Bossier Invitational: Day 1 Recaps and Takeaways
The 78th edition of the Bossier Invitational kicked off on yesterday afternoon. With the first round games and potential match-ups after day one, this is the last chance for teams to get key out-of-district wins. Action throughout the day was hotly contested. Right here on Prep Hoops LA, we will recap the day and not takeaways from the first day.
Richwood vs BTW (Final 75-63 Richwood)
Led by the 30-point performance of guard Joseph Smith, the Rams were able to beat BTW in the opening game of the Bossier Invitational. Booker T’s dyanmic senior duo of Leon Chambers and Letreveon Jones combined for 41 points to keep the Lions in striking distance. However, they could not overcome Richwood’s interior defense from Zachariah Malone (6’5″) who had four blocks.
- Game takeaways – Too many unforced turnovers on the offensive end killed the Lions during the game. Richwood also implemented a full deny defense on Letreveon Jones which disrupted the Lions offense. On defense, the Lions late or missed rotations to Smith allowed him to take (and make) wide open three point field goals. Competing in district 1-4A with the shooters that Woodlawn and Bossier has, BTW has to improve these two things if they have a chance of competing for the top two spots in the district.
Green Oaks vs Ruston (Final 67-53 Green Oaks)
Despite Jamone Brown’s 29 points, Green Oaks guard play trumped Ruston’s guard play. Green Oaks three guards kept constant offensive and defensive pressure on the Bearcats in the second half. In the final quarter, Green Oaks used a quick 7-0 run to push a four point lead to eleven and never looked back.
- Game takeaways – Ruston lost their 6’8″ post player Ray Parker due to an inadvertent poke in the eye and their defense and rebounding suffered. Ruston replaced him with a freshman and Green Oaks started beating them on the glass. The Bearcats did not have an answer. Ruston tried an all guard lineup that worked for penetration but could not rebound with the Giants (pun intended).
Huntington vs Union Parish (Final 48-32 Huntington)
For Union Parish, it was Jalen and Jordan Jones and not much else as they fell to the Raiders. 6’4″ senior Tahji Davis had 20 points on layups, put backs, and dunks to lead all scorers. Huntington also used a wide zone which discouraged Union’s perimeter shooters. Even when they got a shot, it was rushed. Union had no answer because of their lack of size in this match-up.
- Game takeaways – Union’s perimeter players did not hit a shot outside of the lane until the second half. With their lack of shooting and rebounding, they were playing from behind the whole evening. 6’7″ sophomore Kenny Hunter also had a good game around the basket with three blocks and several put backs.
Other notable games:
Bossier defeated Mansfield High 68-39/ Benton beat Red River 75-65