PHLA Season Preview: The Top Teams College Coaches Need to See
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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…
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Continue ReadingCollege 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.
Newman (Division III state champions)
It would be really hard not to visit Newman on a recruiting trip. They have the top rated back court in the Boot in Chris Lockett Chris Lockett 6'5" | CG Isidore Newman | 2023 State #180 Nation LA and Canin Jefferson Canin Jefferson 6'1" | PG Newman | 2023 State LA . Those class of 2023 recruits play alongside forward Todd Jones Todd Jones 6'8" | PF Newman | 2024 State #185 Nation LA and Christopher Birden Christopher Birden 6'8" | SF Isidore Newman | 2025 State #282 Nation LA . Chris Leman Chris Leman 6'7" | PF Newman | 2024 NLG is another player who has a high ceiling who can start or come off the bench. Transfer Christopher Cenac Christopher Cenac 6'9" | SF Isidore Newman | 2025 State #54 Nation LA may end up being the best player in the 2025 class. I did not even mention Arch Manning. They are absolutely loaded.
Madison Prep (Class 3A state champions)
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. Jayce Depron Jayce Depron 7'5" | CG Madison Prep | 2024 State LA is a sure fire Division I talent and his running mate Josh Smith Josh Smith 6'3" | PG Madison Prep | 2024 State LA is one of the most athletic two guards around. Dylan Dominique Dylan Dominique 6'0" | PG Madison Prep | 2023 State LA is a point guard who can command an offense and Chris Lindo Chris Lindo 6'6" | PF Madison Prep | 2025 State LA is the newest inside presence for the Chargers. MPA will contend for another title this season.
Huntington (Class 4A semifinalist)
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. Decedric Webb Decedric Webb 6'5" | SF Huntington | 2023 State LA was the hottest player this summer and turned many heads in the college ranks. Guards De’kaveon Taylor De’kaveon Taylor 6'3" | CG Huntington | 2023 State LA and Chris Carpenter Chris Carpenter 5'9" | PG Huntington | 2023 State LA are two of the best at their positions. Cornerback Tyler Welch Tyler Welch 6'1" | PG Huntington | 2025 State LA is an intriguing talent as well and they may have the shooting of QB Kameron Evans Kameron Evans 6'2" | CG Huntington | 2023 State LA as well. Class 4A may not have another group this talented.
Wossman (Class 3A state runner-up)
The Wildcats may be the best non-select team returning this season. They have an uber-talented back court with Antron Mason II Antron Mason II 6'1" | CG Wossman | 2025 State LA and Jordan Comanche Jordan Comanche 6'6" | CG Wossman | 2024 State LA at the guards. Kamron Coleman Kamron Coleman 6'8" | PF Wossman | 2023 State LA commands the paint on the boards and he is the ultimate rim protector and energy player. Wing Juvian Keys Juvian Keys 6'2" | SG Wossman | 2023 State LA 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.
Peabody (Class 4A quarterfinalist)
Legendary coach Charles Smith has a team that may intimidate foes when they walk in the gym. Wing Kevin Jones Kevin Jones 6'4" | SF Peabody | 2023 State LA is a lock down defender and a highlight reel built in one. Demichael Chew Demichael Chew 6'3" | SG Peabody | 2024 State LA can fill it up from the perimeter. Broderick Brooks Broderick Brooks 6'4" | SG Zachary | 2024 State LA and Justin Burns Justin Burns 6'4" | SF Peabody | 2024 State LA are long, athletic wings who can cause some issues in the paint. Forward Jordan Mathews Jordan Mathews 6'5" | SF Peabody | 2024 State LA is a stud who can command the paint on offense and defense. This team is tough and hard-nosed.
Other teams to see:
Northside – Guards Jayden Dugas Jayden Dugas 6'2" | CG Northside | 2023 State LA and Zion McCoy Zion McCoy 6'1" | SG Northside | 2023 State LA can dominate on the perimeter. Jamarian Johnnie Jamarian Johnnie 6'5" | SF Northside | 2023 State LA is a special talent at the wing/forward
Port Allen – Aries Lewis Aries Lewis 6'6" | SF Port Allen | 2024 State LA and Elliot McQuillan Elliot McQuillan 6'2" | SG Port Allen | 2023 State LA are two highly talented players. The supporting cast may be younger but it is talented as well.
North Central – There are no two better wings than De’Vion Lavergne De’Vion Lavergne 6'3" | CG North Central | 2023 State LA and McKennis Savoie McKennis Savoie 6'2" | CG North Central | 2024 State LA . Both lead by example which will help the troops with them this season.
Pineville – Forward Javonte Thomas Javonte Thomas 6'6" | PF Pineville | 2024 State LA is a force in the paint and guard E’derick Coleman E’derick Coleman 6'0" | CG Pineville | 2023 State LA is a high flying combo guard. They have a ton of perimeter help which will help them during the season.
Ruston – Braylan McNeal Braylan McNeal 6'6" | SF Ruston | 2023 State LA is a difference maker/game changer on both ends while guards Jamadrion Lillard Jamadrion Lillard 6'3" | CG Ruston | 2024 State LA and Aidan Anding Aidan Anding 6'0" | SG Ruston | 2025 State LA can shoot and defend. They are a very athletic team who can defend
Zachary – They may be a younger version but the 5A champs should be very good this season. Brandon Hardy Brandon Hardy 6'4" | SG Zachary | 2023 State #234 Nation LA and Xavier Ferguson Xavier Ferguson 6'2" | CG Zachary | 2025 State #322 Nation LA will be players to watch all year long.
Northwood-Lena – Jonathan Barron Jonathan Barron 5'11" | PG Northwood-Lena | 2023 State LA and Omarion Layssard Omarion Layssard 6'2" | SG Northwood | 2023 State LA are battle tested at the guard position. The return of Randarius Morris Randarius Morris 6'4" | SF Northwood-Lena | 2023 State LA to his form last summer will make them tough to beat.
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.