LHSAA Quarterfinal Predictions: 5A

<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Top Half:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>1) Thibodaux vs. 9) Natchitoches Central</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">And it all comes down to this. For the 1st time in 5 years, the highest seeded team is only a 9 seed. Because of the depth of programs when it comes to 5A, there are usually some bigger upsets when it comes to the quarterfinals, such as in 2017 when there was still the 22, 21, 16, and 10 seeds alive. However, this season, thing have held mostly to for. However, I think this is where that comes to an end. Thibodaux was just barely able to get past Hahnville last round, and I think that Natchitoches Central is a much better team. They have also played in big games before, not just this season, but for years. Thibodaux on the other hand hasn’t really played in a game of this magnitude. With the season on the line, I think the edge in experience and coaching will be the deciding factor. </span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Prediction: Natchitoches Central</span></em></p> <p><strong>5) Ponchatoula vs. 4) Bonnabel</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is going to be a matchup of two pretty similar teams. They are both lead by a pair of guards that are really capable scorers. They both have imposing bigs that are capable of effecting shots around the rim. 2020 F <strong>TJ Finley</strong> for Ponchatoula has a more versatile skill set on the offensive end, but the edge for athleticism and rebounding definitely goes to 2021 F <strong>Will Allen</strong> of Bonnabel. With these two teams being close to mirror images of each other, I will give the edge to the team that I think has more experience, and more overall talent on the roster. I think that the Bruins are another team that have been on a big stage before, and that will come in handy with the season on the line. </span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Prediction: Bonnabel</span></em></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Bottom Half: </strong></span></p> <p><strong>3) Walker vs. 6) Landry-Walker</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Well here we are again. It is time for a repeat of last season’s state championship game in 5A, which is in my opinion, the best high school basketball game I’ve ever seen. Now both squads had a lot of members graduate off of last season’s teams, but they also have a ton of talent come back for this season. Walker’s 2020 PG <strong>Jalen Cook</strong> has been a man on a mission as of late, averaging 34.5 PPG so far this playoffs. That is nearly more points alone than Landry-Walker gave up in the 2nd round against New Iberia (36). These teams matched up earlier this season at the Hamilton Christian tournament, with Walker getting the 72-67 victory. I think that ultimately, home court advantage is going to be a big factor, and as a result the Wildcats get the win, but I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Landry-Walker gets the ultimate revenge from last season.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Prediction: Walker</span></em></p> <p><strong>7) Dutchtown vs. 2) Ouachita Parish</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is another really interesting matchup, as far as personnel goes. For Dutchtown, they should have the best player in the game in 2019 Southeastern commit <strong>Nick Caldwell</strong>. At 6’7 on the wing, I’m not sure that Ouachita Parish has anyone on the wing capable of matching up with him. But I’m also not sure that Dutchtown has anyone capable of matching up with 6’9 C <strong>Myron Washington</strong>, who when he is locked in, which I expect him to be with a birth to Marsh Madness on the line, is a load to handle down low. The matchup between guards will also be really interesting, with 2019 G <strong>Gary Smith</strong> bringing a football mentality to the hardwood. For Ouachita Parish, 2019 G <strong>Paul King</strong> is one of the best players in the state under 6’0, and is capable of getting a bucket at any time. I think this matchup will ultimately come down to depth, and I think that is definitely on the side of the Lions</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Prediction: Ouachita Parish</span></em></p>