Guess what, folks? We have finished yet another basketball season. The boys in Louisiana wrapped up the regular season on Saturday with showcase games in various parts of the state. Saturday’s action on the hardwood to close the season was followed on Monday by the release of the playoff pairings in all 10 divisions.
With the boys playoffs beginning Friday and the girls quarterfinals being played tonight, this is literally the best time of the year. Shreveport-Bossier has representation in both and we will review and preview each side of the playoff ledger right here in the Shreveport-Bossier Journal Prep Hoops report.
How the (girls) playoffs started
The playoffs got off to a fantastic start last Thursday within the Twin Cities as schools charted six wins highlighted by the road wins of BTW, Southwood, and Captain Shreve. So, when Monday came, Shreveport-Bossier still had eight schools playing with the three teams mentioned above, Northwood, and Calvary Baptist playing on the road.
This time, the road was unkind as all five schools lost their games by 20 or more points. Even though their seasons came to an abrupt end, each school has first-round success to build on. With the talent coming back at each one of these schools, look for all of them to play deeper into the playoffs next season.
And then there were three
Parkway and Haughton won their first two playoff games in Division I Non-Select to advance to the quarterfinals. Huntington, earning a bye as the state’s No. 1 seed in Division I Select, joined playoff competition Monday as they hosted Acadiana. The Lady Raiders’ 72-34 second-round win guarantees them a home quarterfinal game. As each team moves into quarterfinal play tonight, they all appear to have different goals for their contests while attempting to advance in their respective divisions.
Parkway – As defending Non-Select Division I state champions, the Lady Panthers are trying to defend their homecourt and defend their title. The Lady Panthers have an interesting mix of senior leadership and youthful exuberance which has worked well for them this season. They are playing an upset-minded St. Amant (seeded 13th) team with a trip to Hammond on the line. I think the Parkway experience will win out in this one.
Haughton – The Lady Bucs will go on the road to play undefeated Walker to advance to Hammond. This is a mountain to climb for the young Lady Bucs. If they can keep it close early, maybe they can shift the pressure onto the undefeated team playing at home. If not, No. 1-seeded Walker may win this one going away.
Huntington – The Lady Raiders have the deepest and most talented team in Division I Select. With a trip to Hammond on the line, look for them to come out ready to play. This version of the Lady Raiders should set the tempo early. While I don’t think St. Thomas More will threaten them in this one, surprises do happen.
Boys playoff pairings
Seven schools will begin their quest to play in Lake Charles on Friday while three top seeds won’t hit the floor until the second round begins on Tuesday. Here’s a preview:
Division I Select
(#17) Bonnabel at (#16) Huntington
The Raiders have a home game against one of the hottest teams in Louisiana right now. The Bruins were undefeated district champs and won 7 of their last 8. They also have two top players in the 2025 and 2026 classes in their lineup. A home win may require the Raiders’ best defensive effort of the season.
Division II Select
(#23) E.D. White at (#10) Evangel
The 1-4A co-champs will host yet another first-round game. E.D. White won its last four coming in so the Eagles need to perform well at home.
(#20) BTW at (#13) St. Louis Catholic
The Lions will play in one of the most raucous high school environments in Louisiana. It will take a big shooting night by the Lions to win on the road.
(#22) Woodlawn at (#11) Northside
Northside has won 7 of the last 8 to garner the 11th seed. This will be a tough one for the Knights to win in Lafayette.
Division II Non-Select
(#27) AJ Ellender at (#6) Bossier
Coach Justin Collins and crew will begin defense of their state title. They need a big game from their big two to get off to a good start.
Division I Non-Select
(#17) E. St. John at (#16) Airline
Coach Cedric Washington managed to get a home game against one of the tougher teams in the Boot. The Vikings will need to shoot it well and have a home court advantage like no other to advance.
(#22) Parkway at (#11) Walker
This Parkway team can shoot its way into the second round from beyond the arc. Walker won its district and the last four games. They aren’t the Walker of old and I think this will be a close one.
We will talk about playoff results and look at possible all-state selections in our next edition of the SBJ Prep Hoops report.
Contact Preston at preston9360@gmail.com or Twitter handle @peedee1906