Class of 2018: Forward Breakdown
The Class of 2018 Rankings were bumped up to 65 a couple weeks back before the madness of July live periods began. With things slowing down before camp, we’ll be able to break down positions a bit more in depth.…
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Continue ReadingThe Class of 2018 Rankings were bumped up to 65 a couple weeks back before the madness of July live periods began. With things slowing down before camp, we’ll be able to break down positions a bit more in depth.
We’ve discussed two sets of guards from the top ranked guys to others you’ll need to pay attention to over the next two years. Now we will take a look at some of the top forwards in the state and not the ones who spend the majority of their time on the block or near it.
The top two forwards have played together for the majority of their life and continue to. Joshua Leblanc (6’6 F, Madison Prep) and Kobe Julien (6’5 SF, Madison Prep) play in high school and will be rejoined on the circuit this summer after Leblanc played up. Julien provides scoring and offense in every way imaginable and Leblanc provides the same impact, if not greater, on the defensive end.
Devaughn Thomas (6’5 SF, Comeaux) may be becoming more of a guard as his skillset evolves but he still see’s the majority of his time defending forwards or bigs despite the ability to defend guards. His aggressiveness has always been the talking point and it continues to improve. A guy we didn’t hear as much from this summer is Braylon Chaisson (6’5 F, Carencro) but his athleticism and hustle is unmatched most nights.
Possibly one of the biggest risers or highest initial appearance in the ranking belongs to Elijah Hampton (6’5 SF, Grace Christian). He was incredible at team camps this summer and is a versatile offensive player with the length to defend. Randy Gladney (6’6 F, Deridder) is from the same area and built in the same mold.
Travonte Sam (6’5 SF, David Thibodaux) has a great frame and uses it to bully defenders off the dribble. He’s shown the ability to play all five positions at the high school level but will likely find his home as a 3 at the next level. The same can be said for Terrance Joseph (6’4 SF, Helen Cox) who has been used in a bunch of different ways. Versatile defender and can score from every level.
Perhaps one of the best defenders in the class on the perimeter is Jalen Banks (6’3 SF, Riverside) who can defend four positions and has the frame and athleticism to defend much larger players or even the quick guards. He’s improvement will be key for Riverside’s run to another title after not winning one for the first time in four years last season.
One interesting prospect we’re excited to see this weekend at camp is Temarcus Fair (6’5 F, White Castle). He’s looked very good at times but doesn’t always get a chance to showcase his skillset. If he plays up to his potential Saturday, he could find himself much higher on the list.
Note: Get out to Baton Rouge this Saturday from 10-3 at Team Sportsplex and check out some of the top prep talent (especially in younger classes) in the state.