LHSAA Playoffs: 1A First Round Predictions
The time is finally here! Playoff time, baby! (even if this is the weakest classes and divisions in state history, with the select/non-select split coming into effect this year.) This might be the last year that the LHSAA features all…
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Continue ReadingThe time is finally here! Playoff time, baby! (even if this is the weakest classes and divisions in state history, with the select/non-select split coming into effect this year.) This might be the last year that the LHSAA features all of the top teams in the state, with rumors of the biggest select and non-select schools leaving the LHSAA and creating their own athletic association. But we can put all of that out of our minds for the next three weeks as the best teams in each class and division duke it out until there is only one team remaining to be crowned the state champion. We here at Prep Hoops LA are going to be breaking down every single playoff game and making predictions for each. We are going to be starting off with Class 1A first
1. Sicily Island vs. 32. Oberlin
Sicily Island hasn’t lost to a team in 1A yet this year, going an astounding 17-0. I don’t expect that record to falter any time soon.
PHLA winner: Sicily Island
16. Oak Grove vs. 17. Block
Despite being the lower seeded team going on the road, Block has won 9 of their last 10, on the way to a district championship. On the other end, Oak Grove has lost their last 4 straight. As with most 16/17 matchups, this one is a toss-up, but I’m giving it to the hotter team
PHLA winner: Block
9. Varnado vs. 24. Beekman Charter
Varnado started off the season a little rockier than you would expect from a 9 seed, but most of their losses came against 3A and 4A teams, and Varnado was largely competitive in all of their losses. It seems to have paid dividends, as Varnado has won 9 straight and only lost twice in 2017. I don’t expect a third loss this week.
PHLA winner: Varnado
8. Centerville vs. 25. Ringgold
Since entering district play, Centerville has been averaging nearly 75 PPG. I don’t think Ringgold has the offensive talent to keep up
PHLA winner: Centerville
5. Delhi vs. 28. Northwood-Lena
This is a much different Northwood-Lena team this year, after losing 6’8 Michael Layssard, who is now playing for Rhode Island. Northwood has nearly as many wins and Delhi has losses.
PHLA winner: Delhi
12. Haynesville vs. 21. Merryville
In our first big upset pick, I am going to be taking Merryville to get a win on the road against Haynesville. I don’t think that Haynesville will have the size to compete with 6’4 Jarrett Allen on the low block.
PHLA winner: Merryville
13. Grand Lake vs. 20. Logansport
Similar to the last game, I don’t think that Logansport is going to have the size to matchup with a frontline of Grand Lake that consists of 6’5 Kolby Richard and 6’4 Jalen McCreedy
PHLA winner: Grand Lake
4. White Castle vs. 29. D’Arbonne Woods
White Castle has shown all year to be the better team, and I’m not sure any team is going to be able to matchup with Ja’Tyre Carter-White in 1A, let alone D’Arbonne Woods
PHLA winner: White Castle
3. Delhi Charter vs. 30. East Beauregard
Delhi Charter was one of the last teams in Louisiana that was left undefeated. They have lost a few games since, but nothing to indicate a huge upset in the first round
PHLA winner: Delhi Charter
14. East Iberville vs. 19. Delta Charter
East Iberville is a young team, with only a single senior on their roster. They also offer no one on their team over 6’ tall. In contrast, Delta Charter has four seniors that all play major minutes, and boast a frontline at 6’3 and 6’4. I think the size and experience lead to an upset
PHLA winner: Delta Charter
11. Plain Dealing vs. 22. Homer
Plain Dealing is a young team that is just boasting with talent, and I don’t think that Homer is simply going to have the talent to match up.
PHLA winner: Plain Dealing
6. Tensas vs. 27. South Cameron
Lamonte Bass has balled out all year for Tensas, averaging over 17 PPG for them. I don’t think that South Cameron will have anyone on their roster capable of slowing him down.
PHLA winner: Tensas
7. Arcadia vs. 26. Basille
Arcadia is still only won year removed from winning the 1A state championship, and although they might have lost some talent, this team knows how to win.
PHLA winner: Arcadia
10. North Central vs. 23. Kentwood
It’s really amazing how good North Central is for relying on such a young cast. The three leading scorers for them are a freshman, an 8th grader and a 7th grader respectively. If North Central can hold onto their young talent, they are going to be good for a while
PHLA winner: North Central
15. Lake Charles College Prep vs. 18. Elton
This is another toss-up matchup, both team can throw out talented guards and big guys. I am going to give Elton the slight advantage here, just because of experience, but there is a big chance that LCCP wins because freshman Caleb Robinson is simply the best player on the court.
PHLA winner: Elton
2. Lincoln Prep vs. 31. Montgomery
Lincoln Prep has been demolishing every 1A school that they have played this year, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
PHLA winner: Lincoln Prep