PDE's Top Teams in North Louisiana (11-25)

On last week, I reviewed who I think are the top ten teams in north Louisiana. They are some of the heavy hitters and perennial powers in Louisiana who will be vying for state titles this season. Some of the teams who sit between 11-25 fit that bill as well while others may be a year away. Nevetheless, here is a look at my teams who sit between eleven and twenty-five in north Louisiana. 11 – Calvary Baptist Cavaliers (Division 4 #5) The Cavs have one of the best starting fives in north Louisiana. Of course, any starting five that has two all-state performers is pretty potent and that is what Calvary Baptist boast with [player_tooltip player_id="765923" first="Daniel" last="Ortiz"] and [player_tooltip player_id="781860" first="Labree" last="Williams"]. Both players can score at all three levels and can take over games at a moments notice. Surrounding this duo is the hardest working undersized four in the state ([player_tooltip player_id="931042" first="Benjamin" last="Ponder"]) and two gifted long range shooters ([player_tooltip player_id="931046" first="Will" last="Bagley"] and [player_tooltip player_id="781850" first="Martin" last="McDowell"]). With big wins against Wossman and Bonnabel on their resume, it is hard not to place them in the top 10. That being said, they are trying to make a return trip to the Division IV finals. With this group, it is highly possible. 12 – Captain Shreve Gators (Class 5A #8) Captain Shreve has had so many starts and stops to their season due to the pandemic, it is a wonder that they have played double digit games. The fact is that the Gators are one of the more talented teams north Louisiana has. [player_tooltip player_id="931056" first="AC" last="Bryant"] is one of the more gifted playmakers around. Kyron Reed and Jack Johnson are good three pointer shooters. Jayson Henderson and [player_tooltip player_id="1123503" first="Corey" last="Coleman"] give Shreve a defensive identity and [player_tooltip player_id="765933" first="John" last="Mitchell"] is one of the most gifted all-around players in the 64 parishes. Shreve can compete for a state title if all there pieces are going. If they get on a roll late in the season, watch out for them in the playoffs. 13 – Simsboro Tigers (Class B #3) Simsboro may be a class B team but they are built like one in a higher classification. They have an experienced backcourt plus wing players that can handle. They defend baseline to baseline as well and cause a slew of turnovers each game. The [player_tooltip player_id="1123506" first="Reggie" last="Tyler"] and [player_tooltip player_id="932860" first="Nick" last="Maryland"] are two of the most aggressive guards I have seen. They defend guys in the locker room and on offense they constantly put pressure on a defense with paint penetration and three pointers. [player_tooltip player_id="970132" first="Chilaydrian" last="Newton"] is a smooth guard who can fill it up from all three levels and Jamarian Cato can score from inside and out. Their only loss is to West Monroe on the season. They are built to win another class B title. 14 – Ruston Bearcats (Class 5A #10) The Bearcats have been one of the surprise teams in class 5A this season. They have a young group to go along with Marist commit [player_tooltip player_id="566552" first="Rollin" last="Belton"]. However, they have played well during this Covid-season and beaten most of the teams in front of them. Tight district losses to Ouachita and West Monroe should instill confidence and give them belief that they have a chance in district 2-5A. Guards Jamadrion Lillard and Markel Jones should be solid for them down the stretch in their effort to host their first playoff game in a few years. 15 – Alexandria Trojans (Class 5A #11) The defending 5A state champions are rounding into shape as they head into district. They have won five out of their last six with victories over New Iberia and Cecilia included. Even with a loss to Anacoco, ASH is in prime position to make a run at another state title. [player_tooltip player_id="1045523" first="Robert" last="Drakes"] has been nothing short of spectacular for the Trojans at both guard positions and [player_tooltip player_id="981599" first="Noah" last="Jonker"] has provided his usual shooting and rebounding. With additional scoring punch provided by wing Theron Johnson, the Trojans will be in a great position headed to the playoffs. 16 – Neville Tigers (Class 4A #9) With a victory over Captain Shreve and loses coming to teams either in my top 10 or in the top 20 in their respective class, Neville is in a good position headed towards the playoffs. They are already 2-0 in their district (2-4A) and look to be headed towards a top 10 seen in 4A. They have one of the state’s best guards in [player_tooltip player_id="781848" first="Patrick" last="McCraney"] who is one of the best shooters on the prep scene but is becoming a better facilitator. Backcourt mate Joe Arthur helps control tempo as well and McKennald Arsmtead provides an anchor in the middle. Because they keep possessions low, they will play close games. They will be in most games and that is good heading to the playoffs. 17 – Many Tigers (Class 2A #2) I guess we need to start putting some respect on the Many Tigers name. They are undefeated and are the second ranked team in class 2A. Many has met all challenges so far and knocked everyone out. They even dispatched Rapides who is rated in the top ten in 2A as well. [player_tooltip player_id="932845" first="Jawarren" last="Cade"] is as solid as them come at guard and all world QB/corner Zequarrius Rhone has been a solid addition on the hardwood. They are 3-0 in district now but let us see how they fair on the road in district. If they come out unscaved, we might have a contender. 18 – Parkway Panthers (Class 5A #16) Parkway has no players over 6’3" yet they are ranked in the top half of the 5A rankings. The reasion for that is thay they can shoot the ball like no other team in north Louisiana. Coach Mike Guess has told his Panthers to let it fly and that is just what they have done during this year. They have one of the most experienced backcourts in [player_tooltip player_id="931055" first="Bryce" last="Roberts"] and Trae Ware. They are good from 28 feet in so they make a ton of triples. The rest of their teammates do as well. Look for this team to be locked and loaded as we move closer to the playoffs. 19 – Ouachita Lions (Class 5A #18) Needless to say, the Lions got off to a slower start than usual. They lost 4 of their first 6 to coincide with the growing pains of being young at key positions. It seemed like they would never right the ship. Then, right before district they lost to Rayville, Benton, and Carroll by a total of 9 points. Somehow, that stretch righted the ship and they have not lost since. Senior [player_tooltip player_id="1045509" first="James" last="Ross"] has been phenomenal with his scoring and leadership and sophomore Jonathan Bradshaw is believing more in his offensive abilities. Teams should be leary of the Lions in February. 20 – Benton Tigers (Class 5A #20) When I think of experienced back courts, the Tigers back court is the one I think about first. I do not know if any duo has logged more varsity minutes than [player_tooltip player_id="931052" first="Dylan" last="Slaid"] and [player_tooltip player_id="931051" first="Brodie" last="Romero"]. Now, in their senior season, it looks like they will get a taste of playoff action. Add shooter extraordinaire [player_tooltip player_id="931053" first="Ryan" last="Ward"] to the mix and Benton really has a formidable offensive trio. Their big men might be their key to success in the post season. If they can get defense and rebounding from them, the Tigers may surprise some people. Rounding out the top 25 21 – Rapides Mustangs (Class 2A #7) [player_tooltip player_id="981598" first="Car’tracus" last="Mitchell"] and [player_tooltip player_id="977263" first="Johnny" last="Nelson"] are the dynamic duo leading the Mustangs. They are #7 now and have a chance to move higher as the season moves closer to the playoffs. 22 – BTW (Shreveport) Lions (Class 4A #18) [player_tooltip player_id="931058" first="Cameron" last="Brown"] and Nicholas Dyer make the Lion engine go. Brown must score to give them a chance most nights. Calvin Collins is the secret weapon. If he dominates inside, the Lions are tough to beat. 23 – Union Parish Farmers (Class 3A #10) Union has ten wins despite losing their first two district games by double digits. If they end up with a top ten 3A ranking, it will be because [player_tooltip player_id="1045815" first="Tyon" last="Wallace"] did a lot of heavy lifting. If thay happens, Union might catch some off guard. 24 – Tensas Panthers (Class 1A #3) They return [player_tooltip player_id="981490" first="Ivan" last="Clark"] from last season as well as Damond and Zya’Drian Bass. This team is usually well coached and should make a deep run in class 1A. 25 – Southwood Cowboys (Class 3A #1) [player_tooltip player_id="931054" first="Eric" last="McKnight"] is one of the most underrated players in the north and has played well all season. [player_tooltip player_id="1123178" first="Artavious" last="Washington"] and [player_tooltip player_id="932848" first="Marquarius" last="Johnson"] make a formidable back court. They have to be more consistent though going into the end of the season. The top teams in the north will be pushing their way through the end of January into February as the season comes closer and closer to the playoffs. Watch to see what teams separate themselves as we move towards Marsh Madness.

On last week, I reviewed who I think are the top ten teams in north Louisiana. They are some of the heavy hitters and perennial powers in Louisiana who will be vying for state titles this season. Some of the teams who sit between 11-25 fit that bill as well while others may be a year away. Nevetheless, here is a look at my teams who sit between eleven and twenty-five in north Louisiana.

11 – Calvary Baptist Cavaliers (Division 4 #5)

The Cavs have one of the best starting fives in north Louisiana. Of course, any starting five that has two all-state performers is pretty potent and that is what Calvary Baptist boast with Daniel Ortiz Daniel Ortiz 6'1" | CG Calvary Baptist | 2021 State LA and Labree Williams Labree Williams 6'6" | SF Calvary Baptist | 2023 #186 Nation FL . Both players can score at all three levels and can take over games at a moments notice. Surrounding this duo is the hardest working undersized four in the state ( Benjamin Ponder Benjamin Ponder 6'3" | SF Calvary Baptist | 2021 State LA ) and two gifted long range shooters ( Will Bagley Will Bagley 5'11" | SG Calvary Baptist | 2021 State LA and Martin Mcdowell Martin Mcdowell 5'10" | PG Calvary Baptist Academy | 2022 State LA ). With big wins against Wossman and Bonnabel on their resume, it is hard not to place them in the top 10. That being said, they are trying to make a return trip to the Division IV finals. With this group, it is highly possible.

12 – Captain Shreve Gators (Class 5A #8)

Captain Shreve has had so many starts and stops to their season due to the pandemic, it is a wonder that they have played double digit games. The fact is that the Gators are one of the more talented teams north Louisiana has. AC Bryant AC Bryant 6'3" | SG Captain Shreve | 2021 State LA is one of the more gifted playmakers around. Kyron Reed and Jack Johnson are good three pointer shooters. Jayson Henderson and Corey Coleman Corey Coleman 5'10" | PG Captain Shreve | 2021 State LA give Shreve a defensive identity and John Mitchell John Mitchell 6'3" | CG Captain Shreve | 2021 State LA is one of the most gifted all-around players in the 64 parishes. Shreve can compete for a state title if all there pieces are going. If they get on a roll late in the season, watch out for them in the playoffs.

13 – Simsboro Tigers (Class B #3)

Simsboro may be a class B team but they are built like one in a higher classification. They have an experienced backcourt plus wing players that can handle. They defend baseline to baseline as well and cause a slew of turnovers each game. The Reggie Tyler Reggie Tyler 5'9" | PG Simsboro | 2021 State LA and Nick Maryland Nick Maryland 6'2" | CG Simsboro | 2022 State LA are two of the most aggressive guards I have seen. They defend guys in the locker room and on offense they constantly put pressure on a defense with paint penetration and three pointers. Chilaydrien Newton Chilaydrien Newton 6'3" | PG Simsboro | 2023 UT is a smooth guard who can fill it up from all three levels and Jamarian Cato can score from inside and out. Their only loss is to West Monroe on the season. They are built to win another class B title.

14 – Ruston Bearcats (Class 5A #10)

The Bearcats have been one of the surprise teams in class 5A this season. They have a young group to go along with Marist commit Rollin Belton Rollin Belton 6'7" | PF Ruston | 2021 State LA . However, they have played well during this Covid-season and beaten most of the teams in front of them. Tight district losses to Ouachita and West Monroe should instill confidence and give them belief that they have a chance in district 2-5A. Guards Jamadrion Lillard and Markel Jones should be solid for them down the stretch in their effort to host their first playoff game in a few years.

15 – Alexandria Trojans (Class 5A #11)

The defending 5A state champions are rounding into shape as they head into district. They have won five out of their last six with victories over New Iberia and Cecilia included. Even with a loss to Anacoco, ASH is in prime position to make a run at another state title. Robert Drakes Robert Drakes 6'1" | SG Alexandria | 2021 State LA has been nothing short of spectacular for the Trojans at both guard positions and Noah Jonker Noah Jonker 6'5" | PF Alexandria | 2022 State LA has provided his usual shooting and rebounding. With additional scoring punch provided by wing Theron Johnson, the Trojans will be in a great position headed to the playoffs.

16 – Neville Tigers (Class 4A #9)

With a victory over Captain Shreve and loses coming to teams either in my top 10 or in the top 20 in their respective class, Neville is in a good position headed towards the playoffs. They are already 2-0 in their district (2-4A) and look to be headed towards a top 10 seen in 4A. They have one of the state’s best guards in Patrick McCraney Patrick McCraney 6'2" | CG Neville | 2022 State LA who is one of the best shooters on the prep scene but is becoming a better facilitator. Backcourt mate Joe Arthur helps control tempo as well and McKennald Arsmtead provides an anchor in the middle. Because they keep possessions low, they will play close games. They will be in most games and that is good heading to the playoffs.

17 – Many Tigers (Class 2A #2)

I guess we need to start putting some respect on the Many Tigers name. They are undefeated and are the second ranked team in class 2A. Many has met all challenges so far and knocked everyone out. They even dispatched Rapides who is rated in the top ten in 2A as well. Jawarren Cade Jawarren Cade 6'2" | CG Many | 2022 State LA is as solid as them come at guard and all world QB/corner Zequarrius Rhone has been a solid addition on the hardwood. They are 3-0 in district now but let us see how they fair on the road in district. If they come out unscaved, we might have a contender.

18 – Parkway Panthers (Class 5A #16)

Parkway has no players over 6’3" yet they are ranked in the top half of the 5A rankings. The reasion for that is thay they can shoot the ball like no other team in north Louisiana. Coach Mike Guess has told his Panthers to let it fly and that is just what they have done during this year. They have one of the most experienced backcourts in Bryce Roberts Bryce Roberts 6'1" | CG Parkway | 2021 State LA and Trae Ware. They are good from 28 feet in so they make a ton of triples. The rest of their teammates do as well. Look for this team to be locked and loaded as we move closer to the playoffs.

19 – Ouachita Lions (Class 5A #18)

Needless to say, the Lions got off to a slower start than usual. They lost 4 of their first 6 to coincide with the growing pains of being young at key positions. It seemed like they would never right the ship. Then, right before district they lost to Rayville, Benton, and Carroll by a total of 9 points. Somehow, that stretch righted the ship and they have not lost since. Senior James Ross James Ross 5'10" | PG Ouachita Parish | 2021 State LA has been phenomenal with his scoring and leadership and sophomore Jonathan Bradshaw is believing more in his offensive abilities. Teams should be leary of the Lions in February.

20 – Benton Tigers (Class 5A #20)

When I think of experienced back courts, the Tigers back court is the one I think about first. I do not know if any duo has logged more varsity minutes than Dylan Slaid Dylan Slaid 5'8" | CG Benton | 2021 State LA and Brodie Romero Brodie Romero 6'0" | PG Benton | 2021 State LA . Now, in their senior season, it looks like they will get a taste of playoff action. Add shooter extraordinaire Ryan Ward Ryan Ward 6'3" | SF Benton | 2021 State LA to the mix and Benton really has a formidable offensive trio. Their big men might be their key to success in the post season. If they can get defense and rebounding from them, the Tigers may surprise some people.

Rounding out the top 25

21 – Rapides Mustangs (Class 2A #7)

Car’tracus Mitchell Car’tracus Mitchell 6'2" | CG Rapides | 2022 State LA and Johnny Nelson Johnny Nelson 6'2" | SG Rapides | 2021 State LA are the dynamic duo leading the Mustangs. They are #7 now and have a chance to move higher as the season moves closer to the playoffs.

22 – BTW (Shreveport) Lions (Class 4A #18)

Cameron Brown Cameron Brown 5'11" | CG BTW-Shreveport | 2021 State LA and Nicholas Dyer make the Lion engine go. Brown must score to give them a chance most nights. Calvin Collins is the secret weapon. If he dominates inside, the Lions are tough to beat.

23 – Union Parish Farmers (Class 3A #10)

Union has ten wins despite losing their first two district games by double digits. If they end up with a top ten 3A ranking, it will be because Tyon Wallace Tyon Wallace 6'4" | SG Union Parish | 2021 State LA did a lot of heavy lifting. If thay happens, Union might catch some off guard.

24 – Tensas Panthers (Class 1A #3)

They return Ivan Clark Ivan Clark 6'4" | SF Tensas | 2022 State LA from last season as well as Damond and Zya’Drian Bass. This team is usually well coached and should make a deep run in class 1A.

25 – Southwood Cowboys (Class 3A #1)

Eric McKnight Eric McKnight 6'4" | SG Southwood | 2021 State LA is one of the most underrated players in the north and has played well all season. Artavious Washington Artavious Washington 5'10" | PG Southwood | 2021 State LA and Marquarius Johnson Marquarius Johnson 6'1" | CG Southwood | 2022 State LA make a formidable back court. They have to be more consistent though going into the end of the season.

The top teams in the north will be pushing their way through the end of January into February as the season comes closer and closer to the playoffs. Watch to see what teams separate themselves as we move towards Marsh Madness.