Players You May Have Missed At The State Finals In Texas
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Regionals in Texas was epic as always but with so much of the attention slated towards the top scores and MVP’s here are a couple ballers that had a BIG impact you may have missed. Deontrell Barrett TX #WL PG…
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Continue ReadingRegionals in Texas was epic as always but with so much of the attention slated towards the top scores and MVP’s here are a couple ballers that had a BIG impact you may have missed.
2024 PG Deontrell Barrett Deontrell Barrett 6’0″ | PG Lancaster | 2024 TX made it clear this weekend he is one of the top defenders in the state. I’ve had him high on my radar as far as impact players but he really got to show his abilities on the big stage against some of the top scorers in the state. He took his matchups personal holding players who’ve been on streaks of 20+ point games to single digits and ultimately was the leader of Lancaster’s defense which was the best defensive squad all weekend. Offensively Barrett is no slack either, he’s recorded a couple 20 point games, high teens and continued being extremely efficient this weekend on a limited amount of shots due to playing with such talented post players. He was clutch under pressure handling the ball, burning clock and avoiding traps and turnovers which just adds to his overall value for state champ Lancaster. Coaches should be on his line immediately, every team can players who take this kind of pride in contributing on the defensive side of the ball.
6’2 2024 guard Jordan Mizell Jordan Mizell 6’3″ | CG Plano East Senior | 2024 State TX is TUFF and has been all season for undefeated Plano East who was virtually unchallenged this weekend at the state tournament winning the 6A title against Stony Point who’s only loss of the season was to Plano East. We’ll start with his rebounding because man I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen a guard rebound this much on the offensive side of the ball. He is responsible for so many second chance baskets alone. Tough defender, nice build but seems to be even stronger then he looks able to guard much bigger opponents and just flat out out work them. Offensively he was a double digit scorer and walking dime, able to penetrate at will and finish tough layups in sets or transition. He can find his shooters off the bounce as well and is a 100% the backbone for a team that just had one of the best season’s ever in UIL. Jordan is one of the top unsigned prospects in the state and a good example of how independent programs can sometime develop players more then “shoe teams.” Coaches of all levels should be on his line and taking a look at him NOW.
Highlights
Lloyd Jones III
Lloyd Jones III
6’5 Lloyd Jones was tough this weekend and was a key piece in Hitchcock’s back to back state title run. Just incase your not familiar the 2 sport athlete is a 4 star quarterback and committed to Texas Tech but is no slack on the court. He scored double digits both games and was a crazy duo that dominated the paint. Super mobile, nothing to crazy just pure hooping. He can get out in transition and finishes well through or around contact near the rim. He had the go ahead bucket for the win and a pair of big free throws to seal a 10 point comeback over Ponder in the title game. He also takes a huge load defensively filling up the lane and anything inside the perimeter. His impact was HUGE being a instant double double guy, if he ever did change his mind he has some major potential on the court as well.
5’10 freshman guard, yes…I said freshman guard is a fresh face on my radar that landed himself on my elite 2027 list with a 23 point performance bring home the MVP in the 2A title game. I haven’t done my research on it but I don’t know if any freshman has ever did such a thing. Regardless of class, he earned this spot and everything else coming his way. SHARP shooter, knocked down 5 triples for Lipan in their 11 point win over Shelbyville. This level of shooting at only 14/15 has to get your interest and make you wonder what he may look like in his upperclassman years. I’d go ahead and put him on your radar as Lipan is basically returning their whole team and I’d expect to see them back in San Antonio next year.
6’5 Clarence Payia Clarence Payia 6’6″ | SG Beaumont United | 2024 State TX was another fresh face for me and he is a baller. Although they lost a tight game to Stony Point he was the best performer on the court. He recorded 27 points and does a little of everything. Listed as a SF his position at the next level is a big guard. He displayed some shooting, elite ball handling, finishing and defensive versatility with perimeter and post play. He shredded Stony Points defense single handedly and is a good model for youngers players on how to use your length to operate on the court.
The 6′ 2025 Stony Point point guard showed some signs of what may be to come for next season as all eyes will be on Stony Point to start the season. He was effective both games running the offense like a pro but he really got to it with 19 points and some nice dimes against Beaumont United on Friday night. He can score in a variety of ways, high percentage shooter and tough going to the rim as well. Defensively he was one of the best guards in the state this year and he continued that last weekend with constant on ball pressure and forced turnovers. Uzziah could be in for a breakout season next year with Stony Point’s leading scorer headed to Villanova, make sure he’s on your radar this summer and heading into fall.