Da Westbank Hidden Gems: Unknown players ready to make noise.

<!-- 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":"Dylan Crockens","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_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":"Thomas Jefferson","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_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-6aacfd7469ceb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><br>​Heading into his senior season,  Dylan Crockens is ready to be the high level scorer  Thomas Jefferson Academy needs in the  backcourt this season. Crockens playmaking ability will be needed as he will be asked to break down trapping defenses and hit his open teammates.. Dylan's game has matured which will help Thomas Jefferson make noise and set the tone for the 2026-27 season. Crockens' poise, scoring punch, and floor leadership will be instrumental in driving their offense to a potential playoff appearance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- 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":"Charles Turner","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_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":"77246","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Thomas Jefferson","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_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-6aacfd7469d46"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">​Thomas Jefferson guard Charles Turner is a versatile player who impacts the game across every facet of the game. Turner brings a elite bag to the court, scoring at will when attacking downhill . Turners best attribute is his defense, putting pressure on the opposingteam's guards, using his quick feet and active hands. What truly elevates his overall profile is his leadership. He consistently out-works opponents to secure rebounds on both ends of the floor whichmotivateshis team to playwiththesamegrit. Turner's motor, defensive discipline, and leadership make him the senior leader for Thomas Jefferson heading into the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- 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":"Fredrick Washington","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'5u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77245","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Higgins ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_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-6aacfd7469d85"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><br>6'5 big man Fredrick Washington is primed to give the L.W. Higgins frontcourt a massive interior presence for the 2026-27 season. Washington brings a high defensive IQ and an unrelenting motor in the paint, anchoring the [program_tooltip program_id='2076954' first='Hurricanes' last=''] as an aggressive window-cleaner and rapidly emerging rim protector. Offensively, he does the dirty work on the low block while showcasing soft touch around the rim. Washington's best offensive asset is as a  efficient pick-and-roll target. As Higgins pushes to make noise in District 10-5A, look for Washington to expand his role on the block and significantly increase his scoring output. Big Fred as he's called will be in the [program_tooltip program_id='2076954' first='Hurricanes' last=''] revitalization!!!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- 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":"[player_tooltip player_id='3772646' first='Cormelo' last='Howard'] ","_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":"5'10u0022","_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":"Higgins ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_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"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aacfd7469dc1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">dynamic combo guard [player_tooltip player_id='3772646' first='Cormelo' last='Howard'] enters the upcoming season ready to ignite the [program_tooltip program_id='2076954' first='Hurricanes' last='']' backcourt after fine-tuning his skill set with [program_tooltip program_id='2625865' first='JPSA' last='Academy'] during the summer travel ball season. "Melo" is an electric playmaker who keeps defenders guessing with elite ball-handling, a quick first step, and high-level shot-making. He excels at shooting the ball of the catch and is improving in getting paint touches. Howard's mid-range game is fearless and as he continues get stronger, finishing through contact at the rim with either hand will get easier and easier. Melo's dual-threat scoring dynamic and backcourt versatility will be vital as L.W. Higgins looks to push the tempo and stack up wins on the West Bank this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- 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":"​[player_tooltip player_id='3654919' first='Dodge' last='Bosley']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77248","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"West Jefferson","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_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-6aacfd7469dfc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">​Bosley's is a aggressive downhill penetrator who consistently touches the paint and finishes through contact. Dodge's explosive first step out of the triple threat is a sight to see. Pass 1st / This High-IQ, unselfish ball player who draws help defense to set up open teammates. Bosley is a high-energy perimeter defender with active hands and swift lateral movement.<br>​West Jefferson has a hidden gem that will help them return to their winning ways this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->