Louisiana Guards Ready to Make Their Mark

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2027 features several talented guards entering a pivotal season. From tough on-ball defenders and dynamic scorers to versatile two-way playmakers, these prospects have the skill, competitiveness, and leadership to elevate their teams. Here are five players poised for impactful seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2132726"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ab6b8f73505a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Allen Shaw</strong> spent last season sidelined by injury, using the summer to focus on strength, recovery, and football. Make no mistake: he is far from an ordinary player. Shaw is a supreme leader and could be the most important piece of the Archbishop Shaw puzzle. He is one of the state's most aggressive defenders and a high-IQ on-ball guard. He has not lost anything from his game; if anything, he may have gained an even deeper appreciation for the sport. Shaw left a lot on the table last season and is undoubtedly coming back to claim it during his senior campaign. His three-point shot may take a few weeks to fully return, but until then, opponents should be prepared for the challenge of dealing with him for all 94 feet.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2313822"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ab6b8f7350a2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2313822' first='Javon' last='Vital']</strong> burst onto the scene as a sophomore, winning a state title while also establishing himself as a premier football prospect. His gridiron background translates naturally to the basketball court, where his strength, quickness, and competitiveness consistently stand out. Vital is the type of player who can carry a team and should be set up for an outstanding senior season. Beyond his visible basketball tools, he is simply a winner and a fierce competitor. Look for Vital to deliver big performances this season while continuing to showcase his electric, game-changing ability.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2813573"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ab6b8f7350c6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2813573' first='Kzirion' last='Holmes']</strong> is a player to watch because of his multifaceted skill set. He is a well-sized guard with an experienced two-way game, a smooth jump shot, and the strength to finish through contact at the rim. Holmes has the potential to become a lead option and will have an opportunity to carry a larger load for Parkway this season. A breakout year could help Parkway maintain its standing among the state's respected programs and make another deep postseason run after reaching the quarterfinals last season. Keep an eye on Holmes and the production he brings this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2194365"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ab6b8f7350e6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Jeremy Williams</strong> emerged as one of the summer's biggest stock risers by slowing the game down and focusing on the details. A big guard who earns his value on both ends of the floor, Williams will not be intimidated by defenders his size or smaller. In many cases, opponents may need to use a forward to handle his physicality on the perimeter. He is a bully with the ball in his hands, working to get both feet in the paint to score or create opportunities for teammates. Either way, he is highly effective. The next stage of his development will come from the three-point line, and based on his summer production, that could be the biggest leap in his skill set. Expect Williams to increase his production for a talented Denham Springs roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2905811"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ab6b8f735105"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2905811' first='Maliki' last='Broussard']</strong> may be one of the state's most overlooked players, but after last season's success and a strong summer, he is ready to lead his team toward another state title. Small-school basketball deserves respect, particularly because of its fast-paced style and the level of skill required to win consistently. While some programs are smaller by enrollment, their results against larger schools show that the talent gap is often minimal. Broussard is a college-ready guard who can excel at either the point guard or shooting guard position. He has no visible weaknesses in his game and is poised to shoulder a significant offensive and leadership load this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2027 class has no shortage of talent, and these five guards have the opportunity to set the tone for their respective teams. Whether through leadership, defensive intensity, scoring, or all-around versatility, each player enters the season with something to prove, and the ability to make a major statement.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->