Recaps, Previews, and Predictions : Parkway Tournament Day 1 & 2
The Parkway tournament, hosted by Barksdale Federal Credit Union, began on Wednesday with four games. Defending champion Rayville elected to play in another tournament so there will be new champion for this edition. Even with the the defending champions…
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Continue ReadingThe Parkway tournament, hosted by Barksdale Federal Credit Union, began on Wednesday with four games. Defending champion Rayville elected to play in another tournament so there will be new champion for this edition. Even with the the defending champions not attending, there should be enough action from these up and coming teams to make this tournament a good one.
Wednesday Recap
Lakeview defeats Benton 65-62 – In the first game of the day, Lakeview raced out to a double digit lead that they kept for most of the half. In the second half, Benton began to chip away and ultimately tied the game at 62. During the waning seconds, a substitution technical was called. Lakeview ended up making one free throw to go ahead and scored two more to seal the victory. Guards played a big role for both teams as Benton sophomore Dylan Slaid (5’9″) scored 12 and senior Zarious Lewis (5’9″, picture above) pumped in 19 for Lakeview.
Calvary Baptist upends Parkway 62-50 – Tournament host Parkway got a team high of 17 from senior (6’5″) forward Joseph Wiggins. Unfortunately it was not enough as Calvary put together a solid second half on their way to victory. Freshman (5’10”) guard Martin McDowell was on fire from deep as he hit six triples in the first three quarters. His 20 point night and Eric Reid’s (6’1″) 8 point fourth quarter sealed the Panthers fate on this evening.
Airline squeaks past Ringgold 64-60 – In the most entertaining game of the night, Airline fought off a stiff challenge from the Redskins of Ringgold to come away with a four point victory. Seniors Kameron Heggar (6’3″) and Ramone Collins (6’1″), who both finished with 17 points, helped Ringgold build a two point lead at the half. Airline senior point guard Tarae “TJ” Robinson (5’10, pictured above) sparked the team through the middle quarters on his way to a team high 17 points. In the final quarter, Airline finally pulled ahead using the 7 point 4th quarter from junior wing Devin Jason (6’2″).
Woodlawn whallops Evangel 76-35 – The Parkway tournament nightcap saw the Woodlawn (Shreveport) Knights dismantle the Evangel Eagles by 41 points. All state senior guard Tramichael “T-Mike” Moton (6’1″) led his team with 22 points. Senior forward Michael Jones (6’6″) added twelve points also. Although they played hard, the Eagles were no match for the Woodlawn on this night. Senior forward Dionte Dean (6’1″) led the Eagles with nine points.
Thursday Previews and Predictions
Benton vs Parkway – This consolation game is a rematch from last week where the Panthers won by 17. Now that Benton has notched their first win and played well in a comeback effort on day one, maybe this outcome will be more tightly-contested. Joe Wiggins should be the difference. The 6’5″ forward can go for a double-double during any game. This will probably be one of them.
Prediction – Parkway
Ringgold vs Evangel – The Eagles play hard when they are on the floor. In football, they usually have more athletes than the other team. On the basketball floor, it is the total opposite. Heggar and Collins were almost to much for Airline in the first round. When you add junior guard Ja’Tirre Trent (6’0″) to the mix (13 pts. in his last game), Evangel should not have a chance.
Prediction – Ringgold
Airline vs Woodlawn (Shreveport) – The defending 1-5A champion Vikings will look to upend the 8-2 Knights during the first winner’s bracket game. The guard match-up should be one to watch. Seniors TJ Robinson (5’10”) and Fred Lemons (5’10”) will try to hold their own with T-Mike Moton and senior sniper Ahmad Green (6’1″). If senior De’Quan Randle (6’3″) can have a good game where he is effective on both ends of the floor, Airline will have a real shot at winning. In the end, I think the Knights have too much firepower for Airline to overcome.
Prediction – Woodlawn (Shreveport)
Lakeview vs Calvary Baptist – Roughly five days ago, these two teams met in Blanchard, Louisiana at Northwood High (Shreveport). Lakeview came out victorious but only scored 52 points. For a team that likes to shoot threes, get up and down the floor, and guard full court, that is a very low total. Calvary does a good job running their sets and will look to play this game at their tempo. If they can, this game will be tighter than the last one. Another Martin McDowell (2022, 5’10”) shooting performance (6 threes) and the win might go to the Cavs. Lakeview’s duo of Zarious Lewis (5’9″, 2019) and Timothy Washington (5’10”, 2020) can shoot like that as well. It will be a good one.
Prediction – Lakeview
The Parkway Tournament will play conclude on Saturday. There will be a 7th place game (2:30) to begin the day followed by the consolation final, third place, and championship games. All games are being played at Parkway high school.