Well, this is it. I cannot believe this is the final SBJ Prep Hoops report of the season. I know I said last time that the season went so fast, but wow. It is really over. Well, as usual, I and the rest of the good columnists have kept you abreast of what’s what here in Shreveport-Bossier in reference to basketball.
Now, it’s time to close the shop. But first, I will give you the rundown on postseason awards and just preview June and next season.
All-District MVPs
Customary of the districts in the area, once every team has finished playing, all-district teams are released. There probably weren’t any surprises on these teams. However, let’s quickly review the all-district MVPs from this season.
MVPS – Jeremiah Evans Southwood (2x MVP in 1-5A)
Chloe Larry, Parkway (MVP in 1-5A)
Javon Johnson, Bossier (MVP 1-4A)
Kyndal Graham, Huntington (2x MVP in 1-4A)
Rondae Hill, Calvary Baptist (2x MVP in 1-2A)
Mckenzie Chase, Lakeside (MVP in 1-2A)
Signings & commitments
Even with the senior-laden classes in the Twin Cities, there have not been a lot of signings and early commitments. As of today, here are the signings and commitments in Shreveport-Bossier. Division I, Division II, NJCAA, and NAIA are all represented on this short list.
Chloe Larry – Tennessee Tech
Jeremiah Evans – UL-Lafayette
Rondae Hill – Henderson State
Konnor Cotton – Jarvis Christian
Tonya Grider – Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas
There are still more stud players that I believe will sign from the area. For the boys, players such as Jyrin Sowell (Captain Shreve), Colossians Mason-Jones (BTW), Javon Johnson (Bossier), Braylen Clark (Evangel), and EJ McDonald (Captain Shreve) are still out there. On the girls side, Hannah Mouton (Northwood) and Younique Jackson (BTW) have yet to make a commitment.
Potential all-state players
The Louisiana Sports Writers Association (LSWA) began the week releasing the all-state teams for the seven classifications in the state. Class C, Class B, Class 1A have been released so far with Class 2A to be released shortly. While most of our schools in Shreveport-Bossier are in Class 4A and 5A, we should have some representation in Class 2A as well. Here are the local players I believe will make their respective all-state teams.
Class 2A
Rondae Hill (Calvary Baptist )- One of the best point guards in Class 2A. I think he will be a first teamer. However, there are some good guards statewide in this classification.
TJ Jamison (Calvary Baptist), Ronald “Bubba” Strong (Calvary Baptist), and Cage Van Norman (Loyola) will all be honorable mention, I think.
Girls – Addison Stevenson (Calvary Baptist) is only going to get better. She may be the only representative from the area. Second team is possible. More than likely, it will be an honorable mention nod.
Class 4A
Javon Johnson (Bossier) – The 1-4A MVP is one of the top guards in the class. While I believe he can make the first team, he may be a second-team selection.
Colossians Mason-Jones (BTW) – His improvement over the summer made me believe he would be a first-team selection all year. The way the Lions finished the season, he still deserves a second-team nod. We will see.
Others in consideration for the team would be Kerel Woods-Dean (Bossier), CJ Shiflett (Evangel), Antonio Dixon, Jr. (Huntington), and Braylen Clark (Evangel).
Girls – Kyndal Graham (Huntington) should make the first team again. Carley Hamilton (Huntington) may make the first team but more than likely second. Hannah Mouton (Northwood) has second-team potential but may be honorable mention.
Others in consideration would be super freshman A’leyia Brewer (Northwood), do everything wing Jaila Marshall (Huntington), and Younique Jackson (BTW).
Class 5A
Jeremiah Evans (Southwood) – Evans was one of the top three players in the state in this classification. He should be a first-team lock.
Jyrin Sowell (Captain Shreve) – He was the best player on one of the top teams in the state. While the first team is possible, I think he lands on the second team.
Others in consideration are sophomore Kevin White (Airline), EJ McDonald (Captain Shreve), Greg Manning (Benton), and Tre Jackson (Airline).
Girls – Chloe Larry (Parkway) may win Most Outstanding Player in the class. Dakota Howard (Parkway) may join her on the first team but second team is more likely. There is a true chance that sophomore Skylar Branch (Haughton) can make the second team as well. She was that good this season.
Others in consideration would be Avery Ryan (Benton) and KyZyriah Sykes (Airline).
Look for the release of these teams next week.
This season saw some great action from beginning to end. Local teams will take over the month of June to sharpen their skills and prepare for the fall/winter. Until then, we will say so long to the 2023-24 season as we look forward to November of 2024.
Contact Preston at preston9360@gmail.com or Twitter handle @peedee1906