All-City player Ellis signs with Panola
The Shreveport Times
 By Scott Ferrell - sferrell@gannett.com
April 10, 2008

Southwood star averaged 25.3 points per game as senior.

Southwood guard Louis Ellis, a member of The Times' 2008 All-City team, will continue his basketball career at Panola (Texas) Junior College.

Ellis has signed with the Texas school and will play there next season.

"They were the school that I felt would treat me right," Ellis said. "It was a good environment to be around."

Ellis, a 6-foot-2 guard, averaged 25.3 points per game as a senior. During his Southwood career, Ellis scored more than 1,000 points.

Panola coach Jason Wonders will likely use Ellis as a No. 2 guard.

Ellis also considered three other Texas junior colleges — Paris, Kilgore and Jacksonville.

"This is kind of new to me, the whole conference," Ellis said. "I'm not really used to all of that, but I'll be ready in time."

Ellis will spend the next five to six months preparing for his first season at the next level.

"I'm going to work out with (Southwood) coach (Norman) Picou and the basketball team during the summer," Ellis said. "I'll be doing everything they're doing to get in shape for their season. I'll be doing the same things, running and lifting weights. I'll be doing the summer workout with them to stay in shape."

Ellis is hoping to use his two years at Panola to boost him to a four-year school.

Besides his scoring ability, Ellis expects to help his team in the locker room as well.

"My strengths would be that I bring a positive vibe to the team," Ellis said. "When the team is down, I help out. Even though I'll be a freshman there, I'll still try to pick them up."

His point of emphasis this offseason, though, has come off the floor.

"Getting stronger, gaining weight," he said.


©The Times
April 10, 2008