PDE's GPOY/Mr. Basketball Contenders

While we are still six weeks away from crowning a state champion, it is never too early to look at who may be named the best player in the state. The title of Mr. Basketball and Gatorade Player of the year are two of the most coveted individual awards. This season seems to be wide open in reference to possible selections. In this Prep Hoops Louisiana exclusive, I will take a look at which players I feel are contenders for these awards. Primary Contenders (stats provided by Hudl & MaxPreps) [player_tooltip player_id="937609" first="Solomon" last="Washington"] (16 pts / 10 rebounds / 2 assists / 2 steals / 2 blocks) Washington is the most dynamic player we have in Louisiana. He can change the course of any game whether it is blocking a shot, dunking the ball in transition, or an offensive rebound putback. His stat line against McMain would probably be the numbers writers would like him to average to win. The way he effects the game though will probably outweigh hugh numbers. [player_tooltip player_id="781860" first="Labree" last="Williams"] (21 pts / 11 rebounds / 5 blocks) Williams has an impressive offensive arsenal. He can finish with either hand in the paint and can score on all three levels. His rebounding, especially on the offensive boards, makes him almost impossible to guard. Averaging a double-double against a tough schedule and being a McDonald’s All-American nominee are feathers in his cap. However, he may to secure a state title to be seriously considered. [player_tooltip player_id="1275272" first="Jacob" last="Wilson"] (20 pts / 7 rebounds / 3 assists / 2 steals) Wilson has been one of the hottest players this season and his play has gotten him notice from quite a few mid-major schools. He can play everything from point guard to the wing on offense and can defend four positions on defense. He is the best player on a team that has a real shot at a Division II state title. Winning that, along with his numbers, will give him a legit argument. [player_tooltip player_id="1275274" first="Jalen" last="Bolden"] (20 pts / 10 rebounds / 5 assists / 4 steals / 2 blocks) Whether it has been the Havoc House or opposing gyms, on most nights Bolden has been the best player on the top team in 5A. He is a 20 and 10 player who is averaging three assists a game as well. Bolden punishes defenses on the backboard and in transition. If he helps the Broncos repeat, he will have a legitimate case for being named the best player in the state. [player_tooltip player_id="1275268" first="John-Paul" last="Ricks"] (34 pts / 6 rebounds / 8 assists) Ricks has been named the best player in Class C before and will probably be named it again this year. He is also one of the most decorated champions that hhas played in the Boot in recent history. His 34 ppg is more than anyone else who may contend for these awards. With that said, it still might not be enough even with a 4th state title. Others to consider: [player_tooltip player_id="781838" first="Percy" last="Daniels"] - The Seton Hall signee is the leader of the best team in 3A and he can dominate on both ends of the floor. He should have solid numbers. Just do not know if they are Mr. Basketball or GPOY numbers. [player_tooltip player_id="1055172" first="Corey" last="Chest"] - Chest is regarded by some as the best prospect in the 2023 class. He can score and defend at a high level being dominant at times. He is probably a year away from winning one of these titles however. [player_tooltip player_id="970120" first="Chris" last="Lockett"] - Lockett is the top player in the 2023 class. He also seems to play his best in big games. Those factors will have him in the conversation for one if not both of these trophies. I think he is a year away as well. [player_tooltip player_id="1275271" first="Noah" last="Jonker"] - He has been the top dog most nights for the second best team in 5A. His numbers will be very good at the end of the year. Winning the 5A title (again) may help his chances immensely. There will probably be other players that will get some recognition and will possibly be mentioned for these awards. Even if that happens, I expect the players above to be the serious contenders for Mr. Basketball and Gatorade Player of the Year.

While we are still six weeks away from crowning a state champion, it is never too early to look at who may be named the best player in the state. The title of Mr. Basketball and Gatorade Player of the year are two of the most coveted individual awards. This season seems to be wide open in reference to possible selections. In this Prep Hoops Louisiana exclusive, I will take a look at which players I feel are contenders for these awards.

Primary Contenders (stats provided by Hudl & MaxPreps)

Solomon Washington Solomon Washington 6'7" | SF Carver | 2022 State #127 Nation LA (16 pts / 10 rebounds / 2 assists / 2 steals / 2 blocks)

Washington is the most dynamic player we have in Louisiana. He can change the course of any game whether it is blocking a shot, dunking the ball in transition, or an offensive rebound putback. His stat line against McMain would probably be the numbers writers would like him to average to win. The way he effects the game though will probably outweigh hugh numbers.

Labree Williams Labree Williams 6'6" | SF Calvary Baptist | 2023 #186 Nation FL (21 pts / 11 rebounds / 5 blocks)

Williams has an impressive offensive arsenal. He can finish with either hand in the paint and can score on all three levels. His rebounding, especially on the offensive boards, makes him almost impossible to guard. Averaging a double-double against a tough schedule and being a McDonald’s All-American nominee are feathers in his cap. However, he may to secure a state title to be seriously considered.

Jacob Wilson (20 pts / 7 rebounds / 3 assists / 2 steals)

Wilson has been one of the hottest players this season and his play has gotten him notice from quite a few mid-major schools. He can play everything from point guard to the wing on offense and can defend four positions on defense. He is the best player on a team that has a real shot at a Division II state title. Winning that, along with his numbers, will give him a legit argument.

Jalen Bolden (20 pts / 10 rebounds / 5 assists / 4 steals / 2 blocks)

Whether it has been the Havoc House or opposing gyms, on most nights Bolden has been the best player on the top team in 5A. He is a 20 and 10 player who is averaging three assists a game as well. Bolden punishes defenses on the backboard and in transition. If he helps the Broncos repeat, he will have a legitimate case for being named the best player in the state.

John-Paul Ricks (34 pts / 6 rebounds / 8 assists)

Ricks has been named the best player in Class C before and will probably be named it again this year. He is also one of the most decorated champions that hhas played in the Boot in recent history. His 34 ppg is more than anyone else who may contend for these awards. With that said, it still might not be enough even with a 4th state title.

Others to consider:

Percy Daniels Percy Daniels 6'8" | PF Madison Prep | 2022 State LA - The Seton Hall signee is the leader of the best team in 3A and he can dominate on both ends of the floor. He should have solid numbers. Just do not know if they are Mr. Basketball or GPOY numbers.

Corey Chest Corey Chest 6'7" | SF McMain | 2023 #94 Nation MO - Chest is regarded by some as the best prospect in the 2023 class. He can score and defend at a high level being dominant at times. He is probably a year away from winning one of these titles however.

Chris Lockett Chris Lockett 6'5" | CG Isidore Newman | 2023 State #180 Nation LA - Lockett is the top player in the 2023 class. He also seems to play his best in big games. Those factors will have him in the conversation for one if not both of these trophies. I think he is a year away as well.

Noah Jonker - He has been the top dog most nights for the second best team in 5A. His numbers will be very good at the end of the year. Winning the 5A title (again) may help his chances immensely.

There will probably be other players that will get some recognition and will possibly be mentioned for these awards. Even if that happens, I expect the players above to be the serious contenders for Mr. Basketball and Gatorade Player of the Year.