Friday Night Preview

It is Friday and prep basketball is ending it's first full week in 2019. There are some important district and non-district games going on tonight in Louisiana tonight. We will preview those big contest here on the Friday night preview. #1 Peabody (17-2) at #4 Sophie B. Wright (20-3) - Match Up of the Night The Scoop: All of Louisiana will have their eyes on tonight's match-up in New Orleans. Peabody has won their last twelve contest with the closest one being a five point victory of class 4A #1 Bossier Sophie B. Wright is coming off their biggest wins of the season against Scotlandville and Madison Prep. The Warhorses went 2-0 against Wright last year with the second win being in the Marsh Madness semis. Look for this one to be a classic. Match up to watch: Damiree "DJ" Burns (Southern signee) against the host of Peabody interior defenders is the primary in game match-up. Burns is a low post nightmare even though he can score by other means. Warhorse defenders will really have to battle to keep him off the boards where he can do major damage. If they can do that, the should be able to hold their own with the perimeter players and not have to double team anyone. Prediction: Sophie B. Wright (Wright dominated the game in Alex for 3 quarters last year. I think they close the deal this time.) #9 Huntington (12-6) at #1 Bossier (17-3) The Scoop: Class 1-4A always provides a marquee match-up and this game is no different. Bossier has won their last five including a dominating final performance in the Bossier Invitational final against Red River. The Raiders are coming off of a district win against the Lions of BTW-Shreveport. Both teams are looking to stay undefeated in district play with a win. Match up to watch: D'Ante Bell (6'7", 2020) vs. Kenny Hunter (6'8", 2020) is the head-to-head match-up to focus on. Hunter has been scoring more of late and the Raiders will need him to be close to dominate in the paint to give them a chance. Bell has been able to score around the basket when he has gotten opportunities. If he does not get those opportunities, him staying focused on defense will be imperative. Prediction: Bossier (This one might be close if the Raiders defend and rebound. If this becomes an open court battle, Bossier wins going away.) #2 Dutchtown (14-4) at #9 East Ascension (14-8) The Scoop: This 5-5A, Friday contest probably has the weirdest story line of the weekend. East Ascension will come into the contest with a new coach as their old coach has become a new administrator at the school they face tonight. Yes, very weird! However, EA beat #10 Hahnville on Tuesday and looks to defeat the #2 team who has not played in a week. Match up to watch: Senior Dontae Jackson (6'3", 2019) vs. Junior Hobert Grayson IV (6'5", 2020) Grayson is an elite scorer at this level and can score in many ways. Jackson is probably the most comparable, size-wise, to defend him. Jackson can not do it alone, however. If Grayson gets off to a hot start, Dutchtown might have a long night. While it is a home game, Dutchtown should travel well since the teams are in the same parish. Therefore, the crowd might not be a factor. Prediction: Dutchtown (The coaching dynamic might be too big of a factor in the management of the game. We will see how it goes.) #2 Red River (21-3) at #4 Holy Savior Menard (13-6) The Scoop: While this is a class 2A contest, these teams follow different paths. Menard competes in Division III and is number four while Red River is #2 ranked in class 2A. This should be a good test for both teams. Guard play will be essential to the outcome. Red River has one of the best point guards in the state in E'maryeon McDonald (6'0", 2021). Menard will need to limit his touches during the contest. Match up to watch: Menard's Jourdain Dishmond vs Red River's Jessie Davis is the big man match-up. Dishmond is a non-traditional big man. He can face up or post up as well as drive either direction. Davis on the other hand has hurt defenses all season with his jump hook over his left shoulder. He also effects the defensive end by blocking or altering shots. This match-up will not be for the faint of heart because these two will bang all night. Prediction: Red River (The Bulldog guards should be too much for the Menard guards) #6 Carencro (13-7) at #1 Jehovah-Jireh (22-4) The Scoop: The #6 team in 4A travels to Baton Rouge to play Division V's best team. Jehovah-Jireh has played almost every top team from class C to class 5A. They are battle tested to say the least. Carencro has rounded into form as of late and is playing some of their best basketball despite a loss in their last game to White Castle. Match up to watch: Even though they will not be directly matched up against one another. Joseph Charles (6'7", 2021) and Jaron Davis (5'9", 2019) will probably have the most effect on the game because they will control most positions when they possess the orange. Each school's offense will go through them. It will depend on who is more locked in offensively in this contest. Prediction: Jehovah-Jireh (Charles will make a big difference but the home court advantage will make the difference in this one.) This should be a night of spectacular hoops action. Hopefully the games will be as good on the court as they are on paper. We, at Prep Hoops Louisiana, will definitely be looking to see how these games turn out as well as others. Other games of interest: Captain Shreve vs West Monroe, Loyola Prep vs Green Oaks, Landry-Walker vs Edna Karr, Brother Martin vs St. Augustine