Louisiana 4A Preseason POY Candidates
Randy “RJ” Gladney 6’7 F Derrider
There has been no doubt in the past that RJ has had all of the physical tools to be as successful as anyone in 4A, but now it looks like his game is completely coming together. He has as long of a wingspan as anyone in the state, and can absolutely jump out the gym. With his high motor, he is going to be a rebounding machine, and is the best big finisher in the state. His work outside of 15 feet is still coming around, but it is head and shoulders above where it was in years past.
Jonathan Cisse 6’2 G St. Thomas More
Cisse and STM is coming off a very tough loss to eventual champions De La Salle in the semi-finals last season. However, they are also losing a lot of talent off that team from last year, so Cisse is going to have to do even more this year. He is going to be getting some help from 2018 PG Jude Joseph, but Cisse is going to be by himself to start the year, as Joseph also plays football. Cisse is as smooth and skilled as they come, and if he is able to lead another successful STM team, he will be on a short list for 4A players of the year.
Isaiah Lewis 6’4 G Helen Cox
Helen Cox fans are going to have to wait at least one more week before Isaiah Lewis is able to get on the court, as he is still playing well on the gridiron for Helen Cox. But when he comes back, Helen Cox is going to be dangerous once again. Lewis is most effective going to the goal, and in transition where his elite athleticism is able to shine. He can finish high above the rim, and is best in a slasher role.
Braylon Chaisson 6’5 F Carencro
Chaisson is going to be leading a Carencro team that might currently have the inside track to a state championship in 4A. Chaisson can finish high above the rim, and is a perfect example of a player that was able to transition from primarily a post player when he was younger, to a wing as he got older. He is a knockdown shooter from the outside, and can get to the rim when needed. You are going to be hard pressed to find another player with a higher motor than him, and if he is able to lead Carencro to a top 3 seed, he is definitely going to be talked about as the best of the best in 4A.
Kendrick Dandy 6’3 G McDonough 35
Dandy is another high level New Orleans prospect that hasn’t made his way back to the basketball court from the football field, and 35 can definitely feel his abscence so far this season. Dandy is an off guard that can score at a high level at all three levels. He is definitely a difference maker, and can effect the game in a ton of different ways, including on the defensive end of the ball with his length and quickness. The biggest question mark is whether or not his presence will be able to turn 35 into a legit contender, but if they are he will definitely be up there.
