Christopher Memorial Tournament Stand Out Players

As the Class B and C hoops season kicks off in North and Central Louisiana, several standout players are already making their mark and showing mid-season form. Here are some key players to watch as they aim to lead their teams and attract attention from scouts and fans alike.    Allow me to introduce [player_tooltip player_id='2883493' first='Ahmad' last='Smith'] to the Prep Hoops platform. Smith is a remarkable talent, showcasing an impressive dual-threat ability that sets him apart from his peers. It's rare to see a player with such offensive prowess start the game by making a statement on the defensive end, but Smith does just that. From the opening tip, he establishes his presence, setting his feet and working to intimidate his opponents.   Defensively, he brings a relentless energy and a "hard hat" mentality, making him a formidable presence on that side of the court. Offensively, his smooth style is a joy to watch; he effortlessly creates scoring opportunities and reads the game with exceptional feel. His game is flashy and has a playground feel to it, but it is steady and efficient.   Smith is an unknown for now in the rankings, but by the end of the season he will surely be considered as one of the best freshmen in the state. His combination of skill, game flare, and poise at such a young age suggests a bright future ahead.     Gavon Dailey is a tough point guard who proved his mettle in a recent matchup against the Durham duo, demonstrating his ability to hold his own under pressure. When his team needed a leader and a scorer, Dailey stepped up to the challenge, showcasing his skills and competitive spirit.   As a big guard, he excels when driving to the basket, keeping his head down and relentlessly attacking the goal. His strength allows him to navigate through contact, making him a constant threat in the paint. On the defensive end, Dailey is tough; he brings tenacity and intensity, making it difficult for opponents to find their rhythm.   In the game against Gibsland, he consistently scored, keeping his Saline team in contention and proving his value as a reliable offensive option. Dailey's ability to handle the physicality of the game makes him a standout player to watch, and his leadership qualities are sure to elevate his team throughout the season.     [player_tooltip player_id='1347266' first='Preston' last='Sanders'] is a standout long athletic guard, known for his impressive ball-handling skills and ability to elevate his team in clutch moments. As the go-to player for the tough defending Zwolle team, he thrives in high-pressure situations. In a recent intense away matchup against Quitman, he consistently came through with big plays and smart decisions, showcasing his toughness and composure.   Sanders navigates the physicality of the game with remarkable poise, utilizing his athleticism to penetrate the defense and finish at the rim. His ability to play off two feet makes him a constant threat in the paint. On the defensive end, he leads his team with authority, remaining calm even when the stakes are high.   In the thrilling finale against Quitman, he not only delivered the go-ahead bucket but also sank a crucial free throw to secure the victory, 65-63. His performance underscores his role as a leader and a clutch performer, making him a key asset for Zwolle this season.   Sanders is a next level athlete and his recruiting will surely pick up this season, as he can run a college level team with his skill, athleticism and IQ.     DeAvery Durham is the cornerstone of the Gibsland Coleman boys basketball team, commanding both the offense and defense with impressive skill. When he's in his element, the entire team operates like a well-oiled machine.   In a recent game against Saline, Durham showcased his versatility right from the start, finishing tough plays at the rim, hitting smooth mid-range jumpers, and knocking down three-pointers with ease. His speed is remarkable; he's one of the fastest players in the state with the ball, allowing him to create opportunities and drive the pace of the game.   Durham's ability to orchestrate a balanced offensive attack was key to the team's success in this matchup, leading to a solid win against Saline. His presence on the court elevates the entire squad, making him an invaluable asset for Gibsland Coleman.     Demarquis "Juicy" Durham is the definition of a power player in this tournament, consistently delivering electrifying moments that leave fans on the edge of their seats. At 6'0", he plays much bigger, dominating around the rim with impressive blocks, rebounds, and jaw-dropping dunks. His mid-range and long-range shot continue to develop, but pressure is his game. His athleticism and tenacity make him a human highlight reel; every time he touches the ball, something thrilling is bound to happen.   Defensively, Durham is a relentless force, capable of pressuring opponents 94 feet with unmatched stamina. He rarely needs a break, maintaining a high level of intensity throughout the game. In their recent matchup against Saline, it was clear that trouble loomed as soon as the Durham Duo hit the court, with Demarquis playing his role and making a significant impact on both ends. He really looks like a football player and his approach to the game is hard nosed and straight forward. The Durham Duo is special, AND fun to watch. They are state champions in multiple sports, so winning is inevitable.     Trumarion Smith, aka "Man Man," has transformed into a dominant force on the court. With at least three inches of growth and noticeable muscle added to his frame, he's become a tough player to defend. As a smart guard, he expertly maintains the tempo of the game, skillfully identifying and exploiting mismatches.   In a recent game, he showcased his strength by backing down a smaller defender, forcing the opposing coach to make crucial adjustments. Smith's passing is nothing short of exceptional; he consistently delivers precise cross-court passes with either hand, making him a versatile playmaker.   Offensively Smith has expanded his game and added a steady three point stroke, as well as an on point floater. He is bigger, stronger, faster and more confident than last season. This growth will push him up in rankings and surely grab interest from next level Coaches. It does not take long to see that he comes ready for a dawg fight. His bite matches his bark, so be ready to battle if you see "Man Man" on the court.   More to follow on this late bloomer as I look forward to covering more of his games as he leads this talented Simsboro roster.

As the Class B and C hoops season kicks off in North and Central Louisiana, several standout players are already making their mark and showing mid-season form. Here are some key players to watch as they aim to lead their teams and attract attention from scouts and fans alike.