Who’s the greatest Lafayette-area high school boys/girls hooper of all time?

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, USA TODAY Sports will celebrate the 250 greatest American sports figures of all time.

With that in mind, The Daily Advertiser is looking at the trailblazers and trendsetters whose influence extends beyond championships and statistics — and whose stories reflect a lasting impact on the 337. We are looking for high school athletes who set the standard of what it means to be a home-grown prep talent and made a name for themselves in Lafayette Parish and its surrounding areas’ high school sports scene

We continue by honoring the heroes on the court. Here are our selections for the boys and girls basketball players who defined Lafayette Parish and its surrounding areas. You can then vote for who you think is the best as well!

(Listed in alphabetical order)

Acadiana girls basketball's Kim Perrot goes up for a layup during one of the Wreckin' Rams games in the mid 80s.

Boys basketball

David Benoit, forward, Lafayette

In the late 80s, Benoit was the king of the court for the Mighty Lions, resulting in his jersey being retired in Lafayette. As a senior, he averaged 15 points and 15 rebounds. Listed at 6-foot-8, he was an elite forward playing for Lafayette from 1982-1986 before going on to have an eight-year career in the NBA with the Utah Jazz.

Kendall Dartez, center, Cecilia

In the late 90s, Dartez owned the paint as Cecilia’s big man at the center position. Listed at 6-foot-10, Dartez was ranked the No. 2 center in the nation by The Sporting News and fifth by Recruiting USA.

Brandon Mouton, small forward, St. Thomas More

The Cougars have a rich history of hoops, and at the forefront of that history is Mouton. In his junior year, Mouton averaged 21.1 points and 9.8 rebounds per game earning district MVP for the second year in a row. That same year he led STM to a LHSAA State runner-up finish before going on to a D1 collegiate career at Texas.

Byron Mouton, small forward/guard, Rayne

The city of Rayne will never forget Mouton after he led the Wolves to their lone LHSAA State championship in the boys basketball program history. The 6-foot-6 combo guard alongside his brother, Brian Mouton, led the Wolves to the 1995 title. He would go on to have a successful college career at the University of Maryland, followed by an NBA G-League and overseas career.

Patrick Richard, guard/forward, Carencro

Richard was a walking bucket for the Golden Bears playing for them from 2005-08. In his senior season he averaged 23 points, nine rebounds, three assits and a block per game, doing it all as guard and forward. The 6-foot-4 combo guard would go on to have a college career at McNeese State followed by an overseas career.

REQUIRED READING: Louisiana baseball vs App State live score, TV and more from SBC series

REQUIRED READING: Louisiana softball vs ULM Final score, highlights from SBC Tournament

USA TODAY 250 for 250: Who do you think is the best of the best?

Girls basketball

Kim Perrot, point guard, Acadiana

Before she was a staple in the WNBA’s Houston Comets organization, Perrot was the heart and soul of the Wreckin’ Rams girls basketball program. From 1983-86, Perrot helped shape Acadiana’s program before going on to set records in college at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette.

Jada Richard, guard, Lafayette Christian Academy

Richard is one of the best hoopers of this generation to come out of the 337 apart of the continued dynasty of success at LCA. Listed at 5-foot-7, the now-Ole Miss guard was a four star prospect as a senior, being named the 2024 Gatorade Louisiana Player of the Year. She led the Knights to four consecutive state championships earning MVP for three of the four years.

Tina Roy, guard, Kaplan

There haven’t been many other hoopers like Roy that have come through the Kaplan program. From 2008-2001, she did it all for the Pirates, averaging 31.3 points and 20 rebounds her senior year, earning her the title of Miss Basketball in 2011. Roy ended her high school career with 2,646 points and 1,941 rebounds.

Sheri Sam, guard, Acadiana

Before her time as an All-American playing at Vanderbilt, Sam was the Wreckin Rams’ leading rebounder and blocker. Playing for Acadiana from 1989-1982, Sam proved that the Rams were more than just a football school. She is one of three former Acadiana players to have her jerseys retired.

DeTrina White, forward, Acadiana

Picking up where Sam left off at Acadiana was White, who played for the Wreckin’ Rams from 1995-1998. The 5-foot-11 forward averaged 20 points and 12.8 rebounds as a senior being named district MVP. White ended her career at Acadiana with 1,654 points, 1,219 rebounds and 397 blocked shots.

USA TODAY 250 for 250: Who do you think is the best of the best?

Shannon Belt covers high school sports and the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns for The Daily Advertiser as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow her high school and Cajuns coverage on Twitter: @ShannonBelt3. Got questions regarding HS/UL athletics? Send them to Shannon Belt at sbelt@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Vote for the greatest Lafayette-area prep boys/girls hoopers of all time