Rising Basketball Stars in Northeast Louisiana

As the basketball season is well underway, certain player names are consistently making their presence felt across the state. While some may not be lighting up the scoreboard with 30-point performances, they are delivering steady efforts that highlight their growth and reliability over time. These are the athletes who may not capture attention at first glance, but they consistently contribute to their teams' success through winning plays and determination. These are players to get out and see play today.    Sanford is back and looking better than ever. While watching Sanford in the summer, his skill and motor were evident. Now he is playing with more confidence and pace, and Green Oaks looks tough with him leading the charge He is an intense competitor and his quickly developing skill set make him one to watch in the 2027 Class.     Spann has broken into the Lincoln Prep starting line up and is making a big impact early in the season. Spann is a shifty guard with a two level game. Spann can shoot the three ball, and he can get to the rim. Spann is also a willing facilitator which makes him tough to figure out. Prep is currently 9-2 and Spann is averaging almost 14 PPG. He is shaking the football legs, and these numbers could increase.     Gladney is putting in work and his game is speaking loud with his increased production. In three games I have watched, Gladney is establishing himself as a playmaker. He is a three-point threat, but also works to get downhill. Gladney is a tough defender and gives equal effort on both sides of the ball. Airline has dropped a couple of close games, but Gladney and his surge in production could turn that around before district play. Look out for Gladney as his stock continues to rise.     Clarence has worked his way into the starting line up and picked up more responsibility to score the ball. In a tough match-up vs Jonesboro-Hodge, Menyweather stepped up and hit the big shots when needed. Clarence is a pass-first guard, but when the Coach gives him the green light to score, he is more than capable. Menyweather is improving and showing his consistent growth. Keep watching Clarence because the kid is legit.     Cotton is new to the platform, but the game is well-known in Northeast Louisiana. Cotton is a deep ball threat, and his ability to shoot the ball is turning him into a major threat on the court. His game starts beyond the arc, but it moves closer to the goal depending on what the defense gives him. He has an elite mid-range pull-up shot and, as an underclassman, is elite with his decision-making, showing no fear of getting to the rim and finishing through contact. He has racked up multiple 20-point games in this early season. Watch out for this stock riser.    Stay on the lookout for more player evaluations and stock risers in the state.

As the basketball season is well underway, certain player names are consistently making their presence felt across the state. While some may not be lighting up the scoreboard with 30-point performances, they are delivering steady efforts that highlight their growth and reliability over time. These are the athletes who may not capture attention at first glance, but they consistently contribute to their teams' success through winning plays and determination. These are players to get out and see play today.