Players to Watch: Championship Friday at Marsh Madness
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Championship Friday at Marsh Madness will be a sight to behold as five champions will be crowned from five divisions. While all of the games will be compelling, there will be individual players who will be paramount to their team’s…
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Continue ReadingChampionship Friday at Marsh Madness will be a sight to behold as five champions will be crowned from five divisions. While all of the games will be compelling, there will be individual players who will be paramount to their team’s success on Day 1. With title aspirations on the line, we will talk about players who should be super important to their team winning a state title on Friday.
JS Clark Leadership vs Avoyelles Charter
Lawrence Pickney – To be successful against the defending state champs in the title game, the JS Clark defense must be on point. In this situation, Lawrence Pickney must lead by example. He will probably be guarding each one of the Avoyelles Charter players at various points in the game and he will need to make it difficult for them. If he can do that, he may just help his team carry home a title.
Armonii Benjamin Armonii Benjamin 6'2" | CG Avoyelles Public Charter | 2026 State LA – This game may hinge on how much offensive pressure Benjamin places on the JS Clark defense. If Armoni can get going early, it will shift the defensive focus. Benjamin’s ability to score from various areas of the floor will make him ultra hard to defend. That may be the very thing that helps Avoyelles Charter win the game.
University Lab vs Newman
Ethan Kimmie – Kimmie is the most athletic front line defender that University Lab has on the roster and he can be a rim protector. In the title game, he is going to use his athleticism to defend multiple Newman forwards. His ability to defend them, without fouling, will give the Cubs a big lift. Hopefully enough of a lift to secure a win,
Christopher Cenac – Dominating the inside on both ends of the floor is what Cenac has the ability to do. If he is playing at that level, I do not see how U Lab keeps it close. Even, if Cenac is just rebounding and being a facilitator, that will be hard for the Cubs to match up against.
Franklin vs Lakeview
J’kylon Ceaser – Ceaser had one of the best semifinal games regardless of class this week. Against Lakeview, he will need to continue that hot scoring. Ceaser was very good from the perimeter all game. If he can continue that pace, Lakeview may be disappointed by Franklin two years in a row,
Andre Sowell Andre Sowell 6'2" | SG Lakeview | 2024 State LA – Sowell has the ability to go off for big scoring numbers. In most games, he lets the game come to him. In this one, he needs to be aggressive early and often. Sowell needs to be the driving force in the Lakeview offense and take the pressure off others. If he does that, the others can ease into the game and help him win it later.
Anacoco vs Zwolle
Dustin Welch Dustin Welch 6'3" | SG Anacoco | 2024 State LA – Welch will have to stay out of foul trouble and dominate on both ends. His ability to score at all three levels will be essential in infiltrating the Hawk defense. Equally as important will be his defense of the rim. If he can win the battle on both ends, Anacoco should walk away with the title.
Alec Williams Alec Williams 5'10" | SG Zwolle | 2024 State LA – Williams will need to be Robin to Preston Sanders Batman to win. It will be important for him to nail open jumpers as he is accustomed to doing during the season. Williams will also need to facilitate the offense and get the Hawks into plays they can execute. Another title will be in their grasp if he can do so.
Wossman vs Iowa
Jordan Comanche Jordan Comanche 6'6" | CG Wossman | 2024 State LA – There are games where Jordan just plays the role needed for the night. In this one, he may have to be the rim and paint protector. The Iowa guards love to attack the paint and a deterrent may be what is needed defensively to keep them honest. Comanche will need to provide that, and score as well, for the Wildcats to be successful.
Desa’monte Gradney Desa’monte Gradney 6'2" | CG Iowa | 2024 State LA – The Iowa point guard will need to find his cutters and shooters in this one. His jumper will also be needed the way Wossman likes to defend. His ability to truly facilitate the offense will go a long way in determining the outcome of this one.
Championship Friday begins at noon with Avoyelles Charter and JS Clark Leadership. This should be a day of great basketball in Lake Charles. Marsh Madness should be at its best.