Next Up: Fall Showcase Standouts

As the hoops season approaches, teams are getting on the court to compete before the scores and tallies count for standings. In Part 2 of the showcase evaluations, I will highlight more of the players who made a big impact in their games, based on their performances, these players are surely ones to watch this upcoming season. Schedules are out, so make sure to circle the big games and intense matchups. Louisiana is full of basketball talent, and these players will definitely make their mark on the statewide hoop landscape. It is important to keep an eye on these players as they will be key contributors to their teams and have the potential to make a significant impact on the season.    [player_tooltip player_id='2466393' first='Zion' last='Hunter'] is a talented and physically imposing guard who plays for Ouachita High School in the 5A Select Division. He has grown his game significantly with the addition of more muscle and added athleticism, making him a strong and tough player on the court. Hunter is known for his ability to do the intangibles, such as rebounding, playing the passing lanes, and finishing well at the rim, all while making sound basketball decisions. He is a solid 6'1" guard with a downhill game that allows him to get to the goal with ease. Hunter is a "dawg" who does not shy away from competition and looks to make plays in big moments. Hunter made play after play in both games vs Wossman and Neville, and that was just a continuation from his performance at the Louisiana Teach Team Camp in June. He has a steady game that continues to evolve and is expected to be an impressive prospect in the upcoming season. Pick your poison when it comes to these Ouachita guards. They are stacked with talent.     [player_tooltip player_id='2888784' first='Otha' last='Lamb'] was the standout player of the day, showcasing a highly physical yet composed game. He is a reliable finisher around the rim, using his body to create space and consistently score. Lamb can be trusted to make mid-range shots and drive towards the basket to make plays. On Saturday, no one was able to contain him. Even though Franklin Parish was probably the biggest team in the gym, Lamb proved to be the dominant force on the court. As a 6'4" wing with a high basketball IQ, he doesn't look to dominate the ball with excessive dribbling, instead using his moves wisely to get to the rim or shoot in just a few dribbles. In his first game, I was impressed with how he impacted the game without the ball, and continued to do so in his second game, demonstrating his ability to score in bursts at will. With his combination of physicality, skill, and basketball IQ, Lamb is a special player from the Class of 2026 and another stock riser from this past weekend's games.     [player_tooltip player_id='1979026' first='Torrance' last='Cooks'] is another strong guard from this talented Ouachita Team. In the showcase Cooks was on full display showing that he is a serious basketball player. He was tough defensively and consistently frustrated opposing guards with his constant pressure on the ball. Offensively he likes to get downhill and can finish through contact on both sides of the goal. When suiting up against North Louisiana Teams, one thing for sure is the game is going to be tough. His game is predicated on moving without the ball, but once he settles into his triple threat. Anything can happen offensively. He likes to play with the ball and test defenders by using angles to get to the goal. When you see the dribble cross look for the jab, because he is going to make a quick move. When this happens, just hope the help defense is ready to contest. His use of shiftiness and quick decision making is a serious threat because he can score at will. Cooks is a constant competitor that does not back down from a challenge. Junior season will be a big one for Mr. Cooks.     Menyweather is a small guard from the Class of 2028 who is ready to make an immediate impact at the Varsity level. Despite his freshman frame, his basketball skills are elite, and he demonstrated his strength by maintaining his composure when guards tried to play physical against him. He is a shifty guard who loves to get lower than his defenders to make his move to the goal. His floater is impressive, and he has a knack for creating space without over-dribbling. In both games, he showed that he is a confident and skilled ball player. As he grows, so too will his game, and in time, his jump shot will develop even further. The transition from Middle School to High School will be easy for Menyweather, as he thrives when the competition level is high. He is just one growth spurt away from being a highly ranked player in the state. He will have good numbers this season and start to grow his name around the game. Impressive freshman indeed.     Greg Ruff is a tough guard on the Ouachita Parish roster, fitting in well with the team's positionless style of play. With a strong athletic build, he can shoot from mid-range, drive to the rim, and knock down three-pointers. He may be the best shooter on the team from distance, but his game is adaptable and he takes what the game gives him. Ruff can shoot a team out of the zone and break down defenders in one-on-one situations. He is a willing defender who prefers to work from the wing and has shown versatility on both sides of the court. Ruff is a smart player who excels off the ball and creates spacing for his teammates. He made several moves along the baseline and always made the right decision at the rim. When met with defense, he passed for a better shot or went up strong to finish through contact. In both games, he showed a deep offensive arsenal and a clear understanding that defense wins games. Ruff's high energy and clear understanding of the game make him a valuable asset to Ouachita Parish as they aim to be one of the toughest teams in North Louisiana. I expect some big scoring games this season from Ruff. His stock in the Class of 2025 is sure to rise as he assumes leadership of this young team.    Ouachita Guards and Franklin Parish size and skill were the standout performers at the showcase, but it is important to keep in mind that some teams are missing football players who will surely make an impact on season rosters. Regardless, these players are ready to make names for themselves as the hoop hopefuls lead their teams in the upcoming season. In the coming weeks, there will be more highlights of players to watch as the football playoffs begin and basketball season sets in. It is important to keep an eye on these players as they will be key contributors to their teams and have the potential to make a significant impact on the season.

As the hoops season approaches, teams are getting on the court to compete before the scores and tallies count for standings. In Part 2 of the showcase evaluations, I will highlight more of the players who made a big impact in their games, based on their performances, these players are surely ones to watch this upcoming season. Schedules are out, so make sure to circle the big games and intense matchups. Louisiana is full of basketball talent, and these players will definitely make their mark on the statewide hoop landscape. It is important to keep an eye on these players as they will be key contributors to their teams and have the potential to make a significant impact on the season.