2022 Standouts at the Prep Hoops Top 250

The class of 2022 has exhibited their abundance of talent throughout the summer during team camps and grassroots play. The trend continued at the Prep Hoops Top 250. From different parts of the Boot, players from the 2022 class showed they are here and here to contribute on the varsity level. We will take a look at five players who stood out during the Top 250. De'vondrake Arvie / 6'2" / Beau Chene High School / PG & SG <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2019/08/De_vondrake-Arvie-2.jpg"></a> Arvie is one of those guards who seems like they blend in with the teammates they are running with. He does not try to cause big waves and plays within himself. Arvie did just that. However, he did add a couples that made me say oh! Arvie used a set shot, a crafty handle, and some surprising hops to cause waves during the Top 250. During the last game of the day he scored 10 straight points on set shots and layups to give his team a brief lead. On a couple of occasions he led the break a assisted on a layup and tried an ill-fated wrap-around pass to someone streaking to the goal. While his game is not polished, there are flashes where I saw great potential. I would not be surprised if he averages high double digits for Beau Chene this season. He is really very skilled. Jawarren Cade / 6'2" / Many High School / Wing <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2019/08/Jawarren-Cade-11.jpg"></a> Cade is a player who I knew nothing about coming into the Top 250 expo. By the end of the day, he was one of the 2022 players that left an impression with his style of play. Cade gives it all on both ends of the court; however, I believe his calling card may be his defense. During game play, Cade gather several steals and deflections with his active hands. His man-to-man defense was superb. He also transitioned from defense to offense very quickly after steals. Even though he made a couple of offensive turnovers handling the ball, he was a key reason his team had extra possessions. Cade also drained several open jumpers due to being left alone on numerous occasions. With his defense and all around effort during the Top 250, Cade will be a dependable player for the Many Tigers this coming season. Joseph Manning / 6'2" / Bossier High School / PG & SG <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2019/08/Joseph-Manning-31.jpg"></a> Manning showed his back court versatility during the Top 250 expo by performing well at both guard positions. Playing off the ball is where he seemed most comfortable. Whether it was from mid-range or deep, Manning made numerous shots. When he had the ball as the lead guard, Manning made smart decisions and got teammates the ball in scoring positions. He seemed very comfortable pushing the ball in the open floor and playing at an up-tempo pace. Like any Bossier guard, his defense was tough and gritty during game play. Manning even got on the floor for on a couple of possessions to secure steals. If he continues to mature and play well following the expo, Manning might play himself into a consistent role within the Bossier rotation. Lance Waddles / 6'2" / Loyola College Prep / PG & SG (pictured above) One of the more impressive guards at the Prep Hoops Top 250 was Lance Waddles. His ability to defend, shoot, and play point was splendid to put it mildly. During game play, he took turns showcasing each trait. He started by fanning out or finding open room on the wing to shoot from deep. His stroke was quick and consistent from three. Waddles then began to show his defensive chops in the open floor. He picked up guards 3/4 court and immediately caused turnovers with aggressive man-to-man defense. His defense led to his team taking the lead. Waddles then moved over to the point and was a key facilitator during his team's victory. Waddles plays both guard positions very well. He left me with a strong impression of what he can do on the floor. Adding his versatility to the Flyers speedy attack may make a huge difference this season. Desmond Washington / 6'4" / Huntington High School / Wing & Post <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2019/08/Desmond-Washington-60.jpg"></a> I have had the chance to see Desmond Washington since middle school where he was a dominate post on a city championship team. What I saw at the Top 250 was a player who has worked hard to expand his game. Washington is not just a strong post player, he can now do multiple things on the floor. During games at the Top 250, he shot the three play with consistency and used the dribble to get past big men. He also took the defensive challenge of guarding post like Jordan Johnson and Hunter Strickland. Even though he was slightly outmatched, he proved he can guard big men and switch out to smaller offensive players. Washington proved he has made several improvements to his game and was one of the more impressive 2022 players at the Top 250. Other players like the Lee Magnet High duo of Jacob Wilson (6'4) and Quinten Henry (6'5") had good moments as they played in Baton Rouge. Look for these players, and others, to make big contributions when the season begins. Simply put, the class of 2022 maybe be ultra-talented all across the state.