by Mal Mundy | August 9, 2023 | HoopFests Tour
This past weekend, HoopFests Tour had the special opportunity to travel down to Youngsville, Louisiana for the annual Statement Session invite only showcase. Only Louisiana 42 top players are invited, between the size, athleticism, talent, competition and organization it was an awesome day of basketball. The amount of talent in Louisiana is continuing to rise, this event has gotten the attention of several top prospects. Here’s a few players that stood out amongst them all and caught our attention.
Lionel Bell (’24) 6’9 Power Forward – Booker T Washington-New Orleans (LA)
Lionel Bell is long and active around the rim. Bell has a super motor, long arms, big hands, plays above the rim, finishes well and attacks the glass. He also runs the floor well, has a non stop motor and can guard multiple positions. JUCO and NAIA coaches needs to start recruiting Bell immediately.
Wayne Randall Bashay (’24) 6’5 Shooting Guard – New Iberia High School (LA)
Wayne Randall Bashay scores the ball in bunches. Bashay recently committed to Xavier Louisiana (NAIA), shoots the ball well from behind the arc, good handle, long arms, and finishes above the rim in traffic. He also displayed and surprised everyone with a few highlight dunks that was very impressive.
Broderick Brooks (’24) 6’4 Shooting Guard – Zachary High School (LA)
Broderick Brooks claimed the scoring title at the Statement Session. Brooks was on fire the entire event, shoots the 3 well, scores off the dribble, three level scorer and who create plays. Most importantly, Brooks plays with a great pace, plays off of energy of his teammates, long arms and defends well.
Christopher Birden (’25) 6’8 Forward – Newman School (LA)
Christopher Birden is an intriguing prospect. Birden has all the intangibles to be very good, long and active, looks to score, willingly takes the 3, versatile and can guard several positions. The sky is the limit for the young 2025 prospect, many Division 1’s will be in the mix soon.
Jayce Depron (’24) 6’3 Guard – Madison Prep Academy (LA)
Jayce Depron is dangerous on both ends of the floor. Depron is known for being a super athletic/bouncy guard who can score, fly by defenders, shoots the mid range/3 ball well. Please note, Depron was the Assists Leader of the Statement Session, his passing ability impressed everyone.
Tate McCurry (’25) 6’3 Shooting Guard – Catholic High School (LA)
Tate McCurry is a playmaker. McCurry is lights out from behind the arc, always make the right plays, high IQ, and finds a way to get buckets. Overall well balanced player who does a little of everything on the court, works extremely hard and consistently gets better every-time he steps on the floor.
Javon Johnson (’24) 6’1 Guard – Bossier High School (LA)
Javon Johnson (Bossier High School, Bossier, La) is the definition of a rebounding guard that never backs down. Johnson attacks on both ends of the floor, gets to the basket with ease, explodes to the rim, good 3 point shooter Note: Statement Session Rebounder Leader.
Auhmad Hackett (’24) 6’0 Point Guard – Bonnabel High School (LA)
Auhmad Hackett is a definition of hidden gem. Hackett is a sharp shooting point guard, smooth/crafty handles, can score off the dribble. Please note: after his Statement Session performance he will be listed on every state ranking. The senior guard is ready for a breakout season, several offers went out after the session.
Javonte Thomas (’24) 6’7 Power Forward – Pineville High School (LA)
Javonte Thomas is a force in the paint. Thomas is active around the offensive and defensive end of the floor. On the d-end, he protects the lane, block shoots and deflects shots. On the O-end, he use his athleticism to offensive rebound, put backs and dunking the ball with ease. After his statement session performance, numerous offers expected.
Lionel Larvadian (’24) 5’11 Point Guard – McMain High School (LA)
Lionel Larvadian is one of the top point guards in the state of Louisiana. Larvadian demands a lot of attention on both ends of the court, lightning quick/athletic point guard is dangerous when he gets to his spots, good mid range jumper, crafty ball handles, finishes in traffic and a pest on defense. Coaches instantly gets excited watching him, from dunking to blocking shots off the glass.
Daijon Leatherman (’25) 6’8 Power Forward – Carver High School (LA)
Daijon Leatherman is one of Louisiana Top 5 players in the 2025 class. Leatherman growth over the last 2 years has been impressive, especially coming off another state championship run. Leatherman grabs every rebound that comes off the board, blocks shots well, demands the ball, if he catches in the post he will score. Another great feature of the junior big is he’s very raw and plays hard start to finish.
Dawson Knox (’24) 6’8 Power Forward – Northshore High School (LA)
Dawson Knox has grew a few inches and has had an great summer. Knox is starting to find himself, one of the late additions to the Statement Session had arguably the best performance of bigs at the event. Knox always finds himself at the right place at the right time, finishes well on the low post, blocks/rebounds well, defends multiple positions and talks on the court.
