15 Under-the-Radar Players to Watch this Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The term under-the-radar means that a player or group of players do not get enough recognition for the things they can do. In Louisiana, there are a large number of players who do not get their fair shake in the Louisiana landscape because of where they play or what level. With an army of players in this boat, we will try to shine the light on some of those players today. We will take a look at fifteen players who are under-the-radar in Louisiana hoops circles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1273401' first='Jabbari' last='Barry'] (Barbe | 6'1")</strong> - Berry is one of the best point guards in the state few people know about. His high level of play permeates through his ability to finish through traffic and find open players. This Barbe team will be one of the best non-select 5A teams so Berry will definitely get a chance to open some eyes to his high level talent. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1057517' first='Malaki' last='Thomas'] (Calvary Baptist | 6'3")</strong> - Thomas came back from a knee injury and gave the Cavs an extra boost during their Division IV title game run. Now as a healthy senior, he will contribute from day one. He is good on both backboards and can extend the floor with his shot. His inside play will be paramount in the Cavs success this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1213568' first='Jalan' last='Washington'] (White Castle | 6'2")</strong> - Washington is a high IQ, play-making guard who can get to the rim with his quick first step. He is a very good passer and finisher in transition. His value to the team is way more than what you see in a box score. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1560363' first='Mason' last='Lavergne'] (Dunham | 5'10")</strong> - Lavergne is one of the quickest point guards around. He can leave a defender standing and when he gets to the rim, he can take a hit. Lavergne has the point guard skills to be an all-district performer. Dunham will need him to play at that level this season </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1130729' first='Darius' last='Anderson'] (Southwood | 6'2")</strong> - Anderson is a high level defender and an improved shooter. His value on the defensive end will be a big help to the Pokes this season</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1381591' first='Maurea' last='Hudson'] (Northwood | 6'3")</strong> - The Falcons' fortunes may rest on the shoulders of Hudson. He is an athletic, two-way player who can change the game by scoring or getting stops</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1471598' first='Wendell' last='Hampton'] (Shaun Dumas | 6'5")</strong> - Hampton is a versatile inside presence who is a menace on the offensive boards. He has good range to 18 feet which makes him hard to defend</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Emanuel Luzardo (Anacoco | 6'8")</strong> - Luzardo was a double-double machine last season on one of the best teams in Class B. He should be a dominant force on that level this season</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1471642' first='Shea' last='Plowden'] (David Thibodaux | 6'0")</strong> - Plowden can play either guard position and play it well. He can score in bunches and is lethal from deep when he is really rolling</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1130731' first='Laythan' last='Delaney'] (Haughton | 6'4")</strong> - The Haughton lefty may be undersized but he is a load in the paint. He is hard to move off the block and can get his shot off against anyone</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1428891' first='Bowman' last='Lovell'] (Providence Classical | 6'0")</strong> - Lovell is one of the best shooters in the state. Playing in the MAIS gets him less looks. He is definitely a player who cannot be left open from three</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bryant Major (Chalmette | 5'11")</strong> - The junior guard has an ability to disrupt offenses with his quick hands and feet. When he is in the open floor, he is a very good decision maker</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1213600' first='Jamil' last='Brooks'] (Woodlawn-Shreveport | 6'2")</strong> - He may not have the height of his older brothers but he is just as athletic. Brooks can defend multiple positions and protect the rim. He is a slasher who is at his best when he is headed downhill</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1213779' first='Mekel' last='Hart'] (Captain Shreve | 6'4")</strong> - One of the most versatile big men in the Boot. Hart can facilitate, rebound, and shoot, while defending multiple positions. He is a Swiss Army knife. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1600639' first='Tj' last='Grider'] (Minden | 6'1")</strong> - Grider is an undersized post who rebounds like someone six inches taller. He is a double-double waiting to happen who can dish it out as well as he takes it </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Watch for these players as scrimmages and Hall of Fame games continue to unfold around the state. These players are potential all-district and all-state performers this season</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->