Fall Showcase: Standout prospects that caught my eye

As the basketball season approaches, teams are gearing up to hit the court and get valuable game-speed repetitions. The West Monroe Complex was packed with talent as teams showcased their upcoming rosters. With numerous new faces in the gym, many players have not only grown in size but also expanded their skill sets. Everyone is eager to make a name for themselves, and in this report, I'll highlight several standout performers who played well and are poised to be players to watch this season.    I had the opportunity to watch [player_tooltip player_id='2532089' first='Darren' last='Ford'] this summer, and the first thing that stands out about him is his strong frame. As a freshman, he already possesses the body of a varsity player, combining size with impressive strength. His game is straightforward but clearly elite. In an era where many players focus on three-point shooting, Ford excels at putting pressure on the defense by driving into the lane to facilitate for teammates and pulling up for mid-range shots with precision.   Ford showcases a smooth, tight handle that allows him to easily navigate to his spots on the court. While his game may seem simple at first glance, it truly shines in the open court. He possesses a wide array of moves to manipulate the defense and thrives on the physicality of the game. He has a throwback style, relishing opportunities to score "the hard way" and earn three-point plays.   His skill didn't go unnoticed; it caught the attention of the coaching staff at Grambling State University, leading to an offer just a day later. Ford is one of several elite guards on the Ouachita High School varsity roster, and I expect his already outstanding game to continue to develop. Is he the best freshman in the state? Based on what I've seen, I haven't found anyone better.     Drew Cooper was undoubtedly one of the most intriguing players in the gym, thanks to his unique combination of size and skill. He was easily the biggest player in the gym, and while most fans expected him to dominate in the post, he surprised everyone by starting on the wing and going to work.   Offensively, he is one of the most gifted players you'll find in the state. His game is well-rounded: he can finish strong at the rim, shoot effectively from mid-range, and I confidently say he is one of the best shooters I've seen in recent years. Cooper has a natural scoring ability and a deep understanding of the game. He plays with a calm demeanor, showcasing impressive patience and pace.   His size is an added bonus; few players in the state can both bang in the paint and seamlessly execute a turnaround fadeaway mid-range shot. He can pull up from two steps beyond the three-point line with ease. While I hesitate to discuss his upside because his game is already so polished, it's clear he has dedicated a lot of time to his craft. Shooting at this level doesn't happen by accident, and it shows in his performance.     Zyrell Tillman is a sleeper in the deep 2027 Louisiana class. His game is smooth and stands out in the gym. Franklin Parish boasts a team with size, length, and skill, and Tillman is definitely a player to watch this season as they could make a deep playoff run and surprise some of the city teams.   Tillman can shoot the three, attack the rim, and has a polished mid-range pull-up. In both games I observed, he was active all over the court and demonstrated his willingness to pass. His length allows him to frustrate players at all positions. This was my first time seeing him play, but I will definitely make it a point to catch more of his games.   He has a solid handle and moves laterally to find his spots and penetrate the paint. Additionally, he is a tough defender, and his contributions on both ends of the floor were a significant reason why Franklin Parish looked like the most complete team in the gym. I expect his stock to rise this season as he takes on a larger role with this long, athletic Franklin Parish roster.     Morgan Robinson was one of the shiftiest guards in the gym. He demonstrated his ability to handle the pressure of an intense game as Wossman faced off against Ouachita. When the team needed a bucket, he consistently delivered. Robinson is a relentless downhill scorer, giving defenders a tough time throughout the day.   He plays with his head up, always looking for teammates cutting to the basket. His ability to navigate screens effectively allows him to wait for the defense to commit before making his move. With an elite handle and shooting ability that matches the top shooters in the gym, he poses a significant threat on offense.   Robinson is a fierce competitor who constantly pushes the pace of the game. His offensive skills were on full display this weekend, and he also brings tenacity on the defensive end. He looks ready to play alongside superstar [player_tooltip player_id='1330583' first='Zion' last='Weeks'] and contribute as Wossman aims to defend their state championship.     Tylor Modica is the clear winner of the "Shooter of the Day" award. His primary role is to score, and he is a bona fide shooter. Watching him shoot from all over the court, the real surprise comes when he misses. He's a dangerous offensive player who consistently puts pressure on opposing defenses.   Modica is always in attack mode, making him a constant threat on offense. On defense, he's sneaky and excels at playing the passing lanes. As a new addition to the talented Carroll roster, his stock is sure to rise, especially as they aim to be one of the top teams in the state. Good luck trying to stop Modica alongside this team of slashers and shooters.   Beyond his shooting ability, Modica is a shifty guard who plays the game the right way. He's a gifted player who shows no fear on the court and thrives in high-pressure situations. Having watched him over the past few years, I'm rarely surprised by his accomplishments. When Tylor Modica has the ball and is in his element, it's a “hand down, man down” situation for the defense.    There were familiar names that are well known in the rankings that performed at a high level to include [player_tooltip player_id='1543647' first='Cooper' last='Nelson'] (Sterlington), Jaden Jackson (West Monroe), Treylan McNeal (Carroll), [player_tooltip player_id='1347183' first='Cannon' last='Robbins'] (Cedar Creek) and Kendrick Green. These players will be included during the deep dives to analyze game performances.

As the basketball season approaches, teams are gearing up to hit the court and get valuable game-speed repetitions. The West Monroe Complex was packed with talent as teams showcased their upcoming rosters. With numerous new faces in the gym, many players have not only grown in size but also expanded their skill sets. Everyone is eager to make a name for themselves, and in this report, I'll highlight several standout performers who played well and are poised to be players to watch this season.