Louis was a 1985 graduate of Cherokee Vocational High School. He was a member of the basketball and baseball squads, excelling in both sports. During the 1982-83 season he was chosen the Times Daily MVP in both basketball and baseball. He had a successful senior campaign in baseball with a record of 9-3 as a pitcher with an ERA of 2.28. He had 102 strikeouts and a batting average of .351. His ability on the diamond drew the attention of major league scouts and he was signed by the Atlanta Braves and played for two years in their organization. In 1985 he returned home to play basketball for Northwest Junior College and then for the University of North Alabama. During the 1987-88 season he led the nation with a 72.2 field goal percentage. He was the Gulf South Conference Tournament MVP in 1988 and was a member of the NCAA South Region All-Tournament Team.