Louisiana State Championships: Day 1 Pt. 1
Class C
1. Summerfield vs. 3. Atlanta
Don’t ever let somebody tell you that there isn’t talent at the small school level. The only difference is the depth of talent. Atlanta has one of the highest scoring duos in the state, in Tony Brown and Lashard Powell. Those two combined average over 50 ppg. On the other end, Summerfield has a tough 1-2 punch to handle in guard John Buggs, and 6’6 senior Dakota Smith. It is still a matter to be seen as to whether or not the duo for Atlanta will be able to finish around the size that Summerfield has. I am going to go with the higher scoring duo.
PHLA Pick: Atlanta
Players to watch
Summerfield:
Tony Brown 2017 G
Lashard Powell 2017 G
Atlanta:
John Buggs 2018 G
Dakota Smith 2017 C
Division V
1. Jehovah-Jireh vs. 3. Crescent City
This is another set of teams that despite being from smaller schools, they are loaded with talent. For Jehovah-Jireh, this is the first time that they have made it to the Top 28, after making it to the quarter finals the past two years. Those years they were relying mostly on younger players that have finally grown up to be juniors and seniors that they rely on this season. They rely on a steady helping from a collection of players, and it is tough to gameplan against so many players that can score. Crescent City on the other hand is relying on big three of juniors and a very talented freshman. I fear that Crescent City is still a year away. There is a chance that we are right back here next season.
PHLA Pick: Jehovah-Jireh
Players to watch
Jehovah Jireh:
Ja’Coby Carter 2017 G
Jakobey Hitchens 2017 F
Donald Johnson III 2018 G
Crescent City:
Jonathan Vaughan 2018 F
Terrence Smith 2018 G
Byron Joshua 2020 G
Class B
1. Zwolle vs. 2. Hathaway
I’m still unsure as to why Hathaway didn’t get the top overall seed. They played the tougher schedule, and have the better record to show for it now, going 28-2 versus Zwolle’s 30-7 record. I think that Hathaway is going to be able to use that as motivation, and they are going to get the win as a result. I also think that Trenton Guidry is going to be far and away the best player on the court, and Zwolle doesn’t have anyone with the size or the speed to compete with him.
PHLA Pick: Hathaway
Players to watch:
Zwolle:
Quinn Perry 2018 F
Daniel Thomas 2017 F
Hathaway:
Trenton Guidry 2017 F
Trey Blanchard 2019 G