Central Louisiana's Class 5-A Standouts

Over the years Louisiana’s biggest classification in High School Athletics, Class 5-A, has produced a number of players that moved on to the next level Collegiately and Professionally. Players such as Javonte Smart (Scotlandville High School/Louisiana State University), [player_tooltip player_id="848192" first="Reece" last="Beekman"] (Scotlandville High School/University Of Virginia), Brandon Rachal (Natchitoches Central High School/University Of Tulsa) and [player_tooltip player_id="778619" first="Jalen" last="Cook"] (Walker High School/Louisiana State University are all currently playing on the College Level and Players Such As DJ Augustine (Brother Martin High School/University Of Texas/11 Year NBA career currently playing for the Orlando Magic), Elfrid Payton (John Ehret High School/University Of Louisiana Lafayette/5 Year NBA career currently for the New York Knicks and Mitchell Robinson (Chalmette High School/Western Kentucky University/2 Year NBA career currently playing for the New York Knicks who are all playing professionally. Class 5-A Basketball has always had a storied tradition of Legendary Coaches, Powerhouse/Championship Programs and Players that have shown that not only they belong in the conversation of who the best players are in the State, but also the conversation of who will be in that group of players that "Level Up" and move on to the next level. There are a few players here in Central Louisiana looking to make their case. Let Us Dive In!!!!   1. [player_tooltip player_id="981599" first="Noah" last="Jonker"] (Class Of ’22) 6-5 Forward - Alexandria Senior High School (Alexandria, LA) *Very Unselfish *High I.Q. Player. Always Aware Of What’s Going On Around Him *Very Soft Touch Around The Rim *Very Solid Perimeter Shooter *Solid Ball Handler *Excellent Passing Skills *Highly Competitive Player That Plays With A High Level Of Energy And Intensity *Excellent Rebounder With Great Court Vision *Loves To Get Everyone Involved *Good Defender. Has The Potential To Become A Multi-Positional/High Level Defender *Does The Little Things Such As Take Charges And Make Hustle Plays (Diving For Loose Ball Etc.) *Has A Very Reliable Mid-Range Game *Great Overall Feel For The Game   2. T.J Johnson (Class Of ’22) 6-4 Guard - Alexandria Senior High School (Alexandria, LA) *Handles The Ball Very Well *Elite Athlete (2-Sport Player-Football Is His Other Sport) *Excellent Finisher In Transition *A Versatile Defender That Can Guard Positions 1-3 *Plays Under Control *Can Control The Pace Of The Game *Shoots The Ball Well From The Outside *Penetrates Into The Lane Well *Does A Good Job At Getting To The Rim And Finishing *High Motor/High Energy Player *Great Court Vision On Both Ends. See The Entire Floor Well. *Very Good At Playing The Passing Lanes *A True Game Changer On The Defensive End. Really Locks In   3. [player_tooltip player_id="977267" first="Jaylin" last="Pantillion"] (Class Of ’21) 6-6 PF/C - Pineville High School (Pineville, LA) *Excellent Rim-Runner (Beats Most Players Down The Court On Both Ends) *Great Strength *Very Strong Post Defender *Uses His Body Strength To Disrupt Opposing Players *Solid Shot Blocker With Great Timing And Anticipation *Has The Ability To Step Out And Guard On The Perimeter *Solid Ball Handler *Good Passer (Does A Great Job Of Passing Out Of The Double Team) *Very Coachable *Pays Very Close Attention To Detail *Hard Worker With Great Work Ethnic *Excellent Mid-Range Shooter *Impacts The Game With His Strong Rebounding And Disruptive Defense *Possesses A Calm Presence. Does Not Let His Emotions Get The Best Of Him Or Get Him To Play Off Of His Game *Great Court Awareness *Soft Hands And Good Foot Work On The Block   4. [player_tooltip player_id="1045523" first="Robert" last="Drakes"] (Class Of ’21) 6-2 Guard - Alexandria Senior High School (Alexandria, LA) *Excellent Ball Handler And Finisher In Transition *Can Play Both Guard Positions *Plays With A High Level Of Toughness *Team First Player *Excellent Spot-Up 3 Point Shooter *Excellent On Ball/Perimeter Defender *Can Easily Create Off The Dribble *Moves Well Without The Ball *Great Court Vision *Plays With Great Effort And Intelligence. (Does Not Need To Score To Have An Impact On The Game) *Is A Committed Defender And Team Player *Solid Facilitator   5. [player_tooltip player_id="931043" first="Darius" last="Young"] (Class Of ’21) 6-5 G/F - Natchitoches Central High School (Natchitoches, LA) *Has A Great Combination Of Strength Of Athleticism *Finishes Well Around The Rim *Passes Well From The Post And Out Of The Double Team *Nice Footwork/Moves On The In The Post/On The Block *Great Rebounder *Can Step Out And Shoot The Mid-Range Shot *Excellent Hands *Can Guard Multiple Positions *A True Leader On The Court *Experienced Player That Knows What It Takes To Win *Makes Everyone Around Him Better *Hard Worker