Baton Rouge Area Teams headed West for Texas Jamboree

Here is the official preview by my guy Jim Hicks who runs RCSSports.com Jim's site is the #1 site in the Greater Houston Area for Boy's HS basketball.

Pictured Below are the entire Glen Oaks Panthers after winning the Woodlawn Tourney, and Istrouma's Ronald McGhee, Steven Jackon and Darius Johnson.

By: Jim Hicks (RCS Sports)

It's that time of year again. On Friday and Saturday the place to be is Strake Jesuit, where the Thanksgiving Jamboree (hosted by Rick Nelson) once again boasts the state's top match-play lineup. Several teams from Dallas Fort Worth, Louisiana, and Austin will play two games each against some of Greater Houston's top private and public schools. The final three games on Friday feature three DFW powers versus a trio of Houston area teams, with a combined record of 27-1. Then, Saturday's lineup includes Dallas Woodrow Wilson (4-0), Duncanville (5-2), Port Arthur Memorial (2-0), Houston Jones (1-1), and Strake Jesuit (3-2). I'd be totally lying to you if I told you those Houston and Dallas teams/ fans aren't taking these showdowns seriously. Are bragging rights at stake? (As I spit my best imitation of Sarah Palin) You betcha!

This event should be listed right smack in the middle of the Black Friday sales papers. Eight games for only $10 (only $1.25 a pop) is about as good of a bargain that you could ask for. Plus, this is a grand opportunity to see which teams live up to the hype, and which ones don't. Naturally, there can hardly be top teams without top players. Here's your personal "cheat sheet" to print and keep in pocket as you sat courtside.

ALL GAMES @ STRAKE JESUIT COLLEGE PREP SCHOOL 8900 Bellaire, Houston 77036

Friday, November 27, 2009

10:30 am NORTH FOREST BULLDOGS (0-2) vs ST JOHN'S MAVERICKS (3-4)

This should be a fairly evenly matched game. North Forest is a bit on the scrappy side and will pretty much take whatever defenses give them, while St John's will rely heavily on guard play in a more structured offense.

EYE CATCHERS!

NF: Johnny Pope 5'10 cg 2011, Kenderek Uwadia 6'5 pf 2010

SJ: William Young 5'11 pg 2010 (23ppg/ 7apg), Tim Otey 6'0 g 2010 (12ppg), Justin Winslow 6'1 g 2011

RCS PREDICTION: St John's by 4
12PM AUSTIN LBJ JAGUARS (3-0) vs ST PIUS X PANTHERS (6-7)

Austin LBJ entered the season as one of the top ranked 4A teams in the state. That ain't good news for St Pius, who has a new head coach of a young team wrestling to find their identity. However, the Panthers now have their football players and have won 3 of their last 4 games. This could be the perfect grounds for an upset.

EYE CATCHERS!

LBJ: Robert Lee 6'0 g 2010 (22ppg), Donald Dallas 6'2 g 2010, Cameron Brown 6'0 g 2010

SP: Trey Guidry 6'5 w 2012 (18ppg), Kenny Wells 6'1 g 2011

RCS PREDICTION: LBJ by 8


1:30 BATON ROUGE GLEN OAKS PANTHERS (5-0) vs CLEAR SPRINGS CHARGERS (1-2)

Glen Oaks is one of Louisiana's top 5 teams and are off to a strong start including an impressive win last week over rival Istouma HS. Meanwhile, Clear Springs boast a pretty solid front court, but it don't mean didley squat if the guards can't break the press and get the rock into those guys.

EYE CATCHERS!

GO: Brian Williams 6'5 g 2010 (Mr Basketball last season), Tre Drye 6'7 f 2011

CS: Anthony Horton 6'7 pf 2010 (signed w/ Campbell), Teris Bourgeouis 6'4 f 2011, Ryan Garcia 6'7 c 2010

RCS PREDICTION: Glen Oaks by 14


3:00 pm ISTROUMA (LA) INDIANS (3-1) vs ST THOMAS EAGLES (8-4)

The Istrouma squad is laced with athletes including a nice blend of upper and under classmen. Expect four sophomores to see plenty action for the Indians. Speaking of 10th graders, St Thomas has one of the best young in-out duos in Houston. The Eagles are without 3 starters because of leg injuries, but their vocal student section is often good for causing at least one turnover + one air ball per quarter.

EYE CATCHERS!

I: Ronald McGhee 6'5 w 2010, Steven Jackson 6'4 f 2010

ST: Christian Sanders 6'3 pg 2012, Aaron Durley 6'9 c 2012

RCS PREDICTION: St Thomas by 1


4:30 DALLAS PINKSTON VIKINGS (0-2) vs SAM HOUSTON TIGERS (1-2)

Both of these teams possess a high major D1 prospect, and one of these teams will experience defeat for the 3rd time while playing less than five games. My point is plain and simple - if these superstars are as good as we've been led to believe, then they should be able to put the team on their back and prove their value

EYE CATCHERS!

DP: Tony Mitchell 6'8 pf 2010 (signed w/ Missouri)

SH: Anthony Norris 6'7 wf 2011

RCS PREDICTION: Pinkston by11


6pm LANCASTER TIGERS (2-0) vs HOUSTON BELLAIRE CARDINALS (6-0)

These could be the best two teams of the entire field, going toe to toe at the crack of dawn. Lancaster is a Dallas area 4A power with wins over Dallas Kimball and Dallas Carter, while Bellaire is the area's top 5A team fresh off capturing 1st place at the prestigious McDonald's Texas Invitational.

EYE CATCHERS!

L: John Bohannon 6'9 f 2010 (signed w/ UTEP), Michale Kyser 6'8 pf 2010 (signed w/ Lamar), Tre Lynch 6'1 cg 2010 (signed w/ Lamar)

B: Tobi Oyedeji 6'8 c 2010 (signed w/ Texas A&M), Jamel Outler 6'3 sg 2010 (signed w/ Texas Tech), Kene Anyigbo 6'6 pf 2010 (signed w/ Western Kentucky), Sheldon McClellan 6'5 wg 2011 (committed to Texas)

RCS PREDICTION: Bellaire by 4


7:30 pm DALLAS EPISCOPAL EAGLES (4-0) vs SECOND BAPTIST EAGLES (8-0)

Two of the top privates in Texas with each featuring an All American point guard running the show. This game will be won with intangibles and how good the role players can perform their roles.

EYE CATCHERS!

E: Trevor Fuller 6'8 pf 2010 (signed w/ San Diego), Phil Pressey 5'10 pg 2010 (signed w/ Missouri)

SB: Mikhail McLean 6'7 f 2010, LJ Rose 6'2 pg 2012

RCS PREDICTION: Second Baptist by 1


9pm DALLAS KIMBALL KNIGHTS (0-1) vs WESTBURY CHRISTIAN WILDCATS (7-0)

The pressing attack of Dallas Kimball meets unbeaten Westbury Christian is a first ever pairing between the historic programs. Kimball suffered a season opening loss vs Lancaster last week while Westbury Christian has dominated all seven opponents with their closest margin of victory being 21pts.

EYE CATCHERS!

K: David Kates 6'5 w 2010, Jerion Henry 6'8 f 2011

WC: Nick Shepherd 6'9 c 2010 (signed w/ Long Beach St), Anthony Collins 5'11 pg 2011

RCS PREDICTION: Westbury Chr by 2


Saturday, November 28, 2009

9:00 am North Forest Bulldogs vs Louisiana Istruma Indians
10:30 am St. John High School vs Austin LBJ Jaguars
12:00 pm St. Thomas Eagles vs Louisiana Glen Oak Panthers
1:30 pm Second Baptist Eagles vs Dallas W.Wilson Wildcats
3:00 pm Strake Jesuit Crusaders vs Dallas Pinkston Vikings
4:30 pm Westbury Christian Wildcats vs Episcopal School of Dallas
6:00 pm. Houston Jones Falcons vs Lancaster Tigers
7:30 pm Port Arthur Memorial Titans vs Dallas Kimball Knights
9:00 pm Houston Bellaire Cardinals vs Duncanville Panthers

Texas Jamboree

Courtesy of RCS Sports and Jim Hicks

Sulphur Tors Head To Alabama

Sulphur's Donovan Williams (#42) is averaging

10.25ppg & 6.5rpg game for the Tors through 4 games

By Rodrick Anderson, Sports Editor

Southwest Daily News

Sulphur, La. -


The Sulphur Tor basketball team will take their 4-0 record on the road starting today when they open play in the Sports Med Shootout at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

The tournament will consist of 16 teams and will be a double-elimination bracket. Of the 16 teams, 12 are from Alabama lead by nationally ranked Butler High School out of Huntsville.

Sulphur head coach Clint LeBato expects the tournament to be a good challenge for the Tors.

“The are No. 16 or No. 18 team (Butler) in the nation will be there,” LeBato said. “It gives us another chance to play.

“We have been flying by the seat of our pants since football finished.”

The Tors first opponent of the tournament will be Hillcrest High School out of Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Hillcrest boasts six players over 6’3” including junior forwards Trey Wells (6’5”, 9.3ppg, 6.2rpg) and Reggie Spencer (6’6”, 12.3ppg).

The Tors will combat Hillcrest size with guard Chip Armelin (6’3’) and forward Donovan Williams (6’4”). Armelin lead the Tors with 27.5 points per game while Williams is averaging 10.25 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.

With a win on Thursday the Tors will play the winner of Lee High School (Huntsville, Al.) and Vidalia High School (Vidalia, La.) at 12:30 p.m. on Friday. If they lose today, they will play the loser of Lee/Vidalia at 12:30 p.m. on Friday.

The Tors will enter the tournament a little banged up after the LaGrange tournament.

Guard Jake Carlin and forward Dustin Dees will play this week after injuries last week but will not be 100 percent. Sulphur will also still be without the services of 6’8” senior guard Matt LeBato who suffered a preseason injury.

But LeBato is not worried about the Tors playing a little short handed because they have been dealing with it for a while.

“They have been playing that way for a couple of weeks,” LeBato said. “If we had our full squad it would be better.

“If we hang on the next couple of games and then we will have a week off to practice. Matt is still out and we don’t know when he will get back. It could be next week or it could be next month. Jake and Dustin are going to play this week. They are not 100 percent but they are going to play.”

Courtesy of Sulphur Daily News

Baton Rouge Area Box Scores from Wednesday

Boys basketball


Episcopal 56, Live Oak 35

Episcopal 11 15 15 15—56
Live Oak 4 12 7 12—35

SCORING: EPISCOPAL: B. Bridgewater 27, R. Peterson 11, J. Donahue 5, B. Dellocone 4, W. Patrick 4, C. Plattsmire 2, S. Anderson 2, B. Ingram 1; LIVE OAK: E. Crane 11, S. Prescott 7, L. Banos 6, M. Rayborn 3, A. Wilson 2, B. Berry 2, R. Patcsy 2, D. Bermes 2.

3-POINT GOALS: EPISCOPAL: 3 (Bridgewater 2, Peterson); LIVE OAK: 1 (Rayborn)

RECORDS: Live Oak 2-3

JUNIOR VARSITY: Episcopal 30, Live Oak 23

Thibodaux High

Thanksgiving Tournament
At Thibodaux High
Boys

Vandebilt 56, Terrebonne 55

Team Leaders: VANDEBILT: T. Cantrell 15, C. Lapeze 12, S. Ward 12; TERREBONNE: J. Brown 23
Halftime: Terrebonne 23, Vandebilt 19

Thibodaux 57, Helen Cox 49

Team Leaders: THIBODAUX: S. Coleman 24; HELEN COX: J. Francois 17
Halftime: Thibodaux 25, Helen Cox 20

Christian Life 67, Deridder 47

Team Leaders: CLA: L. Galloway 23, C. Self 13, M. Bell 12; DERIDDER: R. Gates 10
Halftime: Christian Life 31, DeRidder 29

All Tournament Team

Avery Prince, McCall Tomeny and Corey Self, Christian Life

 Shavon Coleman, Donovan Williams and Ross Mcmillan, Thibodaux

 Jason Francois, Helen Cox

 Lion Leslie, Vandebilt Catholic

 Jerrod Brown, Terrebonne

 Joe Thompson, South Terrebonne

 Tim Cook, Parkview Baptist
MVP: Langston Galloway, Christian Life

White Castle Invitational
At White Castle High
Boys

Consolation
Ellender 80, Capitol 40

Team Leaders: ELLENDER: T. Lewis 23, H. Chapman 14, D. Parpait 14, J. Wheaton 10; CAPITOL: D. Hughes 26.
Halftime: Ellender 38, Capitol 17

Third place

Assumption 57, White Castle 49

Team Leaders: ASSUMPTION: A. Sargent 13, T. Ester 12, D. Bougere 10; WHITE CASTLE: D. Allen 11.
Halftime: Assumption 29, White Castle 19

Championship

Scotlandville 75, Port Allen 44

Team Leaders: SCOTLANDVILLE: J. Thomas 40, L. Wright 11; PAHS: T. Washington 21
Halftime: Scotlandville 34, Port Allen 13.

New Orleans Area Roundup Part II: Crusaders run past Wolves

Brother Martin wins St. Paul's Tournament

By Roger Glynn
Time Picayune
Contributing Writer

Brother Martin went on a 13-0 run to close out the third quarter and held on to defeat St. Paul's 55-43 in the championship game of the St. Paul's Tournament on Wednesday night.


During the Crusaders' run, the Wolves turned the ball over on 10 of 13 possessions.

"That spurt we had in the third quarter was the difference in the game," Brother Martin Coach Scott Thompson said. "We created turnovers, and that led to fast-break opportunities. St. Paul's is a well-coached team that played with a lot of intensity, and we tried to match that."

St. Paul's (2-2) took a 31-30 lead on a 3-pointer by Jonathan Schoen with 2:24 remaining in the third quarter.

Brother Martin (4-1) scored on six of its next eight possessions to take a 43-31 lead heading into the fourth quarter. St. Paul's turned the ball over on four of its first five possessions of the fourth quarter.

"They just ride you out of everything you want to do" St. Paul's Coach Phil Williams said. "You have to give them credit. They are a tough team and their ball pressure is relentless.

The Wolves had 18 turnovers -- 15 in the second half.

Patrick Swilling was selected tournament MVP.

"We came out in the second half with more intensity," Swilling said. "We played with high energy, and our defense is the key in every game we play."

Schane Rilleux led a balanced attack for the Crusaders with 11 points. Nic Pecoraro and Myron Chapman each had 10 points, and Swilling and Dante Butler added nine each.

Jared Buhler led St. Paul's with 13 points.

The Crusaders shot 44 percent from the field and made 14 of 24 free throws.

The Wolves shot 43 percent from the field and made four of their 10 3-point attempts.

St. Paul's took a 6-4 lead with 4:07 remaining in the first quarter.

The Crusaders responded with a 10-2 run over the next 2:02 to take their largest lead of the first half at 14-8, which is how the first quarter ended.

St. Paul's outscored the Crusaders 13-8 in the second quarter to cut the Brother Martin lead to 22-21 at halftime.

Brother Martin opened the second half on a 6-2 run to increase its lead to 28-23. The Crusaders never turned the ball over during the crucial third quarter and finished with 10.

Courtesy of Times Picayune

New Orleans Area Roundup: Hadden leads Jays to title

Jesuit tops Patriots to win its tourney

By Peter Steinbauer
Time Picayune
Contributing writer

Jesuit junior Brady Hadden(pictured right) scored 31 points to lead the Blue Jays to a 65-49 victory against Ehret on Wednesday night in the championship game of the Stanley Ray Jesuit Invitational Tournament.


Hadden had 14 points in the first quarter as the Blue Jays jumped to a 22-4 lead. The closest Ehret (4-1) came after Jesuit's surge was nine points midway through the third quarter. Jesuit (3-1) won the tournament championship for the first time since 2004.

"When you start hitting shots early, it makes it easy. You don't force things," said Hadden, who was 12-of-15 from the field, including 3-of-5 from behind the 3-point line.

Forward Josh Dudley added 15 points and 10 rebounds for Jesuit, and guard Colby Kiefer scored 14 points.


Guard Elfrid Payton led Ehret with 19 points. OC Tart added 16.

Jesuit's victory followed a 74-66 loss to Ehret last week.

"Our guys have to do a much better job of understanding that in competitive 5A basketball you have to bring it every single game," Ehret Coach Al Collins said. "We were absolutely horrendous. Obviously, Jesuit had something to do with that. It's an embarrassment to the program that we've built."

Hadden, 6 feet 3, hit two 3-pointers in the first two minutes to give the Blue Jays a quick lead. Jesuit continued to increase its first-quarter margin before Ehret cut the lead to 22-8 with a basket by Leon McGee at the end of the first quarter.

"I thought our transition offense was very good," Jesuit Coach Chris Jennings said of the quick start. "We got some easy buckets and pushed the ball up the court."

Ehret's offense picked up in the second quarter, but the Patriots couldn't stop Hadden. Payton cut the deficit to 12 with a basket early in the second quarter before Hadden responded with a 3-pointer. Jesuit held a 31-18 advantage at halftime.

Ehret went on an 8-4 run in the third quarter, and Tart cut Jesuit's lead to nine with a basket. Jesuit then pushed its lead back into double digits with a basket by Dudley. Kiefer scored with 30 seconds left in the quarter to give Jesuit a 14-point lead.

Jesuit pushed its lead to 15 with six minutes remaining after free throws from Nicky Varisco, and the Blue Jays weren't threatened after that.

Courtesy of the Times Picayune

Gonzales Area Roundup: Team Stories on East Ascension, Dutchtown and St. Amant

 Pictured: Steve Fulkerson of St. Amant (top left), Keith Fleming of East Ascension (top right) and Scott Burgess of Dutchtown(right) will all lead their teams this season.

By Peter Silas Pasqua

Weekly Citizen

Young Spartans hope to blend inside, outside game

For the second year in a row, East Ascension loses four starters off a team that advanced as far as the Class 5A quarterfinals.

The Spartans blistered out to a 23-2 mark in non-district play before being hindered in 6-5A action placing fifth overall with a 3-7 mark last season.

However, East Ascension still made a presence in the playoffs defeating Brother Martin and upsetting St. Thomas More in the first two rounds before falling to district foe and state runner-up Hahnville 63-46 in the quarterfinals, a year removed from their first Top 28 appearance in 20 years.

“We lost four starters two years in a row,” East Ascension head coach Kenny Almond said. “Last year, the guys that stepped in were seniors. This year, the guys that are stepping in are sophomores and juniors. Not only do they not have varsity experience but they are even younger players. That is going to be tough. Last year, they were ready because they were older. Things are going to come up in games that we haven’t seen. We have a long way to go.”

Gone is first-team all-district pick Quinn Coco, along with honorable mention selections Gary Weber and Ferrell Strode and key contributors Kenny Varnado, Corey Lane and Kerry Weber.

“We are very, very young,” Almond said. “We really don’t have a set lineup, yet. We do have a little depth but we are counting on freshmen, so I am anxious to see how we are going to react.”

The Spartans’ lone returning starter is senior center Keith Fleming. Sharp shooter Tyler Wright, Curtis Watts and Bobby Madere join freshmen point guard Donald LeBlanc in the starting rotation and DeAndre Smith, Devonte Fisher, Kadarius Williams, John Paul Williams and Willie Williams provide depth.

“A lot of things revolve around Keith,” Almond said. “When he doesn’t play too fast for his own good, he is very effective. He is pretty tough when he takes his time. If he is consistent, then we will have an inside game. We have to match that with an outside presence and if we can get the two together, we have a chance.”

East Ascension hosted St. Michael to open the season before participating in Donaldsonville’s Tiger Classic. After playing Zachary in Denham Springs’Grady Hornsby Classic, the Spartans host Broadmoor before competing in St. Amant’s Gold Dome Classic.

Away games at Episcopal and Ponchatoula precede two district challenge games and a home date with Tara before the Spartan Classic the week after Christmas.

The pre-district slate wraps up at Redemptorist after road trips to Lutcher and E.D. White and a home date with Baker.

“Our schedule didn’t change much,” Almond said. “It is pretty much the same. We got off to a nice start last year and it would be nice to duplicate that success but it is tough enough. We don’t want to get embarrassed. I think there are a few games in there that we can win and grow up with.”

Parity in District 6-5A was never more evident then when five teams from the league were seeded within seven spots from each other last season.

“It was tough last year, so it could be tough again,” Almond said. “I really don’t know what to expect. It would be nice to make the playoffs again. Last year, that start obviously helped us. It wasn’t the district wins because we didn’t get very many. I certainly hope we have more this year.

“If he can establish the inside, I think we can get some outside shooting. The key will be how we mature and handle the close games.”


Link to story
 

Experienced Griffins have to be leaders in 09-10

 

GEISMAR – While Dutchtown may have surprised a few teams last year, don’t expect that to be the case this season.

The Griffins advanced to their second consecutive playoff appearance and third ever after placing fourth in district standings with 4-6 mark but fell to Carencro 59-47 in bi-district to finish 16-15 overall and still have never gotten out of the first round.

“Everyone’s expectations should be to play in the Cajun Dome but you have to make the playoffs first,” Dutchtown head coach Patrick Hill said. “We want to get our foot back in the door and see what happens after that.”

The Griffins lose first-team all-District 6-5A selection Earl Warren, honorable mention pick Eddie Lacy and role player Lyle Mock to graduation.

“We lost kids that had experience including our point guard who is basically the quarterback on your team,” Hill said. “You have to find somebody to take their place.”

However, the Griffins do return a wealth of experience in two-time first-team pick, senior Scott Burgess, who averaged 13.9 points and seven rebounds per game, along with starters Terrance Cushenberry and Jordon Biagas.

“They just have to step up and fill that void,” Hill said. “Inexperience is our weakness right now. We have experience on the floor but they don’t know what it takes to be stat leaders right now.”

Donovan McCall will take over the point for the Griffins and John Williams provides an inside presence. Dutchtown also hopes to get contributions from Devon Ester, Darian Harleaux and Jared Spriggs.

“We are not very quick and we don’t jump very high but we play together and we can score,” Hill said. “We want to run the floor and in doing that we want to make good decisions with the basketball. If it is not there, slow the tempo down and pull it out but we want to run the floor. That is what makes the game fun but only take what they give you.

“On defense, our philosophy has been man to man and hopefully we can do that a lot again this year but we will jump into zone from time to time.”

The Griffins opened the season playing in Donaldsonville’s Tiger Classic for the first time ever before facing Woodlawn in Denham Springs’ Grady Hornsby Classic.

After hosting McKinley, Dutchtown then will play in the Gold Dome Classic at St. Amant. Home games against Capitol and Broadmoor and a visit to Istrouma precedes the Spartan Classic at East Ascension.

The pre-district slate wraps up at Assumption and West Feliciana after a visit from Plaquemine.

“A lot of it is inherited and some of it is what we scheduled,” Hill said. “I think we can be competitive with this team. We have a shot to win those games but it is about getting better and gaining experience for district. I don’t think we are playing anyone better or as good as any team in our district and that has been the case in the past. However, with the new system similar to power ratings, you have to get your share of wins.”

Parity in District 6-5A was never more evident then last season when the first boys basketball pairings based on power rating were released and five teams from the league were seeded within seven spots from each other. Joining the Griffins in the post season were state runner-up Hahnville, quarterfinalist East Ascension, regionalist St. Amant and East St. John.

“We are right there just like everybody else,” Hill said. “I think the district has a lot of parity. No one is going to be head and shoulders above everybody right now but you never know when you get to that point. I think it is going to be a competitive district just like it was in the past.

“Staying together and learning how to take care of the basketball are the keys. Defending night end and night out.”

Link to Story

Inexperienced Gators to rely on different brand of basketball

ST. AMANT – If you have become accustomed to St. Amant running the floor the past couple of years, expect a different philosophy this season.

“I think it is going to be an exciting year,” St. Amant head coach Gary Duhe said. “It is going to be a different brand of basketball then we played the last few years here and that is what we have to understand. We are real inexperienced. It is a transition year and we just have to keep working. Teaching the game and watching kids get better, that is what I enjoy about this group.”

The Gators placed third in District 6-5A standings a year ago with a 6-4 mark and defeated Hammond in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs before falling to top seed Huntington 91-70 in the regionals to finish with an overall record of 23-11.

However, the Gators must replace four starters including first-team all-district selections, overall MVP and first-team all-state pick Rashaun Claiborne, honorable mention all-state selection Brandon Morris and defensive MVP Bruce Mathison along with honorable mention all-district selection Nick Morris.

“You don’t replace them,” Duhe said. “You just have to figure out how to do different things. I am pleased with the group that we have. We are not extremely athletic but we are going to get there. We are going to be a very good basketball team in another month.”

The Gators lone returning starter is 6-8 senior center Steve Fulkerson. Jacob Gauthier is the only other player returning with varsity experience. Malik Beasley will man the point and Justin Manton, Jacky Joseph, Marlon Bourgeois, Dalton Alexander, Shane Laurent, Wendell Williams and Brandon LeBourgeois all figure in.

“Our strength is teamwork,” Duhe said. “That is what we are relying on. We don’t have one individual. Last year, we could beat you so many different ways. Off the dribble, with the pass, shooting the ball and pressure defense but we don’t have that this year. It is not crying over spilt milk. That is just the team we have.”

“We have to find our identity. Right now, we have a lot more weaknesses than strengths and the biggest is inexperience.”

St. Amant opened the season hosting Zachary before participating in Donaldsonville’s Tiger Classic. After playing Hammond in Denham Springs’ Hornsby Classic, the Gators hosted Walker before their tournament, the Gold Dome Classic.

A trip to Donaldsonville and Denham Springs sandwiches Scotlandville’s tournament before two district challenge games and the Hornets at home.

After the Spartan Classic at East Ascension the week after Christmas the pre-district slate wraps up at Lutcher following a home date with Redemptorist.

“It is basically the same schedule,” Duhe said. “It is tough which is good because with power rankings, every game is important. This is the most inexperienced team I have ever put on the floor. We have a lot of growing up to do. We have to shrink the game down into three minute intervals. Every game we play is going to have to come down to the last two minutes for us to have a chance.”

Parity in District 6-5A was evident last year when five teams were seeded within seven spots from each other.

“We were one of the two or three best teams in the league last year,” Duhe said. “We are not this year but that doesn’t mean we can’t finish there. We have to value every possession and understand that is the type of basketball we have to play.”

Link to Story

Gonzales Area Roundup: East. Ascension wins, Dutchtown and St. Amant lose at Grady Hornsby Classic

BURNING RUBBER: Spartans pull away from Zachary after quick start

By Peter Silas Pasqua
Weekly Citizen

DENHAM SPRINGS ­– East Ascension used a 13-1 run to close out the first quarter after Keith Fleming, who had a game-high 25 points, picked up his second foul and held off a late rally from Zachary to net a 68-57 victory in the Grady Hornsby Classic Monday night at Denham Springs High School’s Hornsby Gym.


The Spartans (3-2) outscored the Broncos 22-13 in the second quarter and led by as many as 23 points before halftime but Zachary (1-2) cut it to 11 going into the final frame behind a full court press.

“We went to a 2-3 zone and I think that helped a lot,” East Ascension head coach Kenny Almond said. “It looked like it bothered Zachary a little bit and Keith was able to rebound and stay out of foul trouble which was big. It looked like we got some better run outs and layups out of the zone than we have in man because we rebounded, got it out and went with it.

“We have to able to handle that kind of pressure they put on us in the second half and as young as we are it is going to be difficult. We had a tough time in Donaldsonville and hopefully, we have corrected some of those mistakes.”

Tyler Wright added 11 points for EA and Curtis Watts provided 10, while Donald LeBlanc and Devonte Fisher each had eight.

Corey Gibbs and Morris Wright each had 13 for Zachary, while Carlos Burrell added 10 and Tremon Mims provided nine.

“We missed a lot of shots in the first half and didn’t have any kind of offensive rebounding,”

Zachary head coach Kirby Loupe said. “That leads to a lot of transition baskets for the other team and we didn’t do a good job of getting back. When you are missing shots and they aren’t, it kind of snowballs and next thing you know, the lead gets out of control.”

Wright’s 3-pointer from the left corner put East Ascension on the board. LeBlanc’s dish out to DeAndre Smith for a 3-pointer near the top of the key closed out the first quarter after Watts’ baseline drive kickstarted the run which included three straight dishes from Bobby Madere to Fleming, Smith and Wright, all in transition.

The Spartans used another 13-2 run midway through the second quarter kickstarted by Fleming’s putback and spin and one inside. Wright’s free throws gave East Ascension their biggest lead 38-15 after Madere fed Watts in transition and LeBlanc converted consecutive lay ups off steals.

Fleming’s turnaround jumper opened the second half before Watts’ baseline drive and Wright’s dish to LeBlanc in transition made it 44-22 but Zachary’s press sparked an 11-0 run that was capped by Mims’ putback and one. Watts’ dish to Fleming inside made it 46-33 going into the final frame.

Mims’ spin opened the fourth quarter before Fleming took over with a putback and one and lay ups off an inbounds pass from Watts and LeBlanc in transition to make it 53-37.

Smith’s 3-pointer from the top of the key pushed it to 64-44 after Watts and LeBlanc’s transition buckets before Zachary closed out the contest on a 13-4 run that saw John Paul Williams and Willie Williams get in the scorecard for East Ascension.

The Spartans return to action when they host Broadmoor Monday night.

Link To Article

Hammond runs away from Gators

By Peter Silas Pasqua

Weekly Citizen

DENHAM SPRINGS – Hammond (2-0) used a 15-4 run to pull away from St. Amant (0-5) in the first quarter and never looked back on way to a 69-36 victory in the Grady Hornsby Classic Monday night at Denham Springs High School’s Hornsby Gym.


The Gators, who return just one starter, knocked the Tors, who return their entire starting lineup, out of the playoffs in the first round last season.

“They didn’t have one senior last year,” St. Amant head coach Gary Duhe said. “They have a very good ball club and are very athletic. When you have 27 turnovers it doesn’t help. We just have to keep working to get better. This time of the year, you are more worried about your team then who you are playing.

“We didn’t move our feet defensively and we didn’t stop penetration and that hurt us. We were trying to play them man and contain but we don’t have the quickness. We probably played more zone in this game than I have had a team play in 30 years. We just have to stay positive.”

Mikel Henry and Kylan Douglas each had 14 apiece for Hammond. Mark Bridgewater added 13 and Domonick McCoy and Terrence Bridges each had eight.

Steve Fulkerson led the Gators with 10 points, while Justin Manton added seven, Jacky Joseph provided six and Malik Beasley had five.

“We had a little extra incentive playing St. Amant,” Hammond first-year head coach Brent Grigas said. “Coach Duhe is a legend and it was great to coach against him.”

“We have a great nucleus and pretty much everybody returning. Those guards have been playing together their whole lives so they know each other well.”

Douglas’ putback gave Hammond a 20-6 lead in the first quarter before Brandon LeBourgeois’ bucket, Fulkerson’s putback and Manton’s dish to Dalton Alexander inside closed out the stanza.

Fulkerson fed Joseph inside to open the second quarter but Hammond scored the next six points to go ahead 27-14 on Bridgewater’s lay up off a steal. Beasley’s 3-pointer from the top of the key preceded a 14-0 Tor run to close out the half capped by Bridgewater’s dish to Douglas off a steal.

Douglas and Bridgewater’s buckets opened the second half before Fulkerson’s free throws ended the drought.

Jacob Gauthier’s baseline drive cut it to 51-29 going into the final frame after Beasley’s drive, Joseph’s putback and Manton’s reverse.

Caleb Brumfield’s drive with just over a minute to go gave Hammond their biggest lead 69-34 as the Gators managed only seven fourth quarter points.

St. Amant lost to Walker 62-51 Tuesday night in the Gold Dome. The Gators led 25-22 at halftime but were outscored 19-9 in the third quarter.

Fulkerson had a game-high 24 points and Beasley added 16.

Link To Article
 

Woodlawn rallies past Dutchtown

By Peter Silas Pasqua

Weekly Citizen

DENHAM SPRINGS ­– Woodlawn outscored Dutchtown by 16 points in the second half on way to a 53-48 victory in the Grady Hornsby Classic Tuesday night at Denham Springs High School’s Hornsby Gym.


Braylon Lazare scored a game-high 23 points for the Panthers (3-2), including three of four free throws in the final 10 seconds.

Jon Alexander put the Panthers ahead for good with a layup at the 1:05 mark. Craig McFerrin added 13 for Woodlawn.

Terrance Cushenberry led Dutchtown (1-2) with 18 points and Scott Burgess added 15.

Dutchtown led 37-26 at halftime but it took the Griffins more than four minutes to score in the third quarter as the Panthers closed the gap.

The Griffins host McKinley Monday night.

Link to Article Courtesy of the Weekly Citizen in Gonzales

Lake Charles Area Roundup: Sam Houston Broncos take third place with second half comeback

Sam Houston's Dylan Champagne dunks on Westlake’s

Jesse Bruce in Sam Houston’s 43-34 win for third place

at the Cameron State Bank Holiday Classic on Wednesday.

By Mickel Ponthieux

Southwest Daily News
Westlake, La. -


The Sam Houston Broncos were able to overcome a rough offensive performance in the first half to take a 43-34 win over the Westlake Rams for third place in the Cameron State Bank Holiday Classic held at Westlake High School.

The Broncos (4-4) led 13-8 after the first quarter where Sam Houston opened the game with a 12-2 lead.

The Rams (2-2) caused Sam Houston to turn the ball over five times in the second period and out-rebounded the Broncos 7-3 to take a 25-14 lead at the half.

It appeared that the offensive struggles would continue in the second half with either team scoring in the first three minutes of the third quarter, but free throws got things started for the Broncos to rally back.

Sam Houston converted on 3-of-6 free throws, but that started an 11-4 run to close the third quarter to cut the Rams’ lead to four, 31-27.

“I felt like if we cut the lead to six at the end of the third quarter, we would be in position to win,” said Sam Houston head coach Keith Waddell. “They got it to four and actually did better than I thought.”

The Broncos took the lead early in the fourth quarter when they outscored Westlake 8-0 in the first four minutes to take a 35-31 lead.

Westlake would get as close as three, but Sam Houston went 6-for-8 from the line in the last two minutes to seal the 43-34 win.

“We surged right there at the end of the fourth quarter,” Waddell said. “They made free throws and took care of the basketball.”

The Broncos used a full court press in the second half that led to the successful comeback. As when in the first half Sam Houston was turning the ball over, they were causing and most importantly capitalizing on turnovers in the second half.

“I think it was a tale of two halves,” said Waddell. “I we would have played the way we did in the second half, we would have been fine.

“The kids played hard and I’m proud of them. We are searching for some consistency. And when we get that consistency, we are going to be fine.”

Sam Houston’s Ryan Adams led all scorers with 19 points while Dylan Champagne added 15 points for the Broncos.

Rams’ Cameron Weber led Westlake with 11 points and Gareth McConathy scored nine points.

The Broncos will travel to Iowa on Tuesday while Westlake will compete in the Hackberry tournament next Thursday.

Courtesy of Sulphur Daily News

Shreveport Area Roundup: Farmer's 31 leads Huntington to third straight Thanksgiving Classic title

By Jason Pugh • jpugh@gannett.com

Huntington’s cast of characters has changed much in the last 12 months, but one thing remains the same -- the Raiders still own the Thanksgiving Classic.


JaRod Farmer, one of two returning starters from last year’s Class 5A semifinalists, made sure of that. Farmer poured in 31 points as the Raiders captured their third straight Thanksgiving Classic title with a 71-61 win over Red River on Wednesday night at BTW.

“When it’s time to win, I’m going to do what I have to do,” Farmer said.

In this case, it was get to the basket -- repeatedly.

Farmer spent the majority of his night scoring on fast break layups and challenging Red River’s 6-foot-5 Cordarius Johnson inside.

The left-handed Farmer was able to score by going over and around Johnson, twisting in mid-air to find the right angle.

Farmer credited going against Huntington’s big men -- 6-8 Javaria Jones and 6-5 Michael Qualls -- in practice.

“You’re not going to find too many guys taller than them,” Farmer said. “It helps a lot.”

Jones helped a lot Wednesday night. The lanky junior continually blocked or altered Red River’s shots, forcing the Bulldogs to work more from the perimeter.

Normally, Red River would have loved that scenario, but the Bulldogs (6-2) never could find their outside shot Wednesday.

“We live by the 3 and die by the 3,” Red River coach Keith Johnson said. “We took a few bad 3s and shot ourselves out of it.”

After losing three Division I signees and eight seniors total, Huntington (4-5) knew it would face plenty of challenges this season and the Bulldogs were one of them.

Red River took a three-point lead into halftime but the Raiders quickly erased it. Farmer and Quentin Lemay combined to score the first seven points of the second half and the Raiders’ lead eventually grew to eight on a Qualls three-point play with 2:32 to play in the third.

“We’re grateful for it,” Huntington coach Mack Jones said. “We were patient and didn’t try to score 30 points in a quarter. I told them sometimes you’re not going to score 50 points and you’ll win a game. We just tried to control the pace with our defense.”

Courtesy of Shreveport Times

Livingston Parish Roundup Part 2: Albany Tournament Complete Roundup

Maurepas' Demitri Gill Poured in 39 points in their 1st Round win over Host Albany

ALBANY - Denham Springs' boys came away from the Albany Invitational Tournament with championship trophies, as 16 of the parish's 18 teams competed in a prelude to next week's Livingston Parish Tournament. The Yellow Jackets rolled past Live Oak 57-41 in the title game.

Holden defeated Maurepas 56-40 in the boys' third-place game, while Springfield knocked off host Albany 68-54 in the boys' consolation.

(Boys Championship Game)

Denham Springs 57  Live Oak 41

Junior forward Taylor Fletcher led a trio of double-figure scorers with 15 points, as Denham Springs used a strong second half to pull away from Live Oak.  The Yellow Jackets led 27-21 at halftime, but outscored the Eagles 30-20 over the final two periods. Senior Randy Lathers added 12 points for DSHS, including a 3-point bucket, while sophomore Brandon Watkins chipped in with 10. Junior Mark Rayborn was high-scorer for LOHS with 15 points, including a pair of 3-point goals, followed by senior Lance Danos with 10 and junior Ethan Crain with eight.

Denham 11 16 11 19 - 57
Live Oak 6 15 8 12 - 41

DENHAM SPRINGS: Taylor Fletcher 15, Randy Lathers 12, Brandon Watkins 10, Jeremy Washington 5, Wes Hoover 9, Rashaad Muse 3, Jack Fridge 3. LIVE OAK: Mark Rayborn 15, Lance Danos 10, Ethan Crain 8, Bryan Berry 4, Robert Papsy 2, David Bell 2.

(Boys 3rd-Place Game)

Holden 56 Maurepas 40

Senior Joseph Bordelon poured in 22 points, as Holden blasted off to a 21-8 lead en route to its 16-point win over Maurepas for third-place honors. Junior Rocket Colby Nickens pumped in 13 points, including three 3-point buckets, while junior Michael Woods was also in double-digits with 10. Senior Demetri Gill was high-scorer for Maurepas with 18 points.

Holden 21 12 12 11 - 56
Maurepas 8 15 13 4 - 40

HOLDEN: Joseph Bordelon 22, Coby Nickens 13, Michael Woods 10, Chris Anthony 7, David Simoneaux 4. MAUREPAS: Demetri Gill 18, Kade Scivique 7, Aharon Johnson 6, Ryan Bercegay 4, Michael Bruce 4, Chris Miller 1.

(Boys Consolation Game)

Springfield 68 Albany 54

Despite the bulk of their team having played a regional-round football game the night before, Springfield used a breakaway third period to defeat Albany in the boys' consolation match-up. The Bulldogs led 31-27 at halftime, but outscored the Hornets 23-4 in the third period. The Hornets answered with 23 points of their own in the fourth, but Springfield scored 14 themselves to maintain their cushion. Sophomore Josh Comeau led Springfield with 18 points on six 3-point baskets, followed by Jamarkus Lee with 13 points and Cody Scott 12. D.J. Harris was high-scorer for Albany with 12 points, while Thaddeus Cook added 10 and Kendall Duncan and Ian Goodwin eight apiece.

Springfield 15 16 23 14 - 68
Albany 14 13 4 23 - 54

SPRINGFIELD: Josh Comeau 18, Jamarkus Lee 13, Cody Scott 12, Kevin Henderson 8, Vincent Walker 6, Don Wall 5, Tony Patrick 4, Courtney Dantzler 2. ALBANY: D.J. Harris 14, Thaddeus Cook 10, Kendall Duncan 8, Ian Goodwin 8, Scott Hasson 4, Prentiss Newsome 4, Anthony Jackson 2, Logan Link 2, Trey Kinsey 2.

(Boys Semifinal Games)

Denham Springs 61 Holden 43

Senior Randy Lathers pumped in a game-high 20 points, as the Yellow Jackets used Holden as a stepping stone to the championship game. Denham held a precarious 22-20 lead over the Rockets at halftime, but blew open the game with a 17-6 run in the third period. Wes Hoover and Jack Fridge were also in double-figures for DSHS with 11 and 10 points, with both players knocking down a pair of 3-point buckets each. Coby Nickens was high-scorer for HHS with 13 points, followed by Michael Woods with 10.



Denham 12 10 17 22 - 61
Holden 9 11 6 17 - 43

DENHAM SPRINGS: Randy Lathers 20, Wes Hoover 11, Jack Fridge 10, Brandon Watkins 7, Taylor Fletcher 3, Javonti Spain 2, Hunter Etheridge 2, Dron Singleton 2, Reggie Williams 2, Michael Bradley 2. HOLDEN: Coby Nickens 13, Michael Woods 10, Chris Anthony 7, David Simoneaux 6, Joseph Bordelon 5, Trey Addision 2.

Live Oak 55 Maurepas 31

A quick start and a balanced attack lifted Live Oak to the championship game, as the Eagles toppled Maurepas in the semifinals. LOHS jumped out to a 17-2 lead in the opening period. Lance Danos led the Eagles with 11 points, followed by Mark Rayborn with 10, Stephen Prescott eight and Alex Switzer seven. Kade Scivicque was high-score for the Wolves with eight points, while Ryan Bercegeay chipped in with seven and Demetri Gill six.

Live Oak 17 14 11 13 - 55
Maurepas 2 14 9 6 - 31

LIVE OAK: Lance Danos 11, Mark Rayborn 10, Stephen Prescott 8, Alex Switzer 7, Bryan Berry 5, Ethan Crain 4, Dylan Bermes 4. MAUREPAS: Kade Scivicque 8, Ryan Bercegeay 7, Demetri Gill 6, Michael Bruce 4, Blake Johnston 4.

(Boys 2nd-Round Games)

Springfield 67 French Settlement 56

Josh Comeau and Vincent Walker combined for 41 points, as Springfield held off French Settlement in second-round action. Comeau drilled four 3-pointers on his way to a 22-point effort, while Walker scored 19 points. Teammates Don Wall and Jamarkus were also in double-figures with 13 and 12 points respectively. Hunter Averett led FSHS with 20 points, while Brand Noto added 16, including a pair of 2-point baskets.

FSHS 8 15 17 16 - 56
Springfield 21 17 8 21 - 67

FRENCH SETTLEMENT: Hunter Averett 20, Brad Noto 16, Jeremy McMorris 8, Brendon Verbois 7. SPRINGFIELD: Josh Comeau 22, Vincent Walker 19, Don Wall 13, Jamarkus Lee 12.

Maurepas 69 Albany 67

Senior Demetri Gill poured in 39 points to power Maurepas to a two-point win over Albany in second-round action. The Wolves however, had to hold-off a Hornet comeback effort in the fourth period, as Albany sliced a 10-point deficit down to two at game's end. Kade Scivicque was also in double-figures for Maurepas with 18 points. Kendall Duncan was high-scorer for Albany with 20 points, followed by D.J. Harris with 18, Thaddeus Cook 12 and Ian Goodwin 13.

Maurepas 9 28 17 15 - 69
Albany 15 11 18 23 - 67

MAUREPAS: Demetri Gill 39, Kade Scivicque 18, Ryan Bercegeay 5, Michael Bruce 4, Colby Washington 3. ALBANY: Kendall Duncan 20, D.J. Harris 18, Thaddeus Cook 14, Ian Goodwin 13, Scott Hasson 2.

Courtesy Livingston Parish News