As the United States gets ready to celebrate its 250th anniversary, USA TODAY Sports is honoring the 250 most influential American sports figures of all time. In that spirit, *The Daily Advertiser* is highlighting the trailblazers and trendsetters from the Lafayette area whose impact goes beyond championships and statistics — athletes who defined what it means to be a homegrown prep talent. We continue by recognizing the legends of the court, featuring the top boys and girls basketball players who left their mark on Lafayette Parish and surrounding communities. You can also cast your vote for who you believe is the best. (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 1980s, Benoit ruled the court for the Mighty Lions, earning a jersey retirement at Lafayette. As a senior, he averaged 15 points and 15 rebounds. At 6-foot-8, the elite forward played for Lafayette from 1982 to 1986 before enjoying an eight-year NBA career with the Utah Jazz.
**Kendall Dartez, center, Cecilia**
During the late 1990s, Dartez dominated the paint as Cecilia’s towering center. Standing 6-foot-10, he 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 boast a rich basketball tradition, and Mouton is at the forefront. In his junior year, he averaged 21.1 points and 9.8 rebounds per game, earning district MVP for the second consecutive season. That same year, he led STM to a LHSAA state runner-up finish before moving on to a Division I college career at Texas.
**Byron Mouton, small forward/guard, Rayne**
Rayne will never forget Mouton after he led the Wolves to the school’s only LHSAA boys basketball state championship. The 6-foot-6 combo guard, alongside his brother Brian Mouton, guided the Wolves to the 1995 title. He later enjoyed a successful college career at the University of Maryland, followed by NBA G-League and overseas stints.
**Patrick Richard, guard/forward, Carencro**
Richard was a scoring machine for the Golden Bears from 2005 to 2008. In his senior season, he averaged 23 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and one block per game while playing both guard and forward. The 6-foot-4 combo guard went on to play college ball at McNeese State and then professionally overseas.
**Girls Basketball**
**Kim Perrot, point guard, Acadiana**
Before becoming a cornerstone of the WNBA’s Houston Comets, Perrot was the heart and soul of the Wreckin’ Rams girls basketball program. From 1983 to 1986, she helped shape Acadiana’s success before setting records at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette.
**Jada Richard, guard, Lafayette Christian Academy**
Richard represents one of the finest hoopers from the current generation to emerge from the 337 area, continuing LCA’s dynasty. The 5-foot-7 guard, now at Ole Miss, was a four-star prospect as a senior and was named the 2024 Gatorade Louisiana Player of the Year. She led the Knights to four consecutive state championships, earning MVP honors three times.