Louisiana Top 28: Division II Preview
1.Dunham vs. 5. Episcopal
Coming into these games, there are very similar storylines for both teams. Between both of these games, the two teams involved are district rivals, with teams in each going 2-0 in district. When it comes to Dunham vs. Episcopal, there is a clear talent advantage that Dunham has. Dunham is lead by the top Sophomore in the state, Jordan Wright, a 6’5 guard that can do anything in the basketball court that you could ask. I don’t think that anyone on Episcopal can match up with Wright, and I think Dunham ends the year 3-0 against Episcopal.
PHLA Pick: Dunham
Players to watch
Dunham:
Jordan Wright 2019 G
Tyveon Spurlock 2019 G
Episcopal:
Cameron Dumas 2018 G
Zach Halloway 2018 F
2. Country Day vs. 3. Riverside
There is a similar storyline heading into this game, however there are very different circumstances for this matchup. Country Day got two 20+ wins over Riverside during district play, but that was all while Riverside was fighting off the injury bug, so I expect a much more competitive matchup. Also as an aside, Riverside has played in every state championship game since 2009. Before he went to Riverside, Coach Timmy Byrd was at Reserve Christian, who went to the state championship game every year from 2003-2009. That means the last time that coach Timmy Byrd wasn’t in the state championship was 15 years ago, in 2002. Will this be the first time in 15 years he doesn’t reach the title game? I don’t think so. The hardest thing to do in basketball is beat a team three times in one year.
PHLA Pick: Riverside
Players to watch
Country Day:
Romin Williams 2017 G
Kaleb Jenkins 2019 G
Brantley Mock 2017 C
Riverside:
Jared Butler 2018 G
Garland Robertson 2018 G
Kash Foley 2019 G