Top Southern Baller Highlights from West Monroe Complex

The West Monroe Complex hosted some of the top ballers from the southern states, showcasing a wealth of talent on full display. In this first installment, I will highlight several standout players who made a significant impact during the three-day event.    [player_tooltip player_id='2194893' first='Demar' last='Hinton'] displayed a well-rounded game on both ends of the floor, particularly against the top competition in Louisiana. He is comfortable playing both on and off the ball, often turning the game into a physical contest. Demonstrating intelligence in his play, Hinton stands at 6'3" and possesses the physical strength to overpower guards of similar size. He is a legitimate three-level scorer, capable of finishing off the ball or creating his own shot with the ball in hand. As a vocal player, he exhibits clear leadership qualities that further enhance his impact on the court. With his combination of size and skill, Hinton has the potential to excel at the next level.     Lavalais is a defensive specialist who brings pure energy to the court and is an all-around good player. With high basketball IQ, he consistently makes the right plays and can score in any situation, whether on or off the ball. As a versatile player, he takes advantage of what the game offers and effectively fills gaps on a team of talented offensive players. A legitimate three-level scorer, he excels at driving downhill and finding his spots. Additionally, his calming presence in tense moments earns him recognition as a leader. Currently ranked #11 in his class, he possesses intangibles that could easily elevate his ranking even further.     Brown is a big guard with a high motor who is intense on defense and embraces the physical aspects of the game. Strong enough to guard positions 1-3, he combines athleticism with great lateral quickness, making him a tough matchup for opponents. His aggressive style can be a nightmare for finesse players. Offensively, his strength lies in driving to the rim, and he also excels at rebounding. Look for a big summer and a jump in the rankings for this stock riser.      Lathers is an active and athletic wing who brings a physical approach to the game. He plays effectively within the offense while emphasizing strong defense, demonstrating the ability to score in various situations. In a challenging matchup against Above All, he successfully limited the production of the opposing team's biggest player. With a versatile skill set, he excels in multiple facets of the game, showcasing strong ball-handling abilities. As a quintessential Louisiana player, he is skilled, gritty, and tough, with a high upside. Recently added to the PrepHoops database, he has the potential to make a significant impact this summer.     Ejayden McDonald is one of the toughest guards in the deep 2026 class. He could be the missing piece for numerous teams due to his versatility and ability to contribute in multiple ways. As a leader, he orchestrates both the offense and defense with a high motor and strong basketball IQ, playing within the limits of the game. A skilled scorer, he excels at finishing at the rim, effortlessly finding seams in the offense and being an elite finisher with both hands. Easily a Top 5 defender in the state, he makes opposing guards work hard for every play. An elite player, McDonald is sure to play at the collegiate level.    Part one of this three day event featured some of the best two way players and there are plenty more to come. Coaches, fans scouts and recruiters be sure to check for future evaluations of the talent packed event.

The West Monroe Complex hosted some of the top ballers from the southern states, showcasing a wealth of talent on full display. In this first installment, I will highlight several standout players who made a significant impact during the three-day event.