Sydney Smith Memorial: The Big Men

The Sydney Smith Memorial Tournament in West Monroe showcased some of Louisiana's top basketball talent, featuring teams from across the state, including Monroe, Southern Louisiana, Shreveport, and everywhere in between. In this first installment, we're shining a spotlight on a group of players who are often overlooked in today's fast-paced, guard-heavy game—the bigs. These players, with their impressive size and physical presence, made an undeniable impact on both ends of the floor, proving that the traditional big man still has a vital role to play in the modern game.    Jayson Parker is an impressive force in the paint, and while he may not be the tallest player on the floor, his physicality and skill in the post make him a tough matchup. Over the course of the event, Parker dominated on both ends of the court, showcasing his ability to control the paint. Underestimating him defensively would be a mistake, as he thrives on physical play, using his 230-pound frame to his advantage. He put up standout performances of 23 and 14 points, proving his scoring ability and consistency. Parker's footwork is exceptional for his size, and his high motor allows him to be active throughout the game. If he gets the space, he's more than capable of finishing with a dunk. As he continues to get into basketball shape after focusing on football, Neville is going to be a serious contender with Parker anchoring their frontcourt.     Kedrick Franklin is a college-ready prospect with all the tools to make an impact at the next level. Standing at 6'5", he immediately passes the eye test, and his combination of size, skill, and athleticism sets him apart. Franklin has a solid, muscular frame and plays with a high basketball IQ, rarely making mistakes on the court. His style of play is that of a reliable role player—one who knows how to contribute without forcing the action. He's capable of scoring at all three levels, but he's just as focused on working within the offense and letting the game come to him. Additionally he is a rim runner and a highlight reel at the rim. Currently playing for Central, a Top 10 team in the state, Franklin has been a key piece of a deep, talented roster. He put up a strong 19-point, 9-rebound performance in one game, followed by a solid 10-point outing in another. With his all-around game and ability to fit seamlessly into a high-level system, Kedrick Franklin is definitely a player to watch as his recruitment continues to heat up.     Sampson is the anchor that any 5A team needs to contend at the highest level, and he plays his role to perfection. At a legit 6'7" with supreme athleticism, he brings the necessary size and physicality to dominate inside. Whether it's rebounding, shot-blocking, or finishing with authority at the rim, Sampson does it all. Few players in the state can match his physical tools, making him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. On top of his athletic ability, Sampson possesses a high basketball IQ, making the game easier by constantly moving without the ball, setting screens, and cutting to the basket. Offensively, he's effective around the rim, though he typically only looks to score when the situation calls for it or when he has a clear mismatch. Sampson posted solid performances with 14 and 10 points, but it was his rebounding, particularly on both ends of the floor, that truly stood out. His presence inside is undeniable, and his all-around game is a big reason why his team is poised for success at the 5A level.     Ellis stands out as a unique big man, not just because of his size and skill set, but because of his ability to shoot, which sets him apart from most players at his position. His mid-range shooting is a major asset, and it makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. As an offensive-minded big, Ellis is equally comfortable in the triple threat and has refined his offensive game to the point where he can catch fire from multiple spots on the floor. Whether it's from the elbow, baseline, or beyond, he's a versatile scorer who keeps defenders guessing. In the post, he's capable of backing down larger players and finishing with a smooth fadeaway. Watching Ellis is a treat, particularly because of how efficiently he scores from all areas of the court. He put up a 22-point performance against a tough BTW team, demonstrating his ability to dominate offensively when needed. Though he excels in his role, Ellis has the potential to impact any stat category on any given night. Standing at 6'4" with a tight end's physique, he's a tough matchup for anyone in the gym, making him one of the more intriguing players to watch.     [player_tooltip player_id='2513268' first='Cooper' last='Thornton'] is a pure athlete, with sharp basketball instincts and quick reactions that make him a constant threat on the court. He plays with high energy, running the floor aggressively on both ends, and excels at the little things that often go unnoticed—whether it's setting screens, making smart cuts, or applying pressure defensively. Thornton is a calculated player who uses his athleticism to create advantages but also understands the angles and nuances of the game. Most of his points come at the rim, where his 6'5" frame allows him to play above the rim on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he's a shot-blocker, a strong rebounder, and an intimidator who disrupts guards trying to drive to the basket. With his skill set and athleticism, Thornton has all the tools to succeed at the next level. He put up a strong 23-point performance and followed it up with 13 points and 7 rebounds against a tough Central BR team, holding his own against bigger players. His versatility, effort, and basketball IQ make him a player to watch closely moving forward.

The Sydney Smith Memorial Tournament in West Monroe showcased some of Louisiana's top basketball talent, featuring teams from across the state, including Monroe, Southern Louisiana, Shreveport, and everywhere in between. In this first installment, we're shining a spotlight on a group of players who are often overlooked in today's fast-paced, guard-heavy game—the bigs. These players, with their impressive size and physical presence, made an undeniable impact on both ends of the floor, proving that the traditional big man still has a vital role to play in the modern game.