5 Newcomers to Watch from the 2024 Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The latest class of 2024 rankings in Louisiana hit the internet on 9/14. Within the listing of 190 players, there were 20-plus newcomers that made their debut in the rankings. There are a number of newcomers that should make an impact on their teams and their districts when the season comes. In this rankings review, we will look at five of the newcomers to the rankings in Louisiana. They are players to watch this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2132627' first='Eli' last='Pichon'] (6'1" | Brother Martin)</strong> - While Pichon is one of the best combo guards on the high school level, he has shown that his future is at the point guard position. He is a true leader on the hardwood and puts pressure on defenses in the half court and in transition. Pichon is very good at finding driving lanes to get to the rim in the half court. In transition, he sees the floor extremely well and finds teammates in stride for layups. He is one of the best guards we have in Louisiana in the 2024 class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2132654' first='Vance' last='Meche'] (6'2" | Teurlings Catholic)</strong> - When it comes to seniors who can shoot the ball, no one probably more unknown than Meche. During the PH Top 250 and the Uncommon Expo Camp, Meche nailed almost everything he shot from two and three. His form is impeccable and his mechanics are the same every time he shoots. He is not rattled easily on his shot and Meche prepares his hands and body early. He shoots the ball as well as anyone in the Boot. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2173476' first='Dawson' last='Knox'] (6'8" | Northshore)</strong> - Knox is a guy that will help Northshore be a contender this season for a state title. A 6'8" rebounder and stretch big is hard to find. During the showcase season, he proved he can be lethal from three at the Statement Session with 5 threes in a game. Knox fights for position when he rebounds and takes all types of hits. He still comes away with the board it seems despite the contact. His ability to spot up and board makes him an asset to a good Northshore team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2173474' first='Clayton' last='Blackledge'] (6'8" | St. Louis Catholic)</strong> - The big man from St. Louis Catholic played well during the PH Top 250. His ability to rebound, pass out of the double team, and to score on the block was all on display. Now, he did not get the opportunities he does during a regular season game, but you could see his skill. Blackledge also has the advantage of being 6'8". You cannot teach height. If Blackledge continues to improve, he will be a good catch for a team on the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2197029' first='Kheiri' last='Haynes'] (5'9" | Zachary)</strong> - Haynes did not make an appearance during the showcases earlier this month; however, he showed that he is one of the best point guards in the state on the Prep Hoops circuit. Haynes knows how to run a team and can orchestrate a team in the half court. His ability to break down a player one-on-one is special. Haynes takes bumps to get to the free throw line and knows how to finish at the rim. His playmaking ability at the one displays high level execution time and time again. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These rankings newcomers are players who have the ability to be all district, all parish, and all state performers. Watch them in various parts of the state as the season approaches. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->