Vote for the Monroe area's greatest high school boys basketball player

For decades, multiple standout high school boys basketball players have hailed from Monroe and its surrounding areas. But who are the greatest boys basketball players to come from the 318?

That's where you, the Monroe News-Star readers, come in.

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Below is a poll containing some of the Monroe area's greatest high school boys basketball players, as well as a brief summary of their contributions to the game. There's also a write-in option in the poll for readers to name more local standouts.

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Benoit Benjamin, Carroll

While with the Bulldogs, Benjamin was named First-Team Parade and McDonald's All-American in 1982. The 7-foot center played at Creighton and was drafted third overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in 1985. Benjamin played for eight more NBA teams over 15 seasons.

Antonio Hudson, Lincoln Prep

A two-sport star at then-Grambling Lab, Hudson was a three-time First Team All-State honoree and All-State MVP as he played basketball for late coach Michael Lyons. The LSU Tiger made two All-Southeastern Conference tournament teams and averaged 13.1 points and 3.2 rebounds per game in his senior season. Hudson led Lincoln Prep to its first LHSAA championship since 1992 last winter.

Jarrius Jackson, Ouachita

Under now-Wossman coach Casey Jones, Jackson made First Team All-State twice as a Lion and averaged 27.2 points and five rebounds per game as a senior. Jackson played in Europe for over a decade following his collegiate career at Texas Tech. He was twice selected First Team All-Big 12 during his Red Raider tenure.

Feb. 26, 2004: UTEP's Filiberto Rivera, center, had his layup attempt blocked by Louisiana tech's Paul Millsap, right, during the second half of the teams' game Thursday in Ruston, La.

Paul Millsap, Lincoln Prep

One of Louisiana's greatest basketball players, Millsap was a standout at both Grambling Lab and Louisiana Tech. With the Bulldogs, he averaged 18.6 points, 12.7 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game and led the NCAA in rebounds for three straight seasons. Millsap went on to play for five NBA teams for 16 seasons and was a four-time All-Star.

Anthony Reed, Wossman

The Louisiana Basketball Hall of Famer had a standout career at Tulane and is currently the program's second all-time leading scorer with 1,896 points. After being drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 1993, Reed went on to play in Europe and became a two-time Slovenian League champion. The Green Wave retired Reed's No. 55 jersey.

This article originally appeared on Monroe News-Star: A look at Monroe-area greatest high school boys basketball players