PHLA Season Preview: Louisiana Guards to Watch under 6'0"

Guards under six feet definitely get it done in Louisiana. Prep stars like [player_tooltip player_id='1055169' first='Kam' last='Johnson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='970139' first='Chris' last='Carpenter'] show game after game that they can compete with the guards over six feet and more times than not that they are better. There is a crop of guards under six feet that will be players to pay attention to as the season goes. In this PH Louisiana season preview, we will highlight some of the guards to watch this season who are under the six foot threshold.   [player_tooltip player_id='1218184' first='Michael' last='Bougere'] (5'7" | Jehovah-Jireh)   Bougere has been a big part of the Jehovah-Jireh success the last two years. Now, in his junior season, he will have the ball in his hands a ton as he steps into the leadership role vacated by JP Ricks. Bougere is a guard who can control tempo and shoot well from the perimeter which is a good recipe for success.   Ozavian Buford (5'9" | Airline)   The Viking lefty showed this summer that he is a player who cannot be left open as he had multiple games with 3-plus triples. Buford is a tough defender and understands positioning and footwork. While his offense will secure him playing time, it will be his defense that will decide how much he plays for Coach Hamilton.   [player_tooltip player_id='1105532' first='Braylen' last='Clark'] (5'9" | Evangel)   Clark has been the steady hand in the Eagle back court for the last two years. He is a true point guard who loves the mid-range jumper and floater. This season he will have one of his better teams with him as the Eagles look to break through on the select side under his steady hand.   [player_tooltip player_id='1448895' first='Lance' last='Gorayeb'] (5'8" | Slaughter Community Charter)   Gorayeb is a point guard who can find his way to the rim. When he gets there, he is very good at finishing at the rim with either hand. Gorayeb is also good at reading passing lanes to get into transition. His combination of offense and defense should help Slaughter Community compete in Class 1A.   [player_tooltip player_id='1387999' first='Lionel' last='Larvadain'] (5'10" | McMain)   Larvadain is a package of dynamite when he is on the floor. He is a player who can score at all three levels and he is very explosive when he is going to the rack. His combination of strength and athleticism will give the opposition fits this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1476124' first='Karson' last='Mabou'] (5'9" | Buckeye)   The Buckeye lefty is a hard-nosed and tough player who is not afraid to take shots and make plays at winning time. Mabou is also a heady guard who uses his IQ to get his team into positions to score. His combination of knowledge and grit should have Buckeye highly competitive in district 2-3A.   [player_tooltip player_id='1105545' first='Greg' last='Manning'] (5'9" | Benton)   One of the best running backs in the state is also one of the best scoring point guards in Louisiana. Manning is a blur in the open floor and gets to the rim in a hurry. He can light up teams from deep and is good for scoring double digits nightly. He is Benton's unquestioned top threat this year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1560445' first='Chase' last='Mcclinton'] (5'10" | Zachary)   McClinton is another guard who plays the point like it is supposed to be played. He is a pass first guard who can get into the paint and make teams pay with the floater or a good pass to an open shooter. McClinton is also fast in transition and can pressure a defense that way.   E'Jayden McDonald (5'9" | Captain Shreve)   McDonald played a ton this summer for the Gators. If his performance reigns true, he will see his fair share of varsity run this season. McDonald is tough but quick. He changes direction with the ball on a dime and gets to the rim in a hurry. His speed will be a key factor to his success.   [player_tooltip player_id='1213631' first='Derrick' last='Morris'] (5'9" | St. Michael's)   Morris may be the smartest of these guards because he knows how to communicate on the floor. He is very vocal on switches and calls out everything in the half court. By the way, Morris can get the rim and create mismatches with his speed which spells trouble for the defense.   [player_tooltip player_id='1543647' first='Cooper' last='Nelson'] (5'8" | Sterlington)   The Sterlington point guard has an assortment of moves that he uses to be effective on the floor. During the Freshman showcase, he wore out defenses with his ability to start and stop with the ball and create scoring or passing opportunities. With a better understanding of the team offense, the sky is the limit for this guard.   [player_tooltip player_id='1471643' first='Simeon' last='Powell'] (5'11" | Amite)   Powell is a smart point guard who can get it done by scoring or distributing. He is lightning quick to the rim and has a feathery touch from outside. Powell can take over a game when necessary which adds another dimension to his skill. One of the best point guards in his class.   [player_tooltip player_id='1130733' first='Tahj' last='Roots'] (5'10" | Bossier)   Roots is one of the best perimeter defenders in Louisiana. He prides himself on giving the opposition fits on the defensive side of the ball. Roots is also an excellent catch and shoot guy from three. When he has his offense going, his defense gets better. That spells trouble for the other team.   [player_tooltip player_id='1376911' first='Mike' last='Thornton'] (5'10" | C.E.Byrd)   Thornton was the lone bright spot on a Yellow Jacket team that went into St. Augustine and won a playoff game. He is a guard who can get into the teeth of defenses and finish through punishment. Thornton is a natural leader and will be a key asset in the continued development of this Byrd squad.   Being below six feet can have advantages and these guards above are ballplayers who know how to exploit them to benefit them. This is just a few to look for, however Watch out for these players. They might be small but they pack a big punch when it comes to their team success.

Guards under six feet definitely get it done in Louisiana. Prep stars like Kam Johnson Kam Johnson 5'9" | PG Archbishop Shaw | 2023 State LA and Chris Carpenter Chris Carpenter 5'9" | PG Huntington | 2023 State LA show game after game that they can compete with the guards over six feet and more times than not that they are better. There is a crop of guards under six feet that will be players to pay attention to as the season goes. In this PH Louisiana season preview, we will highlight some of the guards to watch this season who are under the six foot threshold.