Class of 2021 – 2023 Potential Breakout Players

Class of 2021 &#8211; 2023 Potential Breakout Players

Preston Edwards

October 30, 2020 @ 12:08 AM

The high school season is upon us. With that, there will be a lot of players with new responsibilities hitting the floor this season. There will be potential players with new duties that will be breakout players for their team this year. These players should be names to follow as potential breakout preps this coming seaon.

Jonker was a big portion of last year’s 5A state champions. He was a rebounder who scored when needed for the Trojans last season. This season, he will be asked to score more and still be an inside presence for the Trojans. One thing that should provide an uptick to his scoring is his ability to shoot the three ball. He has a quick release and is very accurate from deep. With his shooting ability, the work he put in during the quarantine, and his rebounding prowess, Jonker could possibly lead the team in scoring while helping his team defend their 5A title.

Markray is another player who played a big role in his team winning a state championship. The Doyline guard, who is more known for his defense, scored the game winning basket off of a steal no less. This season, with the Panthers losing three of their top four scorers, will need Markray to step his game up. He performed well in front of D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO coaches at Calvary earlier this school year showing an improved jumper. With his defense and improved scoring, he and Jamaria Clark Jamaria Clark 6'2" | CG Doyline | 2023 State LA can form of the best backcourts in north Louisiana hoops.

McKnight played his role for two years at Southwood under Coach Eddie Hamilton as a defender and secondary ballhandler. Now, in his senior season, a lot of responsibility will fall on his shoulders. McKnight has the ability to be one of the state’s best two-way players. He will get his chance this season to show his all-around talent. McKnight can fill up a stat sheet. He has to embrace that every possession however. WIth Daniel Ortiz Daniel Ortiz 6'1" | CG Calvary Baptist | 2021 State LA gone and a new coach in town, look for McKnight to be a major factor in what the Cowboys do this season.

LaBrandon Butler LaBrandon Butler 6'0" | PG Rayville | 2022 LA | 6’0" | Rayville | 2022

Butler helped Rayville get within an overtime of winning a third straight title. For them to bring the title back to northeast Louisiana, Butler may have to be that third consistent scorer. In last year’s title game, it became apparent that the Hornets needed someone to initiate offense after Cowart and Natt fouled out. Butler has the ball skills on offense to create his own shot and to shoot off the dribble. He plays with poise and control which is an oddity in the Hornets frantic style. His calmness will be what separates him and makes him a breakout player.

Chilaydrien Newton Chilaydrien Newton 6'3" | PG Simsboro | 2023 UT | 6’2" | Simsboro | 2023

With Nick Maryland Nick Maryland 6'2" | CG Simsboro | 2022 State LA stepping into the role filled by Kalep Crane Kalep Crane 6'0" | CG Simsboro | 2020 State LA over the past two years, someone has to play the role of Jakemin Abney Jakemin Abney 6'3" | CG Simsboro | 2020 State LA . Newton can be that very guy. The lefty played well with the Arkansas Wolves this summer. He displayed the ability to handle in transition and in the midst of traffic. His three point shot is almost automatic as well. He already has the innate ability to set his feet quickly and has an uber-quick release. If he can score like he did this summer, the Tigers should have a seemless transition to these two in their backcourt.

Coach Howell, at Northwood, struggle to get some inside scoring last year honestly because they were young and inexperienced. That should change if Chris Burton Chris Burton 6'6" | PF Northwood | 2022 State LA has been in the weight room this summer as well as during the early portion of the pandemic. Burton was rail thin and could not hold his own in the post or paint. With his junior season approaching, Burton will be put in the middle of a white hot fire which is called class 1-4A. He is long, he can run the floor, and he can block shots. With that ability alone, all-district might be calling his name.

These north Louisiana players are in situations that are advantageous to them. They have the ability to step up and play key roles in the success of their teams this season. New circumstances can bring out the best in players. These six have the opportunity to show just that.