PHLA Season Preview: The Top Teams College Coaches Need to See

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>College recruiting is an aspect of high school hoops that cannot be ignored. Many college coaches have to make numerous trips throughout their home state in an effort to secure the best talent for their program. While there are talented individuals all around Louisiana, there are some high schools who have an abundance of talent. For some college coaches, these schools would be a one stop shop in their recruiting efforts. In this PHLA season preview, we will look at schools that have a number of talented players. College coaches should mark games for these schools on their calendar because they will see a high number of college recruits.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Newman (Division III state champions)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It would be really hard not to visit Newman on a recruiting trip. They have the top rated back court in the Boot in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='970120' first='Chris' last='Lockett'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1130920' first='Canin' last='Jefferson']</strong>. Those class of 2023 recruits play alongside forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1105540' first='Todd' last='Jones']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1358460' first='Christopher' last='Birden']</strong>. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1277356' first='Chris' last='Leman'] </strong>is another player who has a high ceiling who can start or come off the bench. Transfer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1593728' first='Christopher' last='Cenac']</strong> may end up being the best player in the 2025 class. I did not even mention Arch Manning. They are absolutely loaded. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Madison Prep (Class 3A state champions)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defending state champions in class 3A will play on the select side this season. Even with that change, they are still going to have top tier talent in their midst. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1218216' first='Jayce' last='Depron']</strong> is a sure fire Division I talent and his running mate <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1218217' first='Josh' last='Smith']</strong> is one of the most athletic two guards around. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='970109' first='Dylan' last='Dominique']</strong> is a point guard who can command an offense and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1492968' first='Chris' last='Lindo']</strong> is the newest inside presence for the Chargers. MPA will contend for another title this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Huntington (Class 4A semifinalist)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mack Jones keeps an abundance of talent on Rasberry Lane. Needless to say, the Raiders have three top tier talents and some other athletes that will make this team very dangerous. [player_tooltip player_id='1127251' first='Decedric' last='Webb'] was the hottest player this summer and turned many heads in the college ranks. Guards <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='970119' first='De'kaveon' last='Taylor']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='970139' first='Chris' last='Carpenter']</strong> are two of the best at their positions. Cornerback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1393938' first='Tyler' last='Welch']</strong> is an intriguing talent as well and they may have the shooting of QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='970118' first='Kameron' last='Evans']</strong> as well. Class 4A may not have another group this talented.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wossman (Class 3A state runner-up)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wildcats may be the best non-select team returning this season. They have an uber-talented back court with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1285330' first='Antron' last='Mason II']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1105533' first='Jordan' last='Comanche']</strong> at the guards. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1213597' first='Kamron' last='Coleman']</strong> commands the paint on the boards and he is the ultimate rim protector and energy player. Wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='970124' first='Juvian' last='Keys'] </strong>may be the x-factor. He is one of the best two-way players in the state and they will have him for a full season. Wossman will be a hard team to beat at home or on the road. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Peabody (Class 4A quarterfinalist)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Legendary coach Charles Smith has a team that may intimidate foes when they walk in the gym. Wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='970140' first='Kevin' last='Jones']</strong> is a lock down defender and a highlight reel built in one. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1479617' first='Demichael' last='Chew']</strong> can fill it up from the perimeter. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1479625' first='Broderick' last='Brooks']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1479623' first='Justin' last='Burns'] </strong>are long, athletic wings who can cause some issues in the paint. Forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1105593' first='Jordan' last='Mathews']</strong> is a stud who can command the paint on offense and defense. This team is tough and hard-nosed. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other teams to see</strong>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Northside - </strong>Guards <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1213776' first='Jayden' last='Dugas']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1130801' first='Zion' last='McCoy']</strong> can dominate on the perimeter. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1471641' first='Jamarian' last='Johnnie']</strong> is a special talent at the wing/forward</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Port Allen - [player_tooltip player_id='1218215' first='Aries' last='Lewis'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1273359' first='Elliot' last='Mcquillan']</strong> are two highly talented players. The supporting cast may be younger but it is talented as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>North Central - </strong>There are no two better wings than <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='970125' first='De'Vion' last='Lavergne']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1105550' first='McKennis' last='Savoie']</strong>. Both lead by example which will help the troops with them this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Pineville - </strong>Forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1479618' first='Javonte' last='Thomas'] </strong>is a force in the paint and guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1381586' first='E'derick' last='Coleman']</strong> is a high flying combo guard. They have a ton of perimeter help which will help them during the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ruston -</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1273400' first='Braylan' last='McNeal']</strong> is a difference maker/game changer on both ends while guards <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1105544' first='Jamadrion' last='Lillard']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1347443' first='Aidan' last='Anding']</strong> can shoot and defend. They are a very athletic team who can defend </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Zachary - </strong>They may be a younger version but the 5A champs should be very good this season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1130799' first='Brandon' last='Hardy']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1347180' first='Xavier' last='Ferguson']</strong> will be players to watch all year long.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Northwood-Lena - [player_tooltip player_id='1213564' first='Jonathan' last='Barron']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='970126' first='Omarion' last='Layssard'] </strong>are battle tested at the guard position. The return of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1213563' first='Randarius' last='Morris']</strong> to his form last summer will make them tough to beat. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The season kicks off for these teams in mid-November. A number of them will be playing in the Showdown in the Lake at the beginning of December. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->