Louisiana Playoffs: Class 5A Second Round Preview
And just like that, the first round has come and went! That means that we are heading down the final stretch of the season here in Louisiana, and within the next two weeks, we will be crowning 12 brand new state…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingAnd just like that, the first round has come and went! That means that we are heading down the final stretch of the season here in Louisiana, and within the next two weeks, we will be crowning 12 brand new state champions. If you read the first round previews, you will have seen that we have hit more than 80% of our predictions. Now I’m not a betting man, but I like those odds. We are going to be continuing those previews and predictions here, moving on to Class 5A, Louisiana’s biggest class.
- East Ascension vs. 16. Slidell
Slidell pulled off a solid first round win, but I don’t think that they are going to have neither the speed or the talent to pull off what would be one of the biggest upsets in state history.
PHLA Pick: East Ascension
- Ruston vs. 9. Bonnabel
One of the few upsets that I predicted that didn’t come to fruition was Ruston losing in the first round. However, Ruston struggled in both games they played this season against Ouachita Parish, who has similar size that Bonnabel brings to the table, so I am taking Bonnabel on the road.
PHLA Pick: Bonnabel
- H.L. Bourgeois vs. 21. Helen Cox
One of the themes that has seemed to play out so far this playoffs in 5A is that regardless of seed, if you have the best player on the court, you are going to win. Helen Cox had Isaiah Lewis against Acadiana and they got the win. However I think H.L. Bourgeois is going to have better athletes to be able to contain Lewis.
PHLA Pick: H.L. Bourgeois
- Chalmette vs. 20. Terrebonne
Terrebonne was gifted a win in the first round after every varsity player for Central LaFourche was deemed innelligible. This win won’t come as easy as they are taking on a projected lottery pick in two years. I’m going with Chalmette
PHLA Pick: Chalmette
- Natchitoches Central vs. 14. Walker
Natchitoches Central has made it to the state championship game each of the last four seasons. I don’t see that streak coming to an end in the 2nd round.
PHLA Pick: Natchitoches Central
- Lafayette vs. 22. Landry Walker
Once again, Landry Walker was able to get the big upset win over Comeaux, by the sheer fact that they had the best player in the game. And they perhaps had the two best players in the game in their dynamic backcourt of Lamont Berzat and Malik Legania. I think Lafayette has the slight edge in this game, but an upset wouldn’t be totally surprising.
PHLA Pick: Lafayette
- West Monroe vs. 26. East Jefferson
East Jefferson was able to pull off what in my opinion was the biggest upset in the state playoffs so far this season, in beating New Iberia on the road in overtime. I thought New Iberia was a legit state title contender, and I don’t feel the same way about West Monroe. I’m rooting for this Cinderella story to keep on going.
PHLA Pick: East Jefferson
- Ouachita Parish vs. 15. Zachary
Zachary was able to pull off a respectable first round win, but this Ouachita Parish team is a totally different best, especially going there on the road. Ouachita has been one of the toughest buildings to get a win in all year, and I don’t see that changing this round.
PHLA Pick: Ouachita Parish