Five Days, 5 Takeaways – HSB in North Louisiana
The high school hoops season is moving fast and furious during the month of December. This past week there were five days that saw some unusual, but intense, action in North Louisiana gyms. From those days, there were five takeaways from the week that was.
1.) It wasn’t Syracuse versus UConn…….
The game between West Monroe and Airline in Airline’s gym might not have been as iconic as that classic game from 2009, but it was a classic none the less. Lead changes and big plays mixed with plenty of grit and determination went into this 6 overtime game. Before fouling out, Langston Powell (#33 ranked senior 2018) and Trenton Ivy (6’4″ senior) both made outstanding plays for their perspective teams before fouling out. Even though the game went to numerous overtimes, West Monroe should have left the game very encouraged. Even though all of their starters fouled out by overtime number four, their bench played solid defense. They even started the final OT session with a 7-0 run which ultimately closed things out. Both teams should be proud of their effort from this game.
2.) Calvary Baptist is a solid team
Coach Victor Morris has a basketball team that has veteran leadership (3 senior starters), guards that pressure 3/4 or full court, and a 6’7″ rim protector. In their Friday night tilt against Captain Shreve, guards Rodney Hill and Fred “Tank” Davis, pressured the opposing guards consistently into turnovers. If they missed an assignment, 6’7″ senior Micah Fitzwater and post player Clifton Mosley changed shots or took charges. On offense, the guards ability to penetrate allowed senior shooter Matt McDow to stand beyond the 3 point arch and fire uncontested 3’s. With 11 wins already, this team might make a deep run in their Division playoffs if they continue to play this well.
3.) Woodlawn (Shreveport) & Bossier had a classic ending
A regulation four quarter game would not usually be able to top a 6 OT game as the best game of the week but this game almost did just that. A back and forth contest all night ended in a frantic finish. Woodlawn’s seniors Terrell Daniels and Jalen Brooks hit back-to-back 3’s to put Woodlawn up by three. After trading free throws, junior guard Jacoby Decker hit a jumper to bring Bossier’s deficit to two. The last 40 seconds consisted of a Woodlawn turnover, a missed three pointer by Bossier junior Kalaas Roots, and a total of four missed layups by Bossier players Isaiah Wallace and (sophomore) Dante Bell. Jalen Brooks secured the final rebound for the 74-72 Woodlawn victory. Awesome action to end a great game.
4.) Southwood’s offense is sputtering
Winning their final game in the “Big E” classic was a plus for the struggling Cowboys. Jr. Rod Stinson helped the senior trio of Letreavin Black (#54 rated player in 2018), Maliq Smith, and Yancey Kelly in scoring to defeat Bastrop. They also pressured Bastrop into double digit turnovers. Even with the victory, the team has sputtered since parting ways with sophomore guard Cody Deen. With the wealth of varsity experience and the mettle of battle tested coach Eddie Hamilton, the Cowboys will look to right the ship after Christmas in the Bossier Invitational. Hopefully a good result there will jump start the second half of their season.
5.) Rayville may go undefeated
After dispatching Ouachita in the final of the “Big E” classic. Rayville’s record stands at 12-0. Led by seniors Kameron Hunter and Nashun Ellis (6’3″ & 6’5″ respectively), the Hornets will head into their next third tournament of the season hosted by West Monroe. Historically, this tournament has quality north Louisiana teams from all classifications. If the field is solid, Rayville might get a couple of stern test. They have already begun district play with a 50 point win against General Trass. If they make it through this tournament and their next one (at Ouachita) unscaved, watch out!! An undefeated Hornets team just might finish what the 2016-17 team failed to accomplish which would be a state championship.