The Best Player from Each Parish – Volume VII
Winding down this look at the best players from each parish have been a chore as well as eye-opening at the same time. Louisiana has a large number of preps who can flat out play. This next group of five…
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Continue ReadingWinding down this look at the best players from each parish have been a chore as well as eye-opening at the same time. Louisiana has a large number of preps who can flat out play. This next group of five are definitey examples of that. They know how to put the biscuit in the basket from all over the court.
Terrebone Parish
Dionjahe Thomas Dionjahe Thomas 6'8" | PF Ellender | 2022 TX | 6’8″ | Ellender/Louisiana Elite
A person can look throughout the classes of 2021 through 2023 and will not find many players who work harder than Dionjahe Thomas Dionjahe Thomas 6'8" | PF Ellender | 2022 TX . The Ellender big man who was second team all-state and first team all-district (8-4A) averaging 21 points per game. While Thomas can step outside and hit the occasional jumper, he has shown the willingness to mix it up in the paint and be a rim protector/enforcer for the 16U Louisiana Elite team. The experience this summer, along with a stellar sophomore season, will have us looking to see how he will elevate his game even more next season.
East Baton Rouge Parish
Carlos Stewart, Jr. | 6’2″ | Dunham/LivOn Fleur-de-lis
Stewart had a storybook season in 2019-2020. He led his team to a state title in a season where he was the district MVP and the most outstanding player in the championship game. Stewart was then named the 2A Most Outstanding Player while being placed on the 2A all-state first team. With his signature sweet jumper and stellar man-to-man defense, Stewart is about to embark on a senior season that may see him repeat as the 2A MOP. He has already committed to Santa Clara so the only thing left for him is to go full out during his last season. If Stewart does, he may duplicate his storybook season from this past year.
Vermilion Parish
Dominique Collins | 5’10″ | Abbeville
With Parker McNees moving to Notre Dame-Crowley, the floor is open for the best player in Vermilion Parish. Abbeville has a group of players. McKinley and McKinsey Nicholas are good players. However, I believe guard Dominique Collins may make the biggest jump. He has good instincts and anticipates well on the field and the court. Harris is a natural leader as he plays quarterback, free safety, and lead guard. He has had some good games for Abbeville and will be part of a junior-laden attack with the Nicholas brothers. If he continues to mature on the court as he has on the field, Abbeville will be in good hands.
St. John the Baptist Parish
Gage Larvadain Gage Larvadain 5'9" | PG Riverside | 2021 State LA | 5’10″ | Riverside
While he is one of the best quarterbacks (regardless of class) in Louisiana, Gage Larvadain Gage Larvadain 5'9" | PG Riverside | 2021 State LA is one of the top shooters on the hardwood. Larvadain is in range when he crosses half court and shots the three at a high level. Even in what some characterized as a down year for Riverside, Larvadain routely put up twenty and thirty point nights. Larvadain is also ultra-quick with his handle and seems to be a perfect fit for Riverside’s dribble-drive, five-out offense. Although Larvadain did not make the all-state team in basketball, he is one in a litany of small guards in Louisiana who have big game. Definitely the best in his parish.
Livingston Parish
Donald Butler Donald Butler 6'5" | SF Walker | 2022 State LA | 6’5″ | Walker/Louisiana Elite
Assuming that Brian Thomas (6’5″) has called high school basketball quits, we have to start looking at other players to take over the mantle of best player in Livingston Parish after the graduation of Jalen Cook Jalen Cook 6'0" | PG Walker | 2020 State #98 Nation LA . Look no further than Donald Butler Donald Butler 6'5" | SF Walker | 2022 State LA . He was a sophomore starter and played the whole season for this Walker team. Butler is a wiry, athletic player who is not afraid to mix it up in the paint. He runs the floor well and is a menace on the offensive boards. Boxing him out is important or he will make you pay. While he still needs to round out his offensive game, he is a very capable player. Watch for Butler to have a breakout season as Walker moves on to life after Cook.
Only a few parishes remain in the quest to highlight the top players in each parish. Look for a few more top players to be the ones named as the top player in their parish.