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

Cedric Jenkins Commits to Southern Miss

Yesterday we were the first to announce that one of the state's top shooting guards and most successful player to have ever played for Coach Timmy Byrd at Reserve Christian and now Riverside Academy, Cedric Jenkins has officially verbally committed to Southern Miss coach Larry Eustachy.  He is a 6'2" Shooter that can run a team as a point guard and is similar to Memphis guard Roburt Sallie but with a more consistent shot and better feel for the game. That is a big time comparison for the guard from Reserve, LA. If you remember, Sallie is the Memphis guard that scored 31 points in their 1st round NCAA tournament game in 2009 and had 8 3's in that game. Southern Miss is absolutely getting a steal that will be one of the top guards in the C-USA for the next 4 years. After having time to adjust to college ball, Jenkins will be a all-conference player when it is all said and done. Jenkins now joins a class that includes Mississippi Mr. Basketball Rashad Perkins of Starkville HS and Mississippi Mr. Basketball Runner-Up Trency Jackson of Wingfield HS. 

"I am very excited to attend Southern Miss" an excited Jenkins told us. "I am glad I found a place that fits my personality. Southern Miss reminds of myself. Very laid back, straight forward, good enivornment and I love the town of Hattiesburg,MS and its people."

Question and Answer Session with Cedric Jenkins: 

1. How excited are you on signing with Southern Miss? I'm very excited, I'm glad I found a place that fits my personality.

2. In your opinion, what makes Southern Miss the right place for you? Southern Miss reminds of myself... Very laid back, straight forward, good enivornment and I love the town of Hattiesburg,MS and it's people.

3. What set Southern Miss apart from the rest of the school's recruiting you? They were very honest and straight forward.

4. What school's recruited you and did you have offers from? UNO,TULANE,BAYLOR,UTEP,LA TECH, VA TECH,

5. What do you think of Coach Eustachy, Coach Heiar(G.H.) and the Southern Miss family? Coach Eustachy has the same qualities as coach Timmy, G.H. was really nice and I appreciated him showing us around campus. And the guys were very cool and I enjoyed being around them and like always I will continue to work hard.

6. What has being at a programs like Reserve and Riverside done for you and your recruiting if anything? If it wasnt for me attending those programs, who knows where I would be, I'm very thankful for the opportunities that I've been given.

7. What has it been like playing for a great coach in Timmy Byrd?Coach Timmy is responsible for transforming me into an all- around player, leader and not just a three-point shooter.

8. Who do you want to thank for supporting you through your career at Reserve and Riverside? God first, My mom, Coach Timmy, Coach Ronnie Byrd, My friends and family.. St John and St Charles recreation, Louisiana Select, Lake Ponchatrain Elementary and the Students, teammates and parents of both Riverside and Reserve Christian.

9. What are your expectations for your career at Southern Miss and how do you plan on helping them win? Also, how do you see yourself contributing as a freshman? My expectations are to continue my career of winning and touching every person I meet in some kind of way... I see my self contributing as a freshman by accepting my role and giving 110% by working hard towards my degree and by being a positive teammate and USM student on and off campus

10. What will you miss most about being in HS and the recruiting scene?  I will miss all the fans and parents that I have come in contact with in the last four years and also my teammates.

11. What has it meant to you being around a couple of great guards that played RCS in Tweety Carter(Baylor) and Ed McCain(Bradley)? I looked up to those guys, they were a big part in helping me develop my leadership skills.

12. What do you want the S. Miss fans to know about Cedric Jenkins, the player and the person? Honest, hardworking, positive, dedicated, with outgoing personality, with a winning attitude, and with God I know that all things are possible!

13. What family members or coaches or other people have really influenced you and helped you throughout your 4 years of HS?There's a million answers to this question, and I dont wanna leave anyone out but a few names are: My Mom Crystal Jenkins, My AAU coach Mike Theus, Coach Timmy Byrd and Ronnie Byrd

14. What do you want to tell your teammates who you have played with over the last 4 years? I want them to know I love them and they can ask me for anything they need or call me anytime and I will never forget them.

15. What is your expected major at USM? Im still undecided.

16. Give me all your accolades while in High School: 1st All-State 4 times, 4 time all-district, 2008 Mvp of state title game, 4 time top 28 all state, 4 Time State Champ

17. What schools did you visit? Tulane, Southern Miss

18. Favorite food: Gumbo

      NBA player/College player: Joe Johnson and Tweety Carter

      pre-game ritual: Focus, Clown and pray with my teammates

      favorite rapper/singer: Young Jeezy

      favorite TV Show: anything on ESPN

      favorite thing to do in your free time: Chill and Relax

Thank you for your time Cedric and good luck in your future at Southern Miss. God Bless and Stay Humble!! -Louisiana Basketball Report

Breaking News: Cedric Jenkins Commits to Southern Mississippi

It has now been made official. One of the state's top shooting guards and most successful player to have ever played for Coach Timmy Byrd at Reserve Christian and now Riverside Academy, Cedric Jenkins has officially verbally committed to Southern Miss and former Iowa State coach Larry Eustachy. He is 6'2" Shooter that can run a team as a point guard and is similar to Memphis guard Roburt Sallie but with a more consistent shot and better feel for the game. That is a big time comparison for the guard from Reserve, LA. If you remember Sallie is the Memphis guard that scored 31 points in their 1st round NCAA tournament game in 2009 and had 8 3's in that game. Southern Miss is absolutely getting a steal that will be one of the top guards in the C-USA for the next 4 years. After having time to adjust to college ball, Jenkins will be a all-conference player when it is all said and done. Jenkins now joins a class that includes Mississippi Mr. Basketball Rashad Perkins of Starkville HS and Mississippi Mr. Basketball Runner-Up Trency Jackson of Wingfield HS. Congratulations Cedric on your committment.

For the full story stay tuned tonight or early tomorrow after we talk with Cedric and others to get a better feel on his commitment.

Class 2A Playoff Preview and Predictions

Brian Bridgewater of Episcopal(left) and Dantrell Thomas of Many(right) will look to start the playoffs with a win tonight in the Bidistrict Round

Just like Class C, 2A will have a new champion in 2010 with the 2009 champion Springhill not qualifying this year. There could possibly be a few players and a coach that could win their 6th straight title with the Reserve Christian kids and longtime coach Timmy Byrd now at Riverside Academy. Riverside, led by the nation's #9 ranked sophomore Ricardo Gathers and senior standout Cedric Jenkins, Riverside goes from a not so good team to a powerhouse in less than a year. With Riverside taking the 1 seed, last years state runner-up Many is the 4 seed and 2007 and 2008 champion St. Thomas Aquinas has the 2 seed while Many's district rival Red River is the 3 seed. STA has already beaten Riverside once this year.  With Riverside and STA the favorites, Many, Mamou, Red River, Episcopal, Dunham, Donaldsonville, Pointe Coupee Central and Evangel may all have a say in the race to the Top 28 as well. In what was clearly the toughest district in 2A, the district 9 teams of Episcopal who is led by the nations #1 ranked freshman by HoopScoop.com Brian Bridgewater, Dunham led by senior trio of Dantrail Butler, Jasper Caine and Kyle Planchard, Pointe Coupee Central with DJ Cobb and Idrakery Lewis and Donaldsonville is another team to look at from district 9. Mamou is also a team to watch with 5'8 senior Zach Baty leading his team with a almost 30 ppg average. With these teams as possible sleepers, you also need to look at the front runners. Many will be lead by seniors Dantrell Thomas, Nic Jacobs(LSU football), DJ Palmer and junior Rod Davis. Red River will look to the Cordarius' Johnson and Smith while STA will look at a some younger kids in junior Zay Jackson and sophomore Stephen Wronkowski. 

Cedric Jenkins of Riverside(left) and Cordarius Smith(right) of Red River will lead their teams tonight

First Round Predictions

1. Riverside over 32. Sterlington

17. Ville Platte over 16. Port Barre
9. Anacoco over 24. Lakeview
8. Springfield over 25. South Beauregard
5. Evangel over 28. North Caddo
12. Dunham over 21. Lakeside
20. Welsh over 13. F.A. Douglass
4. Many over 29. Pickering

Bottom Bracket

3. Red River over 30. Calvary Baptist
19. Farmerville over 14. Newman

11. Episcopal-BR over 22. St. Helena Central
6. Mamou over 27. Lusher Charter
7. Donaldsonville over 26. Pope John Paul II
10. Pointe Coupee Central over 23. Rosepine
18. Capitol over 15. Jonesboro-Hodge
2. St. Thomas Aquinas over 31. John Curtis

Christian Life, Riverside Ranked in Pre-Season Rivals 100 Rankings

Rivals 100 Complete Rankings
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With 3 Division 1 signees led by Langston Galloway(St. Joseph's) (pictured right) Patrick Robinson(Northwestern State) and Kaleb Knight(Grambling State) the Crusaders of coach Carlo Maggio enter the 2009-10 season the highest rated team in Louisiana for 2009 at 77. Last season Christian Life under former coach Todd Foster, now the Baton Rouge Community College coach, lost in the state semi-finals to LSU-signee Matt Derenbecker and current LSU player Eddie Ludwig which ended a string of 3 straight 1A titles for the 'Saders.  CLA has also revamped the roster with the addition of former University High star McCall Tomeny and former McKinley High starter Marlon Bell. They also return point guard Corey Self and 3-year starter Avery Prince. To start the season CLA will get heavily tested as they will be in a tournament in Shreveport on November 18th that features teams such as Riverside Academy, Richwood(last season's 3A State Champ) and Loyola,  a top team in 4A the Bossier Bearkats. Those are just 5 of the 8 teams.

With that said let's move on Riverside Academy and Coach Timmy Byrd who have also been recognized as a nationally ranked team coming in at 96. The Rebels have truly came into their own. Last year, a team that didn't even make the 2A playoffs got really good, really fast. Reserve Christian, the tiny Class C school that has been a powerhouse in Louisiana since 1999 closed down. This move landed Coach Byrd and his Class C state champions at Riverside. With this move almost all of the players followed Byrd to Riverside to make the Rebels a highly unknown team to a nationally ranked squad with load of talent. That talent is lead by senior's Cedric Jenkins (pictured above), Kyle McClue, and Ed Gallina all of whom will sign in the late signing period with division 1 schools. The anchor of this group though is the most important, that would be 6'6" 225 lb. man-child Ricardo "Rico" Gathers (pictured right) Gathers, the nation's 9th rated prospect on Rivals.com's 2012 rankings will have a lot to do with the Rebels success. Last year, this RA team that was at Reserve Christian won their 5th straight state title. This year could also end the same way but they will get tested in 2A which is a lot tougher than class C but if any team can make the jump 3 classes and still win, it will be Riverside. They are well coached, talented, disciplined and deep. They will be able to play about 10 players consistently and not lose a beat. Other teams that got mentioned for the national rankings but got caught on the outside looking in are Glen Oaks HS, St. Augustine HS and Richwood. Do not be surprised if these teams make noise as well and get in the rankings at some point during the season.

Riverside Coach Timmy Byrd(below)

With this being said, congratulations to Christian Life and Riverside on your national rankings. Let's make Louisiana proud and represent that ranking well. Stay humble and do well. Good Luck on your season.