by Barry Whittington, Jr. | January 5, 2021 | The Tour Recruiting
Big 10 Classic Standout Players and Observations
Deziel Perkins, Class of 2021 (Madison Prep)– Devastating Dez. He was the catalyst and spark his team needed. His play epitomizes the spirit of a Madison Prep Charger. He backs down from no one and is ready for whatever challenge is in his way. He attacks defenses and puts them on their heels. The lefty is as tough as they come and his mentality permeates with his teammates.
John-Paul Ricks, Class of 2022 (Jehovah-Jireh) – I call him the Pope because his game is holy! He put the team on his back and willed them to victory. He scored 40 points against a team that is known for being a defensive stalwart. He didn’t let being frustrated early dictate how he played defense. With his team being down early on, he had to be an efficient shot maker. He rose to the occasion. He drew fouls and got to the line, hit contested mid-range jumpers and the 3 ball. He is arguably one of the best players at his position in his class.
Emaryeon McDonald, Class of 2021 (Scotlandville) – I’ve started calling him Easy E. Even though he is face guarded or double teamed in every game he still scores so easy. Every time he shoots the ball, I think he’s going to make it. He has such good rhythm in his preparation to shoot. When he gets his feet set, you might as well get ready to head the other way. In addition to a quick release, he plays the game at multiple speeds and is a strong ball handler, so he keeps defenders off balance.
Jaterrius Fusilier, Class of 2021 (New Iberia) – I’m calling him J-Money. He’s a player that you can count on. Fusilier will compete all the time. He has something that you can’t coach. He plays the game with a strength and calm. His biggest skill is knowing what he does and does not do well. You won’t bait him into forcing up shots that he knows aren’t in his skillset. But the shots he can make, he makes a lot of them.
Kashie Natt, Class of 2021 (Rayville) – Kassssssssh Money. To play a style like Rayville does you need players who can shoot, pass, rebound, and defend. Kash is all of those rolled in to one. Knatt was all over the court. If he wasn’t setting up teammates with long outlet passes, he was finishing the possession himself. He is one of the reasons Rayville will be a contender again this year.
Zyquarius Colwart, Class 2021 (Rayville)- I’m calling him Nyquil because he’s putting folks to sleep! The senior lefty guard has game. He has a pure stroke and when he makes shots, they barely hit the net. What sticks out most about him is that he plays at top speed but he remains under control. He picked his spots and took really good shots. He’s hard to guard because he can score in a variety of ways. He makes you pick your poison when defending him.
Derrick Tezeno, Class of 2021 (North Central)– The Little Claw. At 6’4 he plays more like he’s 6’7. He has extremely large hands, a massive wingspan and elite athleticism. Those coupled with his willingness to whatever it takes to win make him a prospect that college coaches covet. This week he scored from all 3 levels and was a driving force behind his teams push for victory.
Donovan Davis, Class of 2022 (Southern Lab)- 2 D’s!!! Davis was just what you draw up when you think of a guard. He didn’t force shots and probed the defense to find opportunities for his teammates to score. Defensively he put pressure on the opposition and had very active hands. He’s a leader and he can lead this team to a deep playoff run.
Tyler Ringgold, Class of 2023 (Southern Lab) – The Big Fella! Ringgold is just scratching the surface of how good he can be. For a player of his youth and size he has no problem handing the ball on the perimeter. With each game he will get more experience and learn how to use body to his advantage. The sky is the limit for him.
Kyran Ratcliff, Class of 2022 (Booker T. Washington)– Silky Slim. At 6’9 Ratcliff has the size and athleticism to wreak havoc. In the games I’ve seen he seems to have a quiet and unassuming personality. This week he was more assertive and changed a bunch of shots. Offensively he has great touch around the basket and stepped out and hit the 3 ball this week. If the light comes on for him and he plays with a chip on his shoulder he’ll be unstoppable.
