14 Players that make sense for Mr. Basketball/Gatorade POY

Aside of the playoffs, the postseason awards portion of the high school season is approaching as well. Being that it is February 14th, we will take a look at fourteen players that make sense to be finalist for Gatorade Player of the year and Mr. Basketball in the state of Louisiana. [player_tooltip player_id="765906" first="Will" last="Allen"] (6’7" / Bonnabel) The Bonnabel senior is a double-double waiting to happen every time he steps on the floor. He was an important part of the Bruin run to the championship game last season and has an opportunity to return there again. His numbers will have him squarely in the mix. We will have to see if that is enough to convince the voters he is deserving. [player_tooltip player_id="765925" first="Devonte" last="Austin"] (6’1" / Wossman) Austin has taken the leadership mantle of the Wildcats and made himself into a prominent player around the state. He has had a few twenty and thirty point halves this season which shows he can carry the load offensively. His two previous trips to the 3A finals have resulted in losses. This third trip may have to result in a win for him to claim either of these prominent awards. [player_tooltip player_id="970111" first="Jamaria" last="Clark"] (6’2" / Doyline) Clark is the only other player scoring 30-plus points a game consistently for one of the Boot’s top teams. Doyline is currently the only undefeated team left regardless of classification and they are the defending class B champions. Clark will have to score big for the Panthers to return to Lake Charles and to defend their title. If he does, he will be in the mix for at least one of these coveted awards. [player_tooltip player_id="765904" first="Keon" last="Coleman"] (6’4" / Opelousas Catholic) Win or a loss, Coleman appears to put up 30-plus in every game. He has a 73 point performance (you read that correctly) and is the only player to commit to a Power 5 school for next season (Michigan State). He was co-district MVP and an all-state member last season. If his team makes a serious run in Division IV, Keon may just sow one or both awards up. [player_tooltip player_id="765916" first="Carter" last="Domingue"] (6’3" / St. Thomas More) There may be nights where he takes a backseat in scoring to [player_tooltip player_id="765919" first="Jaden" last="Shelvin"]. However, as the St. Thomas More point guard, he is an integral part of what is now a 21 game winning streak. Domingue can score and defend but most importantly he is one of the Cougar floor generals. If the win streak ends at close to 30 with another state championship, he will probably get some serious consideration. [player_tooltip player_id="765927" first="Claudell" last="Harris"] (6’3" / Hahnville) Hahnville has spent a large portion of the season in one of the top four spots in class 5A. For most of the season, [player_tooltip player_id="765927" first="Claudell" last="Harris"] has been the best player on this Fighting Tigers team. While he does defer to senior [player_tooltip player_id="977272" first="Kaden" last="Pierre"] at times, Harris has been near the top of statistical categories night after night. If Hahnville wins this year’s title and he performs well, he may just take some hardware home. [player_tooltip player_id="970120" first="Chris" last="Lockett"] (6’4" / Isidore Newman) Lockett can affect any basketball game by scoring, rebounding, or dishing assists. He will probably one of the finalist for the 2A Most Outstanding Player and he has Newman sitting atop the Division III standings. As the top rated player in the class of 2023, it seems to be inevitable that he would be in this conversation. Let his team win a state title, he will shoot to the top of this short list. [player_tooltip player_id="530986" first="Emareyon" last="McDonald"] (6’1" / Scotlandville) With Scotlandville winning their district and sitting at number one in Division I, it is clear to see that the move to Baton Rouge was a good one for McDonald. After a slow start, games with four or more three pointers became the norm for McDonald. Bringing home more hardware for the Hornets will have McDonald in the running. We will see if the voters think that is enough for him to grasp one of these trophies. [player_tooltip player_id="1045511" first="JonQuarius" last="McGhee"] (6’3" / Opelousas) Opelousas has been number two in class 4A the majority of the season and McGhee has been at the forefront of that success. Nobody attacks the rim like he does and he plays passing lanes maybe better than anyone in the state. His breakaway jams are always highlight worthy. Winning the big games will solidfy him as a true contender. We will see how that goes when the playoffs begin. [player_tooltip player_id="765923" first="Daniel" last="Ortiz"] (6’1" / Calvary Baptist) Ortiz is a larger reason why Calvary is back in the position they are in competing for a Division IV state title. While he has not had a 40 point performance like he did last season against Walker, he has been consistent. 22 points during a season where games were cancelled and rescheduled is no small feat. Ortiz has also faced stiff competition while averaging that 22 ppg. It still may not be enough though. [player_tooltip player_id="765169" first="Shaun" last="Riley"] (6’7" / Anacoco) While the Indians were going to be competitive in class B, they were not going to be this good in many people’s estimation. [player_tooltip player_id="765169" first="Shaun" last="Riley"] has been a bgi time performer on both ends of the floor and has Anacoco in prime position to chase the class B title. He does not always put up big offensive numbers but he plays solid defense at all times. His name will be in the mix, but he may have to settle for class B MOP. [player_tooltip player_id="530995" first="Carlos" last="Stewart"] (6’2" / Dunham) The reigning 2A Most Outstanding Player has had to carry a heavy load offensively this season. He probably would not have it any other way. He has had games where he scores 75-80% of the Tigers points which shows he can carry an offense if need be. While he still has a shot at a third state title, I think he will have to score and defend at his highest clip ever to hold one of these awards at the end of the season. [player_tooltip player_id="566569" first="Derrick" last="Tezeno"] (6’5" / North Central) A 50-point double-double, a tournament MVP in the Showdown at the Lake, and a CajunDome Classic game MVP would have probably sowed up these awards during a normal season. However, Tezeno is in a battle with his district foe/AAU teammate for both of these honors. Another state title may help assure him of one of these crowns. Only time will tell if he can walk away with both. [player_tooltip player_id="937609" first="Solomon" last="Washington"] (6’7" / Carver) Washington is probably the most dynamic athlete on this list. His momentum changing blocks and dunks are part of what has propelled Carver into the top spot in class 4A. Washington is not asked to score alot and playing in the post in Louisiana sometimes does not lend to putting up big numbers on the scoreboard. Nevertheless, if he wins a state title, I think he will be strongly considered. Gatorade Player of the Year criteria is based on Athletic excellence, academic achievement, and exemplary character while Mr. Basketball is a honor given by the sportswriters. Needless to say that all of these players will garner interest from their respective regions. We will have to see how these things shake out when postseason awards are given out at the end of March.

Aside of the playoffs, the postseason awards portion of the high school season is approaching as well. Being that it is February 14th, we will take a look at fourteen players that make sense to be finalist for Gatorade Player of the year and Mr. Basketball in the state of Louisiana.

Will Allen Will Allen 6'7" | PF Bonnabel | 2021 State LA (6’7" / Bonnabel)

The Bonnabel senior is a double-double waiting to happen every time he steps on the floor. He was an important part of the Bruin run to the championship game last season and has an opportunity to return there again. His numbers will have him squarely in the mix. We will have to see if that is enough to convince the voters he is deserving.

Devonte Austin Devonte Austin 6'0" | CG Wossman | 2021 State LA (6’1" / Wossman)

Austin has taken the leadership mantle of the Wildcats and made himself into a prominent player around the state. He has had a few twenty and thirty point halves this season which shows he can carry the load offensively. His two previous trips to the 3A finals have resulted in losses. This third trip may have to result in a win for him to claim either of these prominent awards.

Jamaria Clark Jamaria Clark 6'2" | CG Doyline | 2023 State LA (6’2" / Doyline)

Clark is the only other player scoring 30-plus points a game consistently for one of the Boot’s top teams. Doyline is currently the only undefeated team left regardless of classification and they are the defending class B champions. Clark will have to score big for the Panthers to return to Lake Charles and to defend their title. If he does, he will be in the mix for at least one of these coveted awards.

Keon Coleman Keon Coleman 6'4" | SG Opelousas Catholic | 2021 State LA (6’4" / Opelousas Catholic)

Win or a loss, Coleman appears to put up 30-plus in every game. He has a 73 point performance (you read that correctly) and is the only player to commit to a Power 5 school for next season (Michigan State). He was co-district MVP and an all-state member last season. If his team makes a serious run in Division IV, Keon may just sow one or both awards up.

Carter Domingue Carter Domingue 6'3" | PG St. Thomas More | 2021 State LA (6’3" / St. Thomas More)

There may be nights where he takes a backseat in scoring to Jaden Shelvin Jaden Shelvin 6'2" | CG St. Thomas More | 2021 State LA . However, as the St. Thomas More point guard, he is an integral part of what is now a 21 game winning streak. Domingue can score and defend but most importantly he is one of the Cougar floor generals. If the win streak ends at close to 30 with another state championship, he will probably get some serious consideration.

Claudell Harris Claudell Harris 6'3" | CG Hahnville | 2021 State LA (6’3" / Hahnville)

Hahnville has spent a large portion of the season in one of the top four spots in class 5A. For most of the season, Claudell Harris Claudell Harris 6'3" | CG Hahnville | 2021 State LA has been the best player on this Fighting Tigers team. While he does defer to senior Kaden Pierre Kaden Pierre 6'3" | SF Hahnville | 2021 State LA at times, Harris has been near the top of statistical categories night after night. If Hahnville wins this year’s title and he performs well, he may just take some hardware home.

Chris Lockett Chris Lockett 6'5" | CG Isidore Newman | 2023 State #180 Nation LA (6’4" / Isidore Newman)

Lockett can affect any basketball game by scoring, rebounding, or dishing assists. He will probably one of the finalist for the 2A Most Outstanding Player and he has Newman sitting atop the Division III standings. As the top rated player in the class of 2023, it seems to be inevitable that he would be in this conversation. Let his team win a state title, he will shoot to the top of this short list.

Emareyon McDonald Emareyon McDonald 6'1" | PG Scotlandville | 2021 State LA (6’1" / Scotlandville)

With Scotlandville winning their district and sitting at number one in Division I, it is clear to see that the move to Baton Rouge was a good one for McDonald. After a slow start, games with four or more three pointers became the norm for McDonald. Bringing home more hardware for the Hornets will have McDonald in the running. We will see if the voters think that is enough for him to grasp one of these trophies.

JonQuarius McGhee JonQuarius McGhee 6'3" | CG Opelousas | 2021 State LA (6’3" / Opelousas)

Opelousas has been number two in class 4A the majority of the season and McGhee has been at the forefront of that success. Nobody attacks the rim like he does and he plays passing lanes maybe better than anyone in the state. His breakaway jams are always highlight worthy. Winning the big games will solidfy him as a true contender. We will see how that goes when the playoffs begin.

Daniel Ortiz Daniel Ortiz 6'1" | CG Calvary Baptist | 2021 State LA (6’1" / Calvary Baptist)

Ortiz is a larger reason why Calvary is back in the position they are in competing for a Division IV state title. While he has not had a 40 point performance like he did last season against Walker, he has been consistent. 22 points during a season where games were cancelled and rescheduled is no small feat. Ortiz has also faced stiff competition while averaging that 22 ppg. It still may not be enough though.

Shaun Riley Shaun Riley 6'7" | PF Anacoco | 2021 State LA (6’7" / Anacoco)

While the Indians were going to be competitive in class B, they were not going to be this good in many people’s estimation. Shaun Riley Shaun Riley 6'7" | PF Anacoco | 2021 State LA has been a bgi time performer on both ends of the floor and has Anacoco in prime position to chase the class B title. He does not always put up big offensive numbers but he plays solid defense at all times. His name will be in the mix, but he may have to settle for class B MOP.

Carlos Stewart Carlos Stewart 6'1" | CG Dunham | 2021 State LA (6’2" / Dunham)

The reigning 2A Most Outstanding Player has had to carry a heavy load offensively this season. He probably would not have it any other way. He has had games where he scores 75-80% of the Tigers points which shows he can carry an offense if need be. While he still has a shot at a third state title, I think he will have to score and defend at his highest clip ever to hold one of these awards at the end of the season.

Derrick Tezeno Derrick Tezeno 6'5" | SF North Central | 2021 State LA (6’5" / North Central)

A 50-point double-double, a tournament MVP in the Showdown at the Lake, and a CajunDome Classic game MVP would have probably sowed up these awards during a normal season. However, Tezeno is in a battle with his district foe/AAU teammate for both of these honors. Another state title may help assure him of one of these crowns. Only time will tell if he can walk away with both.

Solomon Washington Solomon Washington 6'7" | SF Carver | 2022 State #127 Nation LA (6’7" / Carver)

Washington is probably the most dynamic athlete on this list. His momentum changing blocks and dunks are part of what has propelled Carver into the top spot in class 4A. Washington is not asked to score alot and playing in the post in Louisiana sometimes does not lend to putting up big numbers on the scoreboard. Nevertheless, if he wins a state title, I think he will be strongly considered.

Gatorade Player of the Year criteria is based on Athletic excellence, academic achievement, and exemplary character while Mr. Basketball is a honor given by the sportswriters. Needless to say that all of these players will garner interest from their respective regions. We will have to see how these things shake out when postseason awards are given out at the end of March.