Louisiana's Final Top 50 Class of 2010 Players

With the 2009-10 season now in the books, Louisiana Basketball Report and Louisiana Prep Insider has decided to list the top 50 players in the senior class. In what has been long awaited and much needed list, we have officially released what we feel is a list of the top 50 players in this years 2010 class. In the coming days and weeks, we will also list the top 20 for the 2011, 2012, and 2013 classes. We will also introduce the top 10 for next years crop of freshman for the 2014 class. So enjoy, and stay tuned. Now it is time for the rankings.

In a class that has had several Division-1 players sign this year, none stood out more in 2009-10 than Peabody’s Markel Brown. The 6’5” 180 lb senior and Oklahoma State signee really made his presence felt this year as he led the Warhorses to a 40-0 record and the 4A state title. With two highly impressive games in the Cajun Dome in March, Brown was clearly the best player at the Top 28 and all season as he led Peabody with a 32.5 ppg scoring average as well as a 41-0 record.  Brown is a super-athletic combo-guard that can handle the ball very well, defends, gets to the rim and finishes very well with acrobatic dunks and has a developing and very good 3-point shot. Brown was also named 4A State Player of the Year as well as the Louisiana Mr. Basketball winner as well as ESPN Rise All-American 2nd team.

The state’s #2 rated player is Christian Life Academy’s Langston Galloway from Baton Rouge, a St. Joseph’s (PA) signee. What really separated Galloway, a 6’3” 185 lb guard from the rest of the top five players is his ability to make his teammates better and the fact the he does all the little things so well that helps his team win. Yes, Galloway is an elite scorer and very good defender, but what he does when his shot isn’t falling is special. His ability to defend the basketball is impressive. He can score almost at will and can get to the rim with the best of them, but to dive on floors for loose balls, take a key charge, make the extra pass and also make the big shot, that is what makes him the state’s second-rated player. For the season Galloway averaged 26 ppg as well as 6 rebounds and 4 assists as he helped CLA and himself to get the Crusaders 4th state title in five years.

Coming in as the #3 rated player is LSU signee Matt Derenbecker from Metairie Park Country Day in Metairie. Derenbecker is a 6’7” 195 lb sharp-shooting guard that can flat score the basketball. At 6’7” his ability to look over the defense and pass the ball is really one of his strong points. He also handles the ball well enough to play the point at times. A two-time winner of the Gatorade Player of the Year award in Louisiana, the lefty led the 2009 Cajuns of Country Day to the state title along with current LSU player Eddie Ludwig. One of Derenbecker’s best skills is the way he gets his teammates involved. Everybody knows he can score but when he is doubled and tripled teamed, he passes the ball to open teammates extremely well. An underrated ball-handler, he can also get to the rim and finish as well. For the season Derenbecker averaged 25.5 ppg in his senior season.

The 4th rated senior in this year’s 2010 class is one of the state’s most successful players in terms of win/losses and state titles. Cedric Jenkins, the 6’2” 180 lb. scoring machine from LaPlace and Riverside Academy led the Rebels to their first state title in basketball in 2010. The Southern Mississippi signee helped lead a team that also boasted the state’s top rated sophomore Ricardo Gathers. Jenkins is a kid that battled through several injuries during high school and still had great seasons while at Reserve Christian and now Riverside. Coach Timmy Byrd called Jenkins “one of the best players I have ever coached” after the senior led his team to the state title. Besides being able to shoot the basketball, he can also handle it, defend it and is an underrated passer as well. With unlimited range on his shot, he was also defended tight, which allowed him to show his improved athleticism. Cedric really improved his stock this year. Always considered a top 10 player he really proved in the Cajun Dome that he is worthy of the #4 spot. On a team that had several talented players Jenkins averaged 19.9 ppg and 6 assists.

Rounding out the top five is another Oklahoma State signee in Brian Williams from Glen Oaks High School in Baton Rouge. Williams is an athletic wing that can really get up and down the court and isn’t afraid to make a highlight reel dunk or take a big shot. The 6’5” 200 lb guard is definitely going to be a great fit for the Cowboys of OSU and coach Travis Ford.  A bouncy kid, who can score the basketball with the best of the state, Williams was battled with injuries this year, which may have kept him from being a top 3 player. Even with a stress fracture in his shin, Williams still averaged 18.0 ppg and led his team to its 2nd straight Top 28 berth.


For the rest of the top 50 click here

For Our Scout.com Article click here

Class 4A Quarterfinal Predictions and Preview

The state's two top point guards, Jalan West(left) of Bossier and Nick Syrie(right) of Northside

will lead their teams in the quarterfinals tonight

What more can you ask for than the 4A playoffs that have the top 8 seeds in the quarterfinals tonight. This means there will be four games that will include eight very good and talented teams. Let's start on the bottom sid of the bracket which features the two games that are less intriguing as the top bracket but still very good nonetheless. In the 3/6 game you have Northside traveling to always tough Washington Marion who is back in the playoffs after a year absence due to LHSAA penalty of an ineligible player in 2009. Washington Marion will look to 5'9" Keaven Fontenot to to lead the way as NHS will rely on the point guard play of junior Nick Syrie. Syrie, one of the top juniors in Louisiana seems to have found his shot in the playoffs and is providing Coach Devan Clark with an added outside shooting threat. Others to watch for Northside are 6'6" junior Chris Robertson and 5'10" guard Tony Montgomery. In the other game on the bottom side, you have 2 seed Bossier hosting 7 seed Ellender. Ellender, who has yet to see a true tough opponent this playoffs, will run into a buzzsaw this round as Bossier has it's entire team back from last years state runner-up team except one kid. Lead by Jalan West, Devonta Francis and JJ James, the Bearkats will look to push the tempo and win this game going away. Ellender will rely on the steady play of 6'5" Trevon Lewis who scored 37 on tuesday and Karderro Dixon who led Ellender with 20 in the first round.

Brian Williams(left) throwing down a dunk in Wednesday's win over Minden

will lead Glen Oaks, while Ronald McGhee(right) of Istrouma

will take on Markel Brown(bottom) of Peabody in quarterfinal action tonight

Now on to the top side of the bracket as two Baton Rouge teams, Glen Oaks and Istrouma look to take on Wossman and Peabody. Glen Oaks comes in as the 4 seed after a hard earned win at home on Wednesday and will travel to Monroe to take on Wossman, the 5 seed. Glen Oaks is going to rely on the senior leadership once again of Oklahoma State signee Brian Williams as they take on a tough Wossman team led by Johnathon Ross. Istrouma, the 8 seed will travel to Alexandria and play top seed Peabody and another Oklahoma State signee Markel Brown. Istrouma defeated defending champ Salmen tuesday who has beaten Peabody the previous two seasons in this very round. Peabody advanced by an easy win over McDonogh #35. Both games feature several Division 1 prospects. For Glen Oaks, you have Williams who has signed and potentially 3 more D1 prospects as juniors Erron Chesterfield(6'6") and Tre Drye(6'6") both are promising players that will get a lot of D1 attention this summer. Drye is one of the top juniors in Louisiana while Chesterfield is just now making his name. The third player with possible D1 talent down the line will be 5'5" freshman PG Jalen Variste. Variste is the x-factor of this Glen Oaks team that can come in and hit 3's in bunches. D1 prospects in the Istrouma/Peabody game besides Brown for Peabody are 6'5" Ronald McGhee whose list of schools interested are North Texas, UCLA, Alabama, St. Joe's, Arkansas, Tulane and others. Also for Istrouma is 6'2" PG Darius Johnson who is a sophomore. Peabody has 6'6" Troy Jones that is a sophomore as well.

Class 4A Quarterfinal Predictions

1 seed Peabody over Istrouma

4 seed Glen Oaks over 5 seed Wossman

6 seed Northside over 3 seed Washington Marion

2 seed Bossier over 7 seed Ellender

Glen Oaks Rides Early Momentum to Win Over Istrouma

Last night was a big time game with Istrouma and Glen Oaks for the right to share the district title with one game remaining for each team. Istrouma now has Woodlawn on friday night at home and Glen Oaks finishes with St. Michael's on thursday. An IHS loss and a GOHS win would give G.O. the title. A G.O. loss and a IHS win would give IHS the title. However, neither should lose. With that said, Glen Oaks who was easily beaten by Istrouma the first time by 23 without Oklahoma State signee Brian Williams, won last night's game by 12 in front of his future head coach Travis Ford and Assistant Butch Pierre. Also in the building last night was Mark Bass and assistant coach from St. Joe's who was looking at junior Tre Drye of Glen Oaks and senior Ronald McGhee of Istrouma. St. Joe's has already signed Baton Rouge product Langston Galloway of Christian Life. An addition of McGhee would be a great combination in the Atlantic 10 conference in years to come. Nonethless, there was a game last night. Here is the article from the Baton Rouge Advocate and great sportswriter Robin Fambrough.

Glen Oaks Tre Drye had 13 boards in the win

By ROBIN FAMBROUGH

Advocate sportswriter
Published: Feb 16, 2010

The law of motion states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Sixth-ranked Glen Oaks provided a boys basketball version of this basic science principle Monday night.


The Panthers took control early on the way to a 71-59 victory over fourth-ranked Istrouma in a crucial District 7-4A game played in front of a capacity crowd at Glen Oaks.

Three weeks after Istrouma bounced the Panthers 65-41, it was Glen Oaks’ turn. GOHS (28-5, 12-1 in 7-4A) led by as much as 18 points in what was at times a dominating effort.

“Just a great team effort,” Glen Oaks coach Harvey Adger said. “These guys knew they had something to play for, and they believed that as a team everybody accomplishes more.”

Oklahoma State signee Brian Williams and Brandon Johnson each had 18 points to pace the balanced Panthers. Andre Scott added 16 and Tiron Brown had nine. Tre Drye pulled down a game-high 13 rebounds.

Roy Knox Jr. finished with a game-high 22 points, including six 3-pointers for Istrouma (27-5, 12-1). Joel Jackson added 11 in a game that saw Istrouma standout Ronald McGhee finish with seven points before fouling out.

“We didn’t have one of our better shooting nights,” Istrouma coach Marvin Dotson said. “The big thing was, we didn’t match their intensity on defense. We got close in the third quarter, but we dug such a big hole in the first half that we were never able to get out of it.”

The pace of the first half favored Glen Oaks even though the Indians’ Jackson actually scored the first basket. The fact that McGhee, who averages 20 points per game, did not score until the fourth quarter also favored the Panthers.

A 3-pointer and then a layup off an inbounds pass by Johnson gave Glen Oaks a 7-4 lead by the 4:18 mark of the first quarter.

“This is something we’ve been waiting for since the first time we played Istrouma,” Johnson said. “We knew we could play better than we did in that game. And we focused on every possession and followed the game plan.”

Glen Oaks was more deliberate, making 6-for-12 from the field to open the game. Williams, playing in just his third game since missing five weeks with a leg injury, gave GOHS a late boost. Williams’ jumper from the baseline a 3-pointer from the top of the key sent the Panthers into the second quarter with a 14-10 lead.

Istrouma made 4 of its 16 first-quarter shots from the field. Things didn’t get any better for the Indians, who were just 1-for-12 from the field in the second period.

Glen Oaks made its share of mistakes, including two late turnovers. But GOHS still led 23-14 at halftime.

The long range marksmanship of Knox got Istrouma back in the game. Knox connected on three long range jumpers in the third period, the third of which, got the Indians within six at 33-27 at the 3:34 mark.

Jackson then provided a three-point play by making a free throw and following his own miss with a layup make it a 33-30 game with 2:40 remaining.

That’s when Glen Oaks found another gear. The Panthers scored eight points in just over a minute. Scott had two baskets, Williams scored on a drive to the basket and Drye added a thunderous dunk. And GOHS led 41-31 going into the fourth quarter.

Williams provided another exclamation point a minute into the fourth quarter, rebounding a missed free throw and slamming it home to the delight of the crowd that included OSU head coach Travis Ford and former LSU and current OSU assistant Butch Pierre.

“I got in foul trouble early and I was a little rusty,” Williams said. “But I was fired up and wanted to do whatever I could for my team.”

Glen Oaks’ deliberate style soon forced Istrouma to foul. That put the Panthers in the double bonus with 5:04 to go in the game. By that time, GOHS led by 16. Istrouma never got any closer than the final margin.

“They (Glen Oaks) did a good job of running two people at McGhee every time he got the ball,” Dotson said. “Knox had a great and made some tough shots, but it wasn’t enough.”

Link to the Article

Brian Willams Signs with Oklahoma State

As I reported last Wednesday that Brian Williams was expected to sign with Coach Travis Ford and Oklahoma State, Williams did just that in a 1:00 p.m. ceremony at Glen Oaks High School. The 6'5" 205 lb. senior from Baton Rouge signed his Letter of Intent to the Cowboys in the GOHS library among family, friends, teammates and his HS coach, the Legendary Harvey Adger. Adger who has coached McDonald's All-American Lester Earl and many other D1 signees, added another on Wednesday in Williams, last year's Class 4A Louisiana POY and the Baton Rouge Metro Area MVP as well. Williams averaged 25.9 points, 13.6 rebounds, 4.1 blocked shots and 3.5 assists for the Glen Oaks Panthers last season who finished with a 32-3 record and lost in the 4A semi-finals. Not only are these accomplishments outstanding for any player, but Williams just made 17 in September and will not make 18 until a few weeks into his freshman year at Oklahoma State. That makes his accomplishments more respectable.

Williams, a consensus top 130 player by ESPNU, ScoutHoops.com and Rivals, is a 6-5 205 lb. guard that is super-athletic and quick. Williams averaged 25.9 points, 13.6 rebounds, 4.1 blocked shots and 3.5 assists per game as a junior last season, pacing Glen Oaks to a No. 1 ranking in Class 4A before falling in the semi-finals. Williams led Glen Oaks to a Top 28 finished in 2008-09. He was named Class 4A’s Outstanding Player by the Louisiana Sports Writers, and one of two juniors named first-team All-State for Class 4A(the other was Markel Brown another Oklahoma State signee). He was also named the District 6-4A Most Valuable Player. Coach Travis Ford had this to say on Brian:

“Brian’s game is a lot like Obi's,(OSU senior Obi Muonelo)” Ford said. “He's 6-4 to 6-5 and much more athletic. He can jump over the rim. He averaged 30 points a game last year in high school. He can step out and shoot it, he's very athletic and has a great in-between game.”

 Williams was also recruited by LSU, Oregon State and Baylor, Minnesota, Memphis, Texas A&M and others.



ONE ON ONE WITH BRIAN WILLIAMS:

Here is a one on one with Brian on his signing to OSU and how he see's himself contributing early along with his expectations on his upcoming high school season.


1. How excited are you on signing with Oklahoma State?

   I am very excited about the Oklahoma St. signing, it was on my mind all week.

2. In your opinion, what makes Oklahoma State the right place for you?

   Oklahoma St. is the right place for me because I love their style of basketball, and I feel that I can be very successful in a system like Oklahoma State.

3. What set Okie State apart from the rest of the school's recruiting you?

   Oklahoma State stood out to me more than any other school because they treat me like family, and the style of ball they play is perfect for me.

4. What school's did you have legitamite offers from?

   Baylor, UNO, Tulane, Oregon St., LSU, Southeastern, Memphis, Louisiana Tech, Minnesota, UL-Lafayette, North Texas and Harvard.

5. What do you think of Coach Travis Ford and the OSU family?

   I love all the coaches and the staff at Oklahoma St....they are all cool people and care about the players, and winning ball games.

6. What has being at a program like Glen Oaks done for you and your recruiting if anything?

   Being at Glen Oaks made me a lot tougher on the court than I was when I was younger. I took that to AAU and travel ball and my recruiting mostly came from the summers. I did get alot of press from the Glen Oaks vs. Strake Jesuit Game from espn last year.

7. What has it been like playing for a GREAT coach in the legendary Harvey Adger?

   Its been a roller coaster playing for Coach Adger because you never know what you are going to get from him (practice, workouts, speeches, etc)....He is a good coach and i wish him the best when im in Oklahoma. I will miss my time playing for him

8. Who do you want to thank for supporting you throughout your career at GOHS?

   First I want to thank my family, My mom and my dad for the support they give me at every game, and scrimmage. They are the best. I love you guys.

   I also want to thank Coach Adger, Coach Jones, and Coach Crump for everything at Glen Oaks, Also the Glen Oaks fan base, they are the best, especially the front row crew, I am going to miss the "Oak-Town.......You KNOW" chants. They are great.

9. What are your expectations now that you have signed, how do you plan on helping OSU win and how do you see yourself contributing as a freshman?

   Now that I signed I expect to win state, and possibly snatch the MVP award again. I plan on helping OSU win by knocking down shots, playing solid defense, and getting better every game. As a freshman, I am shooting for significant playing time throughout the season, and I want to eventually work my way into the lineup.

10. What will you miss most about being in HS and the recruiting scene?

   I will miss how easy everything is in high school, from basketball to school, because I know in a few months my life is about to be a lot of hard work. Its all for the better of my game so I will just make the most of it. I will miss all the letters and mail from random colleges and from the big times. I will also miss all the scouts and attention from different coaches. I'm about moving foward so I'm ready for OSU...GEAUX COWBOYS!!!!


Quotes on Brian Williams' Game:

Williams is a very athletic wing who is a strong finisher in transition or off offensive rebounds. He is a good 3-point shooter off the catch. Williams is a strong defensive rebounder; he crashes the boards on a regular basis and snatches the ball at rim level. Williams also displayed a nice midrange pull-up going either way. He plays the power forward position at times for his high school team, and he does a great job of working to deny the ball from entering the post with his excellent quickness. Williams plays with heart and urgency and has tremendous upside. - Reggin Rankin, ESPNU

Brian Williams is athletic and versatile enough to play guard or out on the wing. He played the two, three and four spot as a sophomore and averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds a game. - Dave Telep, ScoutHoops.com

Brian is a solid outside shooter who can get up and throw it down. Showed this summer that he can handle playing a wing and has the ability to jump over a defender and knock down the 3. Also has nice weakside shot blocking ability.- Mike Kuhn, CenterCourt Basketball's The Roux

In my opinion Oklahoma State is getting a highly talented players. I have seen players that are ranked in the top 50 such as Joe Jackson, Adonis Thomas, Chris Crawford, Casey Prather, Travis McKie, and many others and Williams is just as talented as any of these players. Brian can shoot the 3, handle the ball off the dribble, attack the rim and finish with the best of them. He has as a quick a first step as there is. He has a solid mid-range game that continues to get better. He is also an underrated defender. Coming from a system that thrives on defense at Glen Oaks HS, Williams is a very good defender. Williams also just made 17 and has his best basketball ahead of him. He will do very well in the OSU system under Travis and can end up being a all-conference player in the Big-12.-Bobby Sibley, Louisiana Basketball Report

Brian Williams Profile:

High School: Glen Oaks High School
High School Coach: Harvey Adger
Height: 6'5" Weight: 205 lbs.
Position: Guard

Notes/Awards:

-2009 Louisiana All-State 4A MVP, 2009


-Louisiana Association of Basketball Coaches 4A Player of the Year, 2009 4A

-Louisiana 1st Team All-State, 2009 LHSBCA All-State MVP, 2009 6-4A

-District MVP, 2009 1st Team All District 6-4A, MVP 2008 East Baton Rouge

-Team MVP 07-08, Best Offensive Player 07-08, 1st Team 6-4A -All District 07-08, 2nd Year Letterman Award 07-08. 2007


-All Tournament Team -Inner City Classic, 2007 All Tournament Team - Woodlawn Shootout. 1st Year Letterman Award 06-07, Most Improved Player 06-07.

-East Baton Roug Parish All Tournament – All Tournament Team & MVP 2008

-J.L. Haynes Tournament, Ranked #23 SF by ESPN, 2008 Oakerland Classic - All

-Tournament Team, 2008 Elite Action Sports Classic – Outstanding Performer,

-2008 Woodlawn Shootout - All tournament Team, 2008 Inner City Classic -


* Honors/Awards (Academic): 3.4 GPA Academic Award 07-08, Young Leaders

07-08, Beta Club, Class Rank 11/250, 3.4 GPA Academic Award 06-07

* Camp Honors: John Lucas SWIC (Top Performer),

Southern California Elite Camp at USC (Top Performer)
University of Texas at Arlington Top Performer

Harold Boudreaux (LSU) Elite Camp Top Performer,

I10 Elite Camp, Baton Rouge, LA Louisiana's top 75 camp 



ONE ON ONE WITH MICHAEL WILLIAMS, Brian's father:


1. How excited are you on Brian's signing with Oklahoma State?


As a family we feel very blessed and we are so excited for Brian. We are so grateful to the "Cowboy" family for giving Brian this opportunity. It is a result of his hard work, dedication and sacrifice. He will realize one of his goals which is to play at the College level.

2. In your opinion, is Oklahoma State the right place for Brian and what makes it the right place?

Oklahoma State is a great "fit" for Brian. The uptempo offense and the pressing defense is a perfect compliment to Brian's style of play. Oklahoma State's system does quite a bit of isolation on the offensive side of the ball which allows players to highlight their skills. I see Brian developing into a go to player as a result. If you have seen "B" play you know that one of his strengths is taking defenders off of the dribble. Coach Ford is a great Coach and given Butch Pierre's track record of developing players(Glen Davis, Tyrus Thomas, Stromile Swift, Brandon Bass) I think this is a great opportunity for Brian. On the academic side OSU has a very good graduation rate. They have all of the tools to help make you a successful student/athlete.

3. What set Oklahoma State apart from the rest of the school's recruiting Brian?

Definitely the facilities, Coach Ford , his staff and the players . They welcomed us and made us feel like "family". Brian knew that this would be his choice on our unofficial visit. The facilities are top notch. The campus was just beautiful and the people made us feel at home. Even when Brian and I went into the city of Stillwater the people were so friendly.

4. What school's did he have legitamite offers from?

Baylor, Oregon State, UNO, Tulane, SLU, Louisiana Tech, Minnesota, UL-Lafayette, North Texas, LSU and Harvard. Ready to make an offer but waited too late: Alabama, Texas A&M, Memphis and VCU.

5. What do you think of Coach Travis Ford and the OSU family?

We love Coach Ford. He is such a genuine guy. He is also a family man. When you talk to him it doesn't take long for you to see his passion for the game and the love that he has for his players. Also, Butch Pierre is just the best. He is all about the players. He will be like having an extension from home. Coach (Steve) Middleton and Coach (Chris) Ferguson are also very good people. It is a great mix. All of the remaining staff are very accommodating to the players. I watched them drop what they were doing during their busy schedules to help the players with school work assignments, etc. They are all about the development and success of their players on and off the court. That got my attention immediately. During our home visit Coach Ford came with Coach Pierre. My wife was taken at how sincere they both were about Brian's College development. It wasn't a Sales pitch. We really appreciated that.

6. What has being at a program like Glen Oaks done for Brian and his recruiting if anything?

It has definitely helped Brian's recruiting. Coach Adger instills toughness, confidence, focus and a work ethic in all of his players. As a result of being in a program like a Glen Oaks when Brian played AAU/Travel in the summers he was able to highlight his skills against the nations top players. That success reflects back on his School, his Coach and his Basketball program.  I also want to thank Coach Max Ivany of the Texas D-1 Ambassadors with who I played a few travel tournaments with this summer.