League Lookout: District 6-3A
The League Lookout is something that’s becoming more popular across the Prep Hoops Network. The series takes a look across a district and will provide updates and analysis on the teams and players within the district that are making noise.…
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Continue ReadingThe League Lookout is something that’s becoming more popular across the Prep Hoops Network. The series takes a look across a district and will provide updates and analysis on the teams and players within the district that are making noise.
The second district we’ll take a look at has numerous teams in and around the Top 10 in their class. District 6 in Class 3A is home to back to back 3A state champions but there are quite a number of teams with talent.
University Lab was the favorite in the district this year and that’s held extremely steady as they’ve made pretty easy work of the district thus far. However, the battle behind them is as furious as you could imagine with crucial games going down each night this district gets together. If the playoffs were to start now, six of the nine teams in the district would be playing with only one team really eliminated from playoff potential. Parkview Baptist holds the only win against St. Paul’s (in 5A) and that has helped them stay high in the power rankings despite currently being in 4th in district.
Key Friday Night Match-Ups
Brusly @ University Lab gives Brusly another shot at a team that quite frankly embarrassed them 97-42 on their home court. Both teams are on a five game winning streak and UHigh hasn’t had a district game within 20 points and looks to continue their ways tonight. One key match-up to watch is how Darian Jones (6’8 F/C, Brusly, 2016) handles LSU signee Wayde Sims (6’7 F, UHigh, 2016).
Parkview Baptist @ Port Allen is a game where second place Port Allen needs a win to keep pace with UHigh. Parkview could use a win to keep pace in district and add a nice resume booster. PBS has won 2 straight while Port Allen is riding a 4 game winning streak. The match-up tonight is Tyree Lomax (5’9 PG, Parkview, 2017) vs Nigel Allen (6’1 PG, Port Allen, 2016).
Can University Lab win state?
After losing Skylar Mays to Findley Prep for his senior year, some questioned whether this team could maintain and win state with Peabody moving down to 3A. The quick answer is yes, they can still compete for state and may be the favorites to win it. One of the big reasons outside of Gatorade Player of the Year, Wayde Sims, is the emergence of 6’7 senior forward Jalen Johnson. Johnson has always been known as a very good player but he’s elevated his game in every way possible. His shooting is still top notch but he defends and makes those around him better now making him a real threat.
The backcourt of John Jones (5’11 G, 2017) and Marshall Graves (6’2 G, 2016) have really stepped up. Both are known as shooters but their ability to handle pressure and the development of Graves’ all around game has taken them to new heights. He is comfortable playing faster now and this team can score 100 on any given night thanks to that.
Who finishes 2nd?
While it isn’t completely a given that UHigh wins district with Port Allen just a game behind, UHigh and Port Allen still play twice, it’s not likely UHigh losses twice like Port Allen needs. That means the question is still who finishes 2nd behind UHigh. Tonight should go a long way in determining that being that Port Allen could likely gain a 1.5 game lead over Brusly with a win tonight and Brusly would still have to go to Port Allen despite beating them at home already.
That rivalry is incredible to watch in it’s own right and is something anyone who is around should check out at least once. Schools that are merely down the road from each other are always fun to watch compete. Parkview is the other team at 4-3 in district that could make a run at 2nd, especially if they get the win on the road tonight at Port Allen. They’ve won big games this season already so it wouldn’t be too big of a shocker.
Under-the-radar Recruits
Here are some players who have made people take notice throughout the season.
Oddyst Walker (6’1 G, Parkview Baptist, 2018) – He’s been up and down at times but he really possesses everything you’d want from a guard. When he puts it all together, it can be a thing of beauty from this long, athletic young guard.
Andre Williams (6’3 G/F, Port Allen, 2017) – Williams had operated out of the post mostly but his transition to the wing makes him an interesting prospect and a strong wing who can get to the rim. He shoots it well enough to garner respect from there.
Jason Holiday (6’3 PG, Brusly, 2017) – Holiday’s transition to running the point mostly has given him a new leash. The physical guard bullies other guards but has the quickness and IQ to run a team from the lead guard spot. Interesting prospect for sure.
Ronnie Hamilton (6’2 PG, Baker, 2016) – Hard to call him very under the radar but the fact that his recruitment hasn’t picked up is astonishing. A lightning quick guard who runs the show and makes everyone better, must improve jumper.
Braxton Bernand (6’4 G, Donaldsonville, 2016) – This is more Bernard being back home from Florida and beginning to round into form more than anything. Drawing interest from local NAIA programs but has potential to go beyond it.