Louisiana Freshman-Sophomore Focus – Part 4

August 28, 2024

Anthony Dennis | 2027 | 6-1 | Guard | Ellender High School

Twitter: @ajdennis_27

Anthony Dennis has a solid jump shot, particularly from mid-range. He has shown the ability to stretch the defense with a reliable three-point shot, especially when given space. He possesses strong handles, allowing him to create his own shot and navigate through defenses. He is comfortable under pressure and can effectively run the point and displays good court vision, making smart passes and setting up his teammates in advantageous positions. His passing in transition is a highlight, often leading to fast-break opportunities. Anthony is a tenacious defender, applying constant pressure on opposing guards. His quick lateral movements make it difficult for opponents to get past him. He displays good awareness, often disrupting passing lanes and coming up with steals and he is a disciplined defender who understands when to help and when to stay with his man. Anthony shows a mature understanding of the game, often making the right play in high-pressure situations. He’s not just a scorer but a playmaker who can control the tempo of the game.

 

Agoot Leek | 2028 | 6-10 | Forward | St. Michael High School

Twitter: N/A

Agoot Leek has a developing mid-range jumper that he can hit with consistency, especially in pick-and-pop situations. While his three-point shooting is still a work in progress, he has shown flashes of potential from deep. Dominant in the low post, Leek utilizes his height and wingspan to score over smaller defenders. He has a soft touch around the rim and is effective with both his back to the basket and facing up. Leek has solid ball-handling skills. He can put the ball on the floor and attack the basket, especially when matched up against slower defenders. His court vision is solid, particularly when passing out of double teams. He’s adept at finding open shooters on the perimeter and cutting teammates for easy baskets. Leek is a solid shot-blocker, using his 6’10” frame and impressive wingspan to alter and block shots at a high rate. His timing and instincts around the rim make him a formidable presence in the paint and he rebounds the ball well on both ends of the floor, using his size and length to clean the glass. Leek is particularly effective on the offensive boards, creating second-chance opportunities for his team. Leek can also step out and guard smaller players on the perimeter when necessary. His lateral quickness is above average for his size, allowing him to stay in front of quicker players. Leek has a solid understanding of the game, particularly in the post where he makes quick, decisive moves. He’s also improving as a passer, showing good awareness of double teams and help defense.

 

Ethan Ballard | 2027 | 6-0 | Guard | St. Pauls High School

Twitter: @Saintpaulshoops

Ethan Ballard is a sharp shooter, particularly from beyond the arc. He has a quick release and can knock down shots off the dribble or in catch-and-shoot situations. His three-point shooting is a significant part of his offensive game. He is a smart passer with good vision, often finding open teammates with precise passes. Ballard excels in pick-and-roll situations, where he can either pull up for a shot or dish it off to the rolling big man. Ballard is a gritty defender who takes pride in shutting down opposing guards. He has quick hands and is adept at poking the ball away or forcing turnovers. He understands positioning well and does a good job of staying in passing lanes. Ballard is also effective at rotating to help defend when needed, showing a strong understanding of team defense. Ballard has a high motor and plays with energy throughout the game. He’s able to maintain his intensity on both ends of the floor without significant drop-off. Ballard is a smart player who rarely forces plays. He reads the defense well and makes quick, sound decisions whether he’s passing, shooting, or driving to the basket.

 

Isaiah Georgetown | 2028 | 6-0 | Guard | Plaquemine High School

Twitter: @IsaiahGeor36028

Isaiah Georgetown is a confident shooter with a reliable mid-range game. His three-point shot is developing, but he’s already shown the ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc, especially when left open. He has good handles, making it difficult for defenders to strip the ball. Georgetown is effective at breaking down defenders and creating his own shot, using a variety of dribble moves to keep opponents guessing. He is a capable playmaker who sees the floor well. He’s particularly adept at penetrating the defense and kicking out to open shooters or dropping off passes to big men in the paint. His quickness allows him to get to the rim with ease. Isaiah has a good sense of when to drive and when to pull up, making him a versatile threat in the half-court. Georgetown is a pesky on-ball defender who uses his quickness to stay in front of opposing guards. He has quick hands and often forces turnovers by anticipating the ball handler’s moves. He is alert off the ball, consistently positioning himself to help on defense or to jump into passing lanes for steals. His defensive awareness is one of his standout qualities. Georgetown is a quick and agile guard, with explosive speed that makes him a threat in transition. His lateral quickness is an asset on both ends of the floor and he plays with high energy, maintaining his intensity throughout the game. His endurance allows him to be effective late in games, particularly in fast-paced situations. Georgetown demonstrates a mature understanding of the game, making smart decisions whether to shoot, pass, or drive. He rarely forces the issue and plays within himself, making the right play at the right time. He leads by example, often setting the tone with his defensive intensity and unselfish play. He communicates well with his teammates and has a natural leadership presence on the court.

 

David Thomas | 2028 | 6-1 | G/F | Bossier High School

Twitter: N/A

Thomas has a smooth shooting stroke with range extending beyond the three-point line. He’s effective as a catch-and-shoot option and can also create his shot off the dribble. His mid-range game is solid, making him a versatile scoring threat. Thomas shows strong ball-handling skills, allowing him to navigate through traffic and set up his offense. He’s capable of breaking down defenders and getting to his spots on the floor. Thomas is an unselfish player with good court vision. He makes smart passes, particularly in transition, and is effective at setting up teammates for easy buckets. His ability to play multiple positions allows him to be a secondary playmaker. He is a strong driver, able to finish at the rim and his physicality helps him absorb contact and finish through defenders. Thomas is a tenacious on-ball defender, using his quickness and strength to stay in front of his man. He’s good at applying pressure without fouling and often forces tough shots or turnovers. He is aware of his surroundings and does a good job of rotating and helping his teammates on defense. His ability to anticipate passes makes him a threat to disrupt passing lanes and come up with steals. Thomas has a high motor and plays with consistent energy throughout the game. His conditioning allows him to be effective in both half-court and fast-paced situations and he is a smart player who knows when to attack and when to pass. He rarely forces the issue and is patient in finding the best option, whether it’s taking the shot or setting up a teammate. The ability Thomas possesses to play multiple positions on the floor is a testament to his basketball IQ. He understands the game from different angles, making him a valuable asset in various roles.

 

Marquez Davis | 2027 | 6-4 | G/F | Northwest High School

Twitter: @Marquez_Davis

Marquez Davis is a versatile scorer with the ability to shoot from all three levels. His three-point shot is a significant weapon, and he’s comfortable pulling up from mid-range or finishing at the rim. His shooting mechanics are solid, and he can hit shots both off the catch and off the dribble. Davis has impressive ball-handling skills. He’s comfortable handling the ball in traffic and can create his own shot against smaller defenders. His crossover and hesitation moves are particularly effective in creating space. He is a capable playmaker who sees the floor well. He’s effective in transition, often finding teammates for easy buckets. In the half-court, he can operate as a secondary ball handler, making smart passes and facilitating the offense. He is a strong and aggressive driver who can finish through contact. Davis uses his size and athleticism to get to the basket, and he’s effective at drawing fouls. His ability to finish with both hands makes him a tough cover for defenders. Davis is a lockdown defender with the ability to guard multiple positions. His length and lateral quickness allow him to stay in front of smaller guards while also contesting shots against bigger players. He’s relentless on defense, often forcing turnovers or tough shots. He is a smart defender who understands positioning and timing. Davis is good at reading the game, which helps him anticipate passes and come up with steals. His help defense is strong, and he’s quick to rotate when needed. Davis is an explosive athlete with excellent leaping ability and quickness. His athleticism allows him to finish above the rim and defend at a high level. He’s also a threat in transition, where he can outrun most defenders. Davis makes smart decisions with the ball, knowing when to attack and when to distribute. He’s a patient player who doesn’t force plays, instead opting to make the right basketball decisions. His ability to play both guard and forward positions speaks to his high basketball IQ. Davis understands different roles on the floor, whether it’s as a primary scorer, defender, or playmaker.