The Next 30 Hoopers to Watch Regardless of Class (A-Ja.)

Earlier this month, I profiled thrity-five players I thought would be the top hoopers around the state. While the top guys may be the headline makers, there is group of players right under them that will cause headaches for coaches they play against. They are the players I consider next in line. In this article, we will take a look at ten of the thirty preps that are in that next tier of players around the Boot. Alphabetical order: De’vondrake Arvie (CG) | 6’2" | Beau Chene | 2022 The Beau Chene guard is primed to be a breakout prep star next season. Arvie has a superb offensive game that he puts on display every time he steps on the floor. He shoots floaters, attacks the rack with the dribble, and has one of the best mid-range shots in the game. Arvie was a 6-4A first teamer last season and an honorable mention all-state performer. With some improved defensive play, first team all-state may be attainable next season. [player_tooltip player_id="566552" first="Rollin" last="Belton"] (F/P) | 6’8" | Ruston | 2021 I saw Belton a couple of years ago at the Prep Hoops Top 250 and was impressed with his post footwork and the way he ran the floor. Now, going into his senior season, Belton has the opportunity to leave a lasting impression on college coaches displaying his growth as a player. His ability to score over each shoulder and his command of the boards show he can dominate the paint. That type of play might cap his career with accolades and a playoff berth. [player_tooltip player_id="765930" first="Jordan" last="Boston"] (CG) | 6’1" | Sophie B. Wright | 2021 Boston had a banner season leading the Warriors in scoring and helping them make the quarterfinals in class 3A. His play also garnered him a position on the 3A all-state team (2nd team). Moving into next season, Boston will be a senior with a more experienced team. He will also have more on his shoulders as he will more than likely be the primary guard handling the ball. If he handles the responsibility well, Sophie B. will benefit greatly. [player_tooltip player_id="765917" first="Shammah" last="Bryant"] (W/F) | 6’5" | Bossier | 2021 Bryant fits the protoype of a college forward or wing. He is 6’5" and has crazy bounce. Bryant also has more confidence as part of a defending state championship team. He was the anchor in the middle after [player_tooltip player_id="687682" first="Dante" last="Bell"] went down and performed well. Now, it will be his paint to control. While he is not the best shooter from the perimeter, he can defend the rim and run the floor. Doing those things will again prove beneficial for the Bearkats and Bryant. [player_tooltip player_id="781837" first="Collin" last="Coates"] (W/F) | 6’6" | Runnels | 2022 Coates will be the early favorite for class B player of the year next season. He is one of the top five shooters in Louisiana and can shoot from distance with great accuracy. Coates has the ability to put the ball on the deck and has the flexibility to rebound and go like a point forward. He is also on a team that will probably play for the Division V championship. With his skill set, I have no doubt that both of these things will be accomplished by season’s end. [player_tooltip player_id="765914" first="Kendrick" last="Delahoussaye"] (PG) | 5’8" | Lafayette | 2021 As far as point guards go, Delahoussaye is one of the most competitive that we have in the Boot. He may be under six feet; however, he plays like a much big guy. He blocks out for rebounds, makes hustle plays on defense, and can play very good man-to-man defense. Delahoussaye can also score the rock at multiple levels as well. With the trees gone from the Lafeyette lineup look for him to score more and put up big numbers. [player_tooltip player_id="970118" first="Kameron" last="Evans"] (CG) | 6’2" | Huntington | 2023 Not to many freshman start on top teams in any classification. [player_tooltip player_id="970118" first="Kameron" last="Evans"] did just that for the Huntington Raiders on last season. Now, in his sophomore season, Evans will be one of the keys to the Raiders success. He already excels at spotting up and rebounding. Because of that shooting ability, the floor should open up for more opportunities to penetrate. With more opportunities to score and facilitate, Evans can be a top threat in 4A. [player_tooltip player_id="781842" first="Alex" last="Hammond"] (CG) | 6’3" | McMain | 2022 Hammond might be playing in the shadow of his older brother Greg right now. However, the way he plays the game, he will be making a name for himself sooner than later. Hammond is a scorer and can score in a variety of ways. He also has quick hands and anticipates well on defense. If Hammond puts the scoring and defense together, he will have an all-state caliber season. McMain might be able to ride that wave to Lake Charles as well. [player_tooltip player_id="977264" first="Tydrick" last="Harrell"] (PG) | 6’4" | Marksville | 2021 With big point guards being in vogue at some of the college divisions, Harrell will be someone who fits right in. He can handle the ball well for a big guard in the open floor or the half court. Harrell is best at straight line drives. He gets from point A to B without much resistance. Harrell can pull up on a dime and make a pass or a shot. He is very versatile in that aspect. In his senior season, I see him putting it all together for a first team nod in 3A. [player_tooltip player_id="931060" first="Deshawn" last="Jackson"] (CG) | 6’2" | Pickering | 2021 Jackson has been named district MVP and second team all-state previously in his career. What will put him in the upper echelon of players in Louisiana would be more post season success. Pickering has been bounced in the first or second round his previous two years. Now, as a senior, Jackson will have to put the Red Devils on his back for a ride to remember. If it is close to what [player_tooltip player_id="687723" first="Garrett" last="Edwards"] at Pitkin, Jackson will be a prep legend in Louisiana. These ten are definitely players to watch in the upcoming season. While some of them already have individual accolades, more team success will yield them more looks from colleges and universities. Look for these names to be difference makers on their respective teams night in and night out.

Earlier this month, I profiled thrity-five players I thought would be the top hoopers around the state. While the top guys may be the headline makers, there is group of players right under them that will cause headaches for coaches they play against. They are the players I consider next in line. In this article, we will take a look at ten of the thirty preps that are in that next tier of players around the Boot.

Alphabetical order:

De’vondrake Arvie (CG) | 6’2" | Beau Chene | 2022

The Beau Chene guard is primed to be a breakout prep star next season. Arvie has a superb offensive game that he puts on display every time he steps on the floor. He shoots floaters, attacks the rack with the dribble, and has one of the best mid-range shots in the game. Arvie was a 6-4A first teamer last season and an honorable mention all-state performer. With some improved defensive play, first team all-state may be attainable next season.

I saw Belton a couple of years ago at the Prep Hoops Top 250 and was impressed with his post footwork and the way he ran the floor. Now, going into his senior season, Belton has the opportunity to leave a lasting impression on college coaches displaying his growth as a player. His ability to score over each shoulder and his command of the boards show he can dominate the paint. That type of play might cap his career with accolades and a playoff berth.

Boston had a banner season leading the Warriors in scoring and helping them make the quarterfinals in class 3A. His play also garnered him a position on the 3A all-state team (2nd team). Moving into next season, Boston will be a senior with a more experienced team. He will also have more on his shoulders as he will more than likely be the primary guard handling the ball. If he handles the responsibility well, Sophie B. will benefit greatly.

Bryant fits the protoype of a college forward or wing. He is 6’5" and has crazy bounce. Bryant also has more confidence as part of a defending state championship team. He was the anchor in the middle after Dante Bell Dante Bell 6'8" | PF Bossier | 2020 State #461 Nation LA went down and performed well. Now, it will be his paint to control. While he is not the best shooter from the perimeter, he can defend the rim and run the floor. Doing those things will again prove beneficial for the Bearkats and Bryant.

Coates will be the early favorite for class B player of the year next season. He is one of the top five shooters in Louisiana and can shoot from distance with great accuracy. Coates has the ability to put the ball on the deck and has the flexibility to rebound and go like a point forward. He is also on a team that will probably play for the Division V championship. With his skill set, I have no doubt that both of these things will be accomplished by season’s end.

As far as point guards go, Delahoussaye is one of the most competitive that we have in the Boot. He may be under six feet; however, he plays like a much big guy. He blocks out for rebounds, makes hustle plays on defense, and can play very good man-to-man defense. Delahoussaye can also score the rock at multiple levels as well. With the trees gone from the Lafeyette lineup look for him to score more and put up big numbers.

Not to many freshman start on top teams in any classification. Kameron Evans Kameron Evans 6'2" | CG Huntington | 2023 State LA did just that for the Huntington Raiders on last season. Now, in his sophomore season, Evans will be one of the keys to the Raiders success. He already excels at spotting up and rebounding. Because of that shooting ability, the floor should open up for more opportunities to penetrate. With more opportunities to score and facilitate, Evans can be a top threat in 4A.

Hammond might be playing in the shadow of his older brother Greg right now. However, the way he plays the game, he will be making a name for himself sooner than later. Hammond is a scorer and can score in a variety of ways. He also has quick hands and anticipates well on defense. If Hammond puts the scoring and defense together, he will have an all-state caliber season. McMain might be able to ride that wave to Lake Charles as well.

With big point guards being in vogue at some of the college divisions, Harrell will be someone who fits right in. He can handle the ball well for a big guard in the open floor or the half court. Harrell is best at straight line drives. He gets from point A to B without much resistance. Harrell can pull up on a dime and make a pass or a shot. He is very versatile in that aspect. In his senior season, I see him putting it all together for a first team nod in 3A.

Jackson has been named district MVP and second team all-state previously in his career. What will put him in the upper echelon of players in Louisiana would be more post season success. Pickering has been bounced in the first or second round his previous two years. Now, as a senior, Jackson will have to put the Red Devils on his back for a ride to remember. If it is close to what Garrett Edwards Garrett Edwards 6'5" | CG Pitkin | 2020 State LA at Pitkin, Jackson will be a prep legend in Louisiana.

These ten are definitely players to watch in the upcoming season. While some of them already have individual accolades, more team success will yield them more looks from colleges and universities. Look for these names to be difference makers on their respective teams night in and night out.