by Barry Whittington | January 2, 2021 | The Tour Recruiting
This week’s slate was again packed with championship caliber teams. The site for the action was at the new gymnasium at Walker High School, one of the best on campus high school venues in the state. Once again here is a quick summary of the game action.
Booker T. Washington 55 – Southern Lab 42
The first game of the session featured two teams who have the pieces to compete for a state championship in the respective classifications. BTW jumped out to a quick 19 – 7 first quarter advantage spurred on by making three 3-pointers. BTW pushed the pace in the first quarter and forced SU Lab to sprint back on defense. In the second quarter SU Lab, by turning up their defensive intensity, was able to hold BTW to only 4 points. SU Lab came out ready at beginning of the second half with a quick 10-4 run. Scoring most of those points in the paint. However, BTW countered with a zone defense. SU Lab struggled to score from the outside and their misses started the break for BTW. BTW ended up making four more 3 pointers in this quarter. SU Lab tried to make a run in the closing minutes of the game, but they were unsuccessful.
Jehovah-Jireh 62 – New Iberia 57
Game 2 of the session featured two of the most well coached teams that you’ll see in the state of Louisiana. Coach Ricks and Coach Russ both always have their guys ready to play. New Iberia started the game with attacking the paint. They also were dominant on the boards which led them to getting some easy buckets in transition. Jehovah-Jireh couldn’t get much going offensively. As a result, they weren’t able to set up their patented 2-2-1 press. In the second quarter the pace of the game picked up. Jehovah-Jireh became more aggressive defensively and it sparked their offense. New Iberia did a solid job of holding of the charge before the half, but Jehovah Jireh had some momentum. In the second half, Jehovah-Jireh just kept the pressure on both defensively and offensively. At times New Iberia was pensive or indecisive with the ball which led to turnovers or missed shots. In a marathon of a game, Jehovah-Jireh was able to outlast New Iberia.
Hahnville 2 Opelousas 0
What was supposed to be a matchup between teams with some of the best talent in the state turned in to a forfeit. Hahnville showed up ready to play and showcase their desire be recognized as a contender. Opelousas chose not to.
Scotlandville 47 – North Central 41
Early on Scotlandville struggled to score or get anything going offensively. North Central was really locked in defensively. They fought through screens and played very sound on ball defense. North Central forced a couple of quick turnovers and turned them in to baskets. The teams seemed to be feeling each other out as evidenced by an 11-2 first quarter score. In the second quarter, Scotlandville was able to get a little more offense going while North Central struggled. North Central switched to 1-3-1 zone but it didn’t bother Scotlandville much as they were able to get a few buckets in the paint. North Central was able to keep the lead. Heading into the fourth quarter, North Central carried a 31- 26 advantage. However, defensive breakdowns by North Central allowed Scotlandville to battle back. Scotlandville was able to use timely shooting and some big rebounds to cut into the lead. Toughness won this game for Scotlandville. They fought through fatigue and adversity to find a way to win. Even in this loss, North Central showed why they are favorites to repeat as champs.
Rayville 78 – Madison Prep 69
Rayville’s style of play puts so much pressure on the opposing team. They are running, no, flying, on every make or miss. Additionally, they pass the ball crisply and rarely make the wrong read. In the first quarter Rayville’s speed gave Prep trouble. Rayville ended up scoring 26 points in that quarter. Prep was able to settle in a bit and score some buckets in the second quarter out scoring Rayville 19 -16. Prep battles back in the third quarter by switching to zone defense to slow Rayville down a bit. Prep attacked the basket and hit some buckets in the paint. Much of the second half was a back and forth affair. Prep showed the heart of a champion by whittling down the lead but Rayville would not falter. Rayville just kept the pedal to the metal.
