Top 28 Action Day 5: Class C, 1A, 2A, 4A and 5A State Championship Games

Championship Saturday!! What more can I ask for being a basketball junkie like I am? A day that is going to be filled with some of the state's top teams, nationally ranked players, undefeated teams and defending champions will all be on tap. One game that most people have their eyes set on will be today's Class 1A game featuring  LSU signee Matt Derenbecker(right) of Country Day and St. Joseph's signee Langston Galloway of Christian Life. This game has been played in the Cajun Dome every year for the past four. The first two meetings were won by Christian Life in the championship game, last year's meeting was a CLA loss in the semi's and this year's game is for the Title as well. This game not only features 4 Division 1 signees but it features very good friendship's as well. Derenbecker, Galloway and CLA's Patrick Robinson all played for the Mid-City Cyclones AAU team together that also featured Jesuit's Dominick Scelfo. Derenbecker, Galloway and Robinson have gotten very close over the past year and have often mentioned CLA's loss last year to the Cajuns. With an overwhelming amount of trash talk amongst the friends over the past year, all will be decided and setteled at 1:30 today in Lafayette. No more talking, no more "wait until saturday", all that is going to be left is to play ball and see what happens. This game is going to be fun to watch so you do not want to miss a single minute. The biggest X-factor of this year's game will be the play of 6'5" senior McCall Tomeny(below), whose 26 points led CLA over Plain dealing on thursday.

In the second session of the day, the 2A game will also feature a game amongst friends. Riverside Academy's Cedric Jenkins and Ricardo Gathers played AAU with Jonesboro-Hodge's TJ Williams with the Louisiana Select Nike team. Not sure if the players have sent a lot of texts to each other or not but one sure thing will happen and that is that no love will be lost when the teammates face each other today at 5:00. We will definitely be entertained as Williams, a 6'7" 230 lb senior will battle head to head with the 6'6" 225 lb sophomore Gathers. In the 5A game we will see Scotlandville against Brother Martin. SMHS will be led by Stephen F. Austin signee J-Jay Thomas and Levie Wright. BM will look to senior Patrick Swilling to lead the way. In the final game of the evening, it will be 40-0 Peabody taking on 38-1 Bossier. Peabody features 6'4" Oklahoma state signee Markel Brown(pictured above) and 6'6" sophomore Troy Jones. Bossier is led by junior Jalan West and sophomore JJ James.

Now it is time for our predictions where below you will see the daily talk and preview from Brady and Kevin with the Daily Advertiser. For further Top 28 Action coverage check in at the Daily Advertiser.

PREDICTIONS
Class C State Championship
Athens over Pleasant Hill

Class 1A State Championship
Christian Life over Country Day

Class 2A State Championship
Riverside over Jonesboro-Hodge

Class 4A State Championship
Peabody over Bossier

Class 5A State Championship
Scotlandville over Brother Martin

Class C Top 28 State Championship Capsules

Athens Trojans

Coach: Marcus Jackson.
Record: 39-4.
Seed: No. 2.

Playoff road: Beat Holy Rosary 91-25, Marion 76-47, Grace Christian 75-27, Spearsville 75-53

Top scorers: Devarius Critton, 6-2, Sr, 16.0 ppg; Willie Cato, 5-11, Sr, 15.0 ppg; Earvin Sneed, 5-11, So, 14.0 ppg; Quartez McDaniel, 6-2, Jr, 12.0 ppg.

Top 28 history: 11th appearance with three titles and five runner-up finishes.

Notes: In addition to an eventful recent history at the Top 28, Athens also brings a healthy resume to this year's Top 28. The Trojans have three wins over fellow semifinalist Saline, split two games with Class 1A semifinalist Arcadia, and also went 1-1 in two games against Class 4A Minden.

PLEASANT HILL EAGLES


Coach: Dale Skinner.
Record: 33-6.
Seed: No. 1.

Road to the Top 28: Beat McManus 89-38, Calvin 73-52, Grand Isle 65-47, Saline 65-51

Top scorers: Matthew Scott, 6-3, Sr, 17.0 ppg; Ledarius Holmes, 5-8, So, 13.0 ppg; Aaron Holmes, 5-8, Fr, 12.0 ppg; Latarius Turner, 6-2, Sr, 12.0 ppg; Damaris Holmes, 6-2, Jr, 11.0 ppg.

Top 28 history: Eighth appearance with two titles and three runner-up finishes.

Notes: Not only is Skinner the team's basketball coach, but he's also the principal of the school. Pleasant Hill was 3-2 against Zwolle and has wins over Many and Leesville this season.


Class 1A Top 28 State Championships

Country Day Cajuns

Coach: Mike McGuire.
Record: 41-5.
Seed: No. 2.

Playoff road: Beat Catholic-PC 91-47, Varnado 86-51, White Castle 69-53, Arcadia 64-56

Top scorers: Matt Derenbecker(right), 6-7, Sr, 25.5 ppg; Nick Hansel, 6-3, Jr, 12.5 ppg; Hunter Ham, 6-4, Sr, 10.5 ppg; Dylan Kavanagh, 5-11, Sr, 8.0 ppg.

Top 28 history: Ninth appearance with three titles and three runner-up finishes.

Notes: The Country Day-Arcadia semifinals pairing represents a rematch of last year's championship game won by the Cajuns, 61-47. Derenbecker was MVP of last year's championship game (31 points, nine rebounds). Country Day also defeated Arcadia, 80-58, in the 2008 semifinals.

Christian Life Academy

Coach: Carlo Maggio
Record: 35-5.
Seed: No. 1.

Playoff road: Beat Oberlin 92-41, Gueydan 91-36, East Iberville 73-49, Plain Dealing 48-45

Top scorers: Langston Galloway(right), 6-4, Sr, 26.0 ppg; Patrick Robinson, 6-6, Sr, 16.0 ppg; McCall Tomeny(left), 6-4, Sr, 14.0 ppg.

Top 28 history: Eighth appearance with four titles (including three straight from 2006-08) and two runner-up finishes.

Notes: This is CLA's fifth straight appearance. Galloway is a St. Joseph's of Philadelphia signee, while Robinson signed with Northwestern State. Maggio was at Plainview last season. Todd Foster left CLA to begin his career as a college coach at Baton Rouge C.C.

Class 2A Top 28 State Championships

Jonesboro-Hodge Tigers

Coach: Allen Tew.
Record: 26-9.
Seed: No. 15.

Playoff road: Beat Capitol 73-63, ST Aquinas 65-62 (OT), Donaldsonville 86-58, Red River 56-47

Top scorers: Thomas Williams(right), 6-7, Sr, 23.1 ppg; Kevin Cottonham, 5-8, Soph, 11.7 ppg; LaQuinten Calahan, 6-1, Sr, 7.5 ppg.

Top 28 history: Eighth appearance with three titles and 1 runner-up finish.

Notes: Lost in the state semifinals in 2002, 2005, 2007. Took third place in District 3-2A behind Many and Red River, who tied for first. Defeated Red River once in three games this season, giving the Bulldogs their only home loss. Williams has received scholarship offers from 10 teams, including UL Monroe, Grambling, Southeastern and UT-San Antonio.

Riverside Rebels

Coach: Timmy Byrd.

Record: 37-6.

Seed: No. 1.

Playoff road: Beat Sterlington 102-52, Port Barre 103-68, Springfield 72-52, Evangel 75-49

Top scorers: Ricardo Gathers(left), 6-7, Soph, 20.0 ppg; Cedric Jenkins(right), 6-2, Sr, 19.0 ppg; Louis Dabney, 6-3, Soph, 13.0 ppg; Ed Gallina, 6-5, Sr, 11.0 ppg; Franklin Francois, 5-7, Sr, 8.0 ppg.

Top 28 history: First appearance.

Notes: This is the school's first boys basketball playoff appearance since 2005. The Rebels do so as the No. 1-ranked team in Class 2A. Of course, the cast is different. Byrd and all of his starters were Reserve Christian Eagles last year. All moved over to Riverside when Reserve Christian closed its doors in May.


Class 4A Top 28 State Championships
 

Bossier Bearkats


Coach: Jeremiah Williams.
Record: 38-1.
Seed: No. 2.

Playoff road: Beat Franklinton 108-70, Neville 83-74, Ellender 76-62, Washington-Marion 80-60

Top players: Jalan West(right), 5-10, Jr, 15.5 ppg; Joseph James, 5-8, Jr, 13.3 ppg; Devonte Francis(left), 5-11, Soph, 13.6 ppg; Lyndale James, 6-5, Jr, 7.9 ppg.

Top 28 history: Sixth appearance with a pair of runner-up finishes.

Notes: This is Bossier's second straight season in the Top 28. The Bearkats are led by their speedy, pressure-packed backcourt with West leading the way 4.5 assists and 1.4 steals a game.
 
picture courtesy of Brad Kemp the Daily Advertiser
 
Peabody War Horses

Coach: Charles Smith
Record: 40-0
Seed: No. 1.

Playoff road: Beat Woodlawn 80-26, McDonogh-35 57-28, Istrouma 53-40, Glen Oaks 65-52

Top players: Markel Brown(right), 6-5, Sr, 32.5 ppg; Troy Jones, 6-7, Soph, 15.5 ppg; Joshua Ivory, 6-2, Soph, 10.5 ppg; Kalvin Balque, 6-5, Sr, 12.5 ppg.

Top 28 history: 19th trip with 5 championships and 4 runner-up finishes.

Notes: Peabody is making its first trip to the Top 28 since 2007. The last time Peabody was here stars such as Raphelle Turner and Marcus Simmons led the Warhorses to the 4A state championship.

Class 5A Top 28 State Championships

Scotlandville Hornets

Coach: Carlos Sample
Record: 33-5.
Seed: No. 2.

Playoff road: Beat Denham Springs 65-57, Natchitoches Central 75-63, Covington 89-83, Jesuit 60-58

Top scorers: J-Jay Thomas(right), 6-4, Sr, 24.2 ppg; Levi Wright, 6-1, Jr, 16.5 ppg; Deshawn Washington, 5-9, Soph, 11.3 ppg.

Top 28 history: First trip.

Notes: The Hornets won their first district title since 1975 this year. In the modern LHSAA format, the last time the team advanced to the quarterfinals was in 1977. Scotlandville did win a state title in 1959 in the old LIALO. Thomas averages 11 rebounds and is a Stephen F. Austin signee.

Brother Martin Crusaders

Coach: Scott Thompson

Record: 29-10.

Seed: No. 9.

Playoff road: Beat Lafayette High 56-49, Ponchatoula 66-63, St. Augustine 62-58, Hammond 68-66

Top scorers: Patrick Swilling(right), 6-4, Sr, 18.3 ppg; Schane Rillieux, 5-11, Jr, 14.1 ppg; Ryan Berger, 6-4, Sr, 8.7 ppg; Myron Chapman, 6-2, Soph, 7.5 ppg

Top 28 Action Day 3

If you like high flying dunks, athleticism, 3 point shooting, quick guards and all around great basketball then day 3 of the Top 28 is where you will see all that and then some. A day that features 5-time 4A state champion of the past decade in top seeded Peabody of 4A leads the list of teams playing today. Christian Life and Country Day represent the last four champions in 1A whil Glen Oaks of 4A was the 2005 champion. Also playing today will be a pair of runner-ups of from 2009 in 4A Bossier and 1A Arcadia. Other teams in action today include 2A Jonesboro-Hodge, Red River, 1A Plain Dealing and 4A Washington Marion. In what has to be the best day of games of the entire event, there will also be a list of some of the top players that include six of the states ten Division 1 signees including future Oklahoma State Cowboys who will also play each other tonight in Peabody's 6'4" guard Markel Brown and 6'5" Glen Oaks star Brian Williams. In the first game of the day, Christian Life vs. Plain Dealing will feature CLA's trio of signees led by Langston Galloway(St. Joseph's), Patrick Robinson(Northwestern State), and Kaleb Knight(Grambling State). The last of the signees will be Matt Derenbecker who will attend LSU and is at Country Day. Today is going to be very fun to watch. Minus being D1 signees, there are still players to watch as Bossier has a trio of guards that are among the state's best with jr. Jalan West, Devonta Francis and Joseph James. In the 2A and 1A ranks watch out for TJ Williams of J-Hodge, Plain Dealing's YonDarius Johnson, Arcadia's Anthony Roberson,  and Red River's duo of the Cordarious' of Johnson and Smith. Johnson is a 6'4" F while Smith, a junior is 5'11". Now it is time for our predictions where below you will see the daily talk and preview from Brady and Kevin with the Daily Advertiser. For further Top 28 Action coverage check in at the Daily Advertiser.

Class 1A

Game 1: Christian Life over Plain Dealing

Game 2: Country Day over Arcadia

Class 2A

Game 3: Red River over Jonesboro-Hodge

Class 4A

Game 4:  Glen Oaks over Peabody

Game 5: Bossier over Washington Marion

Class 1A:

Christian Life Academy

Coach: Carlo Maggio.
Record: 34-5.
Seed: No. 1.

Playoff road: Beat Oberlin 92-41, Gueydan 91-36, East Iberville 73-49.

Top scorers: Langston Galloway(right), 6-4, Sr, 26.0 ppg; Patrick Robinson(left), 6-6, Sr, 16.0 ppg; Tomeny McCall, 6-4, Sr, 14.0 ppg.

Top 28 history: Eighth appearance with four titles (including three straight from 2006-08) and two runner-up finishes.

Notes: This is CLA's fifth straight appearance. Galloway is a St. Joseph's of Philadelphia signee, while Robinson signed with Northwestern State. Maggio was at Plainview last season. Todd Foster left CLA to begin his career as a college coach at Baton Rouge C.C.

Plain Dealing Lions

Coach: David Bryant.
Record: 26-5.
Seed: No. 5.

Playoff road: Beat Jackson 82-64, Grambling 57-54, North Central 64-53.

Top scorers: YonDarius Johnson(right), 6-4, Sr, 20.8 ppg; LaCharlie Scott, 6-3, Sr, 10.5 ppg; Dordarrius Gill, 6-0, Sr, 6.6 ppg; LaJuan Johnson, 6-0, Sr, 6.3 ppg.

Top 28 history: Sixth appearance with two runner-up finishes.

Notes: Johnson has been honored as a McDonald's All-American candidate. The Lions haven't played as many Top 28 participants as some. Plain Dealing did split two games with Arcadia and lost a game to 4A powerhouse Bossier. The Lions lost to Arcadia, 57-55, and beat the Hornets, 71-61.

Country Day Cajuns

Coach: Mike McGuire.
Record: 40-5.
Seed: No. 2.

Playoff road: Beat Catholic-PC 91-47, Varnado 86-51, White Castle 69-53.

Top scorers: Matt Derenbecker(right), 6-7, Sr, 25.5 ppg; Nick Hansel, 6-3, Jr, 12.5 ppg; Hunter Ham, 6-4, Sr, 10.5 ppg; Dylan Kavanagh, 5-11, Sr, 8.0 ppg.

Top 28 history: Ninth appearance with three titles and three runner-up finishes.

Notes: The Country Day-Arcadia semifinals pairing represents a rematch of last year's championship game won by the Cajuns, 61-47. Derenbecker was MVP of last year's championship game (31 points, nine rebounds). Country Day also defeated Arcadia, 80-58, in the 2008 semifinals.

Arcadia Hornets

Coach: Shane Lee.
Record: 20-9.
Seed: No. 11.

Playoff road: Beat Delcambre 61-35, Elton 61-48, Central Catholic-MC 57-49.

Top scorers: Anthony Roberson, 6-3, Soph, 18.0 ppg; Tradarius Banks, 6-1, Soph, 14.1 ppg; Tremaine Brown, 5-11, Sr, 10.0 ppg; Trevor Dillar, 6-0, Sr, 8.0 ppg.

Top 28 history: Seventh appearance with 3 runner-up finishes.

Notes: Roberson averages 12 rebounds a game. The Hornets own wins over 2010 Top 28 participants Plain Dealing, Spearsville and Saline this season. Arcadia has also lost to such Top 28 teams as Carroll, Athens, Jonesboro-Hodge and Plain Dealing.

Class 2A

Red River Bulldogs

Coach: Keith Johnson.
Record: 38-5.
Seed: No. 3.
Playoff road: Beat Calvary Baptist 72-53, Newman 57-54, Mamou 55-31.

Top scorers: Cordarius Johnson(right), 6-4, Sr, 18.6 ppg; Cordarius Smith, 5-11, Soph, 12.3 ppg; Jakaris Lewis, 5-9, Jr, 9.4 ppg; Jacob Caldwell, 5-11, Sr, 8.0 ppg.

Top 28 history: Third appearance, with two runner-up finishes.

Notes: The Bulldogs certainly appear to be tested heading into the Top 28 this week. Red River has wins over Evangel, two over Jonesboro-Hodge, Many, Green Oaks, Athens and Saline. The Bulldogs also have the lessons learned from quality losses to Ouachita, Bossier, Jonesboro-Hodge and Many.

Jonesboro-Hodge Tigers

Coach: Allen Tew.
Record: 25-9.
Seed: No. 15.

Playoff road: Beat Capitol 73-63, ST Aquinas 65-62 (OT), Donaldsonville 86-58.

Top scorers: Thomas Williams, 6-7, Sr, 23.1 ppg; Kevin Cottonham, 5-8, Soph, 11.7 ppg; LaQuinten Calahan, 6-1, Sr, 7.5 ppg.

Top 28 history: Eighth appearance with three titles and 1 runner-up finish.

Notes: Lost in the state semifinals in 2002, 2005, 2007. Took third place in District 3-2A behind Many and Red River, who tied for first. Defeated Red River once in three games this season, giving the Bulldogs their only home loss. Williams has received scholarship offers from 10 teams, including UL Monroe, Grambling, Southeastern and UT-San Antonio.

Peabody War Horses

Coach: Charles Smith
Record: 39-0
Seed: No. 1.


Playoff road: Beat Woodlawn 80-26, McDonogh-35 57-28, Istrouma 53-40.

Top players: Markel Brown, 6-5, Sr, 32.5 ppg; Troy Jones, 6-7, Soph, 15.5 ppg; Joshua Ivory, 6-2, Soph, 10.5 ppg; Kalvin Balque, 6-5, Sr, 12.5 ppg.

Top 28 history: 19th trip with 5 championships and 4 runner-up finishes.

Notes: Peabody is making its first trip to the Top 28 since 2007. The last time Peabody was here stars such as Raphelle Turner and Marcus Simmons led the Warhorses to the 4A state championship.

Glen Oaks Panthers

Coach: Harvey Adger

Record: 32-5.
Seed: No. 4.

Playoff road: Beat Haughton 71-42, Minden 72-63, Wossman 45-44.

Top players: Brian Williams(right), 6-5, Sr, 18.0 ppg; Trevante Drye(left), 6-6, Jr, 18.0 ppg; Andre Scott, 6-0, Sr, 14.0 ppg; Brandon Johnson, 5-9, Sr, 10.2 ppg.

Top 28 history: 10th appearance with five state titles. Panthers last won a championship in 2005.

Notes: Lost to Bossier in the semifinals last year. Williams, a Oklahoma State signee, missed most of the District 7-4A schedule with a leg injury. Williams and Drye both average 10 rebounds a game.

Bossier Bearkats

Coach: Jeremiah Williams.
Record: 37-1.
Seed: No. 2.

Playoff road: Beat Franklinton 108-70, Neville 83-74, Ellender 76-62.

Top players: Jalan West(right), 5-10, Jr, 15.5 ppg; Joseph James, 5-8, Jr, 13.3 ppg; Devonte Francis(left), 5-11, Soph, 13.6 ppg; Lyndale James, 6-5, Jr, 7.9 ppg.

Top 28 history: Sixth appearance with a pair of runner-up finishes.

Notes: This is Bossier's second straight season in the Top 28. The Bearkats are led by their speedy, pressure-packed backcourt with West leading the way 4.5 assists and 1.4 steals a game.

Washington-Marion Indians

Coach: Albert Hartwell.
Record: 25-4.
Seed: No. 3.

Playoff road: Beat Woodlawn 48-40, Karr 61-49, Northside 61-53 (OT).

Top players: Desharick Guidry, 6-3, Jr, 11.0 ppg; Josh Gray, 6-0, Soph, 15.0 ppg; Keavin Fontenot, 5-8, Sr, 14.0 ppg.

Top 28 history: Sixth trip with one state title and three runner-up finishes.

Notes: The Indians were the 1987 Class 3A champs, plus the runner-up in Class 3A in 1998 and Class 4A in 2004 and 2007. Team was ruled ineligible for the playoffs last season for attempted cover-up of the use of an ineligible player.

Scotlandville defeats Jesuit 60-58

Starters:

Scotlandville                                        Jesuit

J-Jay Thomas  #5                                Dominick Scelfo #11

Zarif Basil  #55                                    Colby Keifer # 5

Thaddeus Fortune #22                         Alec Melendreras # 10

Levie Wright #23                                 Josh Dudley # 40

DeShawn Washington #12                   Colby Keifer # 5

Pictured below: The Starting five for Scotlandville from left to right: Thaddeus Fortune, J-Jay Thomas, DeShawn Washington, Zarif Basil, Levie Wright

1st Quarter:  Scotlandville 22 Jesuit 17

So far it has been all Scotlandville, as the Hornets led the Blue Jays early on as they have really shot the 3 very well. Thaddeus Fortune started it with a triple before deShawn Washinhton and Levie Wright answered with one as well to give SMHS the momemntum early.  As the quarter progressed, Alec Melendreras  picked up the slack as he scored 8 first quarter points with a pair of threes.


2nd Quarter: 32-29 Scotlandville

Early on in the second quarter SMHS has targeted big 6'8" sophomore Zarif Basil as the Hornets start on a 4-0 run to begin period behind two easy layups by Basil before Jesuit answers with a Keifer jumper at the 6: 22 mark to cut the lead to 26-19 Scotlandville. Following the Keifer jumper, Hadden answered with a beautiful backdoor and followed that with another layup and got fouled but missed the free throw. Jesuit would then get a steal and a Scelfo layup to take the lead at 27-26. SMHS stopped the Jays 8-0 run on a pair of Washington free throws to take a 30-27 lead with 2:37 left in the half. For the rest of the half it has been back and forth Scelfo got fould going to the rim and made both free throws. As the half ended, Scotlandville turned a Jesuit turnover into a bucket to get the halftime score.

3rd Quarter: 43-40 Jesuit

4th Quarter: 60-58 Scotlandville

Top 28 Action Day 2

I am getting a late start today but the Top 28 in Lafayette is getting underway as we speak as Spearsville is trailing Athens 17-10 after the first. In the second game we will have Pleasant Hill taking on Saline. The third contest of the day will feature a first time participant in the Riverside Rebels as they take on Evangel Christian who is a perennial football powerhouse in Louisina. Riverside will be lead by the 9th ranked sophomore nationally Ricardo Gathers and seniors Cedric Jenkins and Ed Gallina. The night cap will involve a pair of familiar 5A schools along with a pair of  newcomers. The first 5A game will feature the 2 seed Scotlandville Hornets led by Stephen F. Austin signee J-Jay Thomas and they will face the 6 seeded Jesuit Blue Jays who will be led by senior Dominick Scelfo who is heading to Cornell. The final game of the day will feature the Hammond Tornadoes with my guy Brent Grigas as their 1st year head coach and are led by a trio of guards with senior Dominick McCoy and juniors Mark Bridgewater and Mikel Henry. The Tors will take on a former powerhouse in Brother Martin who won back to back 5A titles in 2004 and 2005 before Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans six months later. Brother Martin will rely heavily on senior Pat Swilling Jr and 6'4" junior Jamon Gray. Now it is time for our predictions where below you will see the daily talk and preview from Brady and Kevin with the Daily Advertiser. For further Top 28 Action coverage check in at the Daily Advertiser.



Class C
Game 1- Athens over Spearsville
Game 2- Pleasant Hill over Saline

Class 2A
Game 3- Riverside over Evangel

Class 5A-
Game 4- Scotlandville over Jesuit
Game 5- Hammond over Brother Martin
 
 

Class C Top 28 Capsules

Athens Trojans

Coach: Marcus Jackson.
Record: 38-4.
Seed: No. 2.

Playoff road: Beat Holy Rosary 91-25, Marion 76-47, Grace Christian 75-27.

Top scorers: Devarius Critton, 6-2, Sr, 16.0 ppg; Willie Cato, 5-11, Sr, 15.0 ppg; Earvin Sneed, 5-11, So, 14.0 ppg; Quartez McDaniel, 6-2, Jr, 12.0 ppg.

Top 28 history: 11th appearance with three titles and five runner-up finishes.


Notes: In addition to an eventful recent history at the Top 28, Athens also brings a healthy resume to this year's Top 28. The Trojans have three wins over fellow semifinalist Saline, split two games with Class 1A semifinalist Arcadia, and also went 1-1 in two games against Class 4A Minden.

SPEARSVILLE PELICANS

Coach: Derion Gipson.
Record: 26-18.
Seed: No. 11.
Playoff road: Beat Assembly Christian 86-50, Atlanta 75-71, Plainview 70-67.

Top scorers: Xairius Larry, 5-4, Fr, 20.0 ppg; Juana Sims, 6-2, Jr, 13.0 ppg; Wesley Hay, 5-10, Sr, 10.0 ppg; Giancarlo Levingston, 5-11, So, 7.0 ppg.

Top 28 history: Second appearance with one runner-up finish.

Notes: Spearsville is one of the few double-digit seeds still alive. The Pelicans beat No. 6 Atlanta and No. 3 Plainview to reach the semifinals. During district play, Spearsville lost two single-digit games to Athens — 60-51 and 70-62.

Pleasant Hill vs. Saline • 3:30 p.m.

PLEASANT HILL EAGLES

Coach: Dale Skinner.
Record: 32-6.
Seed: No. 1.

Road to the Top 28: Beat McManus 89-38, Calvin 73-52, Grand Isle 65-47.

Top scorers: Matthew Scott, 6-3, Sr, 17.0 ppg; Ledarius Holmes, 5-8, So, 13.0 ppg; Aaron Holmes, 5-8, Fr, 12.0 ppg; Latarius Turner, 6-2, Sr, 12.0 ppg; Damaris Holmes, 6-2, Jr, 11.0 ppg.

Top 28 history: Eighth appearance with two titles and three runner-up finishes.

Notes: Not only is Skinner the team's basketball coach, but he's also the principal of the school. Pleasant Hill was 3-2 against Zwolle and has wins over Many and Leesville this season.

Saline Bobcats

Coach: Douglas Madden.
Record: 16-18.
Seed: No. 12.

Playoff road: Beat Elizabeth 84-69, Kilbourne 67-59, Pelican 71-65.

Top scorers: D'Larious Venzant, 6-3, So, 24.7 ppg; DeAndre Venzant, 5-11, Jr, 12.2 ppg; Raylond Venzant, 6-0, Sr, 9.8 ppg; Gus Watts, 5-6, Sr, 9.1 ppg.

Top 28 history: Eighth appearance with four titles and three runner-up finishes.

Notes: While Saline's record may be under .500, the Bobcats didn't exactly get to that record taking the easy way out. Among their 18 losses, four are to Athens, two to Atlanta, one to Arcadia, one to Red River and one to Jonesboro-Hodge. All but quarterfinalist Atlanta are in the Top 28.

Class 2A Capsule
Riverside Rebels

Coach: Timmy Byrd.

Record: 36-6.

Seed: No. 1.

Playoff road: Beat Sterlington 102-52, Port Barre 103-68, Springfield 72-52.

Top scorers: Ricardo Gathers(left), 6-7, Soph, 20.0 ppg; Cedric Jenkins(right), 6-2, Sr, 19.0 ppg; Louis Dabney, 6-3, Soph, 13.0 ppg; Ed Gallina, 6-5, Sr, 11.0 ppg; Franklin Francois, 5-7, Sr, 8.0 ppg.

Top 28 history: First appearance.

Notes: This is the school's first boys basketball playoff appearance since 2005. The Rebels do so as the No. 1-ranked team in Class 2A. Of course, the cast is different. Byrd and all of his starters were Reserve Christian Eagles last year. All moved over to Riverside when Reserve Christian closed its doors in May.

Evangel Christian Eagles

Coach: Reni Mason.
Record: 32-5.
Seed: No. 5.

Playoff road: Beat North Caddo 84-45, Dunham 55-41, Many 66-56.

Top scorers: Devin George, 6-4, Sr, 16.8 ppg; Cameron Monroe, 6-0, Jr, 14.2 ppg; Eric Thomas, 6-3, Sr, 13.2 ppg; Virgil Williams, 5-10, Sr, 11.2 ppg.

Top 28 history: First appearance.

Notes: Mason is a former college basketball player at UNO. Known as a football school, Evangel comes to the Top 28 red hot, having won 16 straight games and 21 of its last 22. The Eagles own a win over Class B Top 28 participant Zwolle this season. Thomas was an All-State wide receiver and Williams an All-State defensive back on the Class 2A All-State football team.

Class 5A Capsule

Jesuit Blue Jays

Coach: Chris Jennings.

Record: 25-10.

Seed: No. 6.

Playoff road: Beat East St. John 68-56, Catholic-BR 61-54, St. Thomas More 57-54.

Top scorers: Dominick Scelfo(right), 6-2, Sr; Brady Hadden, 6-4, Sr; Alec Melendreras, 5-6, Sr; Colby Kiefer, 5-11, Sr., Brady Hadden(left), 6-4, Sr

Top 28 history: Sixth appearance with four state titles.

Notes: While Scotlandville is a big test for Jesuit, the Blue Jays have been playing tough competition all season. They've won and lost games to the likes of St. Augustine and Brother Martin. Jesuit last won the state title in 2001.

Scotlandville Hornets

Coach: Carlos Sample
Record: 32-5.
Seed: No. 2.

Playoff road: Beat Denham Springs 65-57, Natchitoches Central 75-63, Covington 89-83.

Top scorers: J-Jay Thomas(right), 6-4, Sr, 24.2 ppg; Levi Wright, 6-1, Jr, 16.5 ppg; Deshawn Washington, 5-9, Soph, 11.3 ppg.

Top 28 history: First trip.

Notes: The Hornets won their first district title since 1975 this year. In the modern LHSAA format, the last time the team advanced to the quarterfinals was in 1977. Scotlandville did win a state title in 1959 in the old LIALO. Thomas averages 11 rebounds and is a Stephen F. Austin signee.


Hammond vs. Brother Martin • 8 p.m.

Hammond Tornadoes

Coach: Brent Grigas
Record: 29-3.
Seed: No. 5.

Playoff road: Beat West Jefferson 77-60, Southwood 101-77, Sulphur 59-55.

Top scorers: Mark Bridgewater, 6-1, Jr, 16.0 ppg; Mikel Henry 5-9, Jr, 14.0 ppg; Domonick McCoy, 5-8, Jr, 10.0 ppg; Terrence Bridges, 6-3, Sr, 8.0 ppg.

Top 28 history: Third appearance with one runner-up finish.

Notes: Grigas is in his first year as head coach of the Tors after being an assistant at Southwood in 2008-09. Hammond has won 18 straight since losing to Plaquemine, 39-35, in the Plaquemine Tournament on Dec. 30.

Brother Martin Crusaders

Coach: Scott Thompson
Record: 28-10.
Seed: No. 9.

Playoff road: Beat Lafayette High 56-49, Ponchatoula 66-63, St. Augustine 62-58.

Top scorers: Patrick Swilling(right), 6-4, Sr, 18.3 ppg; Schane Rillieux, 5-11, Jr, 14.1 ppg; Ryan Berger, 6-4, Sr, 8.7 ppg; Myron Chapman, 6-2, Soph, 7.5 ppg.

Midland defeats Zwolle 79-78, Advances to Class B Championship

         Midland's BJ Cormier                                                                               Zwolle's Marvin Frazier

Zwolle's Breion Beaver

What a game, if you like shooting, hard nosed, fundamental basketball then the Midland Rebels of Coach Briley is the team to watch. Midland started the game out very slow as they missed 3 jumpers in the first two minutes as Zwolle took a 11-6 lead early on. It didn't last long as halfway through the quarter BJ Cormier  and Allen Fontenot caught fire. Fontenot started it and Cormier finished it. Fontenot buried the first one at the 2:27 mark,  then Cormier buried one a minute later and gave Midland the 12-11 lead. Cormier would go on to hit two more in the quarter, including a 23 footer at the buzzer to give the Rebels a 21-11 lead after the first.

The second quarter was more Midland and more threes. Allen Fontenot connected on two right off the bat as Zwolle called a timeout. After the time, Fontenot hit another to make it 32-13 with 4:48 left in the half. Then Zwolle finally made their run.  A layup by  David Smith, layup by Jerry Palmer, layup by Frazier, and another jumper by Palmer cut the lead to 16. Then once again, Cormier with a 3, Fontenot follows off a Cormier assist before Zwolle called another timeout. Zwolle would then answer with big Frazier again with a layup, followed by a 3 by Jerry Palmer, a lay up by Smith before Fontenot hit another 3 to close out the half. After 2 Midland led 43-28.

As the first half ended with Zwolle having momentum, it carried into the 3rd quarter. A jumper by Dave Smith got things rolling as Zwolle went on a 18-4 run to start the half, it was led primarily by Smith and Frazier. Big time rebounds, big time blocks and a handful of jumpers later the lead was 47-46 Midland with 3:22 left. Midland would finally answer with a pair of triples by Cormier and Fontenot to extend the lead to 55-52 after the third.

As Zwolle finally got back to playing Hawk basketball, the fourth quarter was nip/tuck the rest of the game. Basket for basket, defensive stops and tough play by Frazier on the inside carried Zwolle back and tied the game at 70 after regulation.

At the start of the overtime period, Midland immediately went to the stall offense with Miles Prejean being a big factor in the OT. After struggling all game and being limited on his touches by the Zwolle D, Prejean took control as he made 6/6 free throws down the stretch to lead his team to the state title. As good as he had been all year and to be overshadowed by the great shooting of Fontenot and Cormier, Prejean really came through in the clutch as Midland defeated Zwolle.

2010 LHSAA Boy's Top 28 Semi-Final Day 1 Preview and Capsules

Top 28 State Boy's Basketball tournament, is there a better event in the state? If there is I would love to know so I can be sure to be there. Like I say, there are 3 things that are great about March, first is that my birthday is March 1, second Top 28 action and last is the NCAA tournament. My favorite is the Top 28 and that is what gets kicked off today at 3:30 in Lafayette at the ULL Cajun Dome. There are four games on tap today and it gets started with the defending Class B state champion Zwolle Hawks taking on Midland. The second game features top seeded Rapides against a very dangerous Fairview team. In the night cap, it will be district rivals from Monroe when Carroll takes on defending champion Richwood and the final game is top seed Vidalia taking on local favorite Abbeville. Now it is time for our predictions where below you will see the daily talk and preview from Brady and Kevin with the Daily Advertiser. For further Top 28 Action coverage check in at the Daily Advertiser.

Class B

Game 1- Zwolle over Midland

Game 2- Rapides over Fairview

Class 3A

Game 3- Richwood over Carroll

Game 4- Vidalia over Abbeville

Class B Team Capsules Courtesy of the Daily Advertiser's writers of Kevin Foote and Brady Aymond

Midland Rebels

Coach: Todd Briley
Record: 33-4.
Seed: No. 2.

Road to Top 28: Beat Simpson 94-32, Hosanna Christian 78-45, Hornbeck 63-46.

Leading scorers: Miles Prejean(pictured), 5-11, Sr, 22.3 ppg; B.J. Cormier, 5-9, Sr, 15.0 ppg; Colby Gantt, 6-0, Sr, 12.0 ppg; Allen Fontenot, 5-11, Jr, 7.6 ppg; Michael Vincent 5-8, Sr, 2.8 ppg.

Top 28 history: Ninth appearance with one title and three runner-up finishes. Last Top 28 appearance was 2004.

Notes: Midland's lost in the state finals three times and won its only state title in 1977 under Briley's father and current principal, Clyde Briley. Todd Briley is the school's all-time leading scorer, a former state MVP and played at McNeese State. Leading scorer Miles Prejean was Miles Sonnier for his first three seasons, but changed his name this past offseason.


Rapides Mustangs

Coach: Travis Broussard
Record: 45-5.
Seed: No. 1.

Road to Top 28: Beat ESA 90-34, Bell City 95-52, Castor 108-63.

Leading scorers: C.J. Johnson(pictured), 6-3, Sr, 18.7 ppg; Tremaine Woodruff, 6-0, Sr, 13.7 ppg; Keldrick Timothy, 5-10, Jr, 12.8 ppg; D.D. Birdsong, 6-1, So, 11.6 ppg.

Top 28 history: The is the program's 10th Top 28 appearance with one title, five runner-up finishes.

Notes:

Fairview Panthers

Coach: Ron Stark.
Record: 31-7.
Seed: No. 4.

Road to Top 28: Beat Weston 115-71, Holden 106-79, Centerville 86-79.

Top players: Cody Neal, 6-0, Sr, 27.2 ppg; 5-9 Colby Marler, 5-9, Sr, 15.5 ppg; Jake Howard, 5-9, Sr, 15.2 ppg; Tyler Maddox, 5-10, Fr, 14.0 ppg.

Top 28 history: Fourth trip to Top 28; last trip was in 1988.

Notes: Starting PG Jake Howard missed most of last season after tearing ACL. Neal was District 5-B MVP. Panthers went undefeated in district play and were 1-2 in three pre-district games against Rapides this season. Rapides swept both meetings last year when they were in same district.

Zwolle Hawks

Coach: Bradley McLarin
Record: 38-10.
Seed: No. 3

Road to Top 28: Beat Mount Hermon 90-50; Summerfield 74-36; Simsboro 63-50.
Leading scorers: Breion Beaver, 6-0, Jr, 18.8; Marvin Frazier(pictured), 6-8, Jr, 13.1; David Smith, 6-5, Jr, 10.3.

Top 28 history: 17th Top 28 appearance with 12 titles and two runners-up.

Class 3A Team Capsules Courtesy of the Daily Advertiser's writers of Kevin Foote and Brady Aymond
 
Abbeville Wildcats

Coach: Berwick Hamilton
Record: 26-5.
Seed: No. 5.

Playoff road: Beat Patterson 52-32, Madison 70-58, E.D. White 70-39.

Top scorers: Keelon Lee(pictured), 6-7, Sr., 17.2 ppg; Tiremone Williams, 6-0, Soph, 11.0 ppg; DaJuan Smith, 6-0, Jr., 11.3 pgg; Dion Perry, 5-11, Sr., 9.2 ppg; Alonzo Williams, 6-4, Soph, 8.0 ppg.

Top 28 history: First trip in school history.

Notes: Hamilton won a state title at Patterson in 1998 and took the Lumberjacks back to the semifinals again in 1999. Abbeville was a Class 4A team last year, losing to eventual state champion Salmen in the regional round. Lee also averages 10 rebounds a game. Abbeville's last loss was to St. Augustine in the Northwest Tournament in late December.

Vidalia Vikings

Coach: Robert Sanders.
Record: 28-2.
Seed: No. 1.

Playoff road: Beat Carver 102-38, Bogalusa 90-50, Rayville 98-87.

Top scorers: Torrey Dixon, 6-3, Sr, 25.0; Gary Stewart(pictured), 6-4, Sr, 17.1; Quartell Thomas, 6-1, Sr, 14.5; Daryl Polk, 6-1, Jr, 10.1.

Top 28 history: Fifth appearance with one title and one runner-up.

Notes: Sanders has a career record of 336-219.

Richwood Rams

Coach: Terry Martin.
Record: 17-10.
Seed: No. 7.

Playoff road: Beat Loyola Prep 103-65, North DeSoto 91-66, Plaquemine 50-47.

Top scorers: LaDon Carter(pictured), 6-7, Sr, 20.2; Marceis Davis, 6-3, Sr, 18.1; Ladarrin Williams, 6-6, Sr, 15.2; D'Andre Martin, 6-4, Jr, 10.0.

Top 28 history: Eight appearance with 4 titles and one runner-up finish.

Notes: Low number of official games because they played a ton of games out of state. Also, struggled in district but have absolutely blown out teams in playoffs until last week. Carter was the title game MVP last year. Carter is first-team all-district and averages 13 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 blocks per game; he was District MVP last year in 3-4A. Williams averages 15 rebounds and 5 blocks a game and is also first-team all-district. Davis averages 4 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.


Carroll Bulldogs

Coach: Jesse Burnette.
Record: 21-10.
Seed: No. 3.

Playoff road: Beat Cohen 82-53; Northwest 78-47, Green Oaks 73-53.

Top scorers: Xavier Lee, 5-11, Jr, 21.5; Dashiell Franklin, 6-2, Sr, 10.0; Josh Tarver, 6-4, Sr, 12.0; Perry Horne, 6-6, Sr, 11.5.

Top 28 history: 11th appearance with 3 titles with 4 runner-up finishes.

Notes: Beat 3A defending champ Richwood two out of three times already this season to win the district title. Lee averages 5.1 assists per game; he switched from point guard last year to two-guard this year and improved his scoring by 2.3 points per game. He was District MVP this year for 2-3A and was MVP last year in 2-4A. Franklin was first-team all district the past two years (2-3A this year and 2-4A last year, scored 12.4 points per game last year..