Louisiana Top 28: Division II Preview
1.U High vs. 5. St. Michael
In the opening matchup, I think this game is going to be pretty cut and dry. St. Michael’s story is nice and they started the season off very strong, but their fairy tale ends here. There’s a very good chance that the five best players on the court are all going to be for U High and for my money Joe Spencer is a top 15 coach in the state. U High is just going to have too many different playmakers for St. Michael to compete. I wouldn’t be surprised if this game got out of hand early.
PHLA Pick: U High
Players to watch
U High:
Spencer Mays 2018 G
John Jones 2017 G
Eric Reed 2018 G
St. Michael:
Evan Ragusa 2017 F
2. St. Thomas More vs. 3. De La Salle
It’s time for round 2, and what a game round 1 was! These two teams competed against each other in the championship game of the Sunkist Shootout, the Christmas tournament that St. Thomas More hosts every year. In that game, St. Thomas More got a 64-63 win that came down to the very last possession. That game was at home for STM in one of the toughest environments to play in high school basketball. While I’m sure that the cougars fans will travel for the Top 28, I don’t think the home court advantage will be as advantageous for them. I think that this one comes down to the very end once again, but I think De La Salle’s guards and shooting will prove to much for the Cougars.
PHLA Pick: De La Salle
Players to watch
St. Thomas More
Jonathon Cisse 2018 G
Nate Cox 2017 F
Jude Joseph 2018 G
De La Salle
Troy Nisby 2017 G
Noble Scott 2018 G
Rodney Munson 2019 G