League Lookout: District 8-5A
The League Lookout is something that’s becoming more popular across the Prep Hoops Network. The series takes a look across a district and will provide updates and analysis on the teams and players within the district that are making noise.…
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Continue ReadingThe League Lookout is something that’s becoming more popular across the Prep Hoops Network. The series takes a look across a district and will provide updates and analysis on the teams and players within the district that are making noise.
The first district we’ll take a look at is one we mentioned this summer, 8-5A. The big men across the rosters in this district are as noteworthy as any in the state and that hasn’t changed as we take a look today.
What was thought to happen at the beginning of the season versus how the season started took everyone by surprise but as district has begun, things are rounding into form. Being one of the larger districts with nine teams, it means there is room for a lot to happen. There is a very good possibility that six of these nine teams make the playoffs. Two of the hotter teams in the district early in the season are a combined 0-3 in district in West Jefferson and Bonnabel. Meanwhile, teams like Landry-Walker and Helen Cox who got off to slow starts are 3-0 combined.
Key Friday Night Match-Ups
Helen Cox @ Landry-Walker is a battle with numerous D1 commits and signees. It’s a game both teams could use. LW needs it to climb in the rankings while Cox wants to continue it’s hot streak to get into the Top 32. This match-up features Lamar Peters (6’0 PG, LW, 2016, Miss St) vs Roydell Brown (6’5 F, Cox, 2016, ULL).
Chalmette @ Bonnabel is a rematch of a game played just over a week ago that Bonnabel won with a big 4th quarter. Hosting a 1st round game is huge in 5A and a win for either goes a long way in securing that. Joseph Thompson (6’9 F, Bonnabel, 2017) vs Mitchell Robinson (7’0 F/C, Chalmette, 2017, Texas A&M) is the match-up in this one.
L.W. Higgins @ West Jefferson are two teams who need a win badly. Higgins is just inside the playoffs if it started today and West Jeff is 0-2 in district after a fantastic start to the season. Both teams need a win. Ray Anderson (6’5 F, West Jeff, 2016) vs Nathan Bailey (6’4 G/F, Higgins, 2016) will likely see two 20 point scorers head to head.
Help on the way for Landry-Walker?
January 28th is the date of the hearing for Iowa State commit Cameron Lard (6’9 F/C, LW, 2016) on whether or not he’ll be eligible for the playoff push for Landry-Walker. Already a front-runner without him, his addition would shore up the post defensively and make them the likely favorite in 5A. Currently 9-7 on the season, they could use a nice slew of wins to improve seeding.
Their star PG and Miss St signee, Lamar Peters, is the type of player who can take over and single handily win any game on the schedule. Couple that with UNO commit Lamont Berzat (5’8 PG, 2017) in the back court and you have one of the tougher backcourts to deal with. There is plenty other talent in the post without Lard such as football star (Miss St QB commit) Keytaon Thompson (6’5 F, 2017) and young big Semaj Matthews (6’5 F, 2018) but Lard would be a major addition.
Can Bonnabel challenge?
Bonnabel just got the services of Jarod Carter (6’8 C, 2016) down low to help combat the post talent in the league and Joseph Thompson and TJ Collins (6’3 G, 2018) have begun firing on all cylinders in the recent days. On Tuesday night, Bonnabel pushed Landry-Walker to the brink at home in a 43-41 loss. They’ll need some help going forward and have to take care of their own business as well.
Tonight versus Chalmette is the start of that process. They’ll need to play with more urgency and consistency to challenge but their roster is likely one of the best fits to make that happen.
Under-the-radar Recruits
Here are some players who have made people take notice throughout the season.
Khalil Williams (6’0 G, Landry-Walker, 2017) – Williams is a knockdown shooter from outside who comes off the bench. Numerous small college coaches have mentioned how much they like his thick build at the guard position coupled with his shooting ability.
Eric Boyd (5’11 G, West Jeff, 2016) – Boyd is a floor general for the Buccaneers who has made life easier for his scorers all season. When he is controlling the tempo and in attack mode, West Jeff is at their best.
Nathan Bailey (6’4 G/F, Higgins, 2016) – Bailey was overshadowed by current Tulane freshman Melvin Frazier in the past but within the district known as a shooter. With Frazier gone, his scoring ability has really shone through.
DeVante James (6’5 F, Bonnabel, 2016) – James is a hyper athletic forward who does a lot of his work in the post. He has game from 15 foot out whether it’s a jump shot or attacking the rim and is always a highlight waiting to happen.
Jarod Carter (6’8 C, Bonnabel, 2016) – Carter came from California and has already begun to shape up into a college prospect. The big man is strong in the post and brings all the little things you want from a player. Will likely have to go JUCO first.