Class of 2021: Guards to Watch

The guards of 2020 are one of the best collection of guards in the country. While these guards are nationally rated, the guards collection in 2021 is not so bad either. They are a group that has athleticism, flash, and plenty of shooting. In this article on the class of 2021, we will focus on some guards to watch around the state. Devonte Austin / 6'0" / Wossman One of the surprises during this past basketball season was the play of Devonte Austin at Wossman. Coach Casey Jones has always had good guard play during his tenure in the Monroe area. Austin adds to that long line. He is an explosive guard who can finish over the top at the rim. Austin couples that ability with consistent shooting from long range. His best attribute seems to be getting into transition and finishing himself or finding others on the break. This year he got some prolonged run at the point and did an admirable job. During the summer, Austin should work to improve his all around game. With the lose of Rayson Robinson, he will have to space the floor with his shooting. Improving that one area will make him more dangerous than he already is at the offensive end. Jalen Qualls / 5'8" / Rayville During the beginning of last season, no player had more confidence than Jalen Qualls on a basketball court. Any sophomore who is starting for state championship contender would be. While his season had some ups and downs, Qualls still became one of the most important Hornets on the floor . On a team with 3 top 2019 players, it was Qualls who stepped up and took big shots in crucial situations. One thing is for certain, Jalen is not afraid of the moment. Whether it was a corner three, a drive to the hoop, or shooting at the charity stripe, Qualls stood up time after time to take the challenge. Because of his ability to focus in key moments, he is trusted in crunchtime. As we move into next season, Qualls will be one of the players Rayville leans on to carry their winning tradition forward. Jaden Shelvin / 6'2" / St. Thomas More St. Thomas More won another state championship this season and Shelvin was a main cog in that effort. For a sophomore, Shelvin carries a lot of responsibility. He is a three level scorer who happens to be the leading scorer for the team as well as the guy who plays the top of their press. Shelvin also rebounds on both ends and defends the opposite team's best player. His all-around play was rewarded with being named to the all state 1st team in class 4A. The Cougars have a player who will only get better with age. As he gets stronger, he will become a better rebounder and defender which is scary. St. Thomas might very well repeat again in Division II and Shelvin will be the reason why. He is that good of a player. Carlos Stewart / 6'0" / Dunham One of the best shooters that I have seen from this class is Carlos Stewart. There are very few shots I have seen him miss during the times in which I saw him play. That shot was one of the main reasons that Dunham was in the title game playing Country Day. Even in that game, Stewart rarely missed. Stewart also displayed a willingness to put his head down and get to the cup. With his long arms and high extension on his release, it is hard to block his shot even with height. Stewart makes defenders pay for and he is only getting better. Now that Jordan Wright is leaving also, most of the offensive load will fall on him. I think Stewart will be fine with that. Do not be surprised if he leads Dunham back to the championship game. Marveon Porter / 5'10" / Captain Shrev Porter was one of the most talked about freshman when he entered into high school after his career at First Baptist. Two years later, Porter is entering into his junior season with still plenty to prove. This year, he will be the most experienced guard the Gators have with two years of starting experience. Porter is still a deadly shooter who is steadily improving as a ballhandler. He might have to take over the point guard reins as well with Marvin Porter graduating. For Shreve not to take a step back in their second season under Chris Bush, Porter will need to play his role to its optimuum. Whatever the team needs will be his objective going into next season. If he can produce as a scorer and a distributor, Captain Shreve should be playoff bound again. Cameron Brown / 5'10" / BTW-Shreveport Heman Key is going to need a sidekick who can score and defend. This summer Cameron Brown should be making the steps to be Key's wingman. The Lions are fresh off of a playoff appearance and now he is playing with a successful AAU program in Louisiana Select. With the heightened competition at practice, Brown should improve on both ends. Brown is good at driving to the hole and getting fouled. In his two years he has also improved as a jump shooter and defender. The chore for him will be not to prove that he is a better player but to fit into the system that is already there. No solo acts. If he can learn to be effective within the system, Brown should help lead BTW-Shreveport to another playoff appearance. The guards to watch in the 2021 class will have a hard act to follow. These guards should be key cogs in the achievement of their basketball teams next season. Whether or not they will bring championships is another story. Howevver, as the season goes, look for these guards and watch them help to improve their teams fortunes.