Basketball Report: Smart puts on show for Scotlandville, LSU fans at Thanksgiving Hoopfest

The future looks bright for LSU basketball and Will Wade.

While the Tigers may struggle a bit this season in the aftermath of Johnny Jones and Ben Simmons, Wade has compiled a terrific recruiting class for next season. Saturday evening, one of Wade’s prized recruits, if not his best, provided a reminder of what is to come for hoops at LSU.

Senior guard Javonte Smart exploded for 59 points as defending Division I state champion Scotlandville downed Little Elm, TX 86-77 at the Thanksgiving Hoopfest in Dallas, TX.

Smart was sensational, making 17-of-25 shots from the field, including 7-of-13 from 3-point range. He was 18-of-22 from the free throw line. Smart pulled down eight rebounds, dished out six assists and had a blocked shot. David Thomas, III added 15 points for Scotlandville. The Hornets shot 63 percent (27-of-42) from the field in a dazzling shooting display. The Hornets outscored the Lobos 39-18 from 3-pointn range.

It was a showcase for fans on hand featuring two of the very best high school players in the United States. LSU fans can certainly dream of a magical backcourt in the future, though it is a bit of a longshot.

Sophomore point guard R.J. Hampton put on his own show for Little Elm, scoring 40 points, going 14-of-27 from the field and 10-of-13 from the free throw line. Hampton already has an offer from LSU, along with Duke, Kansas, Texas, UCLA, Baylor, California, SMU, Houston, Oklahoma State and TCU.

Javian Williams added seven points for Little Elm.

Scotlandville (3-1) took control immediately, outscoring Little Elm 28-15 in the opening quarter. The Hornets maintained the advantage by halftime with a 43-30 lead. It was 61-48 after three quarters before the Lobos (4-2) rallied a bit but were never able to overcome the first quarter deficit.

The Hornets return to Louisiana to participate in the Hamilton Christian Tournament beginning Thursday, taking on DeRidder at 5:30 p.m.

Area Prep Basketball Results from Saturday, Nov. 25

Boys

New Orleans Area

Brother Martin 79, Pascagoula, MS 66 at Harrison Central Tournament in Gulfport, MS

John Curtis 61, Northshore 55

De La Salle 73, Archbishop Hannan 65

St. Paul’s 82, Humboldt, TN 70 at Rumble on the Ridge at Forrest City, AR

Baton Rouge Area

Madison Prep 47, Columbus, MS 42 at Lighthouse Classic in Corinth, MS

Scotlandville 86, Little Elm, TX 77 at Thanksgiving Hoopfest in Dallas, TX

Girls

New Orleans Area

De La Salle 48, Archbishop Hannan 28

Baton Rouge Area

Northwest 44, Walker 24