Top Performers on the Hardwood from East Texas to Lake Charles (Part 2)
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In part two of this top performers exclusive, I will highlight one of the top players in the 2022 in Louisiana, an under the radar point guard from East Texas, and a host of others. These players will be ones…
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Continue ReadingIn part two of this top performers exclusive, I will highlight one of the top players in the 2022 in Louisiana, an under the radar point guard from East Texas, and a host of others. These players will be ones to watch in upcoming tournaments and games around the Boot and East Texas.
G | De"Vion Lavergne | ’23
In the North Central quarterfinal win over St. Augustine, Lavergne showed the versatility of his game. He scored 15 second half points (19 total) via steals in the backcourt, dunks in transition, and showing the range of his jumper. Lavergne showed in the contest that scoring at all three levels is not an issue for him. Mix that with his ability to cause turnovers by the Purple Knights defending all perimeter positions, Lavergne put together a masterful game helping the Hurricanes advance.
F | Gikovian McCoy | ’23
McCoy may be a linebacker during football season. However, the 6’4″ forward has shown to be a capable forward on the hardwood. McCoy scored a game high 14 in the Mavs loss to Jacksonville in a myriad of ways. He is a very active rebounder with long arms who scored on offensive putbacks consistently. McCoy also creates turnovers by disrupting passing lanes as well. Football may be his primary sport. However, he is going to help Marshall plenty this season with his interior scoring.
G | Devin McCuin | ’23
McCuin is an underrated, six foot point guard out of Jacksonville who has a chance to be one of the better point guards in his class. The East Texas point was in full command of the Jacksonville offense in their win over Marshall. He is very good at penetrating the paint and making passes to open interior players. McCuin also uses his positioning well to keep defenders on his hip or to create enough room for his shot. His 11 points were important in the win but his control of the game was much more important.
G | Albert Shell Albert Shell 6'3" | SG Wossman | 2022 State LA | ’22
Wossman obtained a solid win over Walker in the Showdown in the Lake quarters and Albert Shell Albert Shell 6'3" | SG Wossman | 2022 State LA was at the forefront of it. Shell tied for the team lead with fourteen points and he scored them with transition layups, floaters in the lane, and at the free throw line. He was also part of some of the best perimeter defense played this season as he and the rest of the Wildcat guards caused several turnovers. His two-way play helped his team win and for him to be noticed as a top performer.
G | Reginald Stoner Reginald Stoner 6'1" | CG North Central | 2022 State LA | ’22
Stoner got a steal and score about one minute into the contest with St. Augustine during the Showdown in the Lake. From that point, he set the tone in a game the Canes won by 20-plus. Stoner was a problem for St. Augustine as he got offensive rebounds from his own misses and was able to score or pass it to someone else to score. His steals lead to transition situations all game. His 29 point effort was the highlight of the quarterfinal round from Lake Charles.
G | Deion Ware Deion Ware 6'4" | CG Hamilton Christian | 2023 TX | ’23
Ware got a chance to show off more than his shooting touch during his 20 point effort against Calvary in the Showdown in the Lake. While he did make three triples, it was his skill of getting into the teeth of the defense that had Hamilton Christian a possession away from winning. He used the dribble to find shooters in the corners and wings repeatedly. Ware becoming more adept at passing makes him more dangerous as his team moves forward from the Showdown.
F | Labree Williams Labree Williams 6'6" | SF Calvary Baptist | 2023 #186 Nation FL | ’22
Williams had one of the most dominant performances of any game, individual or tournament, that I have seen this season. With Calvary needing to overcome Hamilton Christian in consolation play, Williams put the Cavs on his back scoring the last 16 points of the game on route to a 34 point performance. He used a series of moves off the dribble and in the post that made defenders succumb to his will. Williams closed the game with a block of a three point attempt which sealed the Cavs victory. His fourth quarter was one for the books.
G | Warren Young Warren Young 6'1" | CG Walker | 2023 State LA | ’23
Young displayed why he is one of the top players in the class of 2023 despite his team’s loss to Wossman in the Showdown quarterfinals. When Young has the ball in his hands, he has to be guarded from half court on. Warren made shots from all three levels and clutch end of quarter shots also. His three at the end of the third kept Walker hanging around before Wossman took over the 4th. Even in the loss, it is clear that Young is the go-to player for Walker. He is in the top 10 for a reason.
Look for more top performers from games such as Huntington-Southwood and the various tournaments going on around Louisiana in days to come. This weekend should be a big one with tournaments at Parkway, ASH, Wossman, and in Lafayette.