Players to Watch Down in the Bayou

<p>When movies are made about Louisiana many try to portray life everywhere in Louisiana like life in the bayous and swaps with scenes of seafood, sugar cane, and maybe a little french or Cajun accent. But the bayou area outside of New Orleans is so much more in terms of sports. This area is the home of 2008 U.S. volleyball Olympian <a title="" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Willoughby">Kim Willoughby</a>, former running back for the New York Giants and two-time Super Bowl winner Brandon Jacobs, basketball standouts  Brandon Brown(Tulane), Darrell Owens(Georgetown), Damian Johnson(Minnesota) and so many more.</p> <p>The future is bright in the bayou as a fresh crop of outstanding ballplayers are raising eyebrows and interest. Listed below are a few of the top prospects who would have been out during the live period demanding attention and respect.</p> <h5><strong>Ellender Memorial </strong></h5> <p><strong>Preston Bourda Jr</strong>. 2022- 6’0” PG Preston is a tenacious defender that takes pride in his defensive assignment. He’s developing a consistent 3-point shot. If he’s to take his game to another level he must tighten his handle and become more aggressive mixing up his offensive attack.</p> <p><strong>Dionjahe’(DT) Thomas</strong> 2022 6’8” F Dionjahe is a very good rebounder and finisher at the rim through contact. Dionjahe has a high ceiling and has yet to scratch the surface on his potential. Because of a strong build, developing ball-handling ability, and improving outside shot in two years he could become Louisiana’s top prospect. </p> <h5><strong>Thibodaux</strong></h5> <p> Rashuard Winslow 2021 6’2 Wing  Super energy guy who plays both sides of the ball well. Though he’s not necessarily great in one particular area, he’s solid in so many areas which makes him a winner. He played a key role in Thibodaux winning the 2019 5A championship.</p> <h5><strong>Central Lafourche</strong></h5> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="977254" first="Jaheim" last="Gray"] 2021 6’3 Wing Gray is a long high leaping finisher near the basket. His shooting range is consistent out to 15 feet. Improved ballhandling and expanding his range could help raise his stock.</p> <h5><strong>South Terrebonne</strong></h5> <p><strong>Markell Marshall</strong> 2022 6’1” CG Markell is an attacking guard who’s adept at 3 pointers but, because of his strong physical frame seems to love contact. He can improve offensively by working on his ability to score in the mid-range.</p> <h5><strong>Franklin High</strong></h5> <p><strong>Kim Michael Provost 2022 </strong>6’0” PG Kim is a lefty floor general who is sound handling the basketball in pressure situations due to his skill and basketball I.Q. Also, he is an outstanding shooter from the 3-point line, and who is creative in his finishes around the basket.</p> <p><strong>J’Michael Gray </strong>2022 6’0 Pg J’Michael is a talented two-sport athlete in football and basketball. His physical and mental skills allow him to be a dual-threat on the offensive end in basketball; creating for himself or teammates. A valuable trait that can’t be overlooked or underestimated is…. he’s a great teammate. He is a big reason his team is undefeated in district two seasons in a row.</p> <h5><strong>Central Catholic</strong></h5> <p><strong> D.J. Lewis</strong> 2022 6’7” F D.J. is a mobile forward who primarily scores around the basket who has the potential to become even taller. However, if he’s to make his mark on the game he must improve his motor and aggressiveness, but hey you can’t teach height.</p> <h5><strong>Assumption</strong></h5> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="765907" first="Jaden" last="Tyler"]</strong> 2021 6’1” CG For opposing defenses [player_tooltip player_id="765907" first="Jaden" last="Tyler"] is a problem. Tyler snakes, Euro steps, and eases through or around defense like he’s practicing by himself. Furthermore, if the on-ball defender is fortunate to have help Tyler makes the right read to an open teammate. Adding icing to the cake he can shoot a 22-23 ft. 3 pt. shot. Able to take bumps, but still can improve in the weight room adding strength and about 15 more lbs. Not a bad defender, if he adds relentlessness to his defensive package…. he becomes a nightmare for years to come.</p>