Under the Radar Guards, Wings, & Forwards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we continue to preview the 2023-24 season in Louisiana, we will continue to highlight players of various programs in the state. In this article, we will look at some guards, wings, and forwards who are under the radar. These players are integral parts of prominent programs. They might not get the main headlines but they are players who should be known as we head into the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1479623' first='Justin' last='Burns'] (Peabody | 2024 | 6'5")</strong> - Burns is a player who has made incremental improvements to his game the last two years. Two summers ago, he was a player who only garnered rebounds and putbacks and ran the floor. Now, Burns is an option in the post and has a 11 foot jumper that he can make along with the aforementioned skills. His ability to protect the rim and get out in transition should be valuable for the Warhorses this season as they try to win another state title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1484700' first='Maurice' last='Cason'] (Southwood | 2024 | 6'0")</strong> - When there is a 6'10" anchor in the middle, he has to have someone reliable to kick the ball to when he is double and triple teamed. For the Cowboys, that is what Cason represents for [player_tooltip player_id='1105536' first='Jeremiah' last='Evans']. The two have been together since they were freshmen and they trust each other. Cason has a burner from deep and he has improved defensively. He is not afraid to take the ball in the paint either. Cason will be very important the Cowboys district and title hopes this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1218175' first='Kadyn' last='Collins'] (Ebarb | 2024 | 6'4")</strong> - Collins is an under the radar forward only because he plays in Class C. He may be the premier big man in Class , actually. Collins was an important cog in the Ebarb runner-up team two seasons ago and is primed for a strong senior season. His play at the Prep Hoops Top 250 showed that he was hard to keep off the boards. He can score in the paint and rebound very well for his size. With the mid-range game addition, Collins may have an all state type season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1600639' first='TJ' last='Grider'] (Evangel | 2025 | 6'4")</strong> - When a player has to sit out a season, they usually have extra incentive when they get back on the floor. For [player_tooltip player_id='1600639' first='TJ' last='Grider'] of Evangel, that is exactly what is expected. Grider is a workhorse in the paint. He is very agile and can score by bullying folks in the post or scoring on rebound putbacks. Grider also has a short jumper he consistently makes. He may be undersized, but TJ is a load when it comes to playing in the paint. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1560363' first='Mason' last='Lavergne'] (Dunham | 2024 | 5'11") -</strong> Dunham has been a staple in the select division playoffs over the years. For them to make it deep in the playoffs this season, Lavergne will have to have a big year on and off the ball. Mason is a hard-nosed driver who has a strong upper body. He takes contact well and knows how to finish or get fouled. If Lavergne is on from the perimeter, it will be a long night for the defender opposite of him. His play will dictate how far his team goes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1543700' first='Broderick' last='Peters'] (Hammond | 2026 | 6'4") - </strong>Peters is a varsity tight end right now; however, he will be the post presence for Hammond when he hits the hardwood. While Peters is a hard-working rebounder and paint scorer, he is also very gifted at reading passing lanes. He is very good at tracking the ball when it is in the air and often comes down with it. His physicalness in the paint will be needed if Hammond is going to compete in their district. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Look for these players to be big parts of the success of their teams. They may be players that you don't know now but they will probably be names you are aware of later. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->