By Ron Briscoe
@icuplay blog
One of the nation's top high school basketball players in the 2017 class from Louisiana is, 6'6 G/F Galen Alexander. Galen attends Lafayette Christian Academy in Lafayette, Louisiana. He was ruled eligible by a third party arbitrator last Friday to play the rest of the 2015-16 basketball season.
I consider Galen, the top high school basketball player from the state in the 2017 class. He is one of the top five players from the state regardless of class. We selected him to our 2017 Top 60 Dandy Dozen by position ranking list which was published two weeks ago.
It's been well published that Galen transferred this summer from Breaux Bridge HS to play for talent rich, LCA basketball team. What is the up-roar all about? Some in the know told me that his parents wanted him to go to the school there. I heard it was because he wanted to play with his AAU teammates.
Whatever, the case may be, the reason he was ruled eligible was that he and his family did everything right. LCA and Coach Starks did nothing wrong for this skilled and talented basketball player to play for his team this season.
A lot of people are saying, just think what LCA record would be like, if he was ruled eligible last fall? Coach Stark could wait on that decision, he had to prepare his team for the season with, or without Alexander. The LCA Knights played well in several tournaments while winning two of them.
They beat several talented teams without Alexander. Teams, like Washington-Marion, Madison Prep, University Lab, Ellender, St. Augustine, Carencro, and North Caddo, we consider has the state top player in the 2016 class in, 6'9 PF/C Robert Williams. Williams, signed with Texas A&M, and played well in the STM tournament last month.
LCA, lost to several good teams so far this season. Two of those teams won State Championship last year. Riverside Academy and Scotlandville beat the Knights. They also lost to a team from Houston, Texas in Westbury Christian.
The Knights did that without the help of Alexander. But they have him now, and many High School Basketball Coaches in their district are very unhappy... I can't understand why? Without, Alexander the Knights in my opinion would have won those games any way. So why are several high school coaches still upset with Alexander playing at LCA now? Is it because they don't want Coach Starks and his team to win the district, or better yet to win a State Championship?
Coach Starks team is the best in the Acadiana area with, or without Galen. They would have won many of the games they played in their district this season. Why you say? When you have skilled and aggressive seniors, like the Ledoux twins who signed with McNeese State during the fall. Talented, high riser, rebounder and shot-blocker, sophomore Greg Williams Jr; crafty, senior ball handler and passer, Mike Harden Jr; steady junior, wing player, Caleb Starks, along with smart and heady six-man freshman point-guard, Terrance Jones, you have a team that plays together and players that know how to play their role.
With, Coach Stark adding Galen Alexander to the mix this helps put the finishing touch on a team that needs some quality inside play as they gear up for district, regional, and hopefully a State Championship win this year.
Is all the drama about, LCA having the best player in the 2017 class and another in the 2018 class playing for them now? Is this about, Coach Starks team beating several teams this season in Class 1-A, 2-A, 3-A, 4-A & 5-A by 20 points, or more margin this season?
Coach Starks team has earned their worth without Galen Alexander and they will continue to earn their worth with Alexander by working hard and playing like Champions and hopefully, this drama will end too!
Ron Briscoe, is a highly respected long time high school basketball scout and basketball analyst. He has 26 years as a selector with the McDonald's All-American Game, 19 years with the Naismith HS National POY and the Gatorade State POY selecting committees. College Coaches have received his must have Regional Basketball Report Newsletter for over 30 years. email him at king2b1day@gmail.com
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Sunday, January 3, 2016
Lafayette Christian Academy Boy's Basketball Team is "Hot"!
By Ron Briscoe
Thank God, it's basketball season. This is the time of year I enjoy watching skilled and talented high school basketball players, talking with friends about players, enjoying the cool weather during the holiday season, while inside a warm packed gym with screaming, fanatic basketball fans.
Last season I had a chance to talk with LCA Head Basketball Coach Byron Stark's young talented team before the start of the season. I was impressed with several players on his team. The Ledoux twins, Kalob and Jacob, Mike Harden Jr; his son Caleb Starks, and phenomenal freshman Greg Williams Jr; are the players I had my eye on and I considered the nucleus of his team.
This talented team played well all season long and worked hard to position themselves to play in the Top 28 State high school basketball tournament and in the Class 1-A Championship game, only to lose to the "Mighty" Madison Prep Academy basketball team led by LSU and Rhode- Island signees, Brandon Sampson and Christian Thompson. Madison Prep Academy is now in Class 2-A.
When I spoke to his team last year I mention how I enjoyed watching them play. I went on to say, I truly believed that this team has what it takes to win a State Championship, if they believe they can do it, if they play hard all the time, and if they play as a team.
I begin going to Coach Starks practices to watch how the players got along with each other and how they listen to his instructions. At every practices and every game I saw this team come together. I saw the Ledoux twins play better, play harder, and smarter, as Greg Williams slowly gain confidence.
The 2015-16 Lafayette Christian Academy Boy's Basketball team is one team I will spend a lot of time watching play this season. I'm very fortunate to see one of the best high school basketball teams in my area with a host of talented and skilled players, play this season. I also can't wait to see 6'6 junior GF Galen Alexander this season if and when he becomes eligible. Alexander is one of the top five prospects from the state regardless of class.
So far, I have seen Coach Starks team play every game but two or three during the 2015-16 season. I saw them lose their first game of the season to a hardworking and gritty Scotlandville team led by super sophomore, 6'3 PG, Ja'Vonte Smart.
Yes, Ja'Vonte Smart, who plays on the USA-U16 development team. He was named the MVP of the Hamilton Christian Tournament in Lake Charles, LA, in early December, as he and Super Sophomore Greg Williams Jr went head-to-head. Smart scored 29 points and GW2 scored 26 points. It was an awesome game the kind you would like to see in a State Tournament Championship game setting.
Although, LCA didn't win the tournament. They had Kalob Ledoux and Greg Williams Jr on the All-Tournament team. McNeese State Head Basketball Coach Dave Simmons and Assistant Coach Dave Dumas were all smiles as they stood on the sidelines watching the Ledoux twins who signed with their basketball program play.
After coming home to Lafayette with the runner up trophy the Knights started preparing for their Lafayette Christian Academy Showcase Tournament. This Showcase event featured one of the best teams from Baton Rouge, LA, in University Lab High School. U-high lose Skylar Mays but they still have 6'6 PF senior, LSU signee Wayde Sims.
University Lab and LCA was the game everyone in the Acadiana area wanted to see. On a cold Friday night in mid December, the LCA Sportsplex gym was packed to the rafters with standing room only. What a game, what a finish. It came down to Kalob Ledoux heroics as he split two defenders going to the basket to score and won the game for the Knights. Kalob was named the MVP of the Tournament. Several members of the Knights team made a big contribution helping their team win this Tournament. Players like his twin brother Jacob, Greg Williams Jr. Mike Harden Jr; Terrence Jones, Caleb Starks, and Qwinton Smith all had a shinning moment in this event and helped the Knights to an 8-1 record.
Every year around the Christmas Holidays STM Coach Danny Broussard hold the STM Sunkist Shootout Holiday Tournament at the STM gym. This is one of the best Holiday Tournaments to attend to see some of the best high school teams and basketball players from the around the state and the region play.
The 33rd edition of the STM tournament had several talented teams and a host of top notched players to see. The player who I consider the best from the state of Louisiana, is 6'10 senior, PF/C rebounder, scorer, and shot-blocker, Robert Williams of North Caddo HS. Robert who committed to Texas A&M had an awesome tournament before fouling out in the Championship game against LCA.
This tournament had a whole lot of good teams and exciting players. The STM gym was filled every night the LCA team played. We saw several LCA games go right down to the wire. St. Augustine who has played in this tournament several times was back with two real good players. Carencro high school surprised everyone watching the tournament as they gave LCA a scare, but Kalob Ledoux hits a 3-point jumper with 3 seconds on the clock at the top of the key to seal the win for LCA.
Now it was down to the Championship game. This was the game everyone in the city wanted to see. I had a front row seat as North Caddo led by McDonald's All-American Candidate and Texas A&M commitment Robert "do-it-all" Williams, play. The LCA Knights led by the Ledoux twins, Greg Williams Jr; Michael Harden Jr, Caleb Starks, Qwinton White, and Terrance Jones were ready too.
What a game. Robert Williams was unstoppable in the first half but Coach Starks and his staff kept their composer and in the third quarter got the 6'10 PF Williams in foul trouble. Williams would sit on the bench for four minutes before returning to the game in the fourth quarter. Williams picked up his final foul early in the fourth quarter and had to leave the game.
LCA went on to win the game and the 2015 STM Sunkist Holiday Tournament. Kalob Ledoux was named the MVP as he did it all once again for the Knights team. He hit several big-time 3-point jump shots and he had several steals. Greg Williams Jr was named to the All-Tournament team too. LCA is now 13-1.
The Knights are preparing now to play Central Catholic on January 5th before heading to the Crescent City of New Orleans on the West Bank of the Mississippi to play in the 6th annual All-State Sugar Bowl National Prep Classic at the Alario Center Jan. 7-9.
I was impressed with several prospects at this event like, Carencro's 6'1 combo-guard Araden Adams and 6'5 2G/F Sophomore Nick Carmouche. Both are very good players. I will be keeping an eye on them this season.
I was also impressed with Grambling, 6'1 junior, smart and crafty, combo guard Tylan Dean. I also like St. Augustine's, 6'2 junior Caleb Daniels, a strong, fundamental combo-guard with a good looking jump shot.
I was also impressed with UNO junior commitment from Ellender Memorial HS in, 6'4 2G/F wiry athlete, Davontavean Martin. That was several of the many outstanding players, I saw play at this event.
Ron Briscoe, is a highly respected long time high school basketball scout and basketball analyst. He has 26 years as a selector with the McDonald's All-American Game, 19 years with the Naismith HS National POY and the Gatorade State POY selecting committees. College Coaches have received his must have Regional Basketball Report Newsletter for over 30 years.
Thank God, it's basketball season. This is the time of year I enjoy watching skilled and talented high school basketball players, talking with friends about players, enjoying the cool weather during the holiday season, while inside a warm packed gym with screaming, fanatic basketball fans.
Last season I had a chance to talk with LCA Head Basketball Coach Byron Stark's young talented team before the start of the season. I was impressed with several players on his team. The Ledoux twins, Kalob and Jacob, Mike Harden Jr; his son Caleb Starks, and phenomenal freshman Greg Williams Jr; are the players I had my eye on and I considered the nucleus of his team.
This talented team played well all season long and worked hard to position themselves to play in the Top 28 State high school basketball tournament and in the Class 1-A Championship game, only to lose to the "Mighty" Madison Prep Academy basketball team led by LSU and Rhode- Island signees, Brandon Sampson and Christian Thompson. Madison Prep Academy is now in Class 2-A.
When I spoke to his team last year I mention how I enjoyed watching them play. I went on to say, I truly believed that this team has what it takes to win a State Championship, if they believe they can do it, if they play hard all the time, and if they play as a team.
I begin going to Coach Starks practices to watch how the players got along with each other and how they listen to his instructions. At every practices and every game I saw this team come together. I saw the Ledoux twins play better, play harder, and smarter, as Greg Williams slowly gain confidence.
The 2015-16 Lafayette Christian Academy Boy's Basketball team is one team I will spend a lot of time watching play this season. I'm very fortunate to see one of the best high school basketball teams in my area with a host of talented and skilled players, play this season. I also can't wait to see 6'6 junior GF Galen Alexander this season if and when he becomes eligible. Alexander is one of the top five prospects from the state regardless of class.
So far, I have seen Coach Starks team play every game but two or three during the 2015-16 season. I saw them lose their first game of the season to a hardworking and gritty Scotlandville team led by super sophomore, 6'3 PG, Ja'Vonte Smart.
Yes, Ja'Vonte Smart, who plays on the USA-U16 development team. He was named the MVP of the Hamilton Christian Tournament in Lake Charles, LA, in early December, as he and Super Sophomore Greg Williams Jr went head-to-head. Smart scored 29 points and GW2 scored 26 points. It was an awesome game the kind you would like to see in a State Tournament Championship game setting.
Although, LCA didn't win the tournament. They had Kalob Ledoux and Greg Williams Jr on the All-Tournament team. McNeese State Head Basketball Coach Dave Simmons and Assistant Coach Dave Dumas were all smiles as they stood on the sidelines watching the Ledoux twins who signed with their basketball program play.
After coming home to Lafayette with the runner up trophy the Knights started preparing for their Lafayette Christian Academy Showcase Tournament. This Showcase event featured one of the best teams from Baton Rouge, LA, in University Lab High School. U-high lose Skylar Mays but they still have 6'6 PF senior, LSU signee Wayde Sims.
University Lab and LCA was the game everyone in the Acadiana area wanted to see. On a cold Friday night in mid December, the LCA Sportsplex gym was packed to the rafters with standing room only. What a game, what a finish. It came down to Kalob Ledoux heroics as he split two defenders going to the basket to score and won the game for the Knights. Kalob was named the MVP of the Tournament. Several members of the Knights team made a big contribution helping their team win this Tournament. Players like his twin brother Jacob, Greg Williams Jr. Mike Harden Jr; Terrence Jones, Caleb Starks, and Qwinton Smith all had a shinning moment in this event and helped the Knights to an 8-1 record.
Every year around the Christmas Holidays STM Coach Danny Broussard hold the STM Sunkist Shootout Holiday Tournament at the STM gym. This is one of the best Holiday Tournaments to attend to see some of the best high school teams and basketball players from the around the state and the region play.
The 33rd edition of the STM tournament had several talented teams and a host of top notched players to see. The player who I consider the best from the state of Louisiana, is 6'10 senior, PF/C rebounder, scorer, and shot-blocker, Robert Williams of North Caddo HS. Robert who committed to Texas A&M had an awesome tournament before fouling out in the Championship game against LCA.
This tournament had a whole lot of good teams and exciting players. The STM gym was filled every night the LCA team played. We saw several LCA games go right down to the wire. St. Augustine who has played in this tournament several times was back with two real good players. Carencro high school surprised everyone watching the tournament as they gave LCA a scare, but Kalob Ledoux hits a 3-point jumper with 3 seconds on the clock at the top of the key to seal the win for LCA.
Now it was down to the Championship game. This was the game everyone in the city wanted to see. I had a front row seat as North Caddo led by McDonald's All-American Candidate and Texas A&M commitment Robert "do-it-all" Williams, play. The LCA Knights led by the Ledoux twins, Greg Williams Jr; Michael Harden Jr, Caleb Starks, Qwinton White, and Terrance Jones were ready too.
What a game. Robert Williams was unstoppable in the first half but Coach Starks and his staff kept their composer and in the third quarter got the 6'10 PF Williams in foul trouble. Williams would sit on the bench for four minutes before returning to the game in the fourth quarter. Williams picked up his final foul early in the fourth quarter and had to leave the game.
LCA went on to win the game and the 2015 STM Sunkist Holiday Tournament. Kalob Ledoux was named the MVP as he did it all once again for the Knights team. He hit several big-time 3-point jump shots and he had several steals. Greg Williams Jr was named to the All-Tournament team too. LCA is now 13-1.
The Knights are preparing now to play Central Catholic on January 5th before heading to the Crescent City of New Orleans on the West Bank of the Mississippi to play in the 6th annual All-State Sugar Bowl National Prep Classic at the Alario Center Jan. 7-9.
I was impressed with several prospects at this event like, Carencro's 6'1 combo-guard Araden Adams and 6'5 2G/F Sophomore Nick Carmouche. Both are very good players. I will be keeping an eye on them this season.
I was also impressed with Grambling, 6'1 junior, smart and crafty, combo guard Tylan Dean. I also like St. Augustine's, 6'2 junior Caleb Daniels, a strong, fundamental combo-guard with a good looking jump shot.
I was also impressed with UNO junior commitment from Ellender Memorial HS in, 6'4 2G/F wiry athlete, Davontavean Martin. That was several of the many outstanding players, I saw play at this event.
Ron Briscoe, is a highly respected long time high school basketball scout and basketball analyst. He has 26 years as a selector with the McDonald's All-American Game, 19 years with the Naismith HS National POY and the Gatorade State POY selecting committees. College Coaches have received his must have Regional Basketball Report Newsletter for over 30 years.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Under-the-Radar Combo Guard Frank Bartley IV Signs with BYU
By Ron Briscoe
SERBB and www.Icuplay.blogspot.com
The BYU Cougars signed one of the best available reclassified combo guards from the 2013 class in 6'3 2G Frank Bartley IV by way of Future College Prep School in Harbor City, CA. Bartley is a strong, well built guard who can play the point and off guard positions well. This former Christian Life Academy basketball player from Louisiana, also played high school football like his dad Frank Bartley III did at the University of Southwestern Louisiana in Lafayette, LA. which is now called The University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
In football Frank was an All-District 1st team player, but his love for the game of basketball took him off the football field to the basketball court where he excelled. During his senior year at Christian Life Academy in Baton Rouge, LA, Frank helped lead his team to a 26-7 record and the 2012 1A state high school basketball championship title. Frank was named the LSWA Class 1A MVP, as well as a, first-team All-State and District 7-1A co-MVP while averaging14.2 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. During his junior year, Frank earned All-District 7-1A MVP honors, as well as All-State, and Baton Rouge All-Metro awards.
We at SERBB kept an eye on this smart and crafty player who cannot be left open anywhere on the basketball court all season long. Frank reminds us of former Butler University combo-guard and current NBA pro Shelvin Mack with his style of play. We at SERBB had Frank rated as the third best prospect from the state of Louisiana in the 2012 class.
This past season at Future College Prep School a host of college coaches called us about this gifted player who made official visits to Fordham, Auburn, before signing with the BYU Cougars. Frank averaged a cool 19.0 points, 6'7 assist, 6'5 rebounds, and 3.8 steals per game during the seasons.
Frank has a high basketball I.Q. and the schools that missed out on signing him are going to know it after they see him play at BYU next season. He was also recruited by Auburn, Fordham, Illinois State, George Mason, Gonzaga, Loyola Marymount, LSU, Marquette, New Mexico, San Diego State, Saint Mary's and Utah, but he signed with the Cougars from BYU. In my opinion BYU got a steal!
By Ron Briscoe
SERBB and www.Icuplay.blogspot.com
The BYU Cougars signed one of the best available reclassified combo guards from the 2013 class in 6'3 2G Frank Bartley IV by way of Future College Prep School in Harbor City, CA. Bartley is a strong, well built guard who can play the point and off guard positions well. This former Christian Life Academy basketball player from Louisiana, also played high school football like his dad Frank Bartley III did at the University of Southwestern Louisiana in Lafayette, LA. which is now called The University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
In football Frank was an All-District 1st team player, but his love for the game of basketball took him off the football field to the basketball court where he excelled. During his senior year at Christian Life Academy in Baton Rouge, LA, Frank helped lead his team to a 26-7 record and the 2012 1A state high school basketball championship title. Frank was named the LSWA Class 1A MVP, as well as a, first-team All-State and District 7-1A co-MVP while averaging14.2 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. During his junior year, Frank earned All-District 7-1A MVP honors, as well as All-State, and Baton Rouge All-Metro awards.
We at SERBB kept an eye on this smart and crafty player who cannot be left open anywhere on the basketball court all season long. Frank reminds us of former Butler University combo-guard and current NBA pro Shelvin Mack with his style of play. We at SERBB had Frank rated as the third best prospect from the state of Louisiana in the 2012 class.
This past season at Future College Prep School a host of college coaches called us about this gifted player who made official visits to Fordham, Auburn, before signing with the BYU Cougars. Frank averaged a cool 19.0 points, 6'7 assist, 6'5 rebounds, and 3.8 steals per game during the seasons.
Frank has a high basketball I.Q. and the schools that missed out on signing him are going to know it after they see him play at BYU next season. He was also recruited by Auburn, Fordham, Illinois State, George Mason, Gonzaga, Loyola Marymount, LSU, Marquette, New Mexico, San Diego State, Saint Mary's and Utah, but he signed with the Cougars from BYU. In my opinion BYU got a steal!
Saturday's Top MDM Proformers
By Ron Briscoe
SERBB and www.icuplay.blogspot.com
The 2013 edition of the New Orleans Elite Memorial Day Madness Tournament on the West bank of New Orleans was filled with several elite prospects college coaches will be rushing to see play this summer and fall.
The best power forward and top rising senior to-be-at this event was 6'9 skilled and talented PF Craig Victor of St. Augustine high school in New Orleans. Craig is a super ball handler and passer who can score inside or outside. This smart and heady player is hard to control in the open court or along the baseline because of his excellent footwork and ball freaking skills. Craig can hit the mid-range and 17 foot jump shot well. He likes to bang down on the blocks and he can mix it up with the big boys when it comes to rebounding, blocking shots an defending top opponents. Victor averaged 14.0 ppg, 11.0 rpg, and 3.0 bskpg.
The best point guard at this Memorial Day Event was 2014 5'9 water bug Tyree Griffin of O.P. Walker high school, New Orleans. Tyree is hard to contain in the open court when he has the ball. This quick and fast ball handler is an ace passer who takes the ball to the basket well to score. Tyree can hit the mid-range jump shot, and he is a good on ball defender. He averaged 17.5 ppg, 8.0 apg, and 6'3 rpg.
The best shooting guard at this event was high flying 6'5 Brandon Sampson of Madison Prep Academy in Baton Rouge. This 2015 high major prospect is a special player. Brandon is quick off the floor when rebounding or making easy lay-ups. This long, rangy player is a good ball handler and three-point shooter. He moves his feet well on defense and when setting up a player to score. This gifted guard is a top under-the-radar player in the 2015 class. Brandon averaged 16.0 ppg, 10,0 rpg, and 3.0 apg.
The best guard forward at this event was 6'7 2014 player Ja'Cardo Hawkins of East Ascension high school Gonzales. Hawkins get's better every time I see him play. He can step out to knock down his three-point jump shot from the corner. He likes to bang down on the blocks and around the basket. His footwork is getting better. He likes to spin away from his defender to score and he is a very good rebounder and shot blocker who runs the court well in transition. This high to mid-major prospect works hard all game long. He averaged 17.0 ppg, 12.0 rpg, and 65 rbpg.
The best center at this event was 2014 6'9 LaDamion Keys of Bogalusa high school. This long and rangy player can run the court like a deer with or without the basketball. He likes to finish at rim level on the fast break. He defends the boards well and puts in a lot of missed shots on the offensive end. He can step back and hit the 3-point jump shot and he can put the ball on the floor to create his shot. LaDamion is a skilled player with a huge upside. He averaged 24.0 ppg, 15.0 rpg, 7'0bspg, and 2.0 spg
Others that showed up and played well at this event were: 2015 2G Jake Evans and 6'4 2G R.J. Hatzo Louisiana Dynasty; 2015 5'11 PG Caleb Smith Sports Academy; 2015 C Howard Thomas, from the Mississippi Thunder; 2016 C Yurk Lazard Louisiana Elite; and up and coming star sophomore 6'6 2017 Darius Hicks from the Southern Phonons.
There you have it. A look at some of the top players we saw preform well this morning at this well run Memorial Day event. Stay tuned more to come from this evening play at this tournament.
SERBB and www.icuplay.blogspot.com
The 2013 edition of the New Orleans Elite Memorial Day Madness Tournament on the West bank of New Orleans was filled with several elite prospects college coaches will be rushing to see play this summer and fall.
The best power forward and top rising senior to-be-at this event was 6'9 skilled and talented PF Craig Victor of St. Augustine high school in New Orleans. Craig is a super ball handler and passer who can score inside or outside. This smart and heady player is hard to control in the open court or along the baseline because of his excellent footwork and ball freaking skills. Craig can hit the mid-range and 17 foot jump shot well. He likes to bang down on the blocks and he can mix it up with the big boys when it comes to rebounding, blocking shots an defending top opponents. Victor averaged 14.0 ppg, 11.0 rpg, and 3.0 bskpg.
The best point guard at this Memorial Day Event was 2014 5'9 water bug Tyree Griffin of O.P. Walker high school, New Orleans. Tyree is hard to contain in the open court when he has the ball. This quick and fast ball handler is an ace passer who takes the ball to the basket well to score. Tyree can hit the mid-range jump shot, and he is a good on ball defender. He averaged 17.5 ppg, 8.0 apg, and 6'3 rpg.
The best shooting guard at this event was high flying 6'5 Brandon Sampson of Madison Prep Academy in Baton Rouge. This 2015 high major prospect is a special player. Brandon is quick off the floor when rebounding or making easy lay-ups. This long, rangy player is a good ball handler and three-point shooter. He moves his feet well on defense and when setting up a player to score. This gifted guard is a top under-the-radar player in the 2015 class. Brandon averaged 16.0 ppg, 10,0 rpg, and 3.0 apg.
The best guard forward at this event was 6'7 2014 player Ja'Cardo Hawkins of East Ascension high school Gonzales. Hawkins get's better every time I see him play. He can step out to knock down his three-point jump shot from the corner. He likes to bang down on the blocks and around the basket. His footwork is getting better. He likes to spin away from his defender to score and he is a very good rebounder and shot blocker who runs the court well in transition. This high to mid-major prospect works hard all game long. He averaged 17.0 ppg, 12.0 rpg, and 65 rbpg.
The best center at this event was 2014 6'9 LaDamion Keys of Bogalusa high school. This long and rangy player can run the court like a deer with or without the basketball. He likes to finish at rim level on the fast break. He defends the boards well and puts in a lot of missed shots on the offensive end. He can step back and hit the 3-point jump shot and he can put the ball on the floor to create his shot. LaDamion is a skilled player with a huge upside. He averaged 24.0 ppg, 15.0 rpg, 7'0bspg, and 2.0 spg
Others that showed up and played well at this event were: 2015 2G Jake Evans and 6'4 2G R.J. Hatzo Louisiana Dynasty; 2015 5'11 PG Caleb Smith Sports Academy; 2015 C Howard Thomas, from the Mississippi Thunder; 2016 C Yurk Lazard Louisiana Elite; and up and coming star sophomore 6'6 2017 Darius Hicks from the Southern Phonons.
There you have it. A look at some of the top players we saw preform well this morning at this well run Memorial Day event. Stay tuned more to come from this evening play at this tournament.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
The 3rd Annual New Orleans Elite Memorial Day Madness Tournament
By Ron Briscoe SERBB and www.Icuplay.blogspot.com
Last year Greg Holmes and his NEO travel team staff rolled out the read carpet for SERBB and Icuplay.blogspot.com. However, that isn't the only reason we're returning to attend this up and coming tournament in the Big Easy this weekend. We're returning because we saw some of the best prospects from the Southern Region and the nation display their awesome skill and talent at this show stopper event.
Several "under-the-radar" prospects we saw play at last years event went on to sign high major and major scholarships after college coaches read about their play from our blog and scouting report how well they performed at this event. They continue to follow their progress from that event and through- out the summer.
As a member of the NBAPA Top 100 Basketball Camp last year, I was able to see several prospects at last years event to put my stamp of approval on them to be considered to participate at that prestige basketball camp which is directed by my good friends and former NBA great Purvis Short and John Lucas.
As I, mention earlier in this blog, several prospects that participated in this event not only attended the NBAPA Top 100 Basketball Camp, but many signed scholarships to several high-major and major college basketball programs.
Some of the prospects that participated in that well run Memorial Day Madness event signed during the fall and spring with schools like Memphis signee, ReShawn Powell; LSU, Jordan Mickey and Tim Quarterman; Georgia Tech, Quinton Stephen and Solomon Poole; South Florida Josh Heath; TCU Karviar Shepherd, and South Carolina who signed Demetrius Henry are some from last years event..
Some of the top juniors from the mighty 2014 class from the Southern Region that participated at that event last year where top 20 national prospect and New Orleans Elite top player in skilled and talented 6'9 PF Craig Victor, 6'4 2G Jordan Cornish who committed to Tennessee, Team Thad guard Chris Chiozza who committed to Florida, Team Breakdown 6'9 PF Malik Price-Martin and the Showtime Ballers and Florida Elite 2014 junior, 6'4 Brandon Francis and 6'7 SF Dante Baford will be throwing down at this years event this Memorial Day weekend.
Last year we saw several young guns in the 2015 and 2016 classes that played well too. 2015 6'4 2G Jermaine Tourneau New Orleans Elite and 2016 young bucks 6'6 GF Braxton Blackwell and athletic guard 6'5 Joshua Langford were some of the outstanding players we saw last year and plan to see at this weekend event which will be played at Delgado Community College and Carver High School in New Orleans, Louisiana... Stay tuned, to Icuplay.blogspot.com and SERBB for more on who played well at this Memorial Day Madness Tournament.
By Ron Briscoe SERBB and www.Icuplay.blogspot.com
Last year Greg Holmes and his NEO travel team staff rolled out the read carpet for SERBB and Icuplay.blogspot.com. However, that isn't the only reason we're returning to attend this up and coming tournament in the Big Easy this weekend. We're returning because we saw some of the best prospects from the Southern Region and the nation display their awesome skill and talent at this show stopper event.
Several "under-the-radar" prospects we saw play at last years event went on to sign high major and major scholarships after college coaches read about their play from our blog and scouting report how well they performed at this event. They continue to follow their progress from that event and through- out the summer.
As a member of the NBAPA Top 100 Basketball Camp last year, I was able to see several prospects at last years event to put my stamp of approval on them to be considered to participate at that prestige basketball camp which is directed by my good friends and former NBA great Purvis Short and John Lucas.
As I, mention earlier in this blog, several prospects that participated in this event not only attended the NBAPA Top 100 Basketball Camp, but many signed scholarships to several high-major and major college basketball programs.
Some of the prospects that participated in that well run Memorial Day Madness event signed during the fall and spring with schools like Memphis signee, ReShawn Powell; LSU, Jordan Mickey and Tim Quarterman; Georgia Tech, Quinton Stephen and Solomon Poole; South Florida Josh Heath; TCU Karviar Shepherd, and South Carolina who signed Demetrius Henry are some from last years event..
Some of the top juniors from the mighty 2014 class from the Southern Region that participated at that event last year where top 20 national prospect and New Orleans Elite top player in skilled and talented 6'9 PF Craig Victor, 6'4 2G Jordan Cornish who committed to Tennessee, Team Thad guard Chris Chiozza who committed to Florida, Team Breakdown 6'9 PF Malik Price-Martin and the Showtime Ballers and Florida Elite 2014 junior, 6'4 Brandon Francis and 6'7 SF Dante Baford will be throwing down at this years event this Memorial Day weekend.
Last year we saw several young guns in the 2015 and 2016 classes that played well too. 2015 6'4 2G Jermaine Tourneau New Orleans Elite and 2016 young bucks 6'6 GF Braxton Blackwell and athletic guard 6'5 Joshua Langford were some of the outstanding players we saw last year and plan to see at this weekend event which will be played at Delgado Community College and Carver High School in New Orleans, Louisiana... Stay tuned, to Icuplay.blogspot.com and SERBB for more on who played well at this Memorial Day Madness Tournament.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
John Lucas 2011 Camp Right Way Event
By Ron Briscoe
ICUPLAYBLOG.COM
The 2011 edition of the John Lucas 7th & 8th grade Camp Right Way was filled to the rim with some of the best seventh and eighth grade players from the nation. I along with Purvis Short and Duke Provost spoke at this impressive basketball camp. This young camp had 138 prospects. The campers did drill station work then played eight four minutes games. We saw some very good young wet-behind-the-ears prospects at this action packed event.
Some of the top prospects from the 2016 & 2017 classes we saw were 2016 7’0 long and wiry shot blocking center Thon Maker of Country Day HS in Kenner, LA. I consider Thon the #1 player in the 2016 class at this time. Thon is much better then Isaiah Austin was at this age. Thon has excellent footwork and a deadly 15 foot jump shot. This long armed player is a good ball handler and passer. He runs the court and rebounds well at both ends of the court. He still has some work to do to get better but that will come in time.
The second best prospect at this event was 2016 6’5 2G/F Darren “DJ” Harvey from Huntsville, AL. DJ is a skilled and talented player who handles the ball well in the open court. He goes to the basket and he can hit the 15 foot mid-range jumper well. DJ is a good defender who plays hard all game long.
Third best young prospect at this event is 6’4 2G/F Nijal Person from Beaumont, TX. Nijal isn’t good at doing drills, but he is a good player around the basket and in the lane. I like the way Nijal can hit the 15 to 20 foot jump shot and how well he rebounds… Nijal is a very good defensive player too.
The fourth best player was high jumping 6’1 2G Courtney Lark from Texas. Courtney had several exciting dunks in two of the games we saw him play. He runs the court well and he finishes well on the break.
The fifth best young player we saw was 5’6 PG Elijah Lee from Texas. Lee is a speedy and fast player who goes to the basketball well. He is a good passer and he has quick hands on the defensive end.
6’3 2G Mark Vital from Louisiana- A good talented player with handles, and a solid jump shot.
6’4 GF Kameron McGriff GF Texas- He’s a solid rebounder and defender.
6’0 PG Gilbert Thomas from Texas- He has major hops and quickness. He likes to shoot the 15 footer.
6’7 PF Cameron Burkett from Texas- He’s a big and strong player that passes and runs the court well.
5’7 PG Kelvin Robinson from L.R. Arkansas- He’s a quick and fast player who scores well.
5’3 PG Zack Thomas from Texas- A clever ball handler and passer. He scores well from the perimeter.
5’2 PG Daniel Venzant Texas- He’s a crafty ball handler and passer. He goes to the basket well.
6’7 G/PF Harrison Henderson from Texas- Is a good player who needs to get stronger and in better shape. This long drink of water handles the ball well down low and he can score on the blocks well. He's soft now but wait until he gets a little older... He has a huge upside!!!
5’7 PG Jacob Wiley Texas- He’s a heady player and a good passer.
5’9 2G James Edwards PA- He was the best 3-point shooter at this event.
5’8 PG Marlin Davis Texas- He maybe small but he is a tough player with good handles and a nice looking jump shot from 15 feet out.
5’8 P/2G Logan Blow Texas- He’s a very good shooter and passer. He makes good decisions with ball.
5’10 PG Derrick Conley Ark- He’s a strong and solid player. He's a good scorer from 15 feet out.
6’4 2G Grant Hazel Texas- He’s a long armed rebounder and he can hit the mid-range jump shot well.
5’8 PG Derrick Herrick Texas- Is a smart and crafty ball handler and passer. He has a good upside.
6’1 PG Rashawn Langston Arkansas- He is a very good athlete who likes to pass 1st then score. He’s good.
Here’s a look at some of the top players in the 2017 class that played well at Camp Right Way
5’1 PG Cody Graham Texas- He’s a smart and crafty ball handler who scores well.
5’7 PG Tre Anthony Longino Texas- He’s a very good ball handler and passer who plays good defense.
5’5 PG Melvin Gaquez Texas- He is a very good big handler who likes to pass the ball in the low post.
6’0 PG George Wilkerson III Texas- He’s a very good player who can create his shot off the dribble well.
That’s a look are some of the best young prospect we saw at John Lucas Camp Right Way event. We’ve have more from this camp later today.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Several 2012 Southern Region guards commit
Several of the best combo guards from the Southern Region have committed to schools from the Southern Region over the weekend. On Friday one of the Top combo-guards in the nation and the state of North Carolina bellied up to the mic and announced that he would stay in the state of North Carolina and attend home state school North Carolina State.
6'3 2G All-American candidated Rodney Parvis of Upper Room School Raleigh, NC, said he will now attend NC State. This is the second school Rodney has committed to. He previously committed to Lovisville. Rodney should do well at NC State.
The Ragin Cajuns of University of Lafayette Louisiana received a commitment from2012 6'3 2G Cleveland "Pancake" Thomas of Scotlandville HS Baton
Rouge, LA. Thomas is rated by SERBB scouting service as the fifth best combo guard from the state. Pancake will join his brother who is a sophomore on Coach Bob Marlin Ragin Cajun Basketball team. Pancake had a host of schools from the state of Louisiana recruiting him. He committed after his weekend visit.
ULRA get's their man. University of Little Rock Ark get's a commitment fom 2012 2G/P 6'1 Josh Hagins Airline Bossier City, LA, on his official visit this weeken. Josh told us he really liked the school and assistant coach Robert Lee did a good job recruiting me. I like the coaching staff and the players on the team. ULAR is close to home and I will have a chance to come back to Louisiana and play in front of family and friends too. He said, I had it down to three schools. ULAR, Southeastern Louisiana and Northwestern State LA.
ULAR went to the NCAA turnament last March and they're a good academic school. I was looking to commit to a school were I culd come in and play right away. I'll have an opportunity to that next year t ULAR. Josh rated by SERBB scouting service as one of the Top 10 prospects in the 2012 class from the state of Louisiana. He is also rated the fourth best combo-guard by position from the state by SERBB scouting service.
6'3 2G All-American candidated Rodney Parvis of Upper Room School Raleigh, NC, said he will now attend NC State. This is the second school Rodney has committed to. He previously committed to Lovisville. Rodney should do well at NC State.
The Ragin Cajuns of University of Lafayette Louisiana received a commitment from2012 6'3 2G Cleveland "Pancake" Thomas of Scotlandville HS Baton
Rouge, LA. Thomas is rated by SERBB scouting service as the fifth best combo guard from the state. Pancake will join his brother who is a sophomore on Coach Bob Marlin Ragin Cajun Basketball team. Pancake had a host of schools from the state of Louisiana recruiting him. He committed after his weekend visit.
ULRA get's their man. University of Little Rock Ark get's a commitment fom 2012 2G/P 6'1 Josh Hagins Airline Bossier City, LA, on his official visit this weeken. Josh told us he really liked the school and assistant coach Robert Lee did a good job recruiting me. I like the coaching staff and the players on the team. ULAR is close to home and I will have a chance to come back to Louisiana and play in front of family and friends too. He said, I had it down to three schools. ULAR, Southeastern Louisiana and Northwestern State LA.
ULAR went to the NCAA turnament last March and they're a good academic school. I was looking to commit to a school were I culd come in and play right away. I'll have an opportunity to that next year t ULAR. Josh rated by SERBB scouting service as one of the Top 10 prospects in the 2012 class from the state of Louisiana. He is also rated the fourth best combo-guard by position from the state by SERBB scouting service.
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