I'm combining the three smaller classifications into one group since they are smaller in size of school as well as the smallest classifications in number of teams. If you haven't had a chance to check one of these teams out at a home game I really advise you to take a trip. Any true basketball fans needs to experience at least one home game at a small town school to get a true understanding of some good Louisiana basketball! Several of these players and teams have gone toe to toe and even coming away with a few wins versus the larger schools in the state.
1st Team (Alphabetical Order)
Rylee Jinks - Senior / Fairview
Lauren Quinn - Junior / Hicks
Marissa Tell - Senior / Haynesville
Chloe Wilbanks - Senior / Hicks
Vici Woods - Senior / Elton
Rylee Jinks is a product of growing up in her dads system. She's probably had a basketball in her hands since the day she was born and all that time and hard work shows on the basketball court! She has been a big reason and part of the success at Fairview with her relentless attacking mindset and the ability to push the ball in transition. When you play Rylee and Fairview you have no choice but to play really really really fast as she'll set the tempo from jump ball until the final whistle. If you have not had a chance to catch a Fairview game make sure you take a trip down and watch Rylee run the show as her and her teammates are one of the best teams in the state regardless of classification! A true point guard that can distribute the basketball to everyone on the court... College coaches if you play fast and need a point guard Rylee is worth a look!
Lauren Quinn and her team is another top team in the state despite being from the smallest classification in Louisiana. Hicks will look to finish a three peat this year at Southeastern and with everything they have already been through this season it'll be hard to stop them. Lauren moves exceptionally well for her 5'10 size on the perimeter and she's proved she can play both ends of the court! Her offensive skill set continues to improve as she handles it much better than you would expect and can create from 15-20ft out off the bounce. The junior is currently our #8 ranked prospect in the 2022 classification and had a great summer picking up multiple division I offers.
Marissa Tell is asked to do a lot for Haynesville and that has been a blessing her in overall development as a basketball player! She can now play all five positions as you'll see her playing PG in high school and the 3-4 during the summer as well as everything in between. The Grambling signee will bring a lot of versatility to the next level as she rebounds well and can defend multiple positions. She's used to handling the rock so rebounding and starting the fast break won't be a problem for her and I'm sure Grambling is excited to get her on campus next year!
Chloe Wilbanks and teammate Lauren Quinn (Hicks) will be the team to beat in Class C again this year. The unsigned senior and returning Class C player of the year is currently ranked 25th in the 2021 class with 18 of those girls signing Division 1 already! Chloe is arguably the best unsigned PG in the state as she has a great feel for the game and truly makes her teammates better! If you need a true floor general, someone who can run the show, delivering the ball on time and on target look no further than Ms. Wilbanks! I have no problem putting my word on this young lady as she can flat out play and will be a GREAT player at whatever level she choices next.... kid is a winner and makes everyone better not sure how she's still not signed/committed. College coaches you can thank me later!
Vici Woods is one of the top rebounders in the state regardless of classifications! The ULM signee will bring a real defensive presence the day she gets on campus with an ability to rebound, block shots and run the floor she'll fit in perfectly. I still believe her best years of basketball are ahead of her as she continues to grow and develop she could make a big impact at the next level. In the meantime Vici will look to lead Elton back to another state championship in 1A this year as I fully expect them to be in Southeastern as one of the final four teams competing for the title!
2nd Team (Alphabetical Order)
Taylor Gordon - Junior / East Iberville
Yajaia Goudeau - Junior / North Central
Chloey Guidry - Junior / Hathaway
Josie Ogea - Senior / Bell City
Emery Wertz - Senior / Ouachita Christian
Taylor Gordon had a great summer campaign and is getting back to herself scoring the basketball at a high level. She will try to lead East Iberville back to Southeastern this February as they try to knock down the door of that state championship title! Taylor has an ability to create her own shot as well as shots for her teammates and she seems to keep getting better and better at this. Her 3pt range continues to improve as she's even adding more range to her shot and scoring off the bounce. I'm expecting her to have a big break out Junior year and we'll be seeing East Iberville at Southeastern late in the year!
Yajaia Goudeau has really improved over the last couple years of seeing her I can't wait to see her game continue to grow. The 5'10 guard has great size and athletic ability to go along with her offensive skill set that seems to get better each time out! She's the biggest guard in the 2022 class and has the most potential as she brings a lot to the table you can't teach. North Central are the defending state champs and will relay on her to step up even more this year after graduating Frandreka Keller (BRCC) last year. Yajaia will be asked to do even more of what she already does well and I expect her to have a great Junior season leading her team back to Southeastern!
Chloey Guidry has been a starter for Hathaway for as long as I can remember now. She'll end up being another 2,000+ point scorer and a true leader on the basketball court for years now! It's hard to believe she's only a Junior since she's been around for so long. Chloey can really shoot it from beyond the arch and plays with a really fast pace style of play that helps her and her teammates get easy buckets. The high motor guard plays really hard on both ends and seems to always keep coming! She'll have Hathaway back in Southeastern with a chance at a state championship.
Josie Ogea is a transfer from Grandlake to Bell City where she'll look to carry them into a deep run in the playoffs. I know any of the class B schools would not want to see her and Bell City come playoff time as they will be a tough out for anyone. The LSUE signee is a great passer as she even passes her teammates open at times when they really aren't open. Josie has deep 3pt range and can score/create off the bounce to get her own shot off not relying on others. She brings sneaky good handles and can break down defenders for easy buckets for herself or her teammates!
Emery Wertz will lead Ouachita Christian this year as they will likely have one of the best records in any classification this season! She looks prime to lead her team back to another state championship title game and look for them to come home with the gold trophy this year. Emery has been a product of a lot of hard work and consistency as she's continued to improve her overall skill set and I look for her to end the season with near a 20 point per game average!
Watch List:
Vanessa Duhe Senior / Lacassine
Malaysia Tate - Junior / Summerfield
Abigail Pippen - Senior / Plainview
Dedreka Wilson - Senior / East Iberville
Jordyn Semones - Senior / University Academy
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