By RYAN ARENA
L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Riverside’s Von Julien’s not even a junior yet, but he’s already having a special prep basketball career. And fans locally aren’t the only ones taking notice.
Last month,  Julien participated in the Nike Elite 100 in St. Louis, which brings together 100 of the nation’s best underclassman prospects together to both showcase and further develop their skills.
“It’s a blessing just to be picked to go up there,” said Julien. “It was a chance to see how I stacked up against players of that caliber. That they chose me over so many of the other players around the country is a big honor.”
Riverside coach Timmy Byrd said that four Rebels were up for consideration for the event, also including Malik Crowfield, Herb McGee and Jordan Andrews.
Julien made the tough cut this year. Byrd said Julien’s selection says much about the guard’s ability.
“It’s probably the most prestigious underclassman camp in the country,” said Byrd. “I’ve worked it several times. There’s a uniqueness about it … It gives him a gauge of where he is as a player right now, and what he needs to work on.”
Julien was selected as the Outstanding Player in Class 2A for the 2012-13 season, after leading the Rebels to a state championship victory over St. Thomas Aquinas. It was his third season with the team – and second championship victory – but it was his first season as a starter at point, averaging 14 points, 8.1 assists, four rebounds and less than two turnovers a game.
He also earned honors as the All-State Sugar Bowl tournament MVP in a season, showing himself to be one of the brightest young players on a team full of them – Riverside graduated just one senior from the championship team.
That Sugar Bowl tournament in January brought into focus the kind of season he was having. Riverside coach Timmy Byrd said that about a month into the season, he began to realize Julien was in the midst of a special campaign.
“Midway through December, he just had very, very few turnovers,” said Byrd. “As much as he handled the ball … that was impressive and a big reason why we were so successful. He’s got such a high basketball IQ.”
That turnover rate was a key in the state championship game, where Riverside turned it over just nine times, while forcing 22, key in a 60-49 win that was much closer than that score throughout.
Julien said that the Elite 100 was geared to sharpen his skills not only off the court, but also off of it.
“We took classes, mainly that showed us that it isn’t just about basketball,” said Julien. “It’s about being a leader and avoiding making the kind of bad choices that can stop you from playing the game. Focusing on your grades, being respectful … those kinds of things.”
As for the on the court activities, he was pleased with his output.
“I think I did well. I was comfortable out there,” said Julien. “The first day I was a little nervous, but once I started playing, it was just basketball.”
Byrd said that four Rebels were considered, including Malik Crowfield, Herb McGee and Jordan Andrews, and believes any could make the cut next season.
He said that Julien will likely be better from the experience.
“Historically, when we’ve had kids go to this, they come back with an elevated sense of confidence,” said Byrd. “They’ve seen the best, the top level of competition, and now it’s like, ‘Alright, I’m not going to see anyone better than that.’
“I think a lot of kids that don’t play that kind of competition get lulled into thinking they don’t need to get any better. But when you go to this, you realize maybe that, ‘I’m pretty good, but not as good as I think I am.’ It pushes you to get better.”