Season Preview: Class B and C Players to Watch

Today begins the 2019-2020 season of high school basketball in Louisiana. Some of the best players in classes B and C will hit the hardwood all across Louisiana. North Louisiana has some of the best players in these classes as they have helped win state championships in recent years. In this season preview, we will take a look at some top players from classes B and C from the northern portion of the state. Kalep Crane / 6'1" / 2020 / Simsboro <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2018/08/Kalep-Crane.jpg"></a> Crane is one of the best guards in the state period. His attacking style causes trouble for opposing defenders. He has already shown that by dropping 30 in the Hall of Fame game against Sterlington. Crane will have the ball in his hands plenty this year by playing more point as well. Couple that with his quest to win a fourth state championship (2 w/ Simsboro and 1 w/ Lafayette Christian), class B may be looking at their most outstanding player. Jakemin Abney / 6'3" / 2020 / Simsboro (pictured above) Another contender for class B most outstanding player is Jakemin Abney. The Simsboro wing operates like a Swiss Army knife when on the floor. He rebounds, block shots, shoots threes, and drives to the cup. Abney can also defend every position on the floor. All of these traits make Abney a special player on the class B level. He was a first team, all state performer last season. Look for him to repeat that accomplishment while trying to win another state title with his team. Hunter Strickland / 6'7" / 2020 / Weston <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2019/08/Hunter-Strickland-55.jpg"></a> No big man in north Louisiana has improved more than Strickland. He increased his ability to score by stepping out to thirteen feet and improving on his footwork around the basket. Sprinting from rim-to-rim is another trait that has increased Strickland's offensive production. Simply put, Strickland is a load in the paint. If he can carry over his play from the summer into this season, we will be looking at a class B, all-state player for sure. Decari Markray / 6'4" / 2020 / Doyline Markray is a player who has most outstanding player potential. He is a smart player who does everything for the Panthers. Markray can rebound the ball and lead the break or give it to the lead guard and post up. Defenses have trouble covering him because he can bully smaller players and he is too quick for slower, bigger ones. His game helped him to become a class B first team selection. If his play is the main reason Doyline makes it to the Marsh Madness, MOP may definitely follow. Derrick Royal / 6'5" / 2020 / Summerfield Royal made second team all state last year and helped Summerfield make yet another class C championship game. In his senior year, Royal will be a key figure if Summerfield is to return to Lake Charles. He is a mismatch for most players on the class C level because of his athleticism. Royal runs the floor and rebounds better than them as well. If his shooting from three becomes just as good as the rest of his game, Summerfield may have a state champion and a most outstanding player. Kobe Montgomery / 6'0" / 2020 / Zwolle The last time I saw Montgomery, he was on the end of losing another state title to Simsboro. He might have one of his worst games of the whole season that afternoon. However, he is still one of the reasons that the Hawks made it to that game. He is the steadying force on the team and is probably Zwolle's best defender going into this season. If Zwolle is going to go back to the title game, he will be one of the key reasons. His leadership and all around play make him a player that schools should keep on their radar. Jamaria Clark / 5'11" / 2023 / Doyline A guard that has potential prep star written all over him is Jamaria Clark. Beginning a key bench piece as an 8th grader is one thing. Now, as a freshman, Clark should be in the starting lineup. He is a very capable ball handler with a little flair as well. Clark can also stroke it from distance. Midway through the season, teams will have to account for him wherever he is on the floor. Providing that scoring point guard responsibilities are not too much for him, Clark may find his was to the class B, all state team. Thomas Parrie / 6'5" / 2021 / Zwolle One of the more pleasant surprises during the class B state championship game was the play of Thomas Parrie. At, 6'5", he was long and rangy. He helped the Hawks gain extra possessions during his time on the floor just by being active. Now that he is another year of experience, I can see Parrie being a double-double guy in class B. I his 8 (pts.) and 12 (boards) performance was a sign of what is to come this season, Parrie might have his name recognized individually along with winning a state title. Deontai Livingston / 6'0" / 2020 / Summerfield Livingston is the Rebels returning top ball handler and perimeter defender. He is probably the one wing player that will elevate and dunk on someone as well. Livingston is very good at slashing and driving to the cup. Last season he began hitting more perimeter shots. This opened up driving lanes even more for him. I would not be surprised if Livingston is Summerfield's leading scorer because he is capable of doing just that. If the Rebels want to return to the Class C championship game, Livingston will have to be one of the best players night after night. Action tonight will include many of these teams. Summerfield will host fellow Class C semifinalist Atlanta. Simsboro will begin the defense of their title hosting Family Community. Probably the biggest game of the night will be in Doyline as Zwolle visits Doyline. Games will begin at 7, 6:30, and 7:30 respectively.