Small School Top 5

<p>Classes B and C will continue their first week of the season with tournament play this weekend. Tournaments at Choudrant and Pleasant Hill will feature some of the teams that I consider top teams in the smaller classes. We will take a look at who I think are the top 5 small schools in classes B and C.</p> <p><strong>1. Jehovah-Jireh Warriors (last season 37-6; Division V State Champions)</strong></p> <p>The defending Division V champions began their season on Tuesday with a 60 point win over Epsicopal of Acadiana.  Jehovah-Jireh is not the typical class C school in Louisiana.  They play anyone and everyone no matter the class.  This year's edition of the Warriors returns the <strong>Brandon Harton, Jr.</strong> (6'3", 2021) who was the championship game most outstanding player and point guard <strong>John-Paul Ricks</strong> (6'0", 2022).  Both players are leaders on the floor and are not afraid of the big moment.  While they did lose some senior leadership, the Warriors should definitely make another run for a Division V crown while playing one of the most challenging schedules in Louisiana.</p> <p><em><strong>Player(s) coaches should see:  Brandon Harton, Jr. &amp; John-Paul Ricks</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Next game: 11/14 Gibsland-Coleman tournament</strong></p> <p><strong>2. Simsboro Tigers (last season 36-7; Class B State Champions)</strong></p> <p>The defending class B champions have been off and running already this season.  They have played and won their Hall of Fame game (over Sterlington) and trounced Family Community by 77 in their season opener.  Simsboro lost guard Gianni Nelson and his 19 ppg but return nearly everyone else.  Seniors <strong>Jakemin Abney</strong> (6'3") and <strong>Kalep Crane</strong> (6'1") are all state performers who return to lead the Tigers.  They should get some additional help from rebounding enforcer <strong>Jamarion Cato</strong> (6'4", 2020) and sophomore wing <strong>Nick Maryland</strong> (6'1").  Simsboro will be tested early by an improved Doyline squad and their annual meeting with Zwolle.  Look for the 2x defening champs to be major players in class B once again.  </p> <p><em><strong>Player(s) coaches should see: Jakemin Abney &amp; Kalep Crane</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Next game: 11/9 vs Doyline (Choudrant tournament)</strong></p> <p><strong>3. Doyline Panthers (last season 28-9; Class B Quarterfinalist)</strong></p> <p>Last season the Doyline Panthers were one game away from making Marsh Madness.  If they are going to take that next step and play in Lake Charles, they will have to depend on their dynamic duo.  Freshman <strong>Jamaria Clark</strong> (6'1") and senior<strong> Demari Markray</strong> (6'4") operated much like Batman and Robin as they opened the season with a win over two-time state runner-up Zwolle (56-48).  These two are a dangerous combo when they play pick and roll with one another in the middle of the floor.  Often times, they will probably be the best two players on the floor.  They have a big test on Saturday with district foe, and state champion, Simsboro.  If they come out of there with a win, Doyline may indeed be on the road to Marsh Madness.  </p> <p><em><strong>Player(s) coaches should see:  Decari Markray &amp; Jamaria Clark</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Next game: Simsboro (Choudrant tournament)</strong></p> <p><strong>4.  Zwolle Hawks (last season 35-5; Class B Runners-Up)</strong></p> <p>The Hawks were one quarter away from avenging their 2018 loss to Simsboro in the state championship but could not get over the hump.  This season they are back and are one of the teams to beat in class B once again.  Senior <strong>Kobe Montgomery</strong> (6'0") will lead the way as the senior scorer with the most experience.  Junior <strong>Jermicah Ford</strong> (6'2") is the primary post threat and will give the opposition fits in the paint.  Taking two early season loses is not their accustomed start.  However, a win in their early season affair with Simsboro will right the ship.  Either way, Zwolle will be a team to reckon with.  </p> <p><em><strong>Player(s) coaches should see:  Kobe Montgomery</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Next game: Fairview tournament</strong></p> <p><strong>5. Summerfield Rebels (last season 31-5; Class C Runners-Up)</strong></p> <p>Summerfield experienced what no team wants to with the lose of two players to a car accident this summer.  So they will be playing with heavy hearts, and possibly renewed fire, this season.  Seniors <strong>Deontai Livingston</strong> (5'11") and <strong>Derrick Royal</strong> (6'4") will be one of the premier duos in class C with their inside-outside game.  Brusier <strong>Eddie Kennedy</strong> (6'4", 2021) eats up plenty of space in the middle and has a soft touch around the rim.  They always play one of the tougher schedules in class C so they will be battle tested by the end of the season.  The Rebels should have enough to compete for another state championship by season's end.  </p> <p><em><strong>Player(s) coaches should see:  Derrick Royal</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Next game: Pleasant Hill tournament</strong></p> <p>Other teams of note:</p> <p>Hicks has moved from class B to class C.  Pleasant Hill returns their two top scorers from last season.  Simpson should retool but be in the running.  They should be a tough out for anyone.  Weston has Hunter Strickland and will look to improve on their semifinal run from last season.  Hornbeck, Monterey, Simpson, and Hathaway all have good teams and will look to make it to Lake Charles. </p> <p>Classes B and C should have some great basketball once again this season.   </p>