Belton Williams Classic All-Tournament Team: Next Up

In Part two of our Belton Williams All-Tournament team selection, we continue to shine a spotlight on the outstanding players who made a significant impact on their teams' performances throughout the three-day event. This list not only recognizes players who posted impressive statistics, but also includes two individuals who were personally selected by our panel due to their intangible contributions to their teams' success.   These players were chosen for their exceptional leadership, work ethic, and other qualities that may not be reflected in the box score, but were evident to those who watched them compete. Their coaches, teammates, and even fans who attended the games all sang their praises, citing their invaluable contributions to their teams' efforts. By recognizing these players, we aim to acknowledge the often-overlooked aspects of the game that can make all the difference in a team's success.    [player_tooltip player_id='2532089' first='Darren' last='Ford'] continues to post impressive numbers and perform at a level that exceeds expectations for his classification, with his growth and development evident in every game he plays. Opposing teams have come to realize that in order to defeat Ouachita, their game plan must be centered around stopping or at least slowing down the freshman phenom. Whenever Ford takes a shot, it appears to be destined for the basket, giving him an air of confidence and consistency that is rare in a player of his age and experience.   Ford is elite in several aspects of the game, and as he gains more experience and plays in more games, his decision-making skills will continue to improve. Statistics do not fully capture the impact that this young player has on the game, as he brings a unique combination of skills and intangibles that make him a joy to watch. He is a true all-around player who can dominate the game in multiple ways, and his passion and competitive edge make his performances even more exciting to watch.   Even in a game where the opposing team's strategy was focused on stopping him, Ford still managed to score 14 points, demonstrating his ability to produce even when faced with intense defensive pressure. This level of performance is a testament to his exceptional talent and work ethic, and it will be exciting to see how he continues to develop and grow as a player in the years to come.     Trinity McDaniel is the epitome of a tough competitor, consistently demonstrating his unwavering dedication and skill in every game he plays. As a point guard, he embodies the qualities that every coach desires in a team leader: poise, resilience, and a strong work ethic. Throughout the tournament, McDaniel played with composure and finesse, showcasing his exceptional abilities and leaving a lasting impression on spectators to include his 18 point performance against a stingy Lincoln Prep defense   It is evident that McDaniel invests extra time and effort into honing his craft, as he excels in the routine aspects of the game. He possesses the versatility to operate effectively on both the left and right sides of the court, and his shooting range is impressive, with a smooth mid-range and three-point shot. Additionally, he has the ability to drive to the rim at will, making him a formidable opponent for any defense.   What is even more impressive, however, is McDaniel's leadership of the young Rayville team. Despite a slow start to the season, with McDaniel at the helm, the team's fortunes are likely to change in the near future. His guidance and direction will undoubtedly have a positive impact on his teammates, and it will be exciting to see the team's progress as the season unfolds. With McDaniel leading the way, Rayville's prospects for success look promising, and he is certainly a player to watch in the coming months.     [player_tooltip player_id='1679470' first='Jeremy' last='Smith'] is showing himself to possess the capabilites of being a primary scorer in a high level team. Neville has come up with some big wins in the past couple weeks and one of the main reasons is [player_tooltip player_id='1679470' first='Jeremy' last='Smith']. He is an unpredictable offensive player as he uses the full court to score his points. He can go left or right, shoot the three ball, mid range or finish at the rim and he is a good decicion maker. His standout performance of the Classic was a 21 point scoring burst versus a tough West Monroe team. He is capable of scoring 20 in any game and has eclipsed that mark a few times already in this young season. If SMith continues this type of play look for Neville to be a threat in 5A, and his stock to rise in the 2026 rankings.     Davey Mays has stepped into the starting point guard role for Wossman and has once again turned the team into a contender. The do-it-all guard's skills were on full display during the Belton Williams Classic, as he frustrated players and coaches in every game. In one notable performance, he hit six three-pointers, and in another game, he had a well-rounded outing with 9 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal. Additionally, he took on the assignment of guarding the opposing team's most potent offensive weapon in the championship game.   Mays possesses leadership, basketball IQ, and toughness. He is a pass-first player, but when he is off the ball, he has the ability to score quickly and effectively. His versatility and skillset make him a valuable asset to his team, and his performances have been instrumental in Wossman's success. With his unique combination of leadership, intelligence, and athleticism, Mays is a guard who can dominate games in multiple ways, making him a formidable opponent for any team.     In his senior campaign, Pickens is gaining momentum in terms of production on both sides of the basketball court. He was impressive in every game during the Belton Williams Classic, but his 23-point performance, which led to a win over Neville, was particularly noteworthy. Pickens is a player who thrives on being involved in the action, as he is eager to receive the ball on offense to either score or create scoring opportunities for his teammates. Similarly, on defense, he is always actively engaged, consistently positioning himself near the ball.   Pickens is an athletic player whose greatest strength lies in his ability to drive to the rim and finish through contact. However, he also possesses the skill to get to his preferred spots on the court and knock down mid-range shots. As he becomes more comfortable in his increased role on offense, I anticipate that West Monroe will continue to improve, particularly in time for district play in the 5A division. With Pickens' talent and work ethic, he is poised to play a key role in his team's success, and his development will be crucial in determining West Monroe's fortunes in the competitive 5A division.    The next article will focus on the "Week Four Standout Performances," followed by detailed evaluations of the Minden Holiday Classic. Additionally, we will cover the Hoopsfest Holiday Classic, held in Monroe, which showcases an exciting matchup between some of the top teams from Monroe and several competitive teams from Shreveport.

In Part two of our Belton Williams All-Tournament team selection, we continue to shine a spotlight on the outstanding players who made a significant impact on their teams' performances throughout the three-day event. This list not only recognizes players who posted impressive statistics, but also includes two individuals who were personally selected by our panel due to their intangible contributions to their teams' success.