Class 1A: Who Should be All-State?
Class 1A is rich with talent. Some of the better players in the state attend schools on this level. In this version of “Who Should be All-state?”, we will take a look at class 1A and who I think will…
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Continue ReadingClass 1A is rich with talent. Some of the better players in the state attend schools on this level. In this version of “Who Should be All-state?”, we will take a look at class 1A and who I think will be named to the all state 1st and 2nd team.
1st team All-State (projected)
Chanse Robinson Chanse Robinson 6'1" | PG Lincoln Prep | 2020 State #238 Nation LA / 6’0″ / 2020 / Lincoln Prep
The Buffalo finished his career with one of his best seasons. He averaged 20, 10, and 5 for a team that ultimately ended up being state runner-ups. While he is not the tallest player, he is one of the most exciting that we have in Louisiana. His fast break dunks are legendary. His will to win is just as well known. Robinson was the most outstanding player in 1A last season and he very well may win it again.
Byron Joshua Byron Joshua 5'10" | PG Crescent City | 2020 State LA / 5’11″ / 2020 / Crescent City (Unsigned senior)
Joshua has been one of the best point guards in the senior class and he gave us reminders all season long. There was his duel with Jalen Cook Jalen Cook 6'0" | PG Walker | 2020 State #98 Nation LA at Madison Prep and he led the Pioneers to a victory over eventual 3A champion Bossier and Cody Deen Cody Deen 5'9" | PG Bossier | 2020 State LA . He can score at all three levels and be a facilitator when he is on the floor. Joshua has state titles to bookend his career as well. He should be a first team lock. (Photo cred: VSNLouisiana)
D’Marcus Hall D’Marcus Hall 6'5" | SF Calvary Baptist | 2020 State LA / 6’5″ / 2020 / Calvary Baptist
Hall has exceeded many expectations during his time as a Cavalier. He was the first to sign a DI scholarship in basketball (ULM) and helped lead the Cavs to their first title game in school history. Hall also played out of position and defended everyone from the 2 to the 5 on any given night. He is a jack-of-all-trades and gives his all on both ends of the floor. Hall has made his mark on this season, and overall. A first team selection is only fitting.
Thomas Howell Thomas Howell 6'7" | PF St. Mary's | 2020 State #307 Nation LA / 6’7″ / 2020 / St. Mary’s
The St. Mary’s big man was nothing short of spectacular during the season. He was a double-double machine all year and helped St. Mary’s reach the Division IV semis (losing to Crescent City). Howell is one of the more athletic big men in the Boot and can finish above the rim with ease. His ability to dominate the paint on offense and defense would be the reason I give him the first team nod.
Derrick Tezeno Derrick Tezeno 6'5" | SF North Central | 2021 State LA / 6’4″ / 2021 / North Central
This North Central wing/forward is arguably the best junior in the state. He is now a two time state champion and is a part of a Hurricane team who will be primed to make a run at a third next season. Tezeno makes the game look easy at times. He can attack from the wing, rebound in tight spaces, and shoot the triple. His all around skill has many a Division I school interested in him. He was a first team lock last season and should be this year also.
2nd Team (projected)
Keon Coleman Keon Coleman 6'4" | SG Opelousas Catholic | 2021 State LA / 6’4″ / 2021 / Opelousas Catholic
A first team selection last season, Coleman continued his stellar play this year. He led his team to the number three seed in Division IV and was a buzzer beater short of playing in the semifinals. Coleman can do everything on the defensive end. He blocks shots and plays passing lanes very well. On offense, from 20 feet in, he can not be stopped from scoring or being fouled. I may have him listed on the second team. If he make first team, I would not be surprised.
Michael Thomas Michael Thomas 6'0" | PG Hamilton Christian | 2020 State #400 Nation LA / 6’2″ / 2020 / Hamilton Christian
The ULL signee was one home win from returning to the state championship. Thomas is a born leader on the floor and usually leads by example. While he can score on all three levels, it is usually his defense that gets him involved in games. Thomas has changed the momentum of many a game making such plays. He was a first team selection last year. This year, I think that the talent pool is just too deep in 1A for a repeat.
Kael Delcambre / 6’1″ / 2020 / Grand Lake (Unsigned senior)
Delcambre was the point guard and leading scorer of the number two team in all of 1A. His play was a key factor in this Grand Lake team losing two games all season. Delcambre is a heady point guard who can make plays on the offensive and defensive end. He was an honorable mention selection last year. I really can not see him being a repeat honorable mention member with the season he and his team had.
Nikembe Johnson Nikembe Johnson 6'4" | PF North Central | 2020 State LA / 6’4″ / 2020 / North Central (Unsigned senior)
Johnson finished his high school career as a two time state champion and two time title game MVP. Unfortunately, I think he will be a two time all state, 2nd teamer as well. It is not that he is not a good player. There are some real studs in front of him. Johnson is a bonafide forward who can handle the rock and score from the interior. In this race to recruit good players with the restrictions at present, his resume should help him receive good offers.
Gage Larvadain Gage Larvadain 5'9" | PG Riverside | 2021 State LA / 5’10″ / 2021 / Riverside
Riverside is not as successful as they were this year without Larvadain. His scoring ability allowed Riverside to bring some of their younger players along without much pressure. Larvadain can stroke it from deep. He is a legitimate zonebuster with range out past 25 feet. That range allows him to drive and kick to teammates as well. I think his play has earned him a 2nd team vote. I do not know if the other writers will agree with me.
Truthfully, there are a number of players who can end up on the first or second team. Class 1A has shown that the talent pool is vast. We will see who makes it when the team is release on tomorrow.
Others players who will via for 1st or 2nd team:
Reginald Stoner Reginald Stoner 6'1" | CG North Central | 2022 State LA (6’1″ Soph., North Central)
Labree Williams Labree Williams 6'6" | SF Calvary Baptist | 2023 #186 Nation FL (6’5″ Soph., Calvary Baptist)
Taevon Anderson Taevon Anderson 6'4" | SG Oak Grove | 2020 State LA (6’4″ Senior, Oak Grove)
Fred Payne Fred Payne 6'2" | PG Legacy School Of Sport Sciences | 2023 State TX (6’1″ Freshman, Lincoln Prep)
Jayshun Miller Jayshun Miller 6'0" | CG Homer | 2020 State LA (6’0″ Senior, Homer)
Darrien Perry Darrien Perry 6'1" | PG Plain Dealing | 2021 State LA (6’1″ Junior, Plain Dealing)
Treshaun Wiggins Treshaun Wiggins 6'5" | PF Tensas | 2020 State LA (6’5″ Senior, Tensas)
Jordin Farrell Jordin Farrell 6'2" | SG Crecent City | 2020 State LA (6’2″ Senior, Crescent City)