Great American Shootout Standouts

<p>Thursday evening saw a couple of 17U Louisiana teams taste their first action during the live period at the Great American Shootout. Lucky for me, they played side by side so I did not have to go far to catch either team. Both courts had standout performances from the offensive and defensive side and we will take a look at them here.</p> <p><em><strong>Kendal Coleman / Louisiana Roundballers / 6'8" / 2020</strong></em></p> <p>Coleman was dominant on both ends of the floor during the Roundballers initial pool contest against SABO.  He attacked rebounds which ended or extended possessions over and over.  Guards and wings gave him the ball in his scoring areas which made Coleman even more effective.  Coleman proved that he could even close games by stepping to the free throw line and making the clutch free throws to secure the win.  The coaches who caught a glimpse of him saw what he could do on both ends.  Going forward, Coleman should see more and more interest during the live period and the upcoming season.   </p> <p><em><strong>Kalep Crane / Louisiana Select Team Millsap / 6'2" / 2020</strong></em></p> <p>While Crane did not score in high numbers during the LA Select OT win, his defense was on point.  He was part of a bench group that came in and switched the intensity of the game around.  Crane was disruptive to the point that both point guards had trouble initiating the offense.  They also threw the ball away several times.  That is how Crane plays defense.  It is in-your-face, man-to-man defense that causes mistakes and turnovers.  With the number of coaches sitting at this game, I can see his defensive skills gaining interest from schools who attended.  </p> <p><em><strong>Devonte Snow / Louisiana Roundballers / 6'1" / 2020</strong></em></p> <p>Even though he did not start for the Roundballers, Snow was the most effective player on defense and in transition.  He played great on ball defense.  The only person more disruptive was the guy ahead of him in this article.  When SABO began to trap, Snow would get the ball and split traps with ease.  He either finished at the rim or got the ball to someone so they could score at the rim.  It helps that Snow comes from a high school background of playing defense because on Thursday it looked as if he was having fun playing it.  Coaches who were watching would love a player that gets after it on the defensive end like he does. </p> <p><em><strong>Billy "BJ" Francis / Louisiana Select Team Millsap / 6'2" / 2020</strong></em></p> <p>Even though Francis had difficulty at the beginning of the game, he showed up most when Louisiana Select needed him.  Francis was cold in the beginning from deep.  He even missed a easy layup.  However, the second half is where Francis made his impact.  He warmed up from deep and showed what kind of shooter he is.  He hit two crucial threes.  One of them actually gave Select the lead.  That is his game in a nutshell.  He is a knockdown shooter, who is solid on defense and is not afraid to take big shots.  Coaches who saw his second half performance will definitely like the resolve he showed in the second half.  </p> <p>While both Louisiana teams that played on Thursday made the championship rounds, neither team won the Duncanville Great American Shootout.  Coaches that saw these players should be impressed with the skills they possess.  Look for some of these players, and others, to begin receiving offers from colleges after their performances.  Some of them may also be attendees at one of the NCAA College Basketball Academies going on later this month.  </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>