Power Forwards & Centers to Watch in 2023-24

Louisiana may not have a ton of big men. However, they learn to play with their back to the basket in the paint. While the state is know for guard play, these big men can easily contribute on the next level. In this Prep Hoops article, we will look at some of the best power forwards and centers in the state.   [player_tooltip player_id='1105554' first='Kameron' last='Williams'] (LCA | 6'8" | 2024) - Williams is a 4 star player who can score at all three levels. He has not led Lafayette Christian to a title like his older brother; however, he has all the tools to take over a game if he wants to. He is a nightmare to guard because of his feathery touch from deep and his big frame in the post.   [player_tooltip player_id='1159181' first='Trey'dez' last='Green'] (Zachary | 6'8" | 2024) - The state's best tight end is also one of the top power forwards in the 2024 class. Green can stretch the floor but does most of his work on the block. He is stronger than most other forwards and he can finish over and through players. Being at Zachary, he is in line to have an all-state type of year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1105540' first='Todd' last='Jones'] (Newman | 6'8" | 2024) - Jones is another four star athlete who is actually in the ESPN Top 100. He is a rim protector who can get out on the break and finish. Jones can also score over both shoulders and is very hard to block out on the offensive boards. With his developing perimeter game, he will be an intriguing player for the next level.   [player_tooltip player_id='1105536' first='Jeremiah' last='Evans'] (Southwood | 6'10" | 2024) - Evans may end up being the best prospect in this class. He is a forward who can stretch the floor from behind the arc, shoot the mid-range jumper, and put the ball on the floor. He is coming off a district MVP season where he dominated both ends of the floor. Look for him to have a similar performance this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1480391' first='Allen' last='Graves'] (Ponchatoula | 6'8" | 2024) - A state champion last season who can lead his team to repeat the feat. Graves is a marksman from three who can also score and rebound. He has trimmed down and is now a threat to put the ball on the floor and finish through contact. His skill set will give teams trouble all season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1479618' first='Javonte' last='Thomas'] (Pineville | 6'6" | 2024) - Thomas is a rim protector and a space eater on the offensive and defensive boards. He is good at rebounding on the offensive boards and keeping the ball high so that he can go right back up. Thomas shrug off contact and score as well which makes him a threat at all times on offense.   [player_tooltip player_id='1277356' first='Chris' last='Leman'] (Newman | 6'7" | 2024) - The Newman lefty is another big that is hard to keep off the boards. He is very crafty on the offensive boards and uses his height well. Leman is also a good passer from the high post and a good shooter from the free throw line extended. He may not be a primary threat but he is one you have to account for on defense.   [player_tooltip player_id='1105593' first='Jordan' last='Mathews'] (Peabody | 6'6" | 2024) - Mathews has been a contributor to the Warhorses success since he stepped on campus. Coming into his senior season, he has become an all-around player. He is a great offensive rebounder who has expanded his offensive game to 18 feet. His mid-range jumper mixed with his ability to handle makes him a threat from numerous spots on the floor.   [player_tooltip player_id='1218215' first='Aries' last='Lewis'] (Port Allen | 6'6" | 2024) - Lewis is one of the most athletic forwards we have in Louisiana. His ability to run the floor gives him an advantage over most forwards in Louisiana. Lewis is active on both ends of the floor on the boards. He has a quick second jump that give him an advantage. Look for him to be a double-double player on most nights this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1585163' first='Malik' last='Miner'] (JF Kennedy | 6'8" | 2024) - Miner is a little raw offensively but he is athletic and can change any game with his effort on defense and the way he runs the floor. Miner is imposing around the rim and changes a ton of shots. His ability to defend and finish at the rim will make him an interesting prospect going forward.   [player_tooltip player_id='1358460' first='Christopher' last='Birden'] (Newman | 6'7" | 2025) - Birden is a player who stretches the floor or takes other forwards off the dribble. He can handle the ball better than other forwards and create offense for himself off the dribble. He may turn into more of a wing on the next level. In Louisiana, his height will see him at the four more times than not.   [player_tooltip player_id='1394530' first='Daijon' last='Leatherman'] (Carver | 6'7" | 2025) - Leatherman is a throwback to a more traditional big man who plays with his back to the basket. He is very comfortable scoring over his left shoulder and he is very hard to keep off of the offensive boards. Leatherman is also a good finisher around the rim which makes him a hard cover for other forwards.   [player_tooltip player_id='1492968' first='Chris' last='Lindo'] (Madison Prep | 6'6" | 2025) - Lindo can run the floor and finish with the best of the forwards above. He is more of a player who runs rim-to-rim but he makes the best of his catches. He inconsistent from outside but can make perimeter shots. Lindo is also a good rebounder which makes him valuable in the paint.   [player_tooltip player_id='1593728' first='Christopher' last='Cenac'] (Newman | 6'9" | 2025) - Cenac showed that he could be a difference maker on the UA Circuit last summer. He has grown a couple of inches and is one of the more dominant forwards in the Boot. He can score inside and out on one end and change shots and rebound on the other. Cenac may end up being the best in his class.   [player_tooltip player_id='1393932' first='Kerel' last='Dean'] (Bossier | 6'7" | 2025) - Dean has the ability to be one of the more complete players when he is done at Bossier. He can score from deep and loves to show his range. Dean takes a tone of trips to the charity strip due to the contact he takes. When he gets stronger, expect him to be 20 and 10 on guy on a nightly basis.   [player_tooltip player_id='2218442' first='Tyshawn' last='Duncan'] (Alexandria | 6'7" | 2026) - Duncan made a big impression during team camp play and the JSE in New Orleans. He has a motor that won't quit and may be the most active player in this group of forwards. He has shown the ability to score outside of the paint but he is more effective on the boards and running the floor. Watch out for this kid this season. He will be an impact player.

Louisiana may not have a ton of big men. However, they learn to play with their back to the basket in the paint. While the state is know for guard play, these big men can easily contribute on the next level. In this Prep Hoops article, we will look at some of the best power forwards and centers in the state.