Ruston Hoops Showcase Impact Players

Ruston hosted a showcase featuring some of the top potential teams in North Louisiana, and there were several bright spots in this action-packed event. Teams from 1A to 5A filled the gym, eager to lock in details and gain valuable game-time reps heading into the season. New names emerged that are sure to make an impact on the basketball landscape this upcoming season. Here are some players who showcased their skills and made a strong impression in Ruston.    BJ French may be the best-kept secret in North Louisiana at the point guard position, and I would put him up against anyone in the state for the 2026 class. His court vision is superior, and so is his ball-handling. He is a highlight waiting to happen, consistently making smart basketball decisions that paid off against a spunky Homer squad.   As basketball transitions to a game without strict positions, the point guard will remain the most crucial player on the court. He is an elite decision-maker, and it is nearly impossible to speed him up or take the ball from him. Quick and fearless, he is a true floor general with a polished game. Although he doesn't take many shots, he finishes at all levels with ease. The offense runs through him and he is a first class facilitator, but don't get it twisted. He is a bucket as well.     In the matchup against Red River, Davey Mays handled the point guard duties like a veteran. While Red River tried to push the defensive pace of the game, he controlled the tempo with his smooth handle and overall court awareness. Constantly communicating and directing traffic, he was able to score within the offense and played well alongside Morgan Robinson. Sitting courtside, I often heard him asking his teammates about their assignments in preparation for defensive sets. He doesn't force shots, but he does apply pressure on the defense. Midway through the game, Red River even started double-teaming him on inbounds plays to keep the ball out of his hands. That really highlights the type of threat he is. Mays is true Point Guard with an excellent feel for the game.     [player_tooltip player_id='2318065' first='Eli' last='Washington'] is a tall shooter who patrols the paint and protects the rim. He can step out and shoot the three-ball with ease, knocking down four against Ruston in a highly contested game. Even more impressive than his shooting ability is his willingness to take the big shot and desire to make winning plays. He is a tough assignment a player that matches his size because of his smooth handle. He demonstrated a quick first step and the ability to finish at the rim with either hand. With his strong fundamentals, he certainly has the potential to be one of the top players in the state. I look for him to be a steady stock riser as he continues to embrace the physicality of the game.       Keshun Malcolm was the clear MVP of the day, leading a young Ruston team to impressive wins over Wossman and Airline. His ability to hit clutch shots will undoubtedly earn him a reputation this season. Malcolm faced off against some of the top players in North Louisiana and rose to the challenge by consistently putting points on the board. He is a natural scorer.   Even when his three-point shot wasn't falling, Keshun excelled with mid-range jumpers and effectively attacked the rim. He's a crafty offensive player who thrives on splitting defenses and finishing with either hand. As a young player, his game is well beyond his classification, allowing him to score at will—today, he was locked in.   There's no need to speculate about his upside; his potential is evident. He is a top-level prospect and one of the best scorers in the state. Just give him the ball and watch him go to work.     White checks all the boxes for a next-level basketball player: ball handling, defense, rebounding, steals, passing, size, and athleticism. He's guaranteed to throw down a dunk or two during games and uses his physical strength to overpower smaller guards to finish at the rim.   A cerebral player, he knows how to pick his spots and score within the offense, making him difficult to defend. He's also a team player who prioritizes getting his teammates involved, which is refreshing in today's game, where many players focus solely on scoring.   White is a top prospect in the 2026 class, and his game is continually evolving—making it clear that the sky's the limit for him.     Sutton demonstrated the impact a steady point guard can have on a team in today's games. He was the orchestrator of two big wins, sacrificing his own scoring to create opportunities for his teammates. He handled the pressure in both matchups like a seasoned veteran. As he prepares for his junior season as the point guard for a team poised for a deep playoff run, Sutton showcases his ability to assist, rebound, and defend.   He is a reliable ball handler with a high basketball IQ and an elite defender who creates chaos on the court because he never backs down. Every team needs a leader, and Mr. Sutton will be the conductor this upcoming season. He's taller than last year, has improved his athleticism, and is visibly stronger, making him an even more formidable presence on the floor. I would bet on his stock rising this season as he steps into his starting position.

Ruston hosted a showcase featuring some of the top potential teams in North Louisiana, and there were several bright spots in this action-packed event. Teams from 1A to 5A filled the gym, eager to lock in details and gain valuable game-time reps heading into the season. New names emerged that are sure to make an impact on the basketball landscape this upcoming season. Here are some players who showcased their skills and made a strong impression in Ruston.