Basketball in Shreveport-Bossier seems to be getting better by the week. On the girls’ side, 1-5A has started the second half of district and teams seem to have raised their play from the first time around. The other districts have had high quality play as well. On the boys’ side, the rankings have seen teams make moves because of their performances on the court. In volume nine of the SBJ prep hoops report, we will review what happened last weekend and Tuesday while looking forward to the weekend coming.
First Place Established
Last Friday saw first place in district 1-5A be decided for the boys and the girls with games in both cities. Over in South Bossier, Parkway used a massive second-quarter run to gain separation as the Lady Panthers defeated the Natchitoches Central Lady Chiefs by 26. In similar fashion, Southwood held Captain Shreve to two points in the second quarter to build a massive lead.
They had to hold on in the second half for dear life, but the Cowboys garnered a one-point win (48-47) over the Gators to give them the district lead.
The Extravaganza Classic
Five local teams participated in the 2nd annual Extravaganza Classic at Calvary Baptist, where Southwood had the toughest turnaround. After battling Captain Shreve for the district lead, the Cowboys had to play 2-5A stalwart Ouachita at noon. Sparked by another Jeremiah Evans double-double, they defeated the Lions 41-36 to tip-off the day. The Evangel Eagles were on deck next and they used double-digit efforts by four of their five starters to defeat Sterlington from district 2-3A by 16 (69-53).
Bossier took the court next against an always tough Rayville team from district 2-2A. The Bearkats followed their leader Tahj Roots and pulled off the 60-56 victory against one of the toughest teams in Louisiana. Calvary Baptist had the most entertaining game of the day with the Southside Sharks from Youngsville. Rondae Hill found Ronald “Bubba” Strong for a three-pointer to put Calvary up 47-45 with 7.5 remaining. The Cavs defended well and came out with the win against the Sharks out of district 3-5A.
Huntington and defending 5A state champion Zachary closed out the night. Huntington ended up taking the L as the Broncos fought and scratched without their top player, Brandon Hardy, to defeat the Raiders 60-55.
Movement in the Power Rankings
After the Cowboys’ big weekend, they become the third area Select team in the top 10 as they move into the 9th position. Wins over Captain Shreve and Ouachita on consecutive nights will do that for a team. Captain Shreve and Huntington still hold positions in the top ten in Select Division I. Calvary is the 3rd-rated team in Select Division III and Evangel holds steady at 9th in Select Division II. On the Non-Select side of things, Bossier is the 4th-rated team in Non-Select Division II.
In the girls’ rankings, Parkway is the highest rated Select or Non-Select team as the Lady Panthers are No. 2 in Division I, Non-Select. They are the only area team in the top 10.
Special performance
There are rare nights that you see a high schooler have it on automatic all night. However, that is what we saw from Benton’s Greg Manning in the Tigers’ district win against Airline. Manning had it going from inside and outside as he scored a game-high 41 in the Tigers’ 61-56 win over the Vikings.
Weekend Play
This weekend begins the back end of the 1-5A district schedule for the boys’ teams. Calvary Baptist has a big 1-2A district battle with Green Oaks on Friday before heading to Baton Rouge on Saturday to play the Zachary Broncos in the Charger Classic at Madison Prep. District 1-4A will continue district play with some teams playing district games. The girls’ teams in the area will march closer to the close of district play in the area with games on Friday.
Contact Preston at preston9360@gmail.com or Twitter handle @peedee1906