Statement Session Preview: Men in the Middle
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The Statement Session has quickly become one of the premier evaluation events in its short period of existence in Louisiana. Mal Mundy and Hoopfest Tours gather together 40 of the top players in the junior and senior class and allow…
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Continue ReadingThe Statement Session has quickly become one of the premier evaluation events in its short period of existence in Louisiana. Mal Mundy and Hoopfest Tours gather together 40 of the top players in the junior and senior class and allow them to showcase their talent in front of college coaches from multiple levels. This year, the Statement Session has a group of big men that may be the best that this event has had since its inception. In this Prep Hoops Louisiana exclusive, we will take a look at the young men who will be manning the middle for their prospective teams at this event.
Todd Jones Todd Jones 6'8" | PF Newman | 2024 State #185 Nation LA (Newman | 6’8″)
The Newman big man has definitely made strides this summer and added to what was already an impressive skill set. Jones has always had the ability to score over each shoulder and his energy and effort have made him more dangerous. He can beat most bigs down the floor which gives his team an advantage in transition while he acts as a rim protector on the other end. Couple that with his scoring ability and willingness to compete and Jones may stamp his signature as the top prospect in Louisiana at the Statement Session.
Trey’Dez Green Trey’Dez Green 6'8" | PF Zachary | 2024 State #54 Nation LA (East Feliciana | 6’7″)
Every sportswriter that has seen Green has raved about his basketball ability. When he gets on the floor, Green rarely disappoints. Green is an ultra-athletic forward who can dominate a game by commanding the boards or by scoring in the paint. His ability to put the ball on the deck and drive left and right makes him almost impossible to guard at times. He does not attempt many outside shots. However, if he begins to make those consistently, he will only grow as a high level recruit.
Cardez Norman Cardez Norman 6'6" | PF Sterlington | 2024 LA (Sterlington | 6’6″)
Norman was one of the surprises of the summer. His play during the July live period opened a lot of eyes to his talent. Norman is an old school rebounder and grabs everything with two hands. He has a ton of strength and rebounds and finishes layups amidst contact on every possession. Norman may be the strongest and best transition big we have in Louisiana right now. He will be something to watch at Youngsville.
Dorian Booker Dorian Booker 6'10" | PF Scotlandville | 2023 State LA (Scotlandville | 6’10”)
Booker was one of the better interior players during the UAA event in Georgia and I believe he will carry that good play into the Statement Session. He is a load, to say the least, in the paint. Booker is an above average rebounder who has very good hands. Once he catches the ball, whether from a pass or rebound, Booker will make something good happen. The Scotlandville lefty is most comfortable scoring over his right shoulder within 6 to 8 feet from the basket. Booker is very hard to stop when he gets deep paint touches.
Jeremiah Evans Jeremiah Evans 6'10" | C Southwood | 2024 State #249 Nation LA (Southwood | 6’9″)
Evans may have the most complete skill set in this group of big men. He can put it on the deck, shoot the ball fluently from range, and score in the paint. Evans also has some of the best timing and protects the rim well. There may be times when he settles on the perimeter but I think that is just due to the confidence he has in his skills. An event where he actually faces other top posts and not be teamed with them may show how talented the Cowboy big really is.
Edward Kornbacher Edward Kornbacher 6'8" | PF Liberty | 2023 State LA (Liberty | 6’8″)
Kornbacher is a big who likes to finish above the rim more times than not. He is very good at catching passes from dump-offs in tight spaces and finishing with authority. While Kornbacher will use a short hook when he is in the paint, more times than not he is trying to tear the rim off when he scores. He has expanded his game and will make wide open threes. When it comes to being more of a traditional four with his back to the basket and finishing at the rim, Kornbacher fits that mode.
Ronneal Harold Ronneal Harold 6'6" | PF Amite | 2023 State LA (Amite | 6’7″) – pictured above
While Harold may eventually play facing the basket, he is very polished at scoring with his back to it. He is very good at catching the ball on either block and finishing at or above the rim. Harold is also comfortable with taking and making short jumpers from the baseline or underneath the charity stripe. While he is very good at finishing in transition as well which makes him a threat all over the floor.
The Statement Session will begin Saturday, August the 6th at 10 AM at Youngsville High school in the Acadiana area of Louisiana. There will definitely be some fireworks in the gym as these young men come to play in one of the most competitive evaluation sessions before they begin the school year.