The Starting 5: Players of the Week for Week 5
The Starting 5 has highlighted the best players of the week for the past four weeks. Most of the players profiled have come from tournaments. This week is no different. The Rumble on the River in Baton Rouge had some…
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Continue ReadingThe Starting 5 has highlighted the best players of the week for the past four weeks. Most of the players profiled have come from tournaments. This week is no different. The Rumble on the River in Baton Rouge had some notable scoring performances during the tournament. So, needless to say, the players of the week from week 5 will come from that tournament.
Jalen Cook Jalen Cook 6'0" | PG Walker | 2020 State #98 Nation LA / 6’0″ / Walker / 2020
The LSU signee had a big week/weekend. Anyone who averages 42.5 points in a four game span, I would definitely say it was a great week. Cook was on fire from deep during the Rumble on the River. There were times when it seemed like he could not miss. His ability to finish through contact at the rim was very apparent during the weekend as well. Time and time again, no matter who he attacked at the rim, he finished through them. We probably will not see a better performance during the season than the one Cook put on at Madison Prep last week.
Byron Joshua Byron Joshua 5'10" | PG Crescent City | 2020 State LA / 5’10” / Crescent City / 2020
Joshua had two of the best moments of the Rumble on the River. In the third place game, he got the inbound pass and drove it down the court within four seconds to find a teammate at the rim for the game-winning layup. His other moment was his 20-plus point 4th quarter to almost beat Walker in the semis. Joshua displayed in both instances that he is a clutch player and he has a never say die attitude about the game of basketball. He is truly one of the better point guards in the state and consistently showed it during the tournament.
Jason Perry Jason Perry 6'4" | PF Madison Prep | 2020 State LA / 6’4″ / Madison Prep / 2020
Everytime the Chargers needed a buck or rebound when things could have gone wrong, Perry had an answer. From the 1st round to the championship game, Perry was probably the most consistent Charger to play. Against Southern Lab, Perry made big third quarter buckets that shifted the momentum for Madison Prep. On a couple of scramble plays in the championship game, Perry got on the floor and helped maintain possession. He also had big rebounds and jumpers to help secure the championship for Madison Prep. Definitely player of the week type play.
Brian Thomas / 6’4″ / Walker / 2020 (pictured above)
Thomas made his return to the hardwood within the past week and a half. It seems like since he hit the floor, he has not missed a beat. Walker is a rebounding force who does not mind taking contact at all. During the Rumble on the River, Thomas was basically everywhere. He rebounded well on the offensive and defensive end. Thomas caused several players to get into foul trouble just by his activity. In the open floor, he finished above the rim with some vicious finishes. Thomas made his return to the floor in an impactful manner and helped Walker reach the final. He was definitely one of the best players seen all week.
Daniel Ortiz Daniel Ortiz 6'1" | CG Calvary Baptist | 2021 State LA / 6’0″ / Southwood / 2020
Ortiz had a week also as the Cowboys attempted to shake back from their recent struggles. Ortiz led the team in scoring all week. He had a 30 and a 40 point game thrown in as well. Against Port Allen in the Rumble on the River, Ortiz had a big four point play that gave the Cowboys the momentum to win in overtime. He went shot for shot with Jalen Cook Jalen Cook 6'0" | PG Walker | 2020 State #98 Nation LA in his 40 point effort and showed he is one of the better players the state has to offer. Ortiz will be a force to reckon with as the season goes on. His play was definitely player of the week worthy.
Tournament action will be the theme of the week again with tournaments at St. Thomas More, Beau Chene, Airline, and St. Martinville. The starting 5 of next week will definitely come from one of these places. I will be watching out for the preps who catch my eye to become part of next week’s starting 5.