Week 5: Players That Contribute to Winning

Week 5 was a memorable one in Louisiana basketball as some of the state's top players made their long-awaited returns to the hardwood after finishing their football seasons. These players are now impacting big games and helping their teams position themselves for favorable playoff seeding in the months to come. With new players continuing to emerge and others settling into more prominent roles, it will be exciting to watch how the rankings evolve over the next few months. We've already seen players jump from outside the top 60 to the top 15 thanks to impressive off-season improvements and expanded roles on their teams.   Here's a look at some of the standout performances from Week 5:   [player_tooltip player_id='1347443' first='Aidan' last='Anding'] (Ruston) - [player_tooltip player_id='1347443' first='Aidan' last='Anding'] returned to the court in Week 5, and in just three games, he has already made a significant impact. He posted 15- and 13-point performances while also showing that his value goes far beyond scoring. Anding is holding opponents to an average of 15 points below their usual output while he's on the floor. Widely considered the top player in North Louisiana, the LSU commit has proven to be a force on both ends of the floor. His defensive prowess might make him the best defender in the state. With Anding back, his team is poised for a strong finish to the season.   [player_tooltip player_id='2896549' first='Kristofer' last='Jackson'] (Arcadia) - [player_tooltip player_id='2896549' first='Kristofer' last='Jackson'] is a physical presence in the paint, and his game is gaining attention in North Louisiana. The 6'6" forward put on a dominant display with 36 points in a rivalry game against Gibsland-Coleman. Jackson is a relentless energy player with the size and enthusiasm to be a major contributor all season long for Arcadia High School. As the season progresses, expect Jackson's name to continue to rise in state-wide rankings.   [player_tooltip player_id='1330583' first='Zion' last='Weeks'] (Wossman) - [player_tooltip player_id='1330583' first='Zion' last='Weeks'] is having a breakout season, continuing to showcase his all-around game. He dropped 23 points in a rivalry win over Carroll, then followed it up with a 27-point, 8-rebound, 6-assist, 2-steal performance. Weeks topped that with a 28-point showing against Bastrop. He's on a roll, proving he is a college-level player with the ability to impact games in multiple ways. With football season behind him, Weeks is fully focused on basketball, and his leadership is carrying Wossman as they have only lost one game since his return. His motor is unmatched, and he's solidifying his position as one of the state's top players.   [player_tooltip player_id='1560428' first='Amarrion' last='White'] (Madison) - [player_tooltip player_id='1560428' first='Amarrion' last='White'], a 6'3" guard, continues to impress with his scoring ability and versatility. White scored 23 points, including three clutch three-pointers in the fourth quarter, to help Madison defeat a tough Carroll team. White can score from anywhere on the floor and has become a key reason why Madison is one of the top teams in North Louisiana. With a blend of athleticism and skill, White is a player to watch for college programs in need of a long, skilled guard.   [player_tooltip player_id='2302359' first='Bryson' last='Ebarb'] (Mansfield) - [player_tooltip player_id='2302359' first='Bryson' last='Ebarb'] is having a strong senior season, and it's been great to watch his growth. In a tough game against Southwood, Ebarb put up 24 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist. Ebarb is a smooth, versatile scorer who has developed into a reliable option for Mansfield. As the team faces one of the toughest schedules in the state, Ebarb's growth will be key to Mansfield's playoff aspirations. He's proven to be a 3-level scorer and a willing defender, making him one of the top seniors to follow this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1543647' first='Cooper' last='Nelson'] (Sterlington) - [player_tooltip player_id='1543647' first='Cooper' last='Nelson'] continues to impress with his ability to score in a variety of ways. In a 34-point performance against Holy Savior Menard, Nelson went 12-of-18 from the field, showcasing his scoring prowess. He also scored 28 in the previous game vs Union High School. He's averaging 26 points, 5 assists, and 2.6 steals per game while shooting over 40% from beyond the arc. Nelson is a gifted all-around player and a leader for Sterlington, a young team with a bright future. Whether as a scorer or playmaker, Nelson's versatility makes him a standout player, and he's certainly one to watch as the season progresses.   [player_tooltip player_id='2132747' first='Ian' last='Edmond'] (Zachary) - [player_tooltip player_id='2132747' first='Ian' last='Edmond']s has been one of the biggest stock risers in the state. After playing junior varsity last season, Edmonds has quickly made a name for himself as part of what could be the state's best duo at 5A Zachary. Edmonds dropped 23 points, 6 steals, and 2 assists against Texas powerhouse Kimball, showing he can compete with the best. His rise in the rankings reflects his hard work and determination to prove his worth. As Zachary continues to dominate, expect Edmonds to climb further up the rankings.   [player_tooltip player_id='1347180' first='Xavier' last='Ferguson'] (Zachary) - Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1347180' first='Xavier' last='Ferguson'] is providing invaluable leadership for the top-ranked Zachary team. In one week, Ferguson earned three scholarship offers after posting a 30-point, 6-rebound, 5-steal performance against a high-level opponent. Ferguson plays with an intensity that is hard to match—he's a physical guard who thrives on both ends of the floor. His grit, skill, and relentlessness make him one of the state's most complete players, and college coaches are certainly taking notice.   Antron Mason ll (Bastrop) is a basketball wizard. The Bastrop senior has proven time and again that whenever he's on the court, his team has a legitimate chance to win. His skills as a point guard are elite, and it's clear that he has the ability to run a college team right now. Mason has exceptional court vision, often anticipating plays before they happen. Averaging 23 points per game, Mason is currently ranked #2 in the state for scoring. He holds offers from both Grambling and Southern for basketball. If you are looking for a High IQ point guard with the ability to think in between sets and make plays Mason is your player.   [player_tooltip player_id='2132725' first='Ahmad' last='Hudson'] (Ruston) - [player_tooltip player_id='2132725' first='Ahmad' last='Hudson'] has been absolutely dominant this week, leading Ruston in scoring, rebounding, and blocks. Hudson posted a monstrous 38-point, 16-rebound, 5-block performance against Bossier, then followed it up with 33 points, 20 rebounds, and 4 blocks against Huntington. There is no player in the state putting up numbers like Hudson right now, and it's scary to think he may not even be in peak basketball shape yet. Hudson is a physical marvel, with great instincts, a quick jump, and soft touch around the rim. He's a rim protector who is dunking everything around the basket. Regardless of class, Hudson is one of the top players in Louisiana.   As the season progresses, these players and many others will continue to impact the rankings and shape the landscape of Louisiana high school basketball. Stay tuned for more standout performances as we move closer to the playoffs! The next article will feature breakout players from the Sydney Smith Memorial Tournament at West Monroe High School.

Week 5 was a memorable one in Louisiana basketball as some of the state's top players made their long-awaited returns to the hardwood after finishing their football seasons. These players are now impacting big games and helping their teams position themselves for favorable playoff seeding in the months to come. With new players continuing to emerge and others settling into more prominent roles, it will be exciting to watch how the rankings evolve over the next few months. We've already seen players jump from outside the top 60 to the top 15 thanks to impressive off-season improvements and expanded roles on their teams.