JOURNAL STAFF
Northwest Louisiana is a talent-rich area when it comes to hoops. This season, boys’ players and teams in the Shreveport-Bossier metro area showed the state what they were about with deep runs in the playoffs.
The 2022-23 Shreveport-Bossier Journal All-Metro boys’ team reflects that talent as all playoff teams were represented. The SBJ All-Metro roster is definitely one that displays the wealth of ability and performance that captivated local basketball fans this season.
It proved impossible to name just one Player of the Year. The dominance in scoring, rebounding, and defense by Jeremiah Evans and the leadership, defense, and scoring by Tahj Roots were the reasons they share the distinction.
A trio of players from three local schools joined them on the first team. The 10-man squad, plus nine other “Best of the Rest” players, is one of the more talent-laden dream teams we have had. This is a team that can compete with other all-city or all-area teams anywhere in Louisiana.
Roots, a senior guard, led his Bossier team to a 24-11 record which culminated in a Division II Non-Select state title for the Bearkats, the fifth state crown for the school.
“What makes Tahj Roots a good player is his competitive fire. He never looks like he does not believe that they are the best team and that they will make the plays to win,” said Airline coach Eddie Hamilton. Roots’ 19.7 points per game, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists were also a large part in the Bearkats bringing the state championship to Bossier City.
Evans was a key player in the Southwood Cowboys’ resurgence this season. His 16.9 points and 12.9 rebounds were keys as Southwood went undefeated in always-competitive District 1-5A. His 6.7 blocks helped the Pokes make the quarterfinal round in Division I Select, where they bowed out to Huntington in an epic contest.
Airline’s Hamilton spoke about the progress Evans made during the season.
“I think we have only seen the tip of the iceberg of how good Evans can be. As he continues to learn the game and simplify using his size and height, the sky’s the limit.”
Joining these two stars on the first team were District 1-2A MVP Rondae Hill, the Calvary point guard; District 1-4A co-MVP Decedric Webb, a forward for Huntington; and Green Oaks guard Fred’Travious Benjamin.
Benjamin, a Jacksonville College commit, was probably the most improved player in the city scoring at a 24-point clip while securing 8 rebounds a game. Webb was the most electrifying player in the area with his transition dunks. His 18 points and 12 rebounds a game helped the Raiders make another Marsh Madness run before losing in the semifinals to Scotlandville, which claimed its fourth straight state title.
Hill improved game after game as a point guard. His season also included game-winners in the regular season and the playoffs. Averaging 16 points, 6 assists, and 1.6 steals a game, he helped Calvary make another run to a state championship game. They fell short to a very good Isidore Newman team led by coach Randy Livingston and Gatorade state Player of the Year Chris Lockett.
Justin Collins was our Coach of the Year as he led the Bossier Bearkats to yet another state title in his first season in charge. His 24-11 record was especially impressive considering that Bossier started 11-9, then had an undefeated district season along the way.
His Bearkats defeated top-rated Wossman and No. 3 Carroll in Marsh Madness on his way to his first state title as a head coach. Collins won one as an assistant at Bossier during the 2020 school year.
The SBJ All-Metro first and second teams were chosen in close consultation with local observers and coaches. Our “Best of the Rest” were chosen on the same accord with consideration for All-Metro second team at minimum.
2022-23 SBJ BOYS ALL-METRO TEAM
First Team
Jeremiah Evans (6’10”), Southwood, Jr.
Tahj Roots (5’10”), Bossier, Sr.
Fred’Travious Benjamin (6’2”), Green Oaks, Sr.
Decedric Webb (6’5”), Huntington, Sr.
Rondae Hill (5’11”), Calvary Baptist, Jr.
Players of the Year – Jeremiah Evans (Southwood) & Tahj Roots (Bossier)
Coach of the Year – Justin Collins, Bossier
Second Team
Chris “CJ” Shiflett (5’9”), Evangel, So.
Chris Carpenter (5’9”), Huntington, Sr.
Colby O’glee (5’11”), Airline, Sr.
Jyrin Sowell (6’3”), Captain Shreve, Jr.
De’kaveon Taylor (6’3”), Huntington, Sr.
Best of the Rest
Omarion Miller, North Caddo, Sr.
Colossians Mason-Jones, BTW, Jr.
Darius Anderson, Southwood, Sr.
Javon Johnson, Bossier, Jr.
Caleb Branch, Loyola, Sr.
Ronald Strong, Calvary Baptist, So.
E’Joshua McDonald, Captain Shreve, Jr.
Marcus Stokes, Green Oaks, Sr.
Greg Manning, Benton, Jr.