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<p>The Louisiana state semifinals delivered a full slate of talent, intensity, and standout performances as teams battled for a spot in the championship game. Several players rose to the moment, showcasing the skill, toughness, and composure that define winning basketball on the biggest stage. From explosive scoring guards to physical interior presences, prospects across matchups involving <strong>Edna Karr High School</strong>, <strong>Alexandria Senior High School</strong>, <strong>Mamou High School</strong>, and <strong>Marksville High School</strong> made their presence felt. Below are notebook evaluations from some of the players who stood out during semifinal action.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2892386' first='Khalil' last='Fisher'] | Edna Karr</strong><br>Fisher continues to show why he is one of the most dynamic offensive players in the state. The guard combines a tight handle with creative scoring ability, attacking downhill and finishing effectively with floaters and touch around the rim. Fisher is the complete package and deserves to be mentioned with the top players in the state. He is coming for a top spot and a state championship. The kid wants it all and has one more game to make Edna Karr history. He finished with <strong>16 points and 12 rebounds</strong>, leading Edna Karr and reinforcing his status as a serious prospect.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2854588' first='Ken'von' last='Riley'] | Edna Karr</strong><br>Riley provides a steady interior presence for Edna Karr and does his work where the game is most physical. The big man stays active in the paint, using his strength and toughness to rebound and finish efficiently around the basket. He is a blue collar big and does the work that doesn't show up in the box score. He outworks everyone in the post and is the catalyst for wins, and is a big reason Edna Karr will be playing for state. He finished with <strong>7 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists</strong>, impacting the game with his physicality and consistency.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2563361' first='Jamion' last='Davis'] | Edna Karr</strong><br>Davis brings valuable floor spacing as an off-guard with the ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc. When his feet are set, he is a reliable perimeter threat who can make defenses pay. In a tough matchup against <strong>Alexandria Senior High School</strong>, Davis delivered several timely shots to help keep momentum on Edna Karr's side.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3274277' first='Kaleb' last='Williams'] | Edna Karr</strong><br>Williams played a key role in helping Edna Karr settle into the game after an early push from Alexandria Senior High. The guard showed smooth ball handling and strong court awareness while knocking down key shots that helped shift the momentum. Williams finished with <strong>10 points</strong>, providing an important scoring spark.</p>
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<p><strong>Vlitz Jamison | Mamou | 2027</strong><br>Jamison is an electric guard who plays with relentless energy on every possession. He thrives attacking downhill but also has the ability to pull up and knock down the jumper when defenders give space. Around the rim, Jamison shows soft touch and the ability to finish on either side.</p>
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<p><strong>Braxton Ardoin | Mamou | 2027</strong><br>The <strong>6'7</strong> post player brings size, athleticism, and a developing skill set that makes him an intriguing long-term prospect. Ardoin controlled the boards and provided interior scoring despite Mamou coming up short in the matchup. His physical tools and presence in the paint give him clear next-level potential.</p>
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<p><strong>Ernest Dugas | Mamou | 2029</strong><br>Dugas, a freshman averaging <strong>18 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists</strong>, showed why he is one of the most exciting young prospects in the state. He announced his presence early with a powerful baseline dunk and continued to play with confidence throughout the game. Despite the loss, Dugas displayed impressive poise, leadership, and maturity for a young player. The 2029 class is showing their talent can mat the gifted 2028 class, and Dugas just may be one of those special talents in the state. He is a tangible talent that already shows the intangibles that college coaches talk about. </p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2132753' first='Jaden' last='Price'] | Marksville | 2027</strong><br>Price put on a shooting display in the semifinal matchup against Mamou. The guard thrived playing off the ball, consistently staying ready to catch and fire from the perimeter. His early shot-making helped stretch the lead and made it difficult for Mamou to mount a comeback. Long story short, he is a shooter. </p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2218441' first='Armonii' last='Benjamin'] | Marksville | 2026</strong><br>Benjamin set the tone early and controlled the game from the start. The <strong>6'2</strong> hybrid guard has the size of a wing but the playmaking ability of a point guard, allowing him to impact the game in multiple ways. Built like a college free safety, Benjamin combines strength, control, and leadership while making smart decisions in the flow of the game.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2421312' first='Devin' last='Lavalais'] | Marksville | 2027</strong><br>Lavalais filled the role of a true workhorse, focusing on the little things that lead to winning. His defensive effort, hustle, and attention to detail helped stabilize the team throughout the game. Lavalais plays with a competitor's mindset and brings the type of winning mentality every successful team needs.</p>
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<p><strong>Davough Hayes | Marksville</strong><br>Hayes serves as an important interior presence for Marksville and often takes on the challenge of guarding the opposing team's top big man. He plays with strong effort on both ends, finishing efficiently around the rim while remaining disciplined defensively. Hayes' consistency and toughness in the paint will be a key factor heading into the state championship game.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2532368' first='Dayne' last='Small'] | Marksville</strong></p>
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<p>Small has steadily raised his stock throughout the season and has been on the radar of college coaches since his sophomore year. The guard's strong fundamentals and tight handle allow him to control the pace while keeping the offense organized for <strong>Marksville High School</strong>. His steady and consistent play continues to be a key factor in Marksville's success, making him a player to watch heading into the state championship round.</p>
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<p>Stay tuned in for more player evaluations and performances from PrepHoops for the state championship coverage. </p>
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The Louisiana state semifinals delivered a full slate of talent, intensity, and standout performances as teams battled for a spot in the championship game. Several players rose to the moment, showcasing the skill, toughness, and composure that define winning basketball on the biggest stage. From explosive scoring guards to physical interior presences, prospects across matchups involving Edna Karr High School, Alexandria Senior High School, Mamou High School, and Marksville High School made their presence felt. Below are notebook evaluations from some of the players who stood out during semifinal action.
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