LHSAA Semifinal Predictions: Class 4A – 5A
The Top 28 is here and well, it’s time to make some bold and not so bold predictions. The new power rankings system in LHSAA clearly opened the door for teams to test themselves and not be punished and it…
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Continue ReadingThe Top 28 is here and well, it’s time to make some bold and not so bold predictions. The new power rankings system in LHSAA clearly opened the door for teams to test themselves and not be punished and it may be why we see so many chalk looking brackets in the Top 28. It’s March Madness time or as we’ve begun calling it down here, Marsh Madness. Feedback is always welcome whether it’s through Twitter, email, or in the comment section below (Insert fancy arrow that points down). Keep in mind that the underlined teams are our predictions who who wins these semifinal match-ups.
Class 4A
1 St. Thomas More vs 4 Bossier (Thursday, March 10, 1:00 PM) – STM climbed the rankings all season and has climbed to the 33 win mark. Coach Danny Broussard passed 900 wins this season as well. Devante Benjamin (6’2 G/F, 2016) and the seniors will be looking for their 2nd title after winning it in 2013 as freshman. On the other side is the very physical Bossier squad that won at the buzzer of Ellender to make it to the Top 28.
2 Washington-Marion vs 3 Edna Karr (Thursday, March 10, 2:45 PM) – Both teams had rocky starts at the beginning of the season much like most of 4A but have really come on strong lately. Marion used a 10-0 record in district to finish with 20 wins and have the athleticism to really compete with anyone. Karr was a pre-season favorite in 4A and are in the Top 28 to try and finish that off. The senior group is tough and physical like Northwestern State baseball and basketball signee Tyree Thompson (6’4 G, 2016).
Class 5A
1 Natchitoches Central vs 13 East Ascension (Tuesday, March 8, 6:00 PM) – EA has had an incredible run with a roster full of underclassmen and look to knock off the number 1 seed after a 27 win season. While they may not have much experience this deep into the playoffs, they’ve proven with two straight close games that they aren’t worried about the pressure. To advance, they’ll need to get through a team who has been to back to back finals with one title in NCHS and star Brandon Rachal (6’5 G, 2017).
2 Scotlandville vs 11 Ouachita Parish (Tuesday, March 8, 7:45 PM) – Scotlandville has run through the gauntlet this season to a 30-2 record and look to advance in a very tough 5A bracket. There is talent across the roster including unsigned Jordan Adebutu (6’2 SG, 2016) who is averaging 17.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. Ouachita knocked off a very tough Bonnabel squad at home last round and wants revenge after losing to SLV in overtime of the 2013 state championship.
Brandon Rachal and NCHS looking to avenge last season’s loss.