by Barry Whittington | Dec 23, 2020 | The Tour Recruiting | Big Time Session 3
Big Time Session 3: In the Finale we featured five matchups with 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.
Northshore 50 – East Jefferson 49
Another great game to start off the session. This game literally came down to the last shot. Northshore freshman guard Kohen Rawbatham sank a running floater just before the last buzzer. Both teams played some stout defense in stretches. Neither team could generate much separation from another. East Jefferson played this game without 2 starters, but guard Arthur Miller was able pick up the slack.
Archbishop Shaw 76 – Riverside 68
The second game of the session was another game of runs. Shaw was able to jump out to an early 9-0 lead. They were able to use their size to score some buckets in the paint. This game was Riverside’s first game of the year since the entire team is comprised of football players. Riverside was able to use that toughness to stay within striking distance. But Shaw’s size and guard play was too much for them in the end.
Booker T. Washington 62 – Plaquemine 50
In our third matchup of the night, it was the tale of two halves. Plaquemine took a 1-point half time lead on the back of some timely shooting and well executed plays. However, Booker T. Washington turned up the defensive intensity in the 3rd quarter and forced some turnovers. In the second half BTW was able to get out in transition and knocked down six 3’s. Plaquemine had some chances, but missed layups and turnovers doomed them. Booker T. Washington has 5 guys that you have to guard at all times.
Scotlandville 63 – L.B. Landry 51
After this game I think we owe Loyola money for some new rims and nets! Scotlandville came out on fire, making 4 first quarter 3 pointers. Scotlandville’s defensive mentality and on ball defense made it hard for Landry to string together good offensive sequences. Jamond Vincent was a steadying presence for Landry and had the gym buzzing after catching a one handed put back jam. There were a few spurts during the second when the teams went basket for basket like two heavy weights going blow for blow.
Carver 60 – Madison Prep 55
The finale of the Big Time Session 3 lived up to its’ billing as a matchup between two of the best teams in the state. The intensity level was evident from the start and early on it seemed like this game was going to be a defensive struggle. Madison Prep jumped out to an early lead as both teams felt each other out. A strong first half from Solomon Washington, kept Carver within striking distance. In the second half, both teams hit their offensive stride. Carver had the crowd rocking after a few rim rattling dunks. But Madison Prep, a team who has seen everything, was undeterred and kept coming. Deziel Perkins tenacity and toughness led a spirited but unsuccessful come back for Madison Prep.
Standout Players and Impressions:
Arthur Miller, Class of 2022, 5’11 (East Jefferson): Miller was basically unstoppable. He scored 34 points and was the high scorer for the session. He did most of his damage in transition and made some very difficult shots. He kept the pressure on the defense for the entire game.
Jeffery Landry, Class of 2022, 6’6 (East Jefferson): Landry’s presence on the court was a must have for his team. He moves well for a player his size and did not shy away from rebounding and trying to set up his teammates for scoring opportunities.
Kohen Rowbatham, Class of 2024, 6’2 (Northshore): There is nothing about Rowbatham’s game that says he’s a freshman playing in his first season as a varsity player. He plays with a level of toughness and leadership that coaches would beg to have. His willingness to take the big shot serves him and his team well.
Amarrion Silas, Class of 2021, 6’3 (Northshore): Silas is a smooth operator who can score from various levels. His ability to shoot the 3 and quick first step make him hard to guard. Opposing defenses will have to dedicate a disciplined defender to keep him in check.
Kameron Johnson, Class of 2023, 5’8 (Archbishop Shaw): Johnson is a young player with a bright future. He plays with pace and demeanor of some beyond his years. In a battle with Gage Larvadain, Johnson held his own. His lack of size does not deter him from finishing over and around taller defenders. He was also a high scorer of the day finishing with 29 points.
Isaiah Crawford, Class of 2021, 6’4 (Archbishop Shaw): Crawford has a grown man’s body and he plays like it. He attacked the basket and threw down several powerful dunks. While he battled some early foul trouble, he stepped up in the second half. Each time Riverside tried to make a run; Crawford was there to shut the door.
Gage Larvadain, Class of 2021, 5’9, (Riverside): In his first game of the season he started off a bit rusty. But as the game went on, he found his groove. He scored from the paint, the 3-point line and at the charity stripe. He played with a relentlessness that gave his team a chance. Once he and his teammates get a few more games under their belts the Rebels will be tough to beat.
Coryell Pierce, Class of 2021, 5’9 (Booker T. Washington): Pierce is a bull, plain and simple. His play was a reflection how his coach wants the team to play. He poured in 24 points and led the defensive charge his team needed in the second half. If I was still coaching, I would want, no, I would need him on my team.
Christian Ferguson, Class of 2022, 6’2 (Booker T. Washington): When Ferguson steps in the gym you need to put someone on him. One of the best shooters in the event. His hot 3rd quarter spurred on several runs that put the game out of reach for Plaquemine. In addition, he took the challenge to use his length to defend smaller and quicker guards.
Latral Weary, Class of 2021, 6’2 (Plaquemine): Weary showed a lot of leadership and grit in trying to keep his team in the game. Made some big shots and attacked the basket. His play spoke volumes.
Emaryeon McDonald, Class of 2021, 6’3 (Scotlandville): McDonald showed why he’s one of the top shooters in the state. He was able to break free from smothering defense and get his feet set. Once they were set, it was nothing but sweet music. He plays at different speeds that keeps defenders off balance. He stepped up his game this week and it showed.
Zaheem Jackson, Class of 2021, 6’3 (Scotlandville): Jackson brings the heart and soul for Scotlandville. He does not back down from anyone. This week he made some key buckets. He has the most experience playing for Coach Sample of all the players on the team and it shows. Jackson is the enforcer and brings the energy.
Bennie Amos, Class of 2021, 6’1 (L.B. Landry): Amos was once known for his sharpshooting ability. But as he’s gotten older, his game has grown too. He can put the ball on the floor and get to his spots. This week he showcased an ability to hit mid-range jumpers. He and Jamond Vincent are a formidable duo for L.B. Landry.
Jamond Vincent, Class of 2021, (L.B. Landry): I think we may need to check his right hand after the putback dunk he caught in the second half! He had the entire arena buzzing. Vincent’s athleticism is next level and will serve him well next year in college. He was basically unstoppable in getting to the paint and finishing above defenders.
Solomon Washington, Class of 2022, 6’7 (Carver): Washington has the “it” factor. Like I said last week, his energy is contagious. He plays above the rim and with a chip on his shoulder. He seems to take his matchups personally. He was able to guard 1 through 5 this week. His versatility and passion to do whatever is necessary makes him so valuable. Washington is the type of player that people love to see. You can he has put in the work to be the best he can be.
Dorian Finister, Class of 2022, 6’5 (Carver): Finister had a pretty quiet 1st half on the offensive side. He was very selective about his shots and did hunt baskets. Still, defensively he stayed engaged and had great body language. In the second half he turned it up a notch. He put down a 1 handed dunk in traffic that had folks jumping out of their seats. The dunk seemed to wake him up offensively and he went to work scoring from the paint, free throw line and the three-point line.
Deziel Perkins, Class of 2021, 6’0 (Madison Prep): Perkins is what you expect to see when you play a Jeff Jones coached team. He was relentless and undeterred by the size of Carver. He scored in a variety of ways at all 3 levels. As a senior leader his play speaks volumes for his younger teammates.
Percy Daniels, Class of 2022, 6’9 (Madison Prep): Daniels is a load on the block. His size and strength serve him well when he establishes his position in the post. He utilized a jump hook shot with good effectiveness. Also, he fights for every rebound and makes his opponents work in the paint. Daniels’ strength coupled with good guard play will make Prep the team to beat.
