Louisiana Standout Backcourts
In today’s game, guard play is essential. If a team has a top tier backcourt, it makes the game much easier. Whether young and talented or veteran and experienced, a good backcourt can make a break the success for a…
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Continue ReadingIn today’s game, guard play is essential. If a team has a top tier backcourt, it makes the game much easier. Whether young and talented or veteran and experienced, a good backcourt can make a break the success for a team. In this Prep Hoops Louisiana article, we will take a look at some of the best backcourts around the state.
Reece Beekman (6’3″ 2020) & Carvell Teasett (6’0″ 2020) – Scotlandville
These two are the most accomplished backcourt in the state. They will be working on a 4th championship and second as the starting backcourt. Beekman is the best pure point guard in the state and Teasett is one of the best spot up shooters. They play off one another well and are potent as a duo. Teasett played some more point during the summer which will allow them to switch it up some this season. Defending this backcourt will be a nightmare for many this season.
Cody Deen (5’9″ 2020) & Tim King (5’11” 2020) – Bossier
King and Deen are two of the smaller guards that one will see in a backcourt. They are also two of the most talented. King can take over a game scoring-wise at any time. When he gets hot, he is one of the harder guards to cool off. Deen is the best shooting point guard in the state. His range is limitless. Deen also has a high basketball IQ that allows playing the point to be like breathing for him. They may have issues at times getting off shots on taller defenders. However, no backcourt out works these two. Bossier hopes that these two will carry them to a 3A state championship.
Jakemin Abney (6’3″ 2020) & Kalep Crane (6’1″ 2020) – Simsboro
When backcourts are discussed, it is hard to leave these two out. While Abney defends the post, he is a play-making guard who has a ton of offensive versatility. Abney can shoot from the perimeter or post on the block. His running mate Crane penetrates with ferocity possession after possession. When he does not get to the cup, he can knock down the three or the mid-range jumper with regularity. Both of them work just as hard on defense as they do on offense. They are also battle tested. Outside of the tandem listed at the very top, there is not a duo who has more wins under their belt.
Dylan Slaid (5’9″ 2021) & Brodie Romero (6’0″ 2021) – Benton
Slaid and Romero are part of a Benton Tiger backcourt that works hard on both ends of the floor. They do not mind diving on the floor for loose balls or chasing players over screens. These two take their responsibility seriously in reference to being tone setters for the Tiger squad. The both get the Tigers into sets and know how to move players into proper positions to make plays. While both can shoot, Slaid is accustomed to elevating and shooting off the bounce. For a Benton Tiger team on the rise, they have the perfect duo to lead them.
Javion Richard (6’2″ 2021) & Jerry Day (6’3″ 2020) – West Monroe
Day and Richard are one of the taller and more athletic backcourts we have in Louisiana. Day is long and rangy with a silky smooth jumper. He is very good in catch and shoot situations also. Richard is a facilitator who makes the smart play most of the time. He takes what the defense gives him and has the ability to drop a dime at the right time. Even though they are long and rangy, there athleticism helps them out on the defensive end. Whether they are in a zone or playing man-to-man, they make it difficult for opposing guards to pass the ball. With their scoring and defensive ability, this duo should propel West Monroe back to the playoffs again this year.
Adrian Brown (6’2″ 2020) & Michael Thomas (6’2″ 2020) – Hamilton Christian
Brown and Thomas fly under the radar because of where they play. Make no mistake about it, this backcourt can get the job done. They led the Warriors in scoring last year and should be the leading scorers again. Brown is a knockdown shooter who is getting better off the dribble. Thomas is the fiery point guard who can get a key assist or bucket at crunch time. Both players have an ability to lift their team when hot. Coach Washington can line this duo up against any other and they will handle their own. They are that good together.
Jaden Shelvin (6’3″ 2021) & Carter Domingue (6’2″ 2020) – St. Thomas More
In last year’s Division II championship game, this set of guards willed the Cougars to a win. This year, they should be the driving force behind their repeat attempt. Shelvin is a defensive disruptor who makes winning plays. He is also very skilled on the offensive end. Dominigue is a shooter who has a high basketball IQ. He also has the ability to get into the lane and get fouled. Their basketball ability I think is enhanced by their will to win. They fly around and make play after play. If St. Thomas More is playing for another championship, it will be behind the play of Dominigue and Shelvin.
There are other backcourts that play well together. Daniel Ortiz (6’0″, 2021) and Marquarius Johnson (6’0″) from Southwood and Jordan Sledge (5’10”, 2020) and Quez Owens (6’3″, 2020) from Ouachita meshed well on the floor together during the summer. These teams are so guard heavy, however, that a different backcourt can be rolled out each night. One this in for sure, all backcourts mentioned can hold their own when they are on the floor.