By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

Destrehan’s B.J. Singleton was a force all season, but especially late, as he was named the MVP of the extremely competitive District 6-5A.

Now he’s earned state wide recognition.

The Wildcats’ junior big man was named to the Louisiana Sports Writers Associations’ Class 5A All-State second team this week, the lone River Parishes representative on the squad.

Singleton averaged 17.3 points per game in 2010-11.

Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 250 pounds, Singleton has been an extremely difficult matchup physically for most opposition, using his strength and determination inside to score tough baskets and rebound.

But what sets Singleton apart is his footwork and versatility, said Destrehan coach Todd Bourg. Singleton’s shooting range extends past the 3-point line, one thing that makes him a multi-dimensional threat.

“He knows the game and can play inside or outside,” said Bourg. “He’s a very good player and I’m not surprised he made the All-State team. I thought he was certainly one of the state’s best.”

Bourg said that he felt early on that Singleton would be a special player – after watching him compete as a freshman, in fact.

He said that he believes his star will likely move on to play football at the next level – he’s a major Division I recruit at defensive end – but that there is no doubt Singleton truly loves the game of basketball.

“I think he’d play basketball, all things being equal,” said Bourg. “But he’d probably need to grow another couple of inches. He could play on Sundays (as a football player).

“He’s just a great, coachable kid who comes from a great family.

“His parents did a wonderful job raising that boy.”