Standout Players at the 10th Annual Allstate Sugar Bowl Classic: Louisiana

<p>This past weekend in New Orleans, Louisiana one of the premier high school basketball holiday tournaments took place featuring some of the top prospects from across the country. The tournament featured 31 teams split up into two different brackets "The State" and "The National."  Here is a look at some of the best players that were from the home state of Louisiana. </p> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/reece-beekman/">Reece Beekman</a>, 6'3 CG, Scotlandville: The Virginia signee was arguably the most impressive player in the entire tournament as he led the Hornets to the National bracket tournament championship. His unique ability to get to paint and make the right decision is impressive to watch. He can score at will and is virtually unstoppable at getting to the p[aint and finishing at the rim. He consistently throughout the tournament made plays in the painted area a lot of time against set defenses and he still got what he wanted. His pace of play and control shows why Tony Bennett and the Cavaliers made the push to sign him. He is a good outside shooter and defender, but most unique skill his ability to control the pace and live in the paint.  Look for him to make an immediate impact once he steps foot in the VA.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jalen-cook/">Jalen Cook</a>, 6'0 CG, Walker: The top-ranked player in the state was a pleasure to watch. His burst is second to none as his quickness makes it hard to stay in front of. The LSU signee draws several comparisons to past LSU standouts. He can score the ball at a very high clip all while continuing to run the team and get his teammates the ball in positions where they can score and be successful. Coach Will Wade and the entire SEC are getting a treat next year as he should make noise early and often in Baton Rouge.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/chanse-robinson/">Chanse Robinson</a>, 6'1 CG, Lincoln Prep: A blur! His speed is what separates him from most players at his position. He has explosive hops and displayed those attributes throughout the tourney. Even though his Lincoln Prep failed to pick up a win over the weekend he displayed the ability to play at a very high level. He gets great elevation on his jump shot which allows him to raise up and shoot the basketball over bigger defenders without much space. His explosive first step was on full display as he consistently blew by initial defenders and elevated over second-line help defenders. The Buffalo Bulls signee is poised to be a standout in the MAC once he gets on campus over the next several years.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/javon-ruffin/">Javon Ruffin</a>, 6'5 CG, Isidore Newman: At only a junior he was one of the more impressive players in the entire tourney. His ability to handle point guard duties and score at his size was nice to see in person. His motor and attitude are great and can tell he is being coached by a legend who can give the best advice ever in Randy Livingston.  At times it looks like he is not moving overly fast but don't be fooled the burst is definitely there. He is a sneaky good athlete that given the chance won't hesitate to put a defender on a poster (or in today's world on a mixtape). He has a very high basketball IQ and more times than not seems to make the right decisions with the basketball. After watching him play over several games I see why the Louisiana writers have him as the #1 junior in the state.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/byron-joshua/">Byron Joshua</a>, 5'10 PG, Crescent City: What he lacks in size he makes up for in heart and will to compete. He displayed this early and often throughout the weekend. He did a great job of controlling the pace, setting up his teammates, and scoring at will from all over the court. He has an unmatched toughness that allowed him to excel over bigger and more athletic defenders.  Even though they didn't fair as they hoped as a team he was able to show why he is one of the top 15 players in the state if not higher. </p> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/carvell-teasett/">Carvell Teasett</a>, 6'1 SG, Scotlandville: A dead-eye knockdown shooter with range. He is one of those shooters that every time it leaves his hand you're shocked he didn't make it if he happens to miss. The lefty knows his strengths and he plays to it perfectly. He understands if he gets himself in scoring position (which is just about anywhere behind the arch) his high major teammates will find him. Beekman, in particular, did a great job of finding him early and often to get him going from behind the arch. And once he got going he went off. He poured in 8 3-pointers (5 in the first half) in their first game in a blowout victory over Sidney Lanier from Alabama. His impressive performance I'm sure did wonders for his stock going forward. </p> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/elijah-tate/">Elijah Tate</a>, 6'3 W, Madison Prep: An all-around scorer. He displayed throughout the tournament the ability to score from all 3 levels. He was relentless at attacking the basket while also showing his ability to shoot the ball from the outside. He has good size for a wing and with continued effort could be an elite defender on the perimeter able to guard multiple positions. Already in for next season at UL Monroe he should be a very productive player throughout his tenure in the SunBelt Conference.</p>