PHLA Season Preview: Eight Players to Watch during 2022-2023

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It is October and we are midway through the high school football season. This also means that the high school basketball season is upon us. There will be a lot of players in new situations and have new responsibilities with their teams this season. In this preseason preview, we will take a look at eight players who will be in that situation. These players to watch will serve big time roles for their team this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1130801' first='Zion' last='McCoy'] (6'2" / Northside)</strong> - pictured above</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The senior guard from Northside will probably have one of the best teams in Class 4A around him. Even though he has a ton of help, he showed this summer that he can be a force on the hardwood. McCoy can score at all three levels. However, when he gets his three ball going, it opens up the rest of his game. McCoy can also close the shop as well in late game situations. His ability to score may be the key to a deep run for Northside. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1218192' first='Wayne' last='Randall-Bashay'] (6'4" / New Iberia)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Randall-Bashay is the all-around player that teams fear. This season, he will probably need to be just that for New Iberia to have a deep playoff run. Randall-Bashay can facilitate the offense, score from the wing and in the paint, and defend the rim. He is a true inside-outside threat and a two-way player. He has not had to put up big scoring numbers before. However, this season may be the one where he needs to dominate both ends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1273399' first='Stafford' last='Bailey'] (6'3" / Minden)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a deep district 1-4A, the Crimson Tide will need Bailey to do a lot offensively. Stafford has shown flashes during the summer of a player who can attack the rim and light it up from deep. He will more than likely need to do this on a nightly basis against foes like Huntington, Bossier, and Woodlawn-Shreveport. With a mature cast riding with him this season, Bailey may put up some big numbers as the lead guard. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1213621' first='Brady' last='Alexander'] (6'2" / Hornbeck)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1269664,"width":276,"height":184,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Alexander-Brady-3.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Alexander-Brady-3-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1269664" width="276" height="184"/></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alexander was part of a one-two punch with Jaren Mitcham. While he ultimately ended up being named to the Class C, all-state 2nd team, Alexander may need to take it up another notch this season. Brady can score anywhere from 17 feet out and is a very good free throw shooter. He can also clear space and crash the offensive boards. His ability to score inside and out will be a key if Hornbeck wants to return to Marsh Madness. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1105549' first='Laurence' last='Nathan'] (6'1" / Carver)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nathan has been a contributor on two of the best teams we have seen in recent history. This year, in his junior season, Nathan will be expected to carry a larger offensive role. During the summer, he has shown the totality of his game whether it is facilitating or shooting the ball from the perimeter. His ability to get to the rim will be another key as Carver attempts to win back-to-back state titles while moving to the select side. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='970107' first='Lakavin' last='Thomas'] (6'1" / Bossier)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The last time the Bearkats were in 4A, they won a state title and Thomas was a key member of that team. Fast forward three years and Bossier is back in 4A and Thomas is once again a focal point in the Bossier offense. He is an explosive guard when he has a head full of steam going to the rim. The lefty is also strong and takes contact well. He is coming off of a season where Covid and confidence were an issue. If he has the latter back, expect a monster season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1394528' first='Travon' last='Varner'] (6'2" / Neville)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When a four year starter and 2000 point scorer leaves, that is a lot of production to replace. Neville thinks they have someone who can do that in [player_tooltip player_id='1394528' first='Travon' last='Varner'], however. Varner is a highly skilled guard who can get to the rim, pass the rock, and score from the perimeter. This summer, he put the team on his back a couple of times and displayed how he can fill it up. 2-4A has a new prep star in the district and I believe Varner is it. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1218193' first='Jamarion' last='Thomas'] (6'1" / Live Oak)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1557884,"width":268,"height":179,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/08/664-Jamarion-Thomas.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/08/664-Jamarion-Thomas-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1557884" width="268" height="179"/></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thomas was one of the best young point guards in the Boot last season and helped lead Live Oak to the playoffs. He is a point guard who has the offensive game and basketball IQ to carry a team if need be. Thomas can probe the lane and make things happen with the pass or put the ball in the hole. To win their district, Live Oak will need the offensive output of their lead guard. I think Thomas will be up to the task.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The season begins Halloween night for Division V, Class C, and Class B. All other classes begin November 14th. Look for these players to be some of the best preps in their respective districts and regions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->