Larry Johnson - McNeese State

Former Beach High School standout, Larry Johnson did the Savannah area proud with his 31-point performance at the Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon. UAB didn’t have an answer for Johnson. He scored on all three levels on 61% shooting from the field. He was a problem all night. Johnson mixed in 5 rebounds and 4 assists. He had 4 turnovers which was the only flaw in his game on Monday night. Regardless, the former four-star prospect showed off the level of talent that scouts were intrigued by when he was a prospect. If Johnson can replicate this performance to a degree—nobody is demanding 30-plus a night from him—he’ll be firmly in the mix for Southland Player of the Year. 

Lamariyon Jordan - Bethune Cookman

Dacula and Norcross wing Mari Jordan was a bright spot for Bethune Cookman despite a loss to Furman in the closing game of the marathon. Jordan had an efficient night with 22 points on 63.6% shooting from the field which included going four of six from the 3-point line. He was the only Wildcat to reach double figures in scoring, and he included 4 rebounds. When Jordan was in the game, things just worked for Bethune Cookman. He gave them that “go-make-a-play” option. 

Ted Neal - Appalachian State

App State took it to Merrimack on Monday. The Mountaineers set the tone early with a scorching first segment of the game. Ted Neal was huge in helping them build and maintain a large lead throughout the game. He provided two-way activity and served as an offensive hub in the middle of the Merrimack zone. Neal made great quick decisions when he got the ball. He was able to turn around and hit the free-throw-line jumper or kick the ball to shooters on the perimeter. The Newton wing/forward finished with 12 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. 

Jaylen Colon - Appalachian State

Go into a Cobb County gym and find someone who hangs around the Georgia basketball scene. Ask them what they remember about Jaylen Colon’s time at Kell High School, and they’ll immediately talk about his shooting. Even as a freshman, Colon was a sniper with deep range. That’s how he led App State in scoring on Monday. Paired with Neal, Colon helped light up Merrimack’s zone. He caught passes from the center of it and fired. Colon finished with 14 points on four 3pm. He went 4-13 which isn’t a sterling number, but going against a team who only plays zone will cause numbers like that. 

Frankquon Sherman - High Point 

High Point has a case to be the most talented mid-major in the country, and they looked like it to start Monday morning. A forward as productive as Grovetown’s Frankquon Sherman is coming off the bench. That’s the level we’re talking about. Sherman excelled in his role too. 8 points and 6 boards while playing the most minutes on the team. His role is going to be to provide toughness and rebounding. He did just that against Liberty. Sherman won’t be a high-usage scorer. His biggest contribution will be on the glass. If he can hover in that 10-12 points and 8-10 rebounds range this season, Flynn Clayman will be happy. 

Brigham Rogers - Murray State 

The Blessed Trinity and Atlanta Allstars forward is going to be a key piece on one of the best mid-majors in the country. He played a unique point forward for the Racers. While he’s not a ball handler for them, he’s not asked to push the break or anything, he took plenty of hand-offs at the top of the key and made plays from there whether it was finding cutters, shooters with his passing or hitting a dribble to the rim. His box score is solid but doesn’t fully tell the story of his impact while he was on the floor. The game was easier for everyone when he was out there. Rogers had his fingerprints all over their blow-out win.