top and if anyone can throw a wrench in a possible showdown for the ages. This class is loaded with national talent and a plethora of D2 to NAIA athletes.
State Champions
Scotlandville won the 5A title again last year after losing to Natchitoches Central the year before. They've been in every state title game since 2010 and have now won 3 of the last 4. They'll be led by last season's MVP in 2018 PG Javonte Smart who is nationally ranked in Top 10 in every service. 2016s Garrick Green and Jordan Adebutu will be crucial to the repeat.
One big reason Scotlandville will struggle to be the odds on favorite is because of Lamar Peters (MSU Commit) and Landry-Walker. They are looking to three peat and the move to 5A doesn't scare them one bit. Cam Lard moved in from Natchitoches Central and gives them a dominant big to add to Peters and 2017 PG Lamont Berzat.
The Challengers
Landry-Walker doesn't even have a cakewalk in their district with numerous other bigs in it (see this article). That was written before 6'9 PF/C Jarod Carter transferred in from California to Bonnabel. Bonnabel also has 2017 Forward Joseph Thompson and 2018 guard Terry Collins to worry about. They are certainly a trendy pick right now.
That district also houses Helen Cox who has 2016's Khalea Turner and Roydell Brown as well as Chalmette with 6'11 star Mitchell Robinson. Navigating that district alone will make the champion strong.
Even without Lard, Natchitoches Central still has Brandon Rachal and Kendarious Aaron and a winning pedigree. They won't fall off at all but have to deal with a very good and young Ouachita squad led by big man Jay Head.
In District 9-5A, St. Augustine (Devante Jones and Caleb Daniels) will battle with Brother Martin (Tre Swilling, Bruce Jordan-Swilling, and Christian Woodson) along with the other Catholic league schools.
District 7-5A has gotten better but Troy Green and East St. John should still come out on top while district 5-5A has improved as well and Tolliver Freeman and Catholic will have a very tough road with East Ascension and McKinley vastly improving.
The Northshore district of 6-5A will be a tough on that St. Paul's will likely come out on top of while District 3-3A may be down but still has some fantastic young talent.