LHSAA Class 2A Tournament Preview
2016 Allstate Sugar Bowl/LHSAA Boys' Top 28 Basketball Tournament Class 2A// Above you’ll see the link to get to the bracket for the respective class in this article. We’ll take a look at Class 2A as we continue to preview…
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Continue Reading2016 Allstate Sugar Bowl/LHSAA Boys' Top 28 Basketball Tournament Class 2A//
Above you’ll see the link to get to the bracket for the respective class in this article. We’ll take a look at Class 2A as we continue to preview the state playoffs. The reigning state champion is looking to make it 4 years straight and 7 of 8 since becoming Riverside Academy. Last season’s 1A title champions, Madison Prep, has continued it’s climb in classifications. After a Top 28 appearance in Class B in 2012, they won the 2013 title the moved up to 1A where they were runner-ups in 2014 and champions last season in 2015. All roads lead to Lake Charles where the final four for each of the seven classes make up the Top 28. With future changes on the horizon, this may be the last season we see things play out this way in the state of Louisiana.
Class 2A
There has been a battle up top for 2A all season with teams like Madison Prep and Riverside discussed above and the likes of North Caddo and Country Day who have had their moments throughout the season. There are plenty of teams with a lot of experience in making to the Top 28. With new classifications this year, Class 2A has 7 teams who were in the Top 28 last season now playing in 2A.
The two defending title winners are led by a host of talent both young and old. Madison Prep earned the top seed is led my mostly underclassmen but that senior classes is laden with experience. Junior 6’4 guard Josh Anderson is nationally ranked and one of the key players but multiple sophomore’s such as 6’6 forward Joshua Leblanc and 6’0 guard Jharon Whitfield will be crucial in their run. The 2 seed Riverside has two senior leaders who have as much winning experience as most people nationwide. The two senior shooting guards are 6’2 South Alabama commit Herb McGee and 6’4 VCU commit Malik Crowfield. We’ve chronicled their winning habits throughout the existence of this site. They also have star 6’1 sophomore guard Jared Butler and multiple other young players stepping up.
Riverside could meet co-district champs Country Day in the Top 28 if top seeds find a way to hold serve. They have had some impressive runs throughout the season and can count on a superb backcourt that includes 6’1 senior point guard Michael Corchiani and 5’10 junior point guard Romin Williams. That duo has been a handful for everyone this season. Another interesting match-up for Riverside could be in the 2nd round as a rematch from the finals last season. Lakeview had struggles this season but are as tough to handle inside as anyone in the state with two senior forwards in 6’7 Arkansas commit Adrio Bailey and 6’6 uncommited Cameron Pottain.
The 4 seed North Caddo is led by 6’9 senior forward Robert Williams who is a Texas A&M commit and can do anything on the court you’d ask someone to do. They could be on a collision course with the other 2A team that lost in the Top 28 besides them. Episcopal is the 5 seed and is led by coaches son and one of the top shooters in the state Chris Beckman Jr. who is a 6’1 senior guard. They also have a 6’4 junior forward Kevin Tripeaux who will need to play well for them.
The 6 seed Rayville team is loaded with young talent and has experience after making the 3A Top 28 last season. One fun match-up that could occur would be a 2nd round district match-up between Dunham and Christian Life. Dunham won both games this year and are led by star freshman 6’4 wing Jordan Wright. Many and Rapides could play in the 2nd round as well after playing a playoff game for district title on Saturday. Another player to watch is Hannah senior 6’2 shooting guard Noah Griffin who decided to be a preferred walk-on after being a LM D1 commit.