North Louisiana First Round Playoff Review (2A-Divison V)
The Louisiana playoffs are underway and there are many teams from across the state vying to be state champions. In the higher classifications, most of the south Louisiana teams dominated the early rounds. However, in the lower classifications, north Louisiana schools are making their presence known in the playoffs. For class 2A through Division 5, we will look at which teams made a mark during the first round of the playoffs.
Class 2A
Key wins: Rayville, North Caddo, Many, Delhi Charter, Red River, Lakeside, & Lakeview
Most impressive win – Rayville had another de facto district game against Beekman Charter but they treated like a first round playoff game. Rayville took no mercy as they won the game by 77 points. They are on a mission to win the 2A state title and they are taking no prisoners from the looks of it.
Surprise win – Lakeside’s win over Lake Arthur is a surprise due to seeding; however, it should not be a surprise in the basketball community. The Warriors are always well coached and they have battled the likes of North Caddo and Calvary within their district so they are a solid team. If they win their next game at home, there might be a surprise run in their future.
Danger team – Emaryeon McDonald and the Bulldogs from Red River had an impressive 30 point win in round one. If they get the same effort in during the next two rounds, in which they will be favored, they will have a crack at undefeated Rayville. There has already been some back and forth from fans of both schools on Facebook. That should add to the intensity of the game if they meet.
Class 1A
Key wins: Tensas, Homer, Ringgold, Arcadia, Logansport, Plain Dealing, Haynesville, Lincole Prep, Jonesboro-Hodge, & Delhi
Most impressive win – Delhi obviously watched the Rayville game 18 miles away and said we can top that. They beat their first round opponent by 83 points. The 2nd seeded Bears have their game on full throttle as they move to the next round.
Surprise win – Norman Picou has once again sprinkled some of his first round magic as he took a young Plain Dealing team to Centerville and came up with a victory. If he can win his next game, he will have his team in the quarterfinals. That would be a first for a Picou led team since his arrival in north Louisiana.
Danger team – Jonesboro-Hodge has shown that they are a team to be reckoned with in the 1A playoffs. They dismantled Montgomery by thirty and beat Lincoln Prep by eight in the second round. Now they are waiting on the winner of Delhi and South Cameron in the quarters. If Delhi is not careful, they might bow out to the red hot Tigers.
Class B, Class C, & Divison IV
Key wins: Quitman, Doyline, Florien, Hornbeck, Castor, & Negreet (class B) / Georgetown & Atlanta (class C) / Cedar Creek & St. Frederick’s (Div. IV)
Most impressive win – Florien has been flying under the radar in north Louisiana because of other small schools like Summerfield, Zwolle, Simsboro, and Tensas. However, they have been solid. They beat their first round opponent by 30-plus points. If they keep playing to the best of their abilities, they will be on a collision course to play Simsboro in the semis.
Surprise win – Quitman’s win as the 17th seed was impressive as they went into Midland’s gym and came out with an eight point victory. Unfortunately, their reward for the win is a round of 16 match up with Simsboro. The Wolverines fight hard on the court and should have confidence from their first round win. While they may put up a good fight early, it probably will not be enough against the top rated team from class B.
Danger team – In Division IV, if you have a former college coach who has won a national championship, that might be a big chip in a team’s back pocket. That is what St. Frederick’s has in Terry Waldrop. Pulling from years of experience in various situations, St. Fred’s might have the making for a deep playoff run with their lineup and his experience. We will see if both mesh into a championship formula.