Class of 2025-26 Varsity Contributors to Watch

To play varsity athletics as an underclassmen is a big deal on the hardwood. When this happens, it means that a coach has the ultimate confidence in your ability and basketball acumen. The classes of 2025 and 2026 have some underclassmen in that mode that should make large contributions on their varsity squad. In this Prep Hoops Louisiana article, we will take a look at some players who should be big contributors on the varsity level this season.   Christopher Charlot Jr. (5'10" | Beau Chene)   Charlot was already a contributor in a limited capacity playing varsity minutes this summer. This season, as a freshman, Charlot should see the floor a lot. He is a guard who can run the point and shoot the ball well from three. Charlot also does not mind sticking his nose in to rebound. His ability to handle the rock and shoot should help him make a smooth transition to the varsity level even as a true freshman.   [player_tooltip player_id='1393932' first='Kerel' last='Dean'] (6'4" | Bossier)   To play for the Bossier Bearkats as an underclassman, that player has to have a ton of talent. In this particular case, [player_tooltip player_id='1393932' first='Kerel' last='Dean'] is one of those type players. Dean saw mop-up duty last season. Fast forward to this season and he may be the Bearkats best inside player. Dean has long arms and can rebound and score in the paint. He also has a soft touch from 16 feet in. Dean may struggle early with the varsity pace. However, he should be one of the best sophomores in north Louisiana by season's end.   [player_tooltip player_id='1347460' first='Marcus' last='Lofton'] (5'10" | Captain Shreve)   The Gators have always had good point guard play and this year should be no different with sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1347460' first='Marcus' last='Lofton'] taking the reins. Lofton is a pass first point guard who has a nifty handle and a high basketball IQ. He sees a lot of plays before they happen or he takes action to make them happen. While he looks to get others into the game, he is a very capable scorer. With the ball in his hands, the Gators should run smoothly this year.   Gavin Lucas (6'0" | Bonnabel)   If the Prep Hoops freshman showcase is a precursor to the season, Lucas is going to do well this season under coach Micah Hagans. While he began slowly, when Lucas got going, he displayed a versatile offensive game that should make an impact on the varsity floor. He can really knock down the open jumper and he has the smarts to get into the paint and make plays. Lucas has a mature game for his age which should translate well.   Autrail Manning Jr. (6'1" | John Curtis)   I know Manning is already a varsity player who helped his team play for a state title. Even though he was a solid contributor, Manning has the game to be the best player on his team. Manning is adept at penetrating the lane and he makes smart and accurate passes. This summer, he showed that scoring on all three levels was not an issue and he can defend. I can see a possible district MVP in his near future the way he plays the game.   [player_tooltip player_id='1543705' first='Tallion' last='Rideau'] (6'2" | JS Clark Leadership)   Coach Ross Rix has a player that will be a game changer in [player_tooltip player_id='1543705' first='Tallion' last='Rideau']. However, this season, he should be as solid as any freshman playing. Rideau is a very good rebounder who has the ability to take it off the glass and push. His handle is better than I initially thought and he can score from inside and outside of the paint. Rideau will be a good fit with the talent Leadership has coming back on the varsity team this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1330583' first='Zion' last='Weeks'] (6'0" | Ouachita)   If Weeks play from the summer is any indication of the season he will have, opponents better beware. Zion is a very good two way player who anticipates well on defense and attacks on offense. He can really get to the rim using his speed and quickness. Weeks is also a very good shooter from behind the arc. The scoring numbers he put up this summer and his defensive ability should be a good fit in the Lions lineup this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1347444' first='Bryson' last='Williams'] (5'10" | Southwood)   Williams saw plenty of spot minutes for the Cowboys last season. This year, he should be ready to contribute on an even larger scale for the Pokes. Williams is a hard-nosed guard who believes in getting downhill to create opportunities for himself and others. The fearless way he attacks the rim gives him a ton of opportunities at the charity stripe as well. If he makes his jumper consistently enough to balance his attack, he will be another piece to a Cowboy attack that already has some big pieces.   Underclassmen contributing big time on varsity is nothing new. With the way the game is played now, teams need mature underclassmen contributors to solidify their programs and help them grow. These eight players fit those attributes and will be players to watch this season as they make their mark on the varsity level.

To play varsity athletics as an underclassmen is a big deal on the hardwood. When this happens, it means that a coach has the ultimate confidence in your ability and basketball acumen. The classes of 2025 and 2026 have some underclassmen in that mode that should make large contributions on their varsity squad. In this Prep Hoops Louisiana article, we will take a look at some players who should be big contributors on the varsity level this season.