Standout Guards from Top Matchups
This was a premier week for prep games in north Louisiana. In northwest Louisiana, there was the top ten faceoff between Natchitoches Central and Southwood on Tuesday night. This was followed by another top ten game between Captain Shreve and…
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Continue ReadingThis was a premier week for prep games in north Louisiana. In northwest Louisiana, there was the top ten faceoff between Natchitoches Central and Southwood on Tuesday night. This was followed by another top ten game between Captain Shreve and the Chiefs on Friday. Northeast Louisiana saw 5A #1 Ouachita play #4 Alexandria on Tuesday and #12 West Monroe on Friday. In the games I attended (Nat. Central-Southwood & Ouachita-W. Monroe), there was exceptational guard play. These standout performances were definitely some of the best of the week.
Jamal Davis / 5’10” / Ouachita / 2020
The Lions soundly defeated the West Monroe Rebels on Friday and Jamal Davis was the catalyst. During the second quarter when the Lions took control, Davis was the best player on the floor. He began on the defensive end by creating turnovers with his quick hands and feet. Those turnovers led to breakaway layups by his teammates and himself. When the 3rd quarter began, Davis hit two big threes that expanded the lead. Davis finished with a game high 15 points. While that is not an exceptionally large number, the timeliness of his buckets were what was important. Being the point guard for the #1 team has alot of responsibility. Davis took it squarely on his shoulders Friday and delivered.
Javion Richard / 6’2″ / West Monroe / 2021
Richard may be in his first year of point guard duties for the Rebels. While some of that inexperience showed, you can definitely see the talent. Richard can defend smaller guards man-to-man with no issues. He got two steals from Jamal Davis just playing solid D and reading the dribble. His long arms make a big difference when he playing defense. On the offensive end, Richard was scoring using his jumper from inside 19 feet. He easily elevated over smaller guards and buried shots consistently. With continued work on extending his range, Richard will have no issue with getting good looks at the rim. His ballhandling and shot make him a desired guard on the next level.
Devonte Snow / 6’1″ / Natchitoches Central / 2021 (picture above)
To say that Devonte Snow is a gifted scorer is an understatement. During Tuesday’s win at Southwood, Snow had the full arsenal on display to the tune of 32 points. This three level scorer opened is very edept at making layups. He attacks the rim with purpose and usually finishes when he does. Snow had tip-ins, fast break layups, and layups from straight line drives to score the majority of his points. He did score a couple of set shot three balls within the offenses’ rhythm. All of this while defending all five positions during the game. Snow displayed his versatility on both ends of the floor and helping his team to a big win. His upside is definitely high due to everything he can do.
Daniel Ortiz / 6’0″ / Southwood / 2021
With Southwood down seven late in the Tuesday night contest with Natchitoches Central, Ortiz hit a deep three after lulling the defender to sleep with two crossover dribbles between the legs. After a stop, Ortiz was able to get into the lane for an and-1. Those two plays signify what he can do offensively. He can score at all three levels with a variety of different shots. His ballhandling is probably what sets him apart from others. Because he has the ball 90% of the time, his ability to score is definitely increased. Ortiz finished with 30 of the Cowboys 55 points. While the Chiefs made him work, Ortiz made scoring look effortless at times. If Southwood makes another deep run, it will be behind Ortiz.
Guard play will be what makes or breaks many a team in 1-5A and 2-5A. Especially if the four teams mentioned want to win a championship, they will need quality play from their backcourts. With these four guards above, each team has a strong possibilty of making it to Lake Charles.
Photo cred: Natchitoches Times