NOLA Backcourt Kings: Phenoms Ready to Rule Metro New Orleans

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As fall approaches and gym doors crack open across the Boot, late October, early November signals the arrival of another highly competitive Louisiana high school basketball season. From the gritty parish battles down in South Louisiana to the traditional powerhouse programs in North Louisiana, the 2026-27 season will introduce a slate of coaches, rebranded rivalries, and an abundant crop of prospects ready build of the work they put in during the summer.<br>​This multi-part Season Preview Series called<strong> "Boot Watch 2026"</strong> will shine a light on multiple programs from around the state who have the difference-makers, sleepers, and gamechangers that will lead their teams toward Marsh Madness, which is returning to the Cajun Dome, on the campus of the University of Louisiana Lafayette.<br>In each edition, we will delve into breaking down the players athletic profiles, on-court tendencies, and expected impact on this year's championship chase. This will be a fun series showcasing why Louisiana Highschool Basketball are putting scouts on notice!!!!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Taurean Kenner","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77244","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Bonnabel Highschool","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"Louisiana Titans","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa858411a461"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><br>​Taurean Kenner established himself as one of the area's premier talents during the second half of last season, setting the stage for a massive junior campaign. This season his role will be the primary scoring option for the Titans, Kenner carries high-volume offensive potential into the fall. Armed with a lightning-quick first step and a lengthy wingspan, Kenner uses his length and twitchy athleticism to play passing lanes and blow past perimeter defenders. Kenner attacks downhill with intent and features elite bounce at the cup, capable of finishing above the rim in transition or through contact in traffic. Kenner also has a nice perimeter stroke that keeps defenders honest and opens up driving lanes. ​Projected to take on heavy usage this season, Kenner's blend of athletic upside, perimeter shooting, and rim-pressure capabilities makes him a lethal threat to lead the Bonnabel Bruins on a deep playoff run!!!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2894148"],"_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-6aa858411a4c4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2894148' first='Kenyon' last='Harper'] Jr. is a physical, high-motor guard who excels at breaking down defenders and generating relentless downhill pressure. Harper plays with an aggressive competitive edge, possessing a quick first step and a stout frame to get into the paint at will and finish through contact around the rim. His ability to consistently breakdown defenses has opens up the floor for teammates, showcasing Harper's growth as a point guard who can make the correct decisions whether it's scoring or passing. Stepping into a key leadership role as a junior, Harper sets himself apart on the defensive end, applying tight on-ball pressure, sliding his feet well to stay in front, disrupting opposing ballhandlers. With his mix of interior scoring threat, expanding playmaking, and perimeter defense, Harper projects as a primary backcourt leader capable of controlling the pace of the game. As Kenyon grows in this leadership role, he will build the confidence in his teammates, and I believe that bond can help the Bonnabel Bruins make some noise in the Louisiana Highschool Basketball playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2443431"],"_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-6aa858411a512"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Taylor is a high-impact senior guard who has elite floor awareness and dynamic open-court athleticism. Taylor puts constant pressure on defenses in transition. Abe's high-motor, toughness on the boards from the guard position, and IQ allows him to impact the game in multiple facets. Taylor finishes through contact around the rim and draws help defense to create open looks for his teammates. He demonstrates exceptional spatial awareness and game management, plays with poise, makes timely reads in half-court sets, and consistently makes the correct extra pass under pressure. Taylor also consistently rebounds well from the guard position against taller frontcourts counterparts, boxing them out effectively, and initiates the secondary break immediately off defensive boards. Abe's relentless energy on both ends of the floor, sets a high defensive standard with active hands, precise rotations, and hustle plays. He is a coach's dream. Taylor projects as a plug-and-play backcourt prospect for up-tempo collegiate programs. His combination of transition speed, rebounding toughness, and sharp decision-making makes him a reliable two-way guard capable of contributing immediately. Taylor will be a very important piece in helping St. Augustine Highschool chase a state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2700512"],"_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-6aa858411a55b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A dynamic, shifty playmaker who is always threat with the ball in his hands. Miles possesses deep perimeter range, a consistent mid-range pull-up, unmatched floater game to finish over taller defenders, and the explosive change-of-direction needed to collapse defenses at the rim. Aaron is also a crafty on-ball defender who plays the passing lanes masterfully. The Purple Knights leader is a battle-tested champion with an exceptional basketball IQ, who demonstrates poise under pressure, controls game tempo, and consistently makes the right plays when games are on the line. Deuce as he's called in the Nola basketball circles will be a vital part in helping St. Augustine make a state championship run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2124533"],"_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-6aab287ea6dc9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Marlin Johhnson is; launched into his senior campaign for Louisiana powerhouse John Curtis Christian Highschool as a battle-tested floor general ready to pilot the Patriots to a repeat championship. Fresh off showcasing his talent on the big stage with B-Squared Hoops on the New Balance Circuit, Johnson is a pure point guard who controls every facet of the game. Marlin reads defenses effortlessly and consistently elevates the play of everyone around him. While his primary mindset is setting up teammates, he stays dangerous with the ability to score in bunches the moment defenses give him daylight. As the Patriots eye another championship run in 2026–27, Johnson's poise, high basketball IQ, and veteran big-game experience make him the indispensable engine steering the John Curtis machine.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1975865"],"_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-6aab287ea6de7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior guard Zay Shepherd enters his final prep season as one of the purest, most efficient perimeter snipers in the Da Boot state. Shepherd is known for knocking down the long ball in crunch-time moments from anywhere on the court. He's a gritty, two-way player who takes on the challenge of locking down the opponent's best player. Battling in the tough Catholic League at John Curtis Christian Highschool, his veteran poise, lethal range, and defensive toughness give the Patriots a battle-tested leader capable of changing the game on both ends of the court. Shepherd will be a detrimental piece for John Curtis throughout the 2026-27 campaign, swinging big games with his clutch shot-making and relentless perimeter defense allowing them to attempt to repeat as state champions. 🏆</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->