Louisiana Hall of Fame Games

The Hall of Fame Classic hosted by the Delta Report and Catholic High School in New Iberia, Louisiana brought many of the best teams and players of Louisiana together for a loaded one-day event. Here are just a few of my standouts.

Last year, I wrote a few times about the growth in Chennedy Carter (Texas) and she backed me up with a huge season/summer. While a different type of player, I feel the same way about 2018 Brooklyn Mitchell of Ursuline Academy. There is no hole in Mitchell’s game on either end of the court. Offensively, Mitchell has a combination of terrific speed and handle. Mitchell really sees the floor well and drops dimes off the bounce. Mitchell has a fluid release on her 3 and made some big shots against Natchitoches Central. Defensively is where Mitchell truly stands out. A dogged competitor who pressures the ball relentlessly, Mitchell sets the tone for her team on that end of the court. Watch for Mitchell to make a big leap up the rankings as the season continues if she continues playing this well.

Other 2018’s who stood out were Ava Jones (Carencro), Nikkia Johnson (Ellender), Dynah Jones (John Curtis), Desrael Schnyder (Loranger), Sydney Rivers (Loranger), Jolie Williams (Natchitoches Central), Bria Broughton (Ouachita Parish), Traya Bruce (South Lafourche), Victorianna Nelson (South Lafourche), Cailain Williams (Southern Lab), Destiny Batiste (Thibodaux), Kourtney Weber (Ursuline), and Dene Mimms (Warren Easton).   
I’ve seen 2017 Micaela Wilson of Rayville High School multiple times on the summer circuit, but this was my first peek at her with her high school team. Saturday night was the best I’ve ever seen Micaela play. Her shot release is a little higher and that has made a huge difference on the arc of the ball from 3. What I was most impressed with was the other things Wilson did from ball handling, to rebounding, to hustling for loose balls. I’ve been waiting for and was excited to see the maturity in her game. A hotly contested prospect and one of the better players left on the board nationally, Micaela is starting to fulfill the promise she has shown for so many years.

Other 2017’s that caught my eye were Cara Ursin (Destrehan), Briana Thompson (East St. John), D estiny Collins (Edna Karr), Deja’Ron Singleton (Edna Karr), Nikkia Johnson (Ellender), Monette Bolden (Erath), Kedranae Addison (Helen Cox), Tyrionne Martin (Helen Cox), Diamond Brooks (Jewel Sumner), Jada Duncantell (Natchitoches), Morgan Carrier (New Iberia), Courtney Clark (Thibodaux), and Tyreonna Doucet (Ville Platte).
2019 Tiara Young is a youthful pure scorer with the mentality of a much older player. The ultra-aggressive Young attacks the basket relentlessly and uses an array of floaters and pull up jumpers to score. Young is very bouncy and although she needs to add strength (which will come in time), she finishes well thru contact. Young must continue to work on her perimeter shooting consistency to take the next step as an offensive player.  Young is an aggressive defender who is dynamic and competitive on the ball. Young will be hotly sought after in the 2019 class.

A very good crop of sophomores were on display at the Hall of Fame Classic including Kayja Jackson (East St. John), Terris McKay (Ellender), Morghan Frierson (Ellender), Abryhia Irons (John Curtis), KiAna Foster (Loranger), Jamya Young (Loranger), Alexius Horne (Mckinley), Mahoganie Williams (Ouachita Parish), Niya McGuire (Ouachita Parish), Stephanie Stewart (Southern Lab), Breyelle Porter (St. Martinville), Bren’nasia Adams (Thibodaux), Kennedi Jackson (Ursuline), Cabria Lewis (Warren Easton), and Rayah Haynes (Zachary).

Making varsity as a freshman is a terrific accomplishment for any young player. Being able to compete and contribute against players 1-3 years older is the beginning of knowing you may have something special. Kenyal Perry of Mckinley Senior High School shows all these traits. At 6’5” with fluid foot movement, Perry is just beginning to scratch the surface of what she can become. Perry needs to work on strengthening her core to be able to compete in the post against more powerful players. Perry showed a nice touch off of offensive rebounds and elite length patrolling the paint on defensive end. Perry has a ton of work in front of her, but the potential to become a big time prospect with continued growth in her game.

Other freshman who shined included Korriana Reynaud (Destrehan), Tykayla Robertson (Jewel Sumner), LuLu Hookfin (Loranger), and Kayland Jones (Thibodaux).