Evangel, BTW battle to stay one game behind Huntington

By LEE HILLER, Journal Sports

Evangel’s boys basketball team will make its way to face Booker T. Washington in a game of District 1-4A second-place teams trying to stay a game behind league leader Huntington.

Both teams sport 5-2 district marks with the host Lions 17-7 overall and winner of their last two. Evangel (16-6)

Returned to the win column Friday with a 79-38 defeat of last-place North DeSoto after losing for the second time to Huntington.

Huntington (14-5, 6-1) will travel down to Stonewall to play North DeSoto (3-15, 0-7). The Raiders took their first loss in district Friday at Woodlawn (58-57).

Woodlawn (18-8, 4-2) is on the road to Minden (4-20, 1-5) after pulling off a much-needed win over Huntington to stay a game behind BTW and Evangel in the win column.

District 1-5A leader Captain Shreve (18-5, 7-1) will trek across the river to play at Benton (10-18 3-5). The Gators defeated the Tigers at home 73-29 and are only giving up 37.6 points per game on the season while scoring at a 53.2 clip. Benton averages 49 points per game and gives up 56.6.

Thanks to a big overtime win on Friday at Natchitoches Central, Airline (11-8, 5-3) kept itself near the top of the district standings. The Vikes will host Haughton (14-10, 2-6) looking to add to a two-game win streak.

Natchitoches Central (16-5, 6-2), the No. 8 ranked team in the Class 5A power rankings, will host Byrd (11-10, 3-5).

Southwood (13-13, 6-2) plays at Parkway (5-15, 0-8) looking to recovering from tying a season low scoring just 22 points Friday at Captain Shreve. Mar’quaruis Johnson has been a consistent scorer for the Pokes averaging 18.6 points per game. Johnson has scored 20 or more points 12 times this season with a season-high 35 points coming against Benton.

Bossier (19-6, 4-) hosts Loyola (10-14, 2-3) in a District 1-3A matchup. The Bearkats enter the game averaging 62.1 points per game and give up 47.0 a game. They are the No. 2 ranked team in Class 3A power rankings.

Something will have to give as Green Oaks (9-13 2-2) plays at Mansfield (9-6, 2-0) as both teams have won its last two games. This will be the Giants fourth game in-a -row on the road.

District 1-2A leader North Caddo (9-13, 2-0) will entertain Lakeside (0-17, 0-1).

Haynesville (1-13, 1-3) will play at Plain Dealing (1-16, 0-3) with both teams looking for its second win on the season. Each schools wins have come against each other.

Photo by John James Marshall