By JOHNNY PEPPO

Sports Editor

With every passing year, our local high schools produce enough excitement on the fields and on the courts to have scouts from colleges and universities far and wide coming to the area. And while this year’s recruits are continuing and solidifying something of a tradition of graduating a wealth of talent, this particular class is in some ways head and shoulders above the rest.

Of course, each year’s class holds a special place in everyone’s heart. But the four years of work that these students have put out culminated in a year that won’t be forgotten anytime soon. Between them, there are five state title rings, three more for state runner-up and almost too many semi-finalist appearances to count.

The most prolific senior this year caught attention from across the country on a national stage and helped clinch Reserve Christian’s fourth state basketball championship in the last five seasons. Ranked as one of the top prospects in the U.S. at the guard position, Demond &#8220Tweety” Carter made good and signed with Baylor University after making an early commitment. The 5’9” Reserve native broke the national single season three point record in February, still with almost a month left in the season. And that’s not even mentioning the 74 points he scored in Reserve Christian’s first ever meeting with East St. John before taking the bench well before the clock was expired. Carter has arguably been the most productive local basketball player to graduate not only from the River Parishes, but from the state of Louisiana. In the last two months, he has played in the McDonald’s All-Star game and the Jordan All-American game, both of which were broadcast on ESPN.

&#8220He’s been something else,” said Eagles coach Timmy Byrd. &#8220He’s a workhorse. He deserves all of the credit and attention that he’s gotten. And it’s his time to show everybody what he can do. We’re proud to have had him.”