Tuesday Night Spotlight: Playoff Edition
Boys basketball in Louisiana has successfully completed the first round of playoffs. Most of the teams who were expected to win did so in the initial round. Here, on Tuesday night spotlight, we will highlight the contest that should be pivotal for schools in north Louisiana. Now that we are in the season of win or go home, we will see if some of the northern schools have what it takes to progress to the quarterfinal round.
J. S. Clark Leadership Academy vs Zwolle (class B – Rd of 16) – For a team that has not played a game in this year’s playoff, Zwolle should come in pretty confident. They were arguably the best team in class B and have won 12 of their last 13 games. Their opponent, however, is just as hot as they are coming into this game. J.S. Clark has won 9 of their last ten and beat their first round opponent by thirty at home. Zwolle’s home court advantage should be enough to give them the victory. Bottom line, this game may look like a mismatch on paper; however, the team from Opelousas will make the game more interesting that previously thought.
Opelousas vs Woodlawn-Shreveport (class 4A – Rd of 16) – Woodlawn-Shreveport was tested for a little bit on Friday by South Lafourche. They ended up in a slow down, grind it out first half that did not allow them to get into the open floor. The second half was a different story as the Knights broke things open and punished their opponent by twenty. Jalen Brooks and the rest of his teammates will look to continue their run (winning 13 or their last 15) as Opelousas visits their gym. Look for the Knights to put a stamp on this game early. There will probably be a lot of Brooks and Tramichael Moton in this contest.
Ouachita vs West Monroe (class 5A – Rd of 16) – They say it is hard to beat a team three times in a season. Well, Ouachita will be trying to beat West Monroe for a fourth!! West Monroe gets to host the rematch of last year’s quarterfinal classic. For the Rebels to come out of this contest victorious, they will need a more Herculean effort from Langston Powell than they got on the road Friday. (Willie) LaPoole and the rest of the Lions remember last year’s game and will be looking to avenge that loss. Ouachita has won their last nine games including a home win over top seed Natchitoches Central. They will definitely try to carry that moment over the Ouachita River and break the Rebels hearts.
East Ascension vs Southwood (class 5A – Rd of 16) – No team has had more challenges than the Southwood Cowboys this season. They lost all district performers Cody Dean (transfer) and 2019 top big Kameron Davis (coach’s decision) during the season. However, here they are in the second round of the 5A playoffs. They went to Central Lafourche and played a hard-nosed, defensive game and came out with the victory. Their reward is a home game against the East Ascension Spartans. Both teams come in having had many common opponents and about the same results against each. Guard play will be essential if the Spartans plan on getting this road victory. Jimel London will have to carry his team with some help from 2020 wing Hobert Grayson. Southwood will ride the backs of their senior duo of (Yancey) Kelly and (Letreavin) Black hoping that another upset will make them quarterfinal bound.
Other key playoff match-ups:
Ville Platte vs Rayville; Bossier vs McDonogh #35; Madison vs Peabody; Quitman vs Simsboro; Baker vs Wossman