By WARREN ARCENEAUX
AMERICAN PRESS
After finishing last season one step away from the ultimate prize, the St. Louis Lady Saints and South Beauregard Lady K’s are looking for a return trip to the state tournament this season. At Iowa, the boys team is looking to build on their historic season last year.
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Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Lakeside falls to Lakeview, 70-52
Written by Gregg Parks
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
CAMPTI — The Lakeside Warriors traveled to Campti Monday night to tip-off their 2009-10 basketball season against the Lakeview Gators.
Lakeview jumped out early and hung on for a 70-52 win.
“It’s not a good start of the season,” Lakeside head coach Jason Gould said. “But it’s early, and we’re still trying to get our football players in some kind of basketball shape. Hopefully we can turn the ship around and play better in our tournament this week.”
Lakeview blew past lakeside early, as they led 21-8 at the end of the first quarter. The Warriors out-scored the Gators 15-11 in the second quarter to cut the lead to 32-23 at the half.
Lakeside played well in the second half, but just could not get over the hump.
“They jumped on us really quick in the first quarter,” Gould said. “They made a lot of fast break points in the first part of the game that kind of puts us in a hole. Time after time we would cut the lead to eight to 10 points, only to see them push it back to 15 or 16 points.”
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Tuesday, 17 November 2009
CAMPTI — The Lakeside Warriors traveled to Campti Monday night to tip-off their 2009-10 basketball season against the Lakeview Gators.
Lakeview jumped out early and hung on for a 70-52 win.
“It’s not a good start of the season,” Lakeside head coach Jason Gould said. “But it’s early, and we’re still trying to get our football players in some kind of basketball shape. Hopefully we can turn the ship around and play better in our tournament this week.”
Lakeview blew past lakeside early, as they led 21-8 at the end of the first quarter. The Warriors out-scored the Gators 15-11 in the second quarter to cut the lead to 32-23 at the half.
Lakeside played well in the second half, but just could not get over the hump.
“They jumped on us really quick in the first quarter,” Gould said. “They made a lot of fast break points in the first part of the game that kind of puts us in a hole. Time after time we would cut the lead to eight to 10 points, only to see them push it back to 15 or 16 points.”
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Leaky roof postpones opener
Leaky roof postpones opener
St. Augustine-Easton game rescheduledTuesday, November 17, 2009 By Pierce W. HuffStaff writer
The Warren Easton-St. Augustine basketball season opener at the St. Augustine gym Monday night was postponed because of a leak in the roof.
The game has been rescheduled for today at 7 p.m. at St. Augustine.
Water began dripping onto the court between the junior varsity and varsity games as a storm front moved through the New Orleans area.
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St. Augustine-Easton game rescheduledTuesday, November 17, 2009 By Pierce W. HuffStaff writer
The Warren Easton-St. Augustine basketball season opener at the St. Augustine gym Monday night was postponed because of a leak in the roof.
The game has been rescheduled for today at 7 p.m. at St. Augustine.
Water began dripping onto the court between the junior varsity and varsity games as a storm front moved through the New Orleans area.
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Sunday, November 15, 2009
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:
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
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
-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.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Louisiana Basketball Report Gets love
The Cornell Basketball Blog has recently mentioned our site for giving Dominick Scelfo a little publicity for committing to the Big Red. The blog goes on to talk about Scelfo's game and describe him as this:
"Scelfo is a point guard in the Steve Nash mold. Although not the best athlete on the floor when facing other college prospects, his motor is always running, he makes his teammates around him better, but is also able to find his own shots by either penetrating into the lane or getting a shot off from the outside."- Cornell Basketball Blog
I couldn't agree more. Scelfo is very talented guard that can really run a team and make others better. He proved his value this summer teaming with LSU signee Matt Derenbecker of Coutry Day, Langston Galloway, a St. Joseph's signee and Patrick Robinson a Northwestern State signee both of whom attend Christian Life. This talent quartet along with East Ascension's Keith Flemin and Brady Hadden of Jesuit led their Mid-City Cyclones team to a 7th place finish at the AAU 17-under nationals. The first time I saw Scelfo was when he was 15 in 2007. He was a small white kid, floppy hair and a tight reversible jersey that looked as if it needed grease to take it off. I remember saying to myself that he can't possibly be any good like people are saying he is, can he? Well it turned out that within 5 minutes of watching I knew he was special. Two years later I watched him, Galloway and Robinson dominate a tournament held in Baton Rouge that included the likes of LaQuinton Ross, Andre Stringer, Jalen Courtney, Deville Smith, Demarco Cox, Johnny O'Bryan, Rashad Perkins, Cedric McAfee, Jarnell Stokes, Nate Rucker and many others. In the group mentinoned there are 3 kids signed with SEC schools, 2 players that are top 10 nationally and 2 more that are top 50 nationally. The last name, Rucker is signed to N. Illinois, and he is a stud too. Just last weekend in a exhibition game at a local middle school in Memphis, Rucker broke the backboard on a dunk(pic below of backboard). With all that said, I definitely think Cornell is getting a steal. For Scelfo to play at a high level against these guys, I see nothing but great things ahead of this young man from Jesuit HS in New Orleans. Dominick is a blue-collar type player that any coach would love to have, he is a great kid that is humble, works hard and is a winner. Congratulations Dominick on your committment to the Big Red of Cornell.
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.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Poll Question: Who will win the 4A State Title?
What team will win 4A this season? Can it be Glen Oaks with Oklahoma State signee Brian Williams(pictured right), one of the top juniors in the state Trevante Drye, and 3 senior guards with Brandon Johnson leading the way. Can it be Bossier with their talented group of guards lead by juniors Jalen West, Joseph James and sophomore Devonte Francis. Will it be Peabody under legendary coach Charles Smith that just seems to reload every year. This season they are led by Oklahoma State Signee Markel Brown and sophomore Troy Jones. Can Salmen repeat after losing their leaders in Isiah Tate, UCF player RJ Scott, LSU walk on Daron Populist and PG Jared Harrison. Will OP Walker bounce back with highly talented players like Jarvis Ray, Jamal Silas and their PG Darrius Adams. Who will step up this season and win 4A?Register to Vote it is 100% Free
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Northwestern State University add Two
Coach Mike McConathy and Northwestern State have collected two signatures this morning as Christian Life Academy senior Patrick Robinson Jr. and Panola College sophomore and former Southwood High player Louis Ellis both signed their National Letters of Intent to play for the Demons.
With Patrick Robinson on board at Northwestern St., the Demons are getting a kid that is very active, a high energy player and kid that is coming from a winning program. In Robinson's first three seasons at CLA he has been to 3 TOP 28 appearances and has won 2 state titles in 2007 and 2008. Robinson is a kid that has faced adversity last year with off the court medical issues involving his kidneys and played all last season with kidney stones. Northwestern is getting a great talent that will be a very nice contributor to the program for the next 4 years.
Here is what Head Coach Mike McConathy had to say about the signing of Robinson:
“We are so excited about Patrick becoming a part of our basketball family. We have really enjoyed the opportunity to develop a relationship with him and his family. He is a first class young man that will be a great player for the Demons.”
“We know what kind of coaching Patrick has received at Christian Life Academy from both Coach Carlo Maggio and his former head coach Todd Foster. They have and will do everything they can to prepare him to succeed at the college level.”
“Obviously having another great Louisiana product is always one of our goals in recruiting. We feel like we were able to get a tremendous sleeper in the state. Patrick’s best basketball is ahead of him. He continues to make such huge strides in his game each time we see him through his work ethic and desire to improve. He will be able to play multiple positions in our system and will be a especially great in our full court press.”
“We have watched him develop over the past 3 years we have seen that he is a great teammate who has put the team above himself which is the basis of our success. He has experienced a lot of great basketball at Christian Life, as well as, in the summer with Louisiana Select. The tradition of winning with both Christian Life and Louisiana Select have helped develop a great winning attitude within him.”
Patrick Robinson Profile:
Christian Life Academy
Coach: Carlo Maggio
Height: 6-6 Weight: 195
Position: Forward
Notes:
- First team All-District last season for Christian Life Academy
- All-State performer as a junior
- Averaged 17pts. and 10 rebounds as a junior
- Helped lead Christian Life to state championships in 2007 and 2008 and semi-finals in 2009
- Rated one of the top 5 senior prospects in Baton Rouge
- District Champions as a Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior
The second signee for the Demons was Louis Ellis. Ellis is a 6'2" guard from Shreveport that played his High school ball for Norm Picou at Southwood High before signing with Panola College in 2008. Ellis finished up his career at Southwood with over 1,200 points while garnering 1st team all city and all district his senior season. Ellis was also team captain for three seasons under Picou.
Here is what Head Coach Mike McConathy had to say on Louis Ellis becoming a NSU Demon:
“We are very excited about Louis becoming a part of our basketball family. We have been following Louis since his days at Southwood High School and to see all of these years of work come to fruition is a great thing. Louis has been blessed to have tremendous high school and Junior College coaching and will come to us with a great basketball base in place. He has the unique ability to score the ball in so many different ways. Louis has been a priority for us to sign since high school.”
“Louis is a great young man with a great family and support system.”
“Louis will be a great piece to hopefully many more successful teams here at NSU. We are so excited to have him because of the bond he already has with our team. He will fit in immediately and make contribution from day one. It will be really a special opportunity for him to play with Will Mosley, James Hulbin, and Shamir Davis who he played AAU basketball with for years with in Shreveport for the Louisiana Roundballers.”
Louis Ellis Profile:
Panola College (Carthage, TX)
Panola Coach: Jake Wonders
Southwood High School (Shreveport, LA)
Southwood Coach: Norman Picou
Height: 6-2 Weight: 185
Position: Guard
Notes:
- Avg. 8.5 pts. per game at Panola College as a freshman
- Shot 43% (80-185) from the field, 35.7% (20-56) from 3, and 71% (31-44) from the FT line
- He also averaged 4.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 3.6 steals per game
- His 3.6 steals per game ranked 3rd Nationally in the NJCAA in 2008-09
- Was an Honorable Mention All-Conference selection as a freshman at Panola
- Prepped for Head Coach Norman Picou at Southwood High School in Shreveport, LA
- Was 1st team all city and district his senior season at Southwood High School
- Finished career with over 1,200 points scored
- Team MVP and Captain sophomore, junior, and senior seasons at Southwood High School
NSU Demons under McConathy:
- The Demons have won five championships in Coach Mike’s ten seasons: Southland Conference regular-season titles in 2005, 2006; the SLC East Division championship last season; and SLC Tournament crowns and NCAA tournament births in 2001 and 2006, going 1-1 in each trip to March Madness.
- The Demons have made six Southland Conference Tournament Championship game appearances including a streak of 4.
- 41 of 49 seniors have earned their degrees during Coach Mike’s tenure.
- In the latest NCAA Academic Progress Rates report the 2006 Demons ranked in the nation’s top 10 percent with a score of 981.
Ronald McGhee of Istrouma HS(Baton Rouge) Opens up Recruitment
According to his father Ronnie McGhee, Ronald will not sign with the Univ. of New Orleans today or in this early signing period, but instead will open up his recruiting and will decide to wait until the spring signing period to make a decision on his future plans. There will be more information to come on this as I get it but this is all I can say right now. As somebody who has helped get this kid publicity I will respect the family's wishes and decide to leave it at this for now. RJ will now look to lead Istrouma HS to a great season this year.
Signing Day Is Here
Well today is the day that we have all been waiting for since last spring's signing period. This is the time of the year where the basketball season is getting under way and high school seniors are making their childhood dreams a reality. This year's senior class is one of the deepest and most talented in the country. With four players in this class ranked in the top 130 in the country on Rivals.com's top 150 players for the 2010 class, today will be the day that 3 of those 4 players sign their National Letter of Intent's to play Division 1 basketball. 2 of the 3 will head out of state and one will play for the home state LSU Tigers of Coach Trent Johnson. That one player is Matt Derenbecker(pictured right), the 2009 1A Top 28 Most Outstanding player from Metaire Park Country Day School will sign his LOI with LSU today. Matt is currently ranked 90 in the 2010 class on ESPN and the 17th ranked small forward in the country. He is rated 71st in the Rivals.com 150 rankings and on HoopScoop.com's rankings as well. A consensus top 100 player LSU will be getting a talented guard at 6'7" that is long, athletic, can shoot the 3 and is mentally tough. He is a competitor that knows how to win and will do whatever it takes to get that win. Over the years I have watched Matt grow from a lanky 6'2 guard as a freshman with no ball handling skills and a streaky shot to a kid that is dead-eye shooter with handles and is stronger then the eye sees. Matt will be a good addition to the LSU Tigers.
Our next top 130 player expected to sign today will be Langston Galloway(pictured right) from Christian Life Academy in Baton Rouge, LA. Galloway is 6'3" guard that is a very good shooter that can handle the ball, get to the rim and finish with ease and has increasing athleticism. Galloway has proven over the past 3 years to be one of the elite players in the state every year and will look to continue his college career for a very good coach in Phil Martelli at St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia, PA. Galloway is a 2-time 1st team All-State player, 2-time District 7-1A MVP and 3-time 1A state champion.(2006-08) Last year he led his team to the semi-finals of the state tournament with a loss to Derenbecker and current LSU player Eddie Ludwig, who eventually went on to win state. Langston is ranked 120 on rivals 150 rankings, the #43 rated SG on ESPN and 79th on HoopScoop.com. 
The third signee that is rated 127 nationally on rivals.com is Brian Williams(pictured right) of Glen Oaks High School will sign his letter of intent today 1 pm from the Glen Oaks HS library. Williams is also rated 165 on HoopScoop, and 54th rated SF on ESPNU. Williams will be signing today with Oklahoma State and Coach Travis Ford. Williams was recruited heavily to OSU by former LSU coach Butch Pierre, now and assistant at Oklahoma State. Williams is a 6'5" athlete that has tremendous leaping ability, good handles, good shot and can defend. Williams is a 2 time all-district 6-4A performer for the legendary Harvey Adger of Glen Oaks. Brian also was the 2008-09 Class 4A player of the year along with the Baton Rouge Metro POY. OSU is getting a great kid that is humble and works extremely hard. Williams is just one of yet another high D1 signee for Coach Adger and the first since 2005 when PG Ryan Francis signed with Tim Floyd and Southern Cal. Which as you all know Francis had a great freshman year for USC and then later was brutally murdered in May 2006 while visiting Baton Rouge.
Other players that are committed and expected to sign today:
Markel Brown- 6'4" athlete from Peabody HS in Alexandria will sign with Oklahoma State.
Ronald McGhee- 6'4" SG from Istrouma HS in Baton Rouge is expected to sign with Univ. of New Orleans
JJ Thomas- 6'5" Forward from Scotlandville HS in Baton Rouge will sign with Stephen F. Austin
Michael Harrell- 5'10 PG from Southern Univ. Lab School in Baton Rouge will sign with Southeastern La.
Dominick Scelfo- 6'1" PG from Jesuit HS in New Orleans will sign with Cornell.
Kourtney Roberson- 6'9" PF originally part of the 2009 class from Arcadia HS in Arcadia, LA but went prep school will resign with TX A&M. Roberson is currently at Christian Life in Humble, TX.
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