State Finals Standouts: Who Stepped Up When It Mattered

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Championship weekend delivered must-watch moments across Louisiana, with seniors cementing legacies and underclassmen announcing themselves on the big stage. From clutch scoring to defensive takeovers and game‑changing hustle, these players carried their teams to titles and left scouts and coaches taking notes. Here are the top performers who defined the state finals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Calvin Washington (2026): Washington's late-game play was decisive scoring 14 points, 9 assists, 4 rebounds and 3 steals, showing he can run the show and close out pressure situations. His game is not flashy, but it is consistent and efficient. He does not need a lot of shots to get these numbers. His consistency down the stretch along with clutch free throws sealed the championship deal for his team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jordan Sharnett (2028): The sophomore scored 18 points with 4 rebounds and 2 assists, knocking down key shots to keep East Iberville competitive. He's a rising guard who delivers in big moments. Scouts and coaches need to pay close attention to his game and future development because he already checks a lot of boxes for next level competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Colin Banks (2026): Banks battled inside for 13 points and a game-high 15 rebounds, protecting the paint and fueling his team's comeback push with relentless boards. They physical post player worked hard on both sides of the ball and has potential for next level opportunities. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1543686' first='Ryland' last='Johnson'] (Brusly): The point guard ran the offense with veteran savvy, protecting the ball and putting teammates in position to succeed against a tough Wossman defense. In the biggest moments of the game when Brusly needed a moment to gain their composure he managed the offense by controlling the pace. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2919439' first='Ben' last='Radford'] (2026): Radford was the deciding factor inside with 15 points, 11 rebounds and 7 blocks, controlling the paint, handling the ball when needed and remaining composed in a physical title game. The big man has cemented himself in Brusly history, but also made a big impression on coaches, scouts and fans. His size, athleticism and intangibles will make a him a next level prospect heading into the summer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2132649' first='Micah' last='Bryant'] (Brusly): Bryant attacked downhill in big moments, finishing with 15 points and 4 rebounds and providing the timely scoring Brusly needed to secure the championship. The slasher and three point shooter is surely a player to watch. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> [player_tooltip player_id='1679469' first='Jontae' last='Turpin Jr']. (2026): Turpin Jr. delivered another offensive clinic, showcasing elite ball skills and creation ability in pick-and-roll and isolation sets. His 14 points game at some of the biggest moments of the game. His next level potential is clear and he will be a steal in the 2026 class. He is easily one of the best players in the state and a next level target. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2330259' first='Roosevelt' last='Dean'] (Wossman): Dean's blue-collar game, rebounding, defending and doing the little things. He set the tone and extended possessions when his team needed it most. He left it all on the court and had one of his most impressive performances of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2905811' first='Maliki' last='Broussard'] (Lacassine) 2027: Broussard is an under the radar stock riser. In the state title game he displayed all of the tools required of a next level athlete. His game is complete and refined and he looks comfortable in every basketball situation. His 22 points and 7 rebounds were special on a day when someone needed to make the big plays down the stretch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These performances gave coaches, scouts and fans a lot to talk about. Seniors closed chapters with championships, and underclassmen built momentum heading into offseason recruiting and development. Expect many of these names to draw increased recruiting interest in the coming weeks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->