Breaking News: Ronald McGhee Commits to North Texas

Ronald McGhee with the TX D1 Ambassadors

at the Manhattan Classic May 2009 at Kansas State

Former Univ. of New Orleans commitment Ronald McGhee has now officially committed to North Texas. The 6'4" sharpshooting guard from Istrouma High in Baton Rouge, LA is going from one Sun Belt school in UNO to now the Sun Belt Conference tournament champs Mean Green of North Texas where he will play for former LSU coach Johnny Jones. McGhee will also get to join forces with Louisiana natives Josh White, also of Baton Rouge(Christian Life) and Kedrick Hogans of New Orleans(Edna Karr). Mcghee, the 2010 7-4A district MVP and 1st team All-State Selection averaging 22.4 points, 5.0 assists and 4.0 rebounds. McGhee led Istrouma to it's first quarterfinal berth in his high school career before falling on the road to eventual state champion Peabody. McGhee is the son of Ronnie and Cheryl McGhee. Stay tuned for a full article to come soon on Scout.com

Unsigned Senior/Post-Graduate Workouts

Dear Coaches and Players:

We hope this correspondence finds things well for you and your team as the season nears completion and post-season is set to begin! Our seasons, as always seem to be the case, have been a roller coaster of both the highs and lows and we hope you have had more highs than lows!

We are writing to invite you and your graduating seniors to an annual event held every Spring since 1998. Jeff Moore, currently an assistant coach at Northwestern State University, began a Senior Exposure workout at Lake Arthur, LA high school that Spring and it has grown and provided tremendous opportunities for many young student-athletes. As Jeff has moved up to the NCAA Division I level, he can no longer be directly involved in providing this opportunity. As former colleagues of Coach Moore, we were with him at the beginning and have assisted in the organization of that day for a decade and we want to continue to provide your athletes with this opportunity. Coaches from all over the country have been individually invited to evaluate and recruit terrific players from the state of Louisiana. We hope your athletes have an opportunity to attend. Enclosed you will find an information sheet on that weekend, as we have 2 different sites in order to help travel and provide those of us from a distance to be more efficient with our time. This past decade we have had the opportunity to sign many students from the state of Louisiana, as well as meet a multitude of terrific coaches, parents, and people, and this is truly a highlight of our recruiting calendar.

The Programs: a few of the colleges / universities that have consistently attended and signed young men from these workouts:

Southern University-New Orleans (LA) Missouri Valley College (MO)
Brookhaven College (TX) McCook Community College (NE)
Tyler Junior College (TX) William Penn University (IA)
Lewis and Clark Community College (IL) Louisiana College (LA)
John Wood Community College (IL) Southern Arkansas University
Columbia College (MO) Culver-Stockton College (MO)

The Dates:
*click on school name for maps*
Thursday, March 25, 2010 Southwood High School in Shreveport, LA
TIME: 6:30pm – 8:30pm, Participant Fee: $5

Saturday, March 27, 2010 Southern University New Orleans inNew Orleans, LA
TIME: 12:00PM – 4:00PM

There will be a minimum of 8 college programs(JUCO – NAIA I/II – NCAA II) represented – from Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, Missouri, Texas, Louisiana etc.
"The Louisiana Connection": A portion of the former Louisiana High School Players that were signed

Name High School

Ronnie Ross Jeannerette High School
Jonathan Edmond St. Thomas More High School
Brandon Powell Dunham High School
Milton Guillory Rayne High School
Dean Taylor Lacassine High School
Leon Veal Vandebilt Catholic
James Smith Grambling High School
Michael Brooks Lake Charles Boston
Joshua Everage West Jefferson
Jermaine Grimm Patterson
Abraham Saxon Evangel Christian
Kenneth Smith Family Christian
Koby Acahne Welsh High School
Tyrese Burise Pineville High School
Cedric Clark Rapides High School
Craigory Christopher Morgan City High School
Harry Bonnet Houma High School
AJ Kormier Komeaux High School
Marquis Prudhomme Jennings High School
Bryan Tardy Franklin High School
Mike Shaw Ouachita High School
Henry Sidney Ouachita High School

Please consider the above information for you and your student-athletes and call or e-mail with any questions or concerns. Furthermore, if you have a student-athlete that you believe has the potential to play college basketball, feel free to give us a heads up before that day as we are all looking for great people, solid students, and impact basketball players from the State of Louisiana.

Thank you for your time and please advise your athletes at each of these workouts we have consistently attracted over 120 potential student-athletes to be evaluated individually by coaching staffs from varying levels. Again, do not hesitate to call any of us with any questions.

YOURS IN HOOPS,
KEVIN M. HURST, Brookhaven College, khurst@dcccd.edu, 972-860-4838
DALE VALDREY, Southern University- New Orleans, dmvaldery@yahoo.com
BRAD HOYT, John Wood College, bhoyt@jwcc.edu, 217-430-1158
BRANDON LENHART, McCook College, lenhartb@mpcc.edu, 308-345-8128
CHAD A. LANCE, Missouri Valley College, lancec@moval.edu, 660-831-4189

Kevin M. Hurst, Head Coach ♦ Office 972/860-4838 ♦ Fax 972/682-7171 ♦ 3939 Valley View Lane ♦ Farmers Branch, TX 75244

Country Day's Matt Derenbecker wins Gatorade Player of the Year

Courtesy of Player of the Year Gatorade Site

METAIRIE PARK COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL STANDOUT NAMED
GATORADE® LOUISIANA BOYS BASKETBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR

CHICAGO (March 18, 2010) — In its 25th year of honoring the nation’s best high school athletes, The Gatorade Company, in collaboration with ESPN RISE, today announced Matt Derenbecker of Metairie Park Country Day School as its 2009-10 Gatorade Louisiana Boys Basketball Player of the Year.

The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the court, distinguishes Derenbecker as Louisiana’s best high school boys basketball player. Now a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year award to be announced in March, Derenbecker joins an elite alumni association of past state boys basketball award winners, including Chris Paul (2002-03, West Forsyth HS, N.C.), Kevin Garnett (1992-93, Maudlin HS, S.C.), Chauncey Billups (1993-94 & 1994-95, George Washington HS, Colo.), Jason Kidd (1991-92, St. Joseph Notre Dame HS, Calif.), Paul Pierce (1994-95, Inglewood HS, Calif.) and Chris Bosh (2001-02, Lincoln HS, Texas).

The state’s returning Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year, Derenbecker led the Cajuns (38-6) to the Class 1A state championship game this past season, averaging 26.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.3 blocks and 1.9 steals per game. A returning Class 1A First Team All-State selection as named by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association, the 6-foot-7, 195-pound senior swingman clicked for 24 points, seven rebounds and four assists in the Class 1A state title game, but Country Day fell to Christian Life, 49-42. The Most Valuable Player of last year’s state championship game, he averaged 23.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 3.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per game as a junior, leading the Cajuns to the 2008-09 Class 1A state championship.

Derenbecker has maintained a 3.53 weighted GPA in the classroom. A member of Key Club International, he has volunteered on behalf of his church’s youth group as well as an elementary school playground restoration project in addition to completing week-long youth service retreat in North Carolina.

“It’s amazing the respect that other players have shown for him,” said Country Day Head Coach Mike McGuire. “After every game, people come up to him and say, ‘Man what a player you are.’ He’s a one-man show. It’s hard to put in words. He can play any position on the floor and he was called upon to be the best player on the court every night. Thing I love the most about him is that he refuses to lose. You don’t get that from everybody. He’s an absolute rarity.”

Derenbecker has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball on scholarship at Louisiana State University this fall. The Gatorade Player of the Year program annually recognizes one winner in the District of Columbia and each of the 50 states that sanction high school football, girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, baseball, softball, and boys and girls track & field, and awards one National Player of the Year in each sport. The selection process is administered by ESPN RISE and the Gatorade high school sports leadership team, which work with top sport-specific experts and a media advisory board of accomplished, veteran prep sports journalists to determine the state winners in each sport.

Derenbecker joins recent Gatorade Louisiana Boys Basketball Player of the Year Greg Monroe (2007-08 & 2006-07, Helen Cox) among the state’s list of former award winners. To celebrate the award’s 25th anniversary, Gatorade wants you to vote for the All-Time Greatest Players of the Year at gatorade.com/POY25. To keep up to date on the latest happenings, become a fan of Gatorade Player of the Year on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. For more on the Gatorade Player of the Year program, including nomination information, a complete list of past winners, and the announcement of the Gatorade National Player of the Year, visit playeroftheyear.gatorade.com.

First Tournament: Ice Breakers in Houston, TX.

We are preparing to go to Houston and compete with some of, if not all of, the best talent in the state of Texas this weekend. I will update you all as often as I can to let you all know how we do. I 'm expecting alot out of this group this summer because they are so talented at a young age. That's one of the reasons we decided to play up an age group this year. We will be playing 16u instead of 15u. So stay tune because it's going to be an exciting season!

The Louisiana Basketball Report Welcomes Coach Shawn Bridgewater and the Louisiana Dream Team 16Under Travel Team

I would just like to let you all know that Coach Shawn Bridgewater, a former University High Cubs player with former U-High stars such as the Boston Celtics Glen Davis, former Stanford running back Anthony Kimble, former Air Force Academy star Anwar Johnson and another NBA player Garrett Temple who is currently serving a 10-day contract with the San Antonio Spurs. Coach Bridge played his college ball at Ouachita Baptist in Arkansas and also served as an assistant coach there. So, we would like to really thank coach for joining the site and keeping us updated on his AAU team that includes his little brother Brian Bridgewater(right) who is the nation's top rated freshman by Hoop Scoop. Coach Bridgewater's team is the Louisiana Dream Team and features some of the top freshman and sophomore's in the state. So we would like to welcome you on board. So to all the fans, when you see a post by "Louisiana Dream Team", enjoy because it will feature some of the state's most elite prospects in the 2013 class.

9th Annual Houston Spring Ice Breaker this WEEKEND

MARCH 19 - 21st: RCS SPORTS' 9th ANNUAL SPRING ICE BREAKER BASKETBALL SHOWCASE!

This wknd: March 19 - 21st in Houston!





SITES: Reagan HS 413 E 13th St. Houston 77008, Washington HS 119 East 39th St Houston 77018, Lutheran North HS 1130 W 34th St, Houston 77018, and St Pius HS 811 W. Donovan St, Houston 77091

*****YES, NON D1 COLLEGE COACHES WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE*****

142 COMMITTED TEAMS!

17s Division (60): A-Level Elite, Alief Hurricanes, All 4 Sports Dream Red, All 4 Sports Grey, Alodia Eclipse Red, Austin Ice, Cat 5 Hurricanes, Coast 2 Coast, D Gib Hoops, D1 All Stars, East Houston Vipers, Franchize All Stars, Franchize Red, Franchize Wildcats, Full Court Athletes, Galveston Hornets, Goose Creek Phenoms, Gulf Coast Blue Chips-Jackson, H-Town Takers Black, HOPS, Hstn Blazers, Hstn Celtics, Hstn Clippers Blue, Hstn Clippers White, Hstn Defenders, Hstn Fever, Hstn Gold, Hstn Elite Red, Hstn Elite Grey, Hstn Elite White, Hstn Emeralds, Hstn Hoops-Lowe, Hstn Hoops- Rudy, Hstn Hoops- Taylor, Hstn Hoopstars-Pinkney, Hstn Hoyas, Hstn Hurricanes, Hstn Knights-Essuman, Hstn Outlaws, Hstn Swoosh Select, Hstn Superstars Elite, Jr Hardballers, Katy Hoopstars, Louisiana Dream Team, New Orleans Elite, Port Arthur Heat, Power Plus One, Project Hoops ROA, San Antonio Flight, San Antonio Over Time, Southside All Stars, South Texas Stallions, Str8 Ballin, SWAG Elite, Team Truth, Texas Ballers, Texas Cagers-Jackson, Texas Finest, Texas Heat, Texas Phenoms, Texas Superstars, TJ Ford Elite, Unknown Ambassadors

16s Division (22): All 4 Sports Red, Alodia Eclipse Black, Conquerors Through Christ, Cut the Nets, Franchize Black, Gulf Coast Blue Chips-Matt, Gym Warriors, H-Town Takers White, Hstn Elite White, Hstn Hoops 16s, Hstn Knicks, Jr Hardballers 16s, Katy Hoopstars - Eric, Louisiana Dream Team - Green, MidTown Hoopstars, New Waverly Select, Northside Rockets, Oppelousas Rockets, Streetlife Worldwide, Team Truth 16s, Texas Airmen, Texas Cagers-Dirk, Texas Superstars- Dones, Total Package-Ivory

15s DIVISION (23): Air Force 1 - Franchize, All 4 Sports 2013 blk, Alodia 3T, Baskteball University, Cat 5 Hurricanes 15s, Franchize Blk, Gulf Coast Blue Chips 14s, HOPS 15s, Hstn Clippers 14s, Hstn Hoops- Begg, Hstn Hoops 14s Red, Hstn Hoops 13s, Hstn Outlaws-Key, Katy Hoopstars 2013, New Orleans Elite 14s,, Port Arthur Heat 14s, Power Plus One 14s, South Texas Stallions 14s, Team Truth 15s, Texas Cagers 15s, Texas Superstars-Andrus, Texas Superstars-Butch, Westside All Stars 14s

UNSIGNED SR TEAMS (12): Brazoria Ballers Srs, East Houston Viperz Srs, Hstn Knights Srs, Jr Hardballers Srs, Team Genesis Srs, Team Truth Srs, Tx Heat Srs, Tx Hurricanes Srs, Tx Phenoms Srs, TJ Ford Srs, Twenty-Ten, WM 2010

UNSIGNED SR INDIVIDUALS (6): Team 1, Team 2, Team 3, Team 4, Team 5, Team 6

HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION (12): Beaumont Ozen, Kingwood Park, Lee, Liberty, Nimitz, St Pius, St Thomas Episcopal, St Pius, Terry, Washington, Willowridge, Yes Prep SE

CHICKS (8) : Austin Wildcats, Ball Players Work, Fast Breakers, Imperial Ice, Lady Hoyas, Nimitz, Platinum, Texas Superstars

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FRIDAY, MARCH 19th! (Saturday & Sunday schedules will be released on Tues & Wed)

REAGAN HS Ct 1 REAGAN HS Ct 2

4PM HS: Liberty HS: Austin 4PM HS: St Thomas Episcopal HS: Yes Prep NE

5:10 N: All 4 Sports Red N: Jr Hardballers 16s 5:10 HS: Kingwood Park HS: Terry

6:20 G: A Level Elite G: Hstn Celtics 6:20 HS: Lee HS: Liberty

7:30 G: Hstn Fever G: Hstn Outlaws 7:30 HS: Yes Prep NE HS: Wilowridge

8:40 H: Project Hoops H: Hstn Knights - Essuman 8:40 HS: Austin HS: St Thomas Episcopal

WASHINGTON HS Ct 1 WASHINGTON HS Ct 2

4PM HS: Willowridge HS: Washington 4PM S: Texas Cagers 15s S: Cat 5 Hurricanes 15s

5:10 J: Hstn Hoops Rudy J: Hstn Hoyas 5:10 J: Texas Cagers - Jackson J: Texas Ballers

6:20 T: Hstn Hoops 14s Red T: Gulf Coast Blue Chips 14s 6:20 M: Texas Cagers - Dirk M: Hstn Knicks

7:30 D: D Gib Hoops D: Clippers Blue 7:30 U: Hstn Hoops 13s U: Power Plus One 14s

8:40 D: Katy Hoopstars-Pinkney D: Team Truth 17s 8:40 N: Gulf Coast Blue Chips-Matt N: New Waverly Select

LUTHERAN NORTH Ct 1 LUTHERAN NORTH Ct 2

4PM S: HOPS 15s S: Tx Super Stars - Andrus 4PM U: Clippers 14s U: Hstn Hoops 13s

5:10 R: Hstn Outlaws - Key R: Tx Super Stars- Butch 5:10 J: Clippers White J: Coast to Coast

6:20 Q: Cut the Nets Q: Tx Super Stars - Dones 6:20 F: All 4 Sports Grey F: HOPS

7:30 P: H Town Takers White P: Streetlife Worldwide 7:30 Q: Alodia Eclipse Blk Q: Northside Rockets

8:40 E: H Town Takers Black E: Tx Super Stars 8:40 T: All 4 Sports Black T: Westside All Stars

ST PIUS X Ct 1 ST PIUS X Ct 2

4PM P: Conquerors thru Christ P: Team Truth 16s 4PM U: Power Plus One 14s U: Franchize White

5:10 S: Alodia 3T S: Team Truth 15s 5:10 R: Basketball University R: Franchize Air Force

6:20 K: Goose Creek Phenoms K: Unknown Ambassadors 6:20 K: Tx Phenoms K: Franchize Hstn Wildcats

7:30 E: Hstn Gold E: Cat 5 Hurricanes 7:30 N: Total package-Ivory N: Franchize Black

8:40 HS: Ozen HS: Terry 8:40 H: Alief Hurricanes H: Franchize Red

Top 28 Action Day 5: Class C, 1A, 2A, 4A and 5A State Championship Games

Championship Saturday!! What more can I ask for being a basketball junkie like I am? A day that is going to be filled with some of the state's top teams, nationally ranked players, undefeated teams and defending champions will all be on tap. One game that most people have their eyes set on will be today's Class 1A game featuring  LSU signee Matt Derenbecker(right) of Country Day and St. Joseph's signee Langston Galloway of Christian Life. This game has been played in the Cajun Dome every year for the past four. The first two meetings were won by Christian Life in the championship game, last year's meeting was a CLA loss in the semi's and this year's game is for the Title as well. This game not only features 4 Division 1 signees but it features very good friendship's as well. Derenbecker, Galloway and CLA's Patrick Robinson all played for the Mid-City Cyclones AAU team together that also featured Jesuit's Dominick Scelfo. Derenbecker, Galloway and Robinson have gotten very close over the past year and have often mentioned CLA's loss last year to the Cajuns. With an overwhelming amount of trash talk amongst the friends over the past year, all will be decided and setteled at 1:30 today in Lafayette. No more talking, no more "wait until saturday", all that is going to be left is to play ball and see what happens. This game is going to be fun to watch so you do not want to miss a single minute. The biggest X-factor of this year's game will be the play of 6'5" senior McCall Tomeny(below), whose 26 points led CLA over Plain dealing on thursday.

In the second session of the day, the 2A game will also feature a game amongst friends. Riverside Academy's Cedric Jenkins and Ricardo Gathers played AAU with Jonesboro-Hodge's TJ Williams with the Louisiana Select Nike team. Not sure if the players have sent a lot of texts to each other or not but one sure thing will happen and that is that no love will be lost when the teammates face each other today at 5:00. We will definitely be entertained as Williams, a 6'7" 230 lb senior will battle head to head with the 6'6" 225 lb sophomore Gathers. In the 5A game we will see Scotlandville against Brother Martin. SMHS will be led by Stephen F. Austin signee J-Jay Thomas and Levie Wright. BM will look to senior Patrick Swilling to lead the way. In the final game of the evening, it will be 40-0 Peabody taking on 38-1 Bossier. Peabody features 6'4" Oklahoma state signee Markel Brown(pictured above) and 6'6" sophomore Troy Jones. Bossier is led by junior Jalan West and sophomore JJ James.

Now it is time for our predictions where below you will see the daily talk and preview from Brady and Kevin with the Daily Advertiser. For further Top 28 Action coverage check in at the Daily Advertiser.

PREDICTIONS
Class C State Championship
Athens over Pleasant Hill

Class 1A State Championship
Christian Life over Country Day

Class 2A State Championship
Riverside over Jonesboro-Hodge

Class 4A State Championship
Peabody over Bossier

Class 5A State Championship
Scotlandville over Brother Martin

Class C Top 28 State Championship Capsules

Athens Trojans

Coach: Marcus Jackson.
Record: 39-4.
Seed: No. 2.

Playoff road: Beat Holy Rosary 91-25, Marion 76-47, Grace Christian 75-27, Spearsville 75-53

Top scorers: Devarius Critton, 6-2, Sr, 16.0 ppg; Willie Cato, 5-11, Sr, 15.0 ppg; Earvin Sneed, 5-11, So, 14.0 ppg; Quartez McDaniel, 6-2, Jr, 12.0 ppg.

Top 28 history: 11th appearance with three titles and five runner-up finishes.

Notes: In addition to an eventful recent history at the Top 28, Athens also brings a healthy resume to this year's Top 28. The Trojans have three wins over fellow semifinalist Saline, split two games with Class 1A semifinalist Arcadia, and also went 1-1 in two games against Class 4A Minden.

PLEASANT HILL EAGLES


Coach: Dale Skinner.
Record: 33-6.
Seed: No. 1.

Road to the Top 28: Beat McManus 89-38, Calvin 73-52, Grand Isle 65-47, Saline 65-51

Top scorers: Matthew Scott, 6-3, Sr, 17.0 ppg; Ledarius Holmes, 5-8, So, 13.0 ppg; Aaron Holmes, 5-8, Fr, 12.0 ppg; Latarius Turner, 6-2, Sr, 12.0 ppg; Damaris Holmes, 6-2, Jr, 11.0 ppg.

Top 28 history: Eighth appearance with two titles and three runner-up finishes.

Notes: Not only is Skinner the team's basketball coach, but he's also the principal of the school. Pleasant Hill was 3-2 against Zwolle and has wins over Many and Leesville this season.


Class 1A Top 28 State Championships

Country Day Cajuns

Coach: Mike McGuire.
Record: 41-5.
Seed: No. 2.

Playoff road: Beat Catholic-PC 91-47, Varnado 86-51, White Castle 69-53, Arcadia 64-56

Top scorers: Matt Derenbecker(right), 6-7, Sr, 25.5 ppg; Nick Hansel, 6-3, Jr, 12.5 ppg; Hunter Ham, 6-4, Sr, 10.5 ppg; Dylan Kavanagh, 5-11, Sr, 8.0 ppg.

Top 28 history: Ninth appearance with three titles and three runner-up finishes.

Notes: The Country Day-Arcadia semifinals pairing represents a rematch of last year's championship game won by the Cajuns, 61-47. Derenbecker was MVP of last year's championship game (31 points, nine rebounds). Country Day also defeated Arcadia, 80-58, in the 2008 semifinals.

Christian Life Academy

Coach: Carlo Maggio
Record: 35-5.
Seed: No. 1.

Playoff road: Beat Oberlin 92-41, Gueydan 91-36, East Iberville 73-49, Plain Dealing 48-45

Top scorers: Langston Galloway(right), 6-4, Sr, 26.0 ppg; Patrick Robinson, 6-6, Sr, 16.0 ppg; McCall Tomeny(left), 6-4, Sr, 14.0 ppg.

Top 28 history: Eighth appearance with four titles (including three straight from 2006-08) and two runner-up finishes.

Notes: This is CLA's fifth straight appearance. Galloway is a St. Joseph's of Philadelphia signee, while Robinson signed with Northwestern State. Maggio was at Plainview last season. Todd Foster left CLA to begin his career as a college coach at Baton Rouge C.C.

Class 2A Top 28 State Championships

Jonesboro-Hodge Tigers

Coach: Allen Tew.
Record: 26-9.
Seed: No. 15.

Playoff road: Beat Capitol 73-63, ST Aquinas 65-62 (OT), Donaldsonville 86-58, Red River 56-47

Top scorers: Thomas Williams(right), 6-7, Sr, 23.1 ppg; Kevin Cottonham, 5-8, Soph, 11.7 ppg; LaQuinten Calahan, 6-1, Sr, 7.5 ppg.

Top 28 history: Eighth appearance with three titles and 1 runner-up finish.

Notes: Lost in the state semifinals in 2002, 2005, 2007. Took third place in District 3-2A behind Many and Red River, who tied for first. Defeated Red River once in three games this season, giving the Bulldogs their only home loss. Williams has received scholarship offers from 10 teams, including UL Monroe, Grambling, Southeastern and UT-San Antonio.

Riverside Rebels

Coach: Timmy Byrd.

Record: 37-6.

Seed: No. 1.

Playoff road: Beat Sterlington 102-52, Port Barre 103-68, Springfield 72-52, Evangel 75-49

Top scorers: Ricardo Gathers(left), 6-7, Soph, 20.0 ppg; Cedric Jenkins(right), 6-2, Sr, 19.0 ppg; Louis Dabney, 6-3, Soph, 13.0 ppg; Ed Gallina, 6-5, Sr, 11.0 ppg; Franklin Francois, 5-7, Sr, 8.0 ppg.

Top 28 history: First appearance.

Notes: This is the school's first boys basketball playoff appearance since 2005. The Rebels do so as the No. 1-ranked team in Class 2A. Of course, the cast is different. Byrd and all of his starters were Reserve Christian Eagles last year. All moved over to Riverside when Reserve Christian closed its doors in May.


Class 4A Top 28 State Championships
 

Bossier Bearkats


Coach: Jeremiah Williams.
Record: 38-1.
Seed: No. 2.

Playoff road: Beat Franklinton 108-70, Neville 83-74, Ellender 76-62, Washington-Marion 80-60

Top players: Jalan West(right), 5-10, Jr, 15.5 ppg; Joseph James, 5-8, Jr, 13.3 ppg; Devonte Francis(left), 5-11, Soph, 13.6 ppg; Lyndale James, 6-5, Jr, 7.9 ppg.

Top 28 history: Sixth appearance with a pair of runner-up finishes.

Notes: This is Bossier's second straight season in the Top 28. The Bearkats are led by their speedy, pressure-packed backcourt with West leading the way 4.5 assists and 1.4 steals a game.
 
picture courtesy of Brad Kemp the Daily Advertiser
 
Peabody War Horses

Coach: Charles Smith
Record: 40-0
Seed: No. 1.

Playoff road: Beat Woodlawn 80-26, McDonogh-35 57-28, Istrouma 53-40, Glen Oaks 65-52

Top players: Markel Brown(right), 6-5, Sr, 32.5 ppg; Troy Jones, 6-7, Soph, 15.5 ppg; Joshua Ivory, 6-2, Soph, 10.5 ppg; Kalvin Balque, 6-5, Sr, 12.5 ppg.

Top 28 history: 19th trip with 5 championships and 4 runner-up finishes.

Notes: Peabody is making its first trip to the Top 28 since 2007. The last time Peabody was here stars such as Raphelle Turner and Marcus Simmons led the Warhorses to the 4A state championship.

Class 5A Top 28 State Championships

Scotlandville Hornets

Coach: Carlos Sample
Record: 33-5.
Seed: No. 2.

Playoff road: Beat Denham Springs 65-57, Natchitoches Central 75-63, Covington 89-83, Jesuit 60-58

Top scorers: J-Jay Thomas(right), 6-4, Sr, 24.2 ppg; Levi Wright, 6-1, Jr, 16.5 ppg; Deshawn Washington, 5-9, Soph, 11.3 ppg.

Top 28 history: First trip.

Notes: The Hornets won their first district title since 1975 this year. In the modern LHSAA format, the last time the team advanced to the quarterfinals was in 1977. Scotlandville did win a state title in 1959 in the old LIALO. Thomas averages 11 rebounds and is a Stephen F. Austin signee.

Brother Martin Crusaders

Coach: Scott Thompson

Record: 29-10.

Seed: No. 9.

Playoff road: Beat Lafayette High 56-49, Ponchatoula 66-63, St. Augustine 62-58, Hammond 68-66

Top scorers: Patrick Swilling(right), 6-4, Sr, 18.3 ppg; Schane Rillieux, 5-11, Jr, 14.1 ppg; Ryan Berger, 6-4, Sr, 8.7 ppg; Myron Chapman, 6-2, Soph, 7.5 ppg

Top 28 Action Day 3

If you like high flying dunks, athleticism, 3 point shooting, quick guards and all around great basketball then day 3 of the Top 28 is where you will see all that and then some. A day that features 5-time 4A state champion of the past decade in top seeded Peabody of 4A leads the list of teams playing today. Christian Life and Country Day represent the last four champions in 1A whil Glen Oaks of 4A was the 2005 champion. Also playing today will be a pair of runner-ups of from 2009 in 4A Bossier and 1A Arcadia. Other teams in action today include 2A Jonesboro-Hodge, Red River, 1A Plain Dealing and 4A Washington Marion. In what has to be the best day of games of the entire event, there will also be a list of some of the top players that include six of the states ten Division 1 signees including future Oklahoma State Cowboys who will also play each other tonight in Peabody's 6'4" guard Markel Brown and 6'5" Glen Oaks star Brian Williams. In the first game of the day, Christian Life vs. Plain Dealing will feature CLA's trio of signees led by Langston Galloway(St. Joseph's), Patrick Robinson(Northwestern State), and Kaleb Knight(Grambling State). The last of the signees will be Matt Derenbecker who will attend LSU and is at Country Day. Today is going to be very fun to watch. Minus being D1 signees, there are still players to watch as Bossier has a trio of guards that are among the state's best with jr. Jalan West, Devonta Francis and Joseph James. In the 2A and 1A ranks watch out for TJ Williams of J-Hodge, Plain Dealing's YonDarius Johnson, Arcadia's Anthony Roberson,  and Red River's duo of the Cordarious' of Johnson and Smith. Johnson is a 6'4" F while Smith, a junior is 5'11". Now it is time for our predictions where below you will see the daily talk and preview from Brady and Kevin with the Daily Advertiser. For further Top 28 Action coverage check in at the Daily Advertiser.

Class 1A

Game 1: Christian Life over Plain Dealing

Game 2: Country Day over Arcadia

Class 2A

Game 3: Red River over Jonesboro-Hodge

Class 4A

Game 4:  Glen Oaks over Peabody

Game 5: Bossier over Washington Marion

Class 1A:

Christian Life Academy

Coach: Carlo Maggio.
Record: 34-5.
Seed: No. 1.

Playoff road: Beat Oberlin 92-41, Gueydan 91-36, East Iberville 73-49.

Top scorers: Langston Galloway(right), 6-4, Sr, 26.0 ppg; Patrick Robinson(left), 6-6, Sr, 16.0 ppg; Tomeny McCall, 6-4, Sr, 14.0 ppg.

Top 28 history: Eighth appearance with four titles (including three straight from 2006-08) and two runner-up finishes.

Notes: This is CLA's fifth straight appearance. Galloway is a St. Joseph's of Philadelphia signee, while Robinson signed with Northwestern State. Maggio was at Plainview last season. Todd Foster left CLA to begin his career as a college coach at Baton Rouge C.C.

Plain Dealing Lions

Coach: David Bryant.
Record: 26-5.
Seed: No. 5.

Playoff road: Beat Jackson 82-64, Grambling 57-54, North Central 64-53.

Top scorers: YonDarius Johnson(right), 6-4, Sr, 20.8 ppg; LaCharlie Scott, 6-3, Sr, 10.5 ppg; Dordarrius Gill, 6-0, Sr, 6.6 ppg; LaJuan Johnson, 6-0, Sr, 6.3 ppg.

Top 28 history: Sixth appearance with two runner-up finishes.

Notes: Johnson has been honored as a McDonald's All-American candidate. The Lions haven't played as many Top 28 participants as some. Plain Dealing did split two games with Arcadia and lost a game to 4A powerhouse Bossier. The Lions lost to Arcadia, 57-55, and beat the Hornets, 71-61.

Country Day Cajuns

Coach: Mike McGuire.
Record: 40-5.
Seed: No. 2.

Playoff road: Beat Catholic-PC 91-47, Varnado 86-51, White Castle 69-53.

Top scorers: Matt Derenbecker(right), 6-7, Sr, 25.5 ppg; Nick Hansel, 6-3, Jr, 12.5 ppg; Hunter Ham, 6-4, Sr, 10.5 ppg; Dylan Kavanagh, 5-11, Sr, 8.0 ppg.

Top 28 history: Ninth appearance with three titles and three runner-up finishes.

Notes: The Country Day-Arcadia semifinals pairing represents a rematch of last year's championship game won by the Cajuns, 61-47. Derenbecker was MVP of last year's championship game (31 points, nine rebounds). Country Day also defeated Arcadia, 80-58, in the 2008 semifinals.

Arcadia Hornets

Coach: Shane Lee.
Record: 20-9.
Seed: No. 11.

Playoff road: Beat Delcambre 61-35, Elton 61-48, Central Catholic-MC 57-49.

Top scorers: Anthony Roberson, 6-3, Soph, 18.0 ppg; Tradarius Banks, 6-1, Soph, 14.1 ppg; Tremaine Brown, 5-11, Sr, 10.0 ppg; Trevor Dillar, 6-0, Sr, 8.0 ppg.

Top 28 history: Seventh appearance with 3 runner-up finishes.

Notes: Roberson averages 12 rebounds a game. The Hornets own wins over 2010 Top 28 participants Plain Dealing, Spearsville and Saline this season. Arcadia has also lost to such Top 28 teams as Carroll, Athens, Jonesboro-Hodge and Plain Dealing.

Class 2A

Red River Bulldogs

Coach: Keith Johnson.
Record: 38-5.
Seed: No. 3.
Playoff road: Beat Calvary Baptist 72-53, Newman 57-54, Mamou 55-31.

Top scorers: Cordarius Johnson(right), 6-4, Sr, 18.6 ppg; Cordarius Smith, 5-11, Soph, 12.3 ppg; Jakaris Lewis, 5-9, Jr, 9.4 ppg; Jacob Caldwell, 5-11, Sr, 8.0 ppg.

Top 28 history: Third appearance, with two runner-up finishes.

Notes: The Bulldogs certainly appear to be tested heading into the Top 28 this week. Red River has wins over Evangel, two over Jonesboro-Hodge, Many, Green Oaks, Athens and Saline. The Bulldogs also have the lessons learned from quality losses to Ouachita, Bossier, Jonesboro-Hodge and Many.

Jonesboro-Hodge Tigers

Coach: Allen Tew.
Record: 25-9.
Seed: No. 15.

Playoff road: Beat Capitol 73-63, ST Aquinas 65-62 (OT), Donaldsonville 86-58.

Top scorers: Thomas Williams, 6-7, Sr, 23.1 ppg; Kevin Cottonham, 5-8, Soph, 11.7 ppg; LaQuinten Calahan, 6-1, Sr, 7.5 ppg.

Top 28 history: Eighth appearance with three titles and 1 runner-up finish.

Notes: Lost in the state semifinals in 2002, 2005, 2007. Took third place in District 3-2A behind Many and Red River, who tied for first. Defeated Red River once in three games this season, giving the Bulldogs their only home loss. Williams has received scholarship offers from 10 teams, including UL Monroe, Grambling, Southeastern and UT-San Antonio.

Peabody War Horses

Coach: Charles Smith
Record: 39-0
Seed: No. 1.


Playoff road: Beat Woodlawn 80-26, McDonogh-35 57-28, Istrouma 53-40.

Top players: Markel Brown, 6-5, Sr, 32.5 ppg; Troy Jones, 6-7, Soph, 15.5 ppg; Joshua Ivory, 6-2, Soph, 10.5 ppg; Kalvin Balque, 6-5, Sr, 12.5 ppg.

Top 28 history: 19th trip with 5 championships and 4 runner-up finishes.

Notes: Peabody is making its first trip to the Top 28 since 2007. The last time Peabody was here stars such as Raphelle Turner and Marcus Simmons led the Warhorses to the 4A state championship.

Glen Oaks Panthers

Coach: Harvey Adger

Record: 32-5.
Seed: No. 4.

Playoff road: Beat Haughton 71-42, Minden 72-63, Wossman 45-44.

Top players: Brian Williams(right), 6-5, Sr, 18.0 ppg; Trevante Drye(left), 6-6, Jr, 18.0 ppg; Andre Scott, 6-0, Sr, 14.0 ppg; Brandon Johnson, 5-9, Sr, 10.2 ppg.

Top 28 history: 10th appearance with five state titles. Panthers last won a championship in 2005.

Notes: Lost to Bossier in the semifinals last year. Williams, a Oklahoma State signee, missed most of the District 7-4A schedule with a leg injury. Williams and Drye both average 10 rebounds a game.

Bossier Bearkats

Coach: Jeremiah Williams.
Record: 37-1.
Seed: No. 2.

Playoff road: Beat Franklinton 108-70, Neville 83-74, Ellender 76-62.

Top players: Jalan West(right), 5-10, Jr, 15.5 ppg; Joseph James, 5-8, Jr, 13.3 ppg; Devonte Francis(left), 5-11, Soph, 13.6 ppg; Lyndale James, 6-5, Jr, 7.9 ppg.

Top 28 history: Sixth appearance with a pair of runner-up finishes.

Notes: This is Bossier's second straight season in the Top 28. The Bearkats are led by their speedy, pressure-packed backcourt with West leading the way 4.5 assists and 1.4 steals a game.

Washington-Marion Indians

Coach: Albert Hartwell.
Record: 25-4.
Seed: No. 3.

Playoff road: Beat Woodlawn 48-40, Karr 61-49, Northside 61-53 (OT).

Top players: Desharick Guidry, 6-3, Jr, 11.0 ppg; Josh Gray, 6-0, Soph, 15.0 ppg; Keavin Fontenot, 5-8, Sr, 14.0 ppg.

Top 28 history: Sixth trip with one state title and three runner-up finishes.

Notes: The Indians were the 1987 Class 3A champs, plus the runner-up in Class 3A in 1998 and Class 4A in 2004 and 2007. Team was ruled ineligible for the playoffs last season for attempted cover-up of the use of an ineligible player.

Scotlandville defeats Jesuit 60-58

Starters:

Scotlandville                                        Jesuit

J-Jay Thomas  #5                                Dominick Scelfo #11

Zarif Basil  #55                                    Colby Keifer # 5

Thaddeus Fortune #22                         Alec Melendreras # 10

Levie Wright #23                                 Josh Dudley # 40

DeShawn Washington #12                   Colby Keifer # 5

Pictured below: The Starting five for Scotlandville from left to right: Thaddeus Fortune, J-Jay Thomas, DeShawn Washington, Zarif Basil, Levie Wright

1st Quarter:  Scotlandville 22 Jesuit 17

So far it has been all Scotlandville, as the Hornets led the Blue Jays early on as they have really shot the 3 very well. Thaddeus Fortune started it with a triple before deShawn Washinhton and Levie Wright answered with one as well to give SMHS the momemntum early.  As the quarter progressed, Alec Melendreras  picked up the slack as he scored 8 first quarter points with a pair of threes.


2nd Quarter: 32-29 Scotlandville

Early on in the second quarter SMHS has targeted big 6'8" sophomore Zarif Basil as the Hornets start on a 4-0 run to begin period behind two easy layups by Basil before Jesuit answers with a Keifer jumper at the 6: 22 mark to cut the lead to 26-19 Scotlandville. Following the Keifer jumper, Hadden answered with a beautiful backdoor and followed that with another layup and got fouled but missed the free throw. Jesuit would then get a steal and a Scelfo layup to take the lead at 27-26. SMHS stopped the Jays 8-0 run on a pair of Washington free throws to take a 30-27 lead with 2:37 left in the half. For the rest of the half it has been back and forth Scelfo got fould going to the rim and made both free throws. As the half ended, Scotlandville turned a Jesuit turnover into a bucket to get the halftime score.

3rd Quarter: 43-40 Jesuit

4th Quarter: 60-58 Scotlandville

Top 28 Action Day 2

I am getting a late start today but the Top 28 in Lafayette is getting underway as we speak as Spearsville is trailing Athens 17-10 after the first. In the second game we will have Pleasant Hill taking on Saline. The third contest of the day will feature a first time participant in the Riverside Rebels as they take on Evangel Christian who is a perennial football powerhouse in Louisina. Riverside will be lead by the 9th ranked sophomore nationally Ricardo Gathers and seniors Cedric Jenkins and Ed Gallina. The night cap will involve a pair of familiar 5A schools along with a pair of  newcomers. The first 5A game will feature the 2 seed Scotlandville Hornets led by Stephen F. Austin signee J-Jay Thomas and they will face the 6 seeded Jesuit Blue Jays who will be led by senior Dominick Scelfo who is heading to Cornell. The final game of the day will feature the Hammond Tornadoes with my guy Brent Grigas as their 1st year head coach and are led by a trio of guards with senior Dominick McCoy and juniors Mark Bridgewater and Mikel Henry. The Tors will take on a former powerhouse in Brother Martin who won back to back 5A titles in 2004 and 2005 before Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans six months later. Brother Martin will rely heavily on senior Pat Swilling Jr and 6'4" junior Jamon Gray. Now it is time for our predictions where below you will see the daily talk and preview from Brady and Kevin with the Daily Advertiser. For further Top 28 Action coverage check in at the Daily Advertiser.



Class C
Game 1- Athens over Spearsville
Game 2- Pleasant Hill over Saline

Class 2A
Game 3- Riverside over Evangel

Class 5A-
Game 4- Scotlandville over Jesuit
Game 5- Hammond over Brother Martin
 
 

Class C Top 28 Capsules

Athens Trojans

Coach: Marcus Jackson.
Record: 38-4.
Seed: No. 2.

Playoff road: Beat Holy Rosary 91-25, Marion 76-47, Grace Christian 75-27.

Top scorers: Devarius Critton, 6-2, Sr, 16.0 ppg; Willie Cato, 5-11, Sr, 15.0 ppg; Earvin Sneed, 5-11, So, 14.0 ppg; Quartez McDaniel, 6-2, Jr, 12.0 ppg.

Top 28 history: 11th appearance with three titles and five runner-up finishes.


Notes: In addition to an eventful recent history at the Top 28, Athens also brings a healthy resume to this year's Top 28. The Trojans have three wins over fellow semifinalist Saline, split two games with Class 1A semifinalist Arcadia, and also went 1-1 in two games against Class 4A Minden.

SPEARSVILLE PELICANS

Coach: Derion Gipson.
Record: 26-18.
Seed: No. 11.
Playoff road: Beat Assembly Christian 86-50, Atlanta 75-71, Plainview 70-67.

Top scorers: Xairius Larry, 5-4, Fr, 20.0 ppg; Juana Sims, 6-2, Jr, 13.0 ppg; Wesley Hay, 5-10, Sr, 10.0 ppg; Giancarlo Levingston, 5-11, So, 7.0 ppg.

Top 28 history: Second appearance with one runner-up finish.

Notes: Spearsville is one of the few double-digit seeds still alive. The Pelicans beat No. 6 Atlanta and No. 3 Plainview to reach the semifinals. During district play, Spearsville lost two single-digit games to Athens — 60-51 and 70-62.

Pleasant Hill vs. Saline • 3:30 p.m.

PLEASANT HILL EAGLES

Coach: Dale Skinner.
Record: 32-6.
Seed: No. 1.

Road to the Top 28: Beat McManus 89-38, Calvin 73-52, Grand Isle 65-47.

Top scorers: Matthew Scott, 6-3, Sr, 17.0 ppg; Ledarius Holmes, 5-8, So, 13.0 ppg; Aaron Holmes, 5-8, Fr, 12.0 ppg; Latarius Turner, 6-2, Sr, 12.0 ppg; Damaris Holmes, 6-2, Jr, 11.0 ppg.

Top 28 history: Eighth appearance with two titles and three runner-up finishes.

Notes: Not only is Skinner the team's basketball coach, but he's also the principal of the school. Pleasant Hill was 3-2 against Zwolle and has wins over Many and Leesville this season.

Saline Bobcats

Coach: Douglas Madden.
Record: 16-18.
Seed: No. 12.

Playoff road: Beat Elizabeth 84-69, Kilbourne 67-59, Pelican 71-65.

Top scorers: D'Larious Venzant, 6-3, So, 24.7 ppg; DeAndre Venzant, 5-11, Jr, 12.2 ppg; Raylond Venzant, 6-0, Sr, 9.8 ppg; Gus Watts, 5-6, Sr, 9.1 ppg.

Top 28 history: Eighth appearance with four titles and three runner-up finishes.

Notes: While Saline's record may be under .500, the Bobcats didn't exactly get to that record taking the easy way out. Among their 18 losses, four are to Athens, two to Atlanta, one to Arcadia, one to Red River and one to Jonesboro-Hodge. All but quarterfinalist Atlanta are in the Top 28.

Class 2A Capsule
Riverside Rebels

Coach: Timmy Byrd.

Record: 36-6.

Seed: No. 1.

Playoff road: Beat Sterlington 102-52, Port Barre 103-68, Springfield 72-52.

Top scorers: Ricardo Gathers(left), 6-7, Soph, 20.0 ppg; Cedric Jenkins(right), 6-2, Sr, 19.0 ppg; Louis Dabney, 6-3, Soph, 13.0 ppg; Ed Gallina, 6-5, Sr, 11.0 ppg; Franklin Francois, 5-7, Sr, 8.0 ppg.

Top 28 history: First appearance.

Notes: This is the school's first boys basketball playoff appearance since 2005. The Rebels do so as the No. 1-ranked team in Class 2A. Of course, the cast is different. Byrd and all of his starters were Reserve Christian Eagles last year. All moved over to Riverside when Reserve Christian closed its doors in May.

Evangel Christian Eagles

Coach: Reni Mason.
Record: 32-5.
Seed: No. 5.

Playoff road: Beat North Caddo 84-45, Dunham 55-41, Many 66-56.

Top scorers: Devin George, 6-4, Sr, 16.8 ppg; Cameron Monroe, 6-0, Jr, 14.2 ppg; Eric Thomas, 6-3, Sr, 13.2 ppg; Virgil Williams, 5-10, Sr, 11.2 ppg.

Top 28 history: First appearance.

Notes: Mason is a former college basketball player at UNO. Known as a football school, Evangel comes to the Top 28 red hot, having won 16 straight games and 21 of its last 22. The Eagles own a win over Class B Top 28 participant Zwolle this season. Thomas was an All-State wide receiver and Williams an All-State defensive back on the Class 2A All-State football team.

Class 5A Capsule

Jesuit Blue Jays

Coach: Chris Jennings.

Record: 25-10.

Seed: No. 6.

Playoff road: Beat East St. John 68-56, Catholic-BR 61-54, St. Thomas More 57-54.

Top scorers: Dominick Scelfo(right), 6-2, Sr; Brady Hadden, 6-4, Sr; Alec Melendreras, 5-6, Sr; Colby Kiefer, 5-11, Sr., Brady Hadden(left), 6-4, Sr

Top 28 history: Sixth appearance with four state titles.

Notes: While Scotlandville is a big test for Jesuit, the Blue Jays have been playing tough competition all season. They've won and lost games to the likes of St. Augustine and Brother Martin. Jesuit last won the state title in 2001.

Scotlandville Hornets

Coach: Carlos Sample
Record: 32-5.
Seed: No. 2.

Playoff road: Beat Denham Springs 65-57, Natchitoches Central 75-63, Covington 89-83.

Top scorers: J-Jay Thomas(right), 6-4, Sr, 24.2 ppg; Levi Wright, 6-1, Jr, 16.5 ppg; Deshawn Washington, 5-9, Soph, 11.3 ppg.

Top 28 history: First trip.

Notes: The Hornets won their first district title since 1975 this year. In the modern LHSAA format, the last time the team advanced to the quarterfinals was in 1977. Scotlandville did win a state title in 1959 in the old LIALO. Thomas averages 11 rebounds and is a Stephen F. Austin signee.


Hammond vs. Brother Martin • 8 p.m.

Hammond Tornadoes

Coach: Brent Grigas
Record: 29-3.
Seed: No. 5.

Playoff road: Beat West Jefferson 77-60, Southwood 101-77, Sulphur 59-55.

Top scorers: Mark Bridgewater, 6-1, Jr, 16.0 ppg; Mikel Henry 5-9, Jr, 14.0 ppg; Domonick McCoy, 5-8, Jr, 10.0 ppg; Terrence Bridges, 6-3, Sr, 8.0 ppg.

Top 28 history: Third appearance with one runner-up finish.

Notes: Grigas is in his first year as head coach of the Tors after being an assistant at Southwood in 2008-09. Hammond has won 18 straight since losing to Plaquemine, 39-35, in the Plaquemine Tournament on Dec. 30.

Brother Martin Crusaders

Coach: Scott Thompson
Record: 28-10.
Seed: No. 9.

Playoff road: Beat Lafayette High 56-49, Ponchatoula 66-63, St. Augustine 62-58.

Top scorers: Patrick Swilling(right), 6-4, Sr, 18.3 ppg; Schane Rillieux, 5-11, Jr, 14.1 ppg; Ryan Berger, 6-4, Sr, 8.7 ppg; Myron Chapman, 6-2, Soph, 7.5 ppg.

Midland defeats Zwolle 79-78, Advances to Class B Championship

         Midland's BJ Cormier                                                                               Zwolle's Marvin Frazier

Zwolle's Breion Beaver

What a game, if you like shooting, hard nosed, fundamental basketball then the Midland Rebels of Coach Briley is the team to watch. Midland started the game out very slow as they missed 3 jumpers in the first two minutes as Zwolle took a 11-6 lead early on. It didn't last long as halfway through the quarter BJ Cormier  and Allen Fontenot caught fire. Fontenot started it and Cormier finished it. Fontenot buried the first one at the 2:27 mark,  then Cormier buried one a minute later and gave Midland the 12-11 lead. Cormier would go on to hit two more in the quarter, including a 23 footer at the buzzer to give the Rebels a 21-11 lead after the first.

The second quarter was more Midland and more threes. Allen Fontenot connected on two right off the bat as Zwolle called a timeout. After the time, Fontenot hit another to make it 32-13 with 4:48 left in the half. Then Zwolle finally made their run.  A layup by  David Smith, layup by Jerry Palmer, layup by Frazier, and another jumper by Palmer cut the lead to 16. Then once again, Cormier with a 3, Fontenot follows off a Cormier assist before Zwolle called another timeout. Zwolle would then answer with big Frazier again with a layup, followed by a 3 by Jerry Palmer, a lay up by Smith before Fontenot hit another 3 to close out the half. After 2 Midland led 43-28.

As the first half ended with Zwolle having momentum, it carried into the 3rd quarter. A jumper by Dave Smith got things rolling as Zwolle went on a 18-4 run to start the half, it was led primarily by Smith and Frazier. Big time rebounds, big time blocks and a handful of jumpers later the lead was 47-46 Midland with 3:22 left. Midland would finally answer with a pair of triples by Cormier and Fontenot to extend the lead to 55-52 after the third.

As Zwolle finally got back to playing Hawk basketball, the fourth quarter was nip/tuck the rest of the game. Basket for basket, defensive stops and tough play by Frazier on the inside carried Zwolle back and tied the game at 70 after regulation.

At the start of the overtime period, Midland immediately went to the stall offense with Miles Prejean being a big factor in the OT. After struggling all game and being limited on his touches by the Zwolle D, Prejean took control as he made 6/6 free throws down the stretch to lead his team to the state title. As good as he had been all year and to be overshadowed by the great shooting of Fontenot and Cormier, Prejean really came through in the clutch as Midland defeated Zwolle.