High School Summer Ball: The Next Generation

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>AAU is in full swing, and some players have taken to the road to showcase their skills in hopes of grabbing attention from coaches looking for next-level prospects. Others have prioritized development, taking the time to examine their shortfalls and work on improvement. Some players are trying to get more explosive, while others are building their bodies and just getting in the gym to hoop and lock in on growth. Regardless, summer ball is here, and it's time to get out and take our first look at programs without their seniors and lock in on the next generation of high school hoopers. Here are some names that could stand out at Louisiana team camps in gyms around the state:<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3564682"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a18a4cbbed66"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3564682' first='Fiko' last='Aguar']</strong> is one of the most promising big men in the state, and his AAU performance up to this point has been fruitful. His game is growing, and his skills are developing consistently. He is an easy prospect to spot, and his upside is unlimited. He has the size, determination, and consistency in dedication to be a big-time player in the state. He could be a surprise in the summer school ball circuits and team camps going on around the state.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2482178"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a18a4cbbedf3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2482178' first='Shaun' last='Phillips']</strong> is one of those players who brings his football tendencies to the game and affects the game with his bully mentality. Being bigger, stronger, and faster than everyone is an underrated skill in a sport that prioritizes the long ball. Phillips is a gritty post player who could open up basketball opportunities to match his football upside. Summer ball could get a whole different conversation going around this two-sport prospect.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2939661"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a18a4cbbee43"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Ceasar</strong> is one to watch this summer school ball season because he has a big-time opportunity to step into some big shoes left behind by the stellar senior group at LCCP. He has all the tools to be a lead guy, and summer ball will be his time to show it. He is already skilled and could step into a lead role as an underclassman sooner rather than later.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2956173"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a18a4cbbee88"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2956173' first='Chase' last='Edwards']</strong> is a year older, and with some key seniors moving on at Karr, he could step in and be an impact player. He has a smooth handle, can knock down the three-ball, and does not mind locking in on defense. His skill set could be a key factor for Karr as they look to duplicate their trip to the Dome, but it all starts in summer ball. Look for Edwards to earn some varsity minutes this summer with the Karr group.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2832437"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a18a4cbbeeca"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2832437' first='Jai' last='Williams']</strong>&nbsp;earned some varsity minutes last season and produced when given the opportunity. His growth is inevitable considering he already possesses a game that demonstrates skill and considerable upside with his size and athleticism. This could be a big summer for him in the gym, making him one to watch on the summer high school ball team camp circuits.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ultimately, June team camps provide the perfect trial-by-fire for programs establishing their new identities. With the departure of key seniors, the door is wide open for underclassmen and rising varsity players to carve out major roles. The prospects highlighted in this list have the size, grit, and skill sets to make immediate statements in front of their home crowds and regional scouts alike. As high school gyms across Louisiana heat up, expect these five players to capitalize on the opportunity and lay the groundwork for breakout winter campaigns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->