From Seniors to Freshmen: Players to Watch in District 1-5A

District 1-5A is one of the biggest and most competitive districts in the state. All of the games in this district seem like a rivalry because all parties have basically grown up around one another. This year is no different even two games in. There are some players who will make a difference for the Bossier and Shreveport teams in this district. In this PHLA exclusive, we will take a look at some of the difference makers in that area.

Jeremiah Evans Jeremiah Evans 6'10" | PF Southwood | 2024 State #145 Nation LA (6’9″| Southwood)

After a dominant 37 point, 20 rebound performance against Benton, Evans has hoisted himself to the forefront as one of the best players in not just 1-5A, but all of Class 5A. He has improved his finishing ability and he is changing a ton of shots at the rim. He plays both ends of the floor as well as any player.

Caleb Evans Caleb Evans 5'10" | PG Parkway | 2026 State LA (5’9″ | Parkway)

Evans has been impressive as a freshmen guard playing varsity. He has shown that he can handle full court pressure, tight man-to-man, and anything else thrown at him. Evans has shown that he can get his team into sets and facilitate their offense. There are some veterans guards in 1-5A who do not have his poise. Evans is going to be a good guard for years to come.

Trevon Jackson Trevon Jackson 5'10" | PG Airline | 2024 State LA (5’11” | Airline)

For Airline to have a shot at the district 1-5A title, Jackson is going to have to be at the top of his game. He has the ability to put defenses in difficult situations with his skill set. Jackson is very good at shooting the corner three but he can get to the rack as well. When he has both going, there is a hard time finding a better guard in the district.

Greg Manning Greg Manning 5'6" | PG Benton | 2024 State LA (5’9″ | Benton)

There are not many guards who are a threat from anywhere on the floor. And by anywhere, I mean from baseline to baseline. Manning can take the ball full court and finish, make open or contested threes, and has several finishes at the rim off the glass. He is faster than most guards and his change of direction causes defenders to be left in his wake. Manning can go for 20-plus at any time which makes him a scary player to defend.

Mekel Hart Mekel Hart 6'5" | SF Captain Shreve | 2023 State LA (6’5″ | Captain Shreve)

Hart is the most talented forward that no one talks about. He is an inside threat who can step out and shoot on the perimeter. Hart can also facilitate the offense like a true point forward. He is not a demonstrative guy on the court but he will give teams the business if he is having his way. Having the ability to do multiple things on the floor and defend makes him important in Shreve’s district title chase.

Laythan Delaney Laythan Delaney 6'4" | PF Haughton | 2023 State LA (6’4″ | Haughton)

For Haughton to win their district against some of the defenses they will play, Delaney has to perform at a high level. Delaney is a high motor lefty who teams cannot seem to stop getting to his dominant hand. He is also one of the best rebounders in the district. When Delaney has things going, it is hard to stop him or the Bucs.

Kerrick Morris Kerrick Morris 6'2" | SG Southwood | 2023 State LA (6’3″ | Southwood)

This senior has had a wrong road back to the floor having to sit out until this month. Along with the first name on this list, Morris is someone who can change a game with his shooting and his skill. He is a long and athletic wing who can defend multiple positions. Prior to his exodus, he was known as a sniper from three. If he can get back to that, it will take Southwood to a different level.

Marcus Lofton Marcus Lofton 5'10" | PG Captain Shreve | 2025 State LA (5’10” | Captain Shreve)

Being a sophomore point guard is a tough task for any guard. Being one for a team who has eyes on a state title is a lot of pressure. That is the plight of Marcus Lofton Marcus Lofton 5'10" | PG Captain Shreve | 2025 State LA and he seems to be up to the task so far. As the head of the Shreve offense, he has scored the ball when need be. Lofton has played high level defense within the teams scheme as well. With him playing at a mature level, Shreve might be ready for Marsh Madness.

Mike Thornton Mike Thornton 5'10" | PG C.E. Byrd | 2023 State LA (5’10 | C.E. Byrd)

Thornton is truly the best point guard in the district. He can facilitate, get to the rim, and make practically every pass there is. The Yellow Jackets are on the select side so they will definitely have a chance to make the playoffs. If Thornton is on his game, they may surprise some with their district finish. Thornton is the leader of some young players. He has the game though that can elevate a team.

District 1-5A play will continue this week with some key matchups. Parkway visits Airline and attempts to not start out 0-3. Southwood has a road tilt at Haughton before hosting Byrd at home at the end of the week. Captain Shreve will be looking to extend their winning streak if they can beat Benton and Haughton this week. It will be exciting.