Select Division Senior Standouts from Marsh Madness

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The class of 2024 was well represented during Marsh Madness. In Select Divisions I to V, there were seniors who were instrumental in the outcome of their respective team. Those standouts are also some of the talented players who are still unsigned and/or not committed. In this review of the state finals, we will talk about the seniors who were at the height of their game during Marsh Madness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1218738' first='Jovanni' last='Perez'] (Crescent City)</strong> - Perez showed the ability to facilitate an offense as he helped Crescent City claim a state title. He is a big guard who can see over smaller guards on offense while defending all perimeter positions. Jovanni filled the stat sheet with points, rebounds, and most importantly assists. His high basketball IQ and versatility were keys to his great play in Lake Charles. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1105549' first='Laurence' last='Nathan'] (Carver)</strong> - Even in the Carver semifinal loss, you can tell why Nathan is one of the better players in the state. When his team needed a bucket, a layup or three, he was the one to take the shot. Nathan knows how to create pressure on defenses and has a sense of when his team needs a big play. His shooting and intangibles make him the player he is. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1218217' first='Josh' last='Smith'] (Madison Prep) - </strong>Smith was a big reason why the Chargers were in a position to win the Division II title. His rebounding ability, as a guard, was big on the defensive end. The way Smith handled the pick-and-roll offense while getting to the paint made him Madison Prep's most important player on the day. His ability to create almost helped the Chargers pull out the victory. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1105593' first='Jordan' last='Mathews'] (Peabody)</strong> - Mathews scoring and rebounding were big reasons the Warhorses won the Division II title. He is as versatile a player as they come. Mathews fought on the offensive and defensive boards giving extra possessions to his team. His ability to score through contact and to make free throws helped Peabody get to overtime. Mathews showed a game full of variety which resulted in him being named most outstanding player. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1105548' first='Michael' last='Mouton'] (St. Thomas More) -</strong> Mouton was one of the more consistent players in the state all season. During the Select Division I final, he displayed his scoring capabilities. He is a three level scorer who has a variety of shots and moves. He is one of the more skilled players in the state and is a very savvy guard. While Mouton's team did not win, they showed grit and tenacity in their effort.....led by [player_tooltip player_id='1105548' first='Michael' last='Mouton']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other senior performers:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2382771' first='Gregory' last='McGinnis'] (Peabody)</strong> - Small guard who showed defensive prowess in defending bigger guards. Instrumental offensively and defensively in the Peabody victory over Madison Prep</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2382768' first='Zaydrien' last='Sewell'] (Peabody) -</strong> Three point shooter and defender. Made the game winning three in the Select Division II championship versus Madison Prep</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2382783' first='Christopher' last='Newton'] (Rapides) - </strong>Small guard who can score and rebound. Best rebounder on the floor in semifinal loss to Avoyelles Charter. Has point guard and off guard skills</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1105591' first='Howard' last='Gaskins'] (Liberty) -</strong> Showed why he is one of the top point guards in the state in victory over St. Thomas More. Knows how to pass and shoot with a much improved athleticism.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1601913' first='Matthew' last='Weaver'] (St. Martin's)</strong> - A player who can score from three levels. Knock down shooter. One of the prettiest shots you will see. Can spot up from three and is a very good rebounder. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1408867' first='Jaylen' last='Peters'] (Liberty) -</strong> Uber athletic and can run the floor like a gazelle. He can finish above the rim with the best of them and showed the ability to defender multiple positions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1386535' first='Chad' last='Jones'] (St. Thomas More) -</strong> Improved motor with a gigantic wing span. Can get out on the break and also spot up from three. Hunts the ball on the offensive glass. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These players were definitely some of the best during Marsh Madness. A few of them made the all-tournament team as well. I look forward to seeing where these players land on the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->