by Barry Whittington | Dec 14, 2020 | The Tour Recruiting | Big Time Session 2
This week’s slate of games did not disappoint. The three matchups featured some of the best teams and talent in the state. Each game was a battle as the players demonstrated grit and tenacity. Here is a quick summary of some of the game action.
Zachary 63 – Sophie B. Wright 60
This game was a great start to Session 2. The story of the game was second chance opportunities. Sophie B. Wright did a really good job of crashing the boards and generating offense via offensive rebounds. Zachary played very solid defense, but too often didn’t seal the deal by securing the defensive rebound. This game came down to the wire, but Zachary was able to hold on for the win.
Carver 49 – Scotlandville 39
Game 2 of the session was another grind out game. Carver’s size and athleticism bothered Scotlandville for most of the game. Carver’s defense blocked or altered virtually every Scotlandville shot attempt in the lane. Carver was able to score some easy buckets in the paint because of their size advantages at multiple positions.
Slidell 81 – Cox 75
The finale of Big Time Session 2 lived up the event name. Some big-time players made this game one of the most entertaining of the night. Helen Cox came out on fire, scoring 21 first quarter points. Slidell turned the tide by scoring 22 second quarter points. This was a back and forth affair. This game was worth the price of admission!
Standout Players and initial impressions:
Brandon Rogers, Class of 2023, 6’4 (Zachary): Rogers is long and athletic; he has range and you must always keep a body him. He played with a lot of energy and was spark for the team especially in the first half.
Jon McCall, Class of 2021, 6’4 (Sophie B. Wright): McCall plays like a grown man. When the ball is in his hands he stays in attack mode. If you are playing him, you better be ready to live in the paint because that’s where he will be.
Dorian Finister, Class of 2022, 6’5 (Carver): Finister is a smooth operator. In a game in which points were at a premium, Finister was a steadying scoring presence. His length and quickness was on display defensively as well.
Solomon Washington, Class of 2022, 6’7 (Carver): Washington might as well be the energizer bunny. When he’s on the court you know it. He fought through some early foul to impact the game on both ends. He plays hard. A rim protector and relentless rebounder.
Emaryeon McDonald, Class of 2021, 6’1 (Scotlandville): McDonald spent most of the night working hard to get open. He is an excellent ball handler who does a great job at playing at different speeds. When he was able to find space he did a good job of shooting the ball efficiently.
Cooper Rachow, Class of 2021, 6’3 (Slidell): Rachow came out ready to play. As one of the leading scoring of the session, he was able to score at all 3 levels. Shoot the ball with range but didn’t force shots. His presence is what kept his team in the game.
Lorenzo Caldwell, Class of 2021, 6’5 (Slidell): Caldwell was able to take advantage of his size. He’s active around the basket and has really good touch.
Alexzaye Johnson, Class of 2022, 6’3 (Helen Cox): Johnson was better than advertised. In a game that was emotional and contentious at times, Johnson never wavered. He stayed above the fray. He played that game at his own pace and controlled the tempo. With his number of attempts, there was not one that felt forced. He is a what you want in your point guard.
The present and future of Louisiana basketball is good hands. I’m excited to see how each of these teams grows as the season progresses. Several of these teams should be ready to play in March!
