Mr. Pickem Grissom: NELA TOP Players. THE FINALE

Some folks have speculations about the Top 4, but the wait is over and here they are. These players are considered the best of the best and as the season has already started some of these guys are already building their names. Take a look at the last of the list, and an honorable mention that has looked good already and could be a big name this season.    No other player in the area made the leap to greatness like Lane did a season ago. The 6'6 wing man was a key component to Richwoods State Championship run while garnering MVP recognition in the process. The silky smooth athlete can play all five positions on the floor and is equally efficient on both ends of the floor. He didn't make the list last year, but that stops now. I expect another title run for the Ram superstar in 2025. Player Comparison. Brandon Ingram. Grissom Pick #3.     Since stepping on the scene as a Freshman, Nelson has excelled at the point guard spot for the Panthers. He was las seasons top player on the list and could have easily been #1 again this year. He controls the game only as a point guard could, but can score as efficiently as a shooting guard, and even rebounds at an above average clip. In the off season he expanded his game and strength to absorb the bumps that come with being the man. Player Comparison. Austin Reaves. Grissom Pick #2.     As a sophomore, Hudson came in at number two on the list but now has risen to the top in 2025. The 6'7 man-child dominated the game in a variety of ways for a Ruston team that came in just shit of another 2028 run. He is unstoppable in the post and has developed an adequate jump shot to keep teams honest. However, his best attributes lie on the other side of the ball. He may be the best shot blocker I have seen on the Prep level, and he also rebounds at a level unseen since Paul Milsap. Player Comparison. Jalen Duren. Grissom Pick #1.     Jackson is the best big man in North Louisiana not named [player_tooltip player_id='2132725' first='Ahmad' last='Hudson']. Whatever you want him to do in the paint, he can do it. He is a high motor, high energy player and he competes on every single possession. He plays hard and just does it all, night in and night out. He is a bully around the rim and just wins while he is in the game. He was named District MVP along with other honors and this senior campaign could be one that earns him the recognition he deserves as a top player in the state. He is a junkyard dog on the court, and I don't think I have seen another big get the best of him in a game. Jackson is 30pts and 15 rebounds any time he steps on the floor, and I expect those types of games from him as the leader for a scrappy Arcadia team.     This Durham also known as "Juicy" is a local superstar, and name to know around the state. If you have seen him on the court, then you already know. He has added subtle notches to his development belt every single year and this senior season will be special. THe high flyer is all that you want in a basketball player. He is powerful, but poised, skill and aggressive, vocal and intelligent. He is the complete player one of the best players in NELA. He plays the game with a joy and enthusiasm you only see in elite hoopers. He is a highlight reel, and will dunk on anybody that gets in his way. He was not a Grissom Pick, but he will make any list I put together.    This concludes the Mr. Pickem Grissom NELA List. Let me know if we should do another list for the Shreveport/ Bossier/ Lafayette/Lake Charles or New Orleans area. Who are the top players in each community and region.

Some folks have speculations about the Top 4, but the wait is over and here they are. These players are considered the best of the best and as the season has already started some of these guys are already building their names. Take a look at the last of the list, and an honorable mention that has looked good already and could be a big name this season.