Prospects to Watch in 2022-2023

There was a lot of basketball played by preps from Louisiana in June and July. From team camp action to grassroots games during the live period, there were players who made some genuine growth during the break between school sessions. In this Prep Hoops Louisiana article, that is who we will highlight. These players may not have been stars on the grassroots circuit; however, they are players to watch when the new season begins.   [player_tooltip player_id='1213779' first='Mekel' last='Hart'] (Captain Shreve / 2023)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/01/IMG_5739.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/01/IMG_5739.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1361702" width="174" height="262"/></a><figcaption>Photo: Kevin Pickens Kevin Pickens Facebook Page</figcaption></figure>   The grassroots circuits missed a jewel with the absence of Hart. He is one of the most versatile players in all of Louisiana. Hart is a rebounding machine who is very good on the offensive boards. He is a smidge under 6'5" but he can handle the ball like a small guard in open floor and is a very good passer. Hart is very good at the mid-range and is expanding his range behind the arc. While Hart might not go for big scoring numbers during the season, he fills the stat sheet in numerous ways. He is delight to see on the hardwood.   [player_tooltip player_id='970124' first='Juvian' last='Keys'] (Wossman / 2023)   The Wildcats played without Keys for the majority of last season and made it to the state title game. If June was a preview of what is to come, Keys is going to be one of the best players in class 3A. Juvian is guard who defends like his life depends on it every possession. He has great lateral movement and believes in getting up into the personal space of who he is defending. On offense, Keys can drive with either hand is very good finishing through contact. The way he plays on the perimeter on both ends makes Keys a valuable asset to the Wossman lineup.   [player_tooltip player_id='970110' first='Eric' last='Washington'] (Delhi / 2023)   Washington was one of the best guards that played during the one day team camps at Airline in June. The Bears play a wide open, up-tempo style and Washington fits right into that mode. His ability to finish in transition is one of his best traits. He can score at all three levels as well and defend multiple positions. Washington is a quick leaper and is apt to catch an offensive rebound for a dunk without notice. He is one of the more athletic guards people will see this season.   Demarcus Jack (Elton / 2023)   Jack is an all-district performer (5-1A) who was not on one of the premier circuits all summer. What he is though is a player who can rebound and score in the mid-range with some of the more talented players Louisiana has. Jack is very good from the free throw line in as far as scoring is concerned. He has good elevation on his jumper and is hard to box out when the ball comes off the rim. With improvement to his handle, Jack may end up being a steal for a program.   [player_tooltip player_id='1484700' first='Maurice' last='Carson'] (Southwood / 2024) - picture above   The Cowboy guard played with OWE-RW3 on the Prep Hoops circuit this summer. While most coaches were worried about recruiting on the 17U level, this 16U player was blossoming in his role. Carson is good off of screens and pin down action. From those sets, he had plenty of room to let the orange fly. Along with shooting the ball well, Carson improved greatly in his attacks of the rim. He seemed more under control and sure of himself going to the basket. With the growth in his drive game to complement his shooting, Carson will be a threat for the Pokes this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1105533' first='Jordan' last='Comanche'] (Wossman / 2024)   Comanche played a lot of point guard for Casey Jones during June. It seemed like every game he played, the better he got. Standing at 6'5", Comanche already has the ability to shoot over anyone that guards him. Playing the point, he was able to see over everyone as well. This helped him display his playmaking skills. Comanche already had a scary skill set considering all he can do. With improved skills as a facilitator, the sky is the limit for him.   [player_tooltip player_id='1381591' first='Maurea' last='Hudson'] (Northwood / 2023)   Hudson was slowed by a leg injury this summer but played through it during the June team camp period. By the time the month was coming to a close, he was beginning to regain his form which might be trouble for teams in class 4A. Hudson has length and is a superb leaper. His finishing ability in transition can be jaw-dropping at times. Hudson showed that he is not bad at making plays for others as well. He will fly under a lot of radars this season because of where he plays. His skills are tantalizing to see in action; however.   These players may not have been big time follows on the grassroots circuit or even played grassroots basketball this summer. While this may hurt them in recruiting early on, they will be players that get their share of buzz by the time the season ends.

There was a lot of basketball played by preps from Louisiana in June and July. From team camp action to grassroots games during the live period, there were players who made some genuine growth during the break between school sessions. In this Prep Hoops Louisiana article, that is who we will highlight. These players may not have been stars on the grassroots circuit; however, they are players to watch when the new season begins.