NCHS, Red River, Lakeview, Zwolle advance to LHSAA state title games in Lake Charles
Two North Louisiana boys basketball titans, Ruston and Natchitoches Central knocked heads in the LHSAA Non-Select Division I semifinals this week with NCHS advancing to Saturday’s championship game with a 60-56 win.
Natchitoches Central (29-7) advances despite finishing behind Captain Shreve and Southwood in District 1-5A. The Bearcats (20-10) were tied for second in District 2-5A and coach Ryan Bond’s club was led by Zhy Scott with 17 points. Aidan Anding added 16 points while Ahmad Hudson contributed 12 points and 11 rebounds.
NCHS advances to play No. 2 Ponchatoula (29-4) Saturday.
Liberty 53, Southwood 27: One of the best seasons in Southwood school history came to a close Wednesday night in the LHSAA Select Division I semifinals when the Cowboys couldn’t muster much offense and fell to No. 2 Liberty.
“We played for three quarters, but fatigue and turnovers were the bottom line,” said Southwood coach Brandon Gultery. “I’m truly proud of our squad and an amazing season for Southwood.”
Louisiana Lafayette signee Jeremiah Evans led the way with 15 points for the Cowboys (25-9).
Red River 54, Donaldsonville 45: The Bulldogs (23-14) advanced to an LHSAA state title game for the first time in 18 years hoping to win their first title since 1999 when the school was known as Coushatta High School.
Coach Dadrian Harris’ balanced club was led by Warren Bowman with 14 points and Jomello McDonald with 11 points. Red River will play No. 6 Marksville (21-16), a 60-52 winner over Richwood, at noon on Saturday.
Lakeview 54, Pickering 26: The Gators (27-6) won their LHSAA Division IV Non-Select semifinal in dominating fashion and will play Franklin at 4 p.m. Friday for the state title. Franklin (23-7) ousted Ringgold (25-10) in a 63-61 slugfest.
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Zwolle 61, Negreet 51: High flying Zwolle (31-3) will play for the LHSAA Non-Select Division V title against No. 2 Anacoco at 6 p.m. Friday. Anacoco topped Gibsland-Coleman 50-41 in its semifinal.
Crescent City 62, Lincoln Prep 55: The Panthers (19-9) saw their season come to an end in the LHSAA Select Division V semifinals.
Jimmy Watson covers Louisiana sports for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: NCHS, Red River, Lakeview, Zwolle advance to LHSAA state title games
