The Next 30 Hoopers to Watch Regardless of Class (Jack-Mc)

The Next 30 hoopers is a group of good players who have a chance to be great by the end of the season. While the first group of players were an array of forwards, wings, and guards, this group is mostly point and combo guards. We will take a look at this second group and see why I think they belong in this next tier of ballers. In alphabetical order: [player_tooltip player_id="566565" first="Zaheem" last="Jackson"] (CG/W) | 6’3" | Scotlandville | 2021 Jackson was an important contributor on a loaded Scotlandville Hornets team last season. Now, as a senior, he will be stepping to the forefront where his contribution will be depended on. The reason why his I think he is a next tier player is because he does so many things. He can score from deep, handle in the open floor, and rebound in traffic. Jackson is a swiss army knife on the floor and his play should help the Hornets make another title run. [player_tooltip player_id="981596" first="Alexzaye" last="Johnson"] (PG) | 6’1" | Helen Cox | 2022 Johnson knows one speed and that is fast. His ability to switch from defense to offense quickly reminds me of Clyde Drexler somewhat. As a matter of fact, it is his capability to deflect passes which leads him to so many run outs. Johnson has added the three point shot to couple with his defense and ability to find others. Class 4A and the New Orleans area will have to watch out for this player. He has all-district and all-state written on him. [player_tooltip player_id="932848" first="Marquarius" last="Johnson"] (CG) | 6’1" | Southwood | 2022 As a sophomore starter, Johnson had his up and downs during the season. By the time the second half of district and playoffs rolled around, he began to put his stamp on games. Johnson can play both guard positions and knows how to score at all three levels. The way he finished the season should be a springboard for next season. With Johnson scoring and defending at a high level, he and [player_tooltip player_id="765923" first="Daniel" last="Ortiz"] may be the best backcourt in the state. Gage Lavardain (PG) | 5’10" | Riverside | 2021 While Lavardain will probably play on the next level as a quarterback, he is one of the best shooting point guards we have in the state. His range extends out to 26 feet comfortably. Lavardain is quick with the ball in his hands and his penetration ability is stellar. He truly effects the game by getting into the teeth of the defense and finding others. Mix Riverside’s zest for winning with an all-state snub and Lavardain should have much recognition by season’s end. [player_tooltip player_id="781846" first="Tyren" last="LeBeauf"] (PG) | 6’0" | Hahnville | 2022 When I think of a point guard that is a nightmare for defenses, LeBeauf is the type of guard that comes to mind. LeBeauf excels at passing the ball to others whether it is in the half court or full court. He can make accurate passes with either hand giving the receiver a chance to score. If defenders play his passing ability, he can score numerous ways. All-state 1st or 2nd team should be attainable for LeBeauf. A state title may be as well. [player_tooltip player_id="765911" first="Devon" last="Lizana"] (CG) | 6’2" | Salmen | 2021 As an all-parish MVP and all-state honorable mention, [player_tooltip player_id="765911" first="Devon" last="Lizana"] had a year to remember. Going into his senior season, I think Lizana is primed for much more. He is what one thinks of when the term combo guard comes to mind. He can score at all three levels, an adept passer, and a hard worker on both ends. Lizana also help Salmen make the 4A quarters. This season can be epic for Lizana and Salmen as they work to get to Marsh Madness. [player_tooltip player_id="932846" first="Joseph" last="Manning"] (CG) | 6’2" | Bossier | 2022 Before the season began, Manning was most known for breaking a rim at the Duncanville Fieldhouse. Now, he is a state champion on a Bossier squad looking to repeat. Manning will move into a leadership role after being a wing starter who deferred to his older teammates. He may change leadership roles but not his role on the team. He is arguably the best two way player in NWLA going into next year. Look for him to be one of the best in 3A as well. [player_tooltip player_id="932860" first="Nick" last="Maryland"] (CG) | 6’1" | Simsboro | 2022 Another player that can challenge for being the best two way player in north Louisiana is [player_tooltip player_id="932860" first="Nick" last="Maryland"]. This kid can play man-to-man with the best of them. He does a great job moving his feet and staying engaged with his assignment. With [player_tooltip player_id="848237" first="Kalep" last="Crane"] and [player_tooltip player_id="530963" first="Jakemin" last="Abney"] gone, he will shoulder a heavy defensive and offensive load. However, I think he is ready for it. He may not be Class B player of the year but he will challenge for it this season. [player_tooltip player_id="781848" first="Patrick" last="McCraney"] (SG/W) | 6’0" | Neville | 2022 McCraney has been the top scorer and a leader for the Tigers since he stepped on campus. He has a district MVP, all-NELA team accolades, and two playoff appearances to show for it. Now, in his junior season, he may be asked to do more. McCraney is a gifted shooter who showed he could defend last season. For he and the Tigers to advance in the 4A playoffs, facilitator must be added. He adds that to his game and the sky will be his ceiling. [player_tooltip player_id="781850" first="Martin" last="McDowell"] (PG) | 5’10" | Calvary Baptist | 2022 Point guards who take (and make) big shots are hard to find on the prep level. Then there is [player_tooltip player_id="781850" first="Martin" last="McDowell"]. The Calvary point guard most notably hit a buzzer beater that propelled the Cavs to the Division IV semis at Opelousas Catholic. Even though they lost the championship game, McDowell has proved he is a clutch player. Moving into his junior season, he will be one of the best guards in 1A. A repeat run for a championship will solidfy just that. This group of next tier guards are some of diverse guards who can stretch the floor. Look for these players to be in the running for all-state teams at their respective classifications as the season progresses.

The Next 30 hoopers is a group of good players who have a chance to be great by the end of the season. While the first group of players were an array of forwards, wings, and guards, this group is mostly point and combo guards. We will take a look at this second group and see why I think they belong in this next tier of ballers.

In alphabetical order:

Jackson was an important contributor on a loaded Scotlandville Hornets team last season. Now, as a senior, he will be stepping to the forefront where his contribution will be depended on. The reason why his I think he is a next tier player is because he does so many things. He can score from deep, handle in the open floor, and rebound in traffic. Jackson is a swiss army knife on the floor and his play should help the Hornets make another title run.

Johnson knows one speed and that is fast. His ability to switch from defense to offense quickly reminds me of Clyde Drexler somewhat. As a matter of fact, it is his capability to deflect passes which leads him to so many run outs. Johnson has added the three point shot to couple with his defense and ability to find others. Class 4A and the New Orleans area will have to watch out for this player. He has all-district and all-state written on him.

As a sophomore starter, Johnson had his up and downs during the season. By the time the second half of district and playoffs rolled around, he began to put his stamp on games. Johnson can play both guard positions and knows how to score at all three levels. The way he finished the season should be a springboard for next season. With Johnson scoring and defending at a high level, he and Daniel Ortiz Daniel Ortiz 6'1" | CG Calvary Baptist | 2021 State LA may be the best backcourt in the state.

Gage Lavardain (PG) | 5’10" | Riverside | 2021

While Lavardain will probably play on the next level as a quarterback, he is one of the best shooting point guards we have in the state. His range extends out to 26 feet comfortably. Lavardain is quick with the ball in his hands and his penetration ability is stellar. He truly effects the game by getting into the teeth of the defense and finding others. Mix Riverside’s zest for winning with an all-state snub and Lavardain should have much recognition by season’s end.

When I think of a point guard that is a nightmare for defenses, LeBeauf is the type of guard that comes to mind. LeBeauf excels at passing the ball to others whether it is in the half court or full court. He can make accurate passes with either hand giving the receiver a chance to score. If defenders play his passing ability, he can score numerous ways. All-state 1st or 2nd team should be attainable for LeBeauf. A state title may be as well.

As an all-parish MVP and all-state honorable mention, Devon Lizana Devon Lizana 6'1" | CG Salmen | 2021 State LA had a year to remember. Going into his senior season, I think Lizana is primed for much more. He is what one thinks of when the term combo guard comes to mind. He can score at all three levels, an adept passer, and a hard worker on both ends. Lizana also help Salmen make the 4A quarters. This season can be epic for Lizana and Salmen as they work to get to Marsh Madness.

Before the season began, Manning was most known for breaking a rim at the Duncanville Fieldhouse. Now, he is a state champion on a Bossier squad looking to repeat. Manning will move into a leadership role after being a wing starter who deferred to his older teammates. He may change leadership roles but not his role on the team. He is arguably the best two way player in NWLA going into next year. Look for him to be one of the best in 3A as well.

Another player that can challenge for being the best two way player in north Louisiana is Nick Maryland Nick Maryland 6'2" | CG Simsboro | 2022 State LA . This kid can play man-to-man with the best of them. He does a great job moving his feet and staying engaged with his assignment. With Kalep Crane Kalep Crane 6'0" | CG Simsboro | 2020 State LA and Jakemin Abney Jakemin Abney 6'3" | CG Simsboro | 2020 State LA gone, he will shoulder a heavy defensive and offensive load. However, I think he is ready for it. He may not be Class B player of the year but he will challenge for it this season.

McCraney has been the top scorer and a leader for the Tigers since he stepped on campus. He has a district MVP, all-NELA team accolades, and two playoff appearances to show for it. Now, in his junior season, he may be asked to do more. McCraney is a gifted shooter who showed he could defend last season. For he and the Tigers to advance in the 4A playoffs, facilitator must be added. He adds that to his game and the sky will be his ceiling.

Point guards who take (and make) big shots are hard to find on the prep level. Then there is Martin Mcdowell Martin Mcdowell 5'10" | PG Calvary Baptist Academy | 2022 State LA . The Calvary point guard most notably hit a buzzer beater that propelled the Cavs to the Division IV semis at Opelousas Catholic. Even though they lost the championship game, McDowell has proved he is a clutch player. Moving into his junior season, he will be one of the best guards in 1A. A repeat run for a championship will solidfy just that.

This group of next tier guards are some of diverse guards who can stretch the floor. Look for these players to be in the running for all-state teams at their respective classifications as the season progresses.