“Doc” Edwards Tournament Review & Preview

<p>The "Doc" Edwards tournament began on yesterday with first round contests at Benton High, Benton Middle, Bossier Parish Community College, and Airline High.  While most of yesterday's games ended with the expected results, there was one game that changed the landscape of the tournament.  We will dive into the day one results and preview what day two should look like during "Doc" Edwards tournament action.  </p> <p><strong>Notable results from Day 1</strong></p> <p><strong>BTW-Shreveport beats Airline 53-51 - </strong>Perennial finalist and co-host Airline was bounced from the winner's bracket with a first round loss to BTW.  Junior point guard <strong>Herman Key</strong> (5'9", 2020) scored 20 points and was aided by <strong>Jadavion French</strong> who had 14.  Senior point guard <strong>Tarae "T.J." Robinson</strong> (5'9', 2019) led Airline's effort with 15.  </p> <p><strong>Lakeview survives against Homer 75-70 - </strong>In a battle of point guards, <strong>Zarious Lewis</strong> (5'9", 2019) outdueled Prep Hoops class of 2020 guard <strong>Jayshun Miller</strong> (6'0") 17 points to 16.  Lewis got plenty of help from his other teammates and held off a furious Pelican comeback in the waning minutes.  </p> <p><strong>Huntington upends Parkway 73-57 - </strong>In a back and forth game for three quarters, the Raiders hold Parkway to three 4th quarter points to come away with the victory.  Senior wing <strong>DaJerious Jackson</strong> (6'3, 2019) led all scorers with 23 points as Huntington scored layup after layup in the victory.  </p> <p><strong>Many defeats Benton 67-52 - </strong>In a match-up of perennial football powers on the hard court, #7 Many overwhelms the Benton Tigers by double digits.  Star running back turned guard <strong>Jacolby Cade</strong> (5'11, 2021) led Many with 20.  The loss moved Benton to the consolation bracket despite <strong>Jathen Ross</strong> scoring 18 on the night.  </p> <p><strong>Day 2 Previews (Winner's Bracket)</strong></p> <p>Quarterfinal One: Lakeview vs BTW-Shreveport (5:30 - Airline High)</p> <p><strong>The Lowdown:  </strong>This is a 2A versus 4A match-up in this quarter.  #8 Lakeview (2A) has won 14 of their last 15 games including 8 in a row.  The Lions are rounding into form and are playing better as of late.  </p> <p><strong>Top Match-Up:  </strong>Zarious Lewis (2019) vs Herman Key (2020)    Lewis has faced some of the better point guards in the state and has held his own scoring 20 or more against the likes of Tramichael Moton and E'maryeon McDonald.  This battle will be another one in that long line.  Key has led BTW in assist and scoring on most nights.  He will have to do that again in this match-up</p> <p><strong>Top Prospect: </strong>Zarious Lewis is the top prospect in this game.  There is no hotter guard in basketball right now than Lewis.  He is a scoring point guard who makes winning basketball plays.  He has put up enough in his body of work to begin hearing chatter from schools of interest.  If he continues his exemplary play, colleges will definitely find a place for him.  </p> <p><strong>Prediction: </strong>While the Lions are playing much better as of late, I believe the Gators will win this one.  They have too much shooting to offset what the Lions can do defensively.  It should be a good game, however.</p> <p>Quarterfinal Two: Denham Springs vs Many (5:30 - Benton High gym)</p> <p><strong>The Lowdown:  </strong>This is a 5A - 2A match-up of teams that probably would never play one another.  After a long football season, the #7 Tigers are really just getting together.  They have athletes like Jacolby Cade though that have the talent to make up for the lack of game play.  Denham Springs is sitting at the 28th spot in 5A and is hoping to continue bolstering its resume with a quality win. </p> <p><strong>Top Match-Up:  </strong>Micah Banks (2019) vs Jacolby Cade (2021)    Two athletic guards, one with experience and one with athleticism, will battle during this game.  Banks can score it from the perimeter and knows how to play the point.  Cade is an athlete that is a natural leader on the floor.  The matchu-up between the two should be entertaining to say the least.  </p> <p><strong>Top Prospect:  Xavier Miles </strong>(2019) is the top prospect in this game.  The 6'5" post has a game that does not overwhelm a defense.  However, when you look in the box score he has 18 to 20 points.  He has range to 17 feet, a solid baseline jumper, and can finish at the basket.   He has a game that should appeal to schools at the next level.   </p> <p><strong>Prediction:  </strong>This game should be very interesting.  Many has a basketball tradition as well so they will come in prepared.  Denham Springs played solidly against a game Minden team so they will be ready to compete in this one.  This one is a toss up in my eyes.</p> <p>Quarterfinal Three: Huntington vs St. Amant (8:30 - Airline High gym)</p> <p><strong>The Lowdown:  </strong>This is an interesting 5A versus 4A match-up to close out the night.  The #8 (4A) Raiders have an abundance of height and so do St. Amant.  Watching this inside battle should be worth the price of admission.   </p> <p><strong>Top Match-Up:  </strong>K.J. Franklin (2019) vs Rayshun McCulluar (2022)    While Franklin is one of the better football players in the state, he is not bad on the basketball floor either.  He was all tournament last year and looks to add to that performance this year.  McCulluar is one of the best freshman around and has held his own against the elite guards in Shreveport-Bossier thus far.  This should be an epic contest between the two of who can score, and direct, their team to victory.  </p> <p><strong>Top Prospect:  Kenny Hunter</strong> (2020) is the top prospect in this game.  The 6'8" forward played like he was one of the best players in the state let alone north Louisiana on last night.  He blocked shots, cleaned the glass, and had three monstrous dunks that gave the Raiders tons of momentum.  If that Hunter shows up again, there will be plenty of coaches making calls for his services.   </p> <p><strong>Prediction: </strong>This game will be more of a grinder I believe.  Both teams like to get up and down which usually means a ton of turnovers and a high value on possession late.  Huntington should win this one considering their ranking and talent level.  However, they have not seen a team like them and that is what they will face.  Huntington should win in a close one.</p> <p>Red River had a direct win to the semis so they will face the winner of Huntington and St. Amant.  They are the best team in the field even though they have lost to Lakeview already.  Their semifinal match-up should be a good one with any team.  </p> <p>Other contest (consolation bracket)</p> <p>Parkway vs Northwood (4PM at Airline), Minden vs Benton (4PM at Benton Middle), Airline vs Homer (4PM at BPCC)</p> <p>Consolation semifinals at 8:30</p>