My Top Games of 2019-2020

With classes B and C beginning their season next week, I want to take a look at some of the top games from last season. While some of the participants in these games have moved on to the next level, other players have not. If we have games like these this season, I think the prep game in Louisiana will be just fine.

Top Game (Doyline 85 - Simsboro 83)

The Class B final was very different from the 20 point drubbing Doyline took earlier in the season as Class B Most Outstanding Player Decari Markray Decari Markray 6'3" | CG Doyline | 2020 State LA lead the Panthers to the victory over the 2x defend state champs. Missed opportunities in regulation cost the Tigers and the game went to OT. With the ball in their possession, Simsboro makes a pass that Doyline sophomore Jamari Markray Jamari Markray 6'2" | SG Doyline | 2022 State LA (6’2" / 2022) steals and lays in. A failed Kalep Crane Kalep Crane 6'0" | CG Simsboro | 2020 State LA three rims out at the buzzer and Doyline wins their first title in over 50 years.

This Game is Like 1A (Port Allen 78 - Rayville 74)

Class 2A saw a rematch of the the previous year as Port Allen and Rayville met up again for the state title. Georgetown signee Colin Holloway was the big difference as his double-double is what helped put the Pels over the top. Tawasky Johnson Tawasky Johnson 6'0" | PG Port Allen | 2021 State LA (6’1" / 2021) hit big shots before fouling out himself to help Port Allen reach overtime. Missed free throws coupled with Rayville’s best player, Kashie Natt Kashie Natt 6'2" | SG Rayville | 2021 State LA (6’2" / 2021) fouling out spelled the Hornets doom and a potential 3-peat was thrwarted.

Bearkats are Champs (Bossier 62 - Wossman 61)

This was the game that broke the tie between the two teams during the season. Bossier, playing without two starters, plays their hearts out and Tim King Tim King 6'0" | CG Bossier | 2020 State LA shows the state why he was an important member of the Bossier team. He wins the game’s most outstanding player trophy with his eventual game winning three which put Bossier ahead for good. Brandon Dennis could not complete his heroics again a Bossier brings the 3A title back to northwest Louisiana.

A Shocker in Lake Charles (Wossman 48 - Madison Prep 46)

In a surprisingly low scoring affair, the Wossman Wildcats avenge the loss from the state championship game the year before. Each team threw haymakers at one another that came down to the final minute. With the Wildcats up three, Jason Perry Jason Perry 6'4" | PF Madison Prep | 2020 State LA hits a game-tying three from the left wing. In the subsquent possession, Brandon Dennis shoots a floater that trickles in for the Wossman two point victory.

The Great Escape (Bossier 53 - Brusly 51)

Brusly made it to the 3A semifinal to face a Bossier team that many thought was too powerful for them. The Panthers displayed while they were there coming back from deficit after deficit. They eventually tied the game in the latter moments. A late foul Tim King Tim King 6'0" | CG Bossier | 2020 State LA thought was too hard gained him a tech. While Brusly split the technical freebies, King made his foul shots. Then, Cody Deen Cody Deen 5'9" | PG Bossier | 2020 State LA causes a Jasean Leduff (6’0’ / 2021) turnover. Leduff gets yet another chance but misses the shot at the buzzer to tie.

Thriller at the Bossier Tourney (Huntington 75 - Natchitoches Central 71)

Midseason tournament games prep teams for district and the playoffs. The Huntington-Natchitoches Central semifinal at the Bossier tournament was no exception. Huntington seemingly had control in the game. However, Devonte Snow Devonte Snow 6'2" | CG Natchitoches Central | 2020 State LA , the LSU-Alexandria drains a 30 footer at the buzzer to send the game to overtime. The Chiefs could not muster enough offense during the OT as Snow fouled out. They put up a gallant effort in the loss.

A District 1-5A thriller (Captain Shreve 50 - Southwood 49)

In a game that was almost a mirror image of their earlier district tilt, the Gators escaped in overtime against the Cowboys. John Mitchell John Mitchell 6'3" | CG Captain Shreve | 2021 State LA (6’3" / 2021) was the key Gator that tied the game in regulation with his shot-making. However, it comes down to a missed Southwood shot and a foul call with no time remaining. Jack Johnson (5’11" / 2021) front rims the first and swishes the second for the one point victory.

First Round Thriller (Huntington 51 - Isidore Newman 50)

The Raiders made a run to the championship game in this tournament. However, they almost did not make it out of the first round. Chris Lockett Chris Lockett 6'5" | CG Isidore Newman | 2023 State #180 Nation LA (6’4" / 2023) and Javon Ruffin tag teamed to carry the scoring load along with timely shooting from others. While Rayshun McCullar Rayshun McCullar 6'1" | PG Huntington | 2022 State LA had a good game, it took a Michael Moton Kawhi Leonard type of three point shot to give the Raiders the final edge.

Heavyweight Matchup (Bossier 48 - Scotlandville 46)

I have not seen a game with this much trash talking in a non-pickup game since my AAU coaching days. Reece Beekman Reece Beekman 6'2" | SG Scotlandville | 2020 State #45 Nation LA and D’ante Bell talked the talk and their teammates walked the walk. This game was a defensive struggle as the wing players from each team took pride in playing defense this day. Cody Deen Cody Deen 5'9" | PG Bossier | 2020 State LA eventually got hot and the Hornets could not match his scoring which eventually gave the Bearkats the margin at the final horn.

Well played 4A Quarterfinal (Woodlawn-S’port 56 - Cecilia 51)

The Knights were basically being outgunned by Avontez Ledet Avontez Ledet 6'3" | CG Cecilia | 2021 State LA (6’3" / 2021) for three quarters and did just enough to hang around. The 4th quarter seemed to by Delatrion Moton Delatrion Moton 6'4" | CG Woodlawn-Shreve | 2021 State LA (6’4" / 2021) time as he pretty much scored or assisted on every bucket in the last stanza. Brian Stewart Brian Stewart 5'8" | PG Woodlwan-S'port | 2021 State LA (5’9" / 2021) and Michael Pryor Michael Pryor 6'5" | PF Woodlawn-Shreve | 2020 State LA played a major role as the Knights went back to Marsh Madness for the first time after the heartbreaking loss to Carencro.

Honorable Mention

Sophie B. Wright 54 - Calvary Baptish 50 - Martin Mcdowell Martin Mcdowell 5'10" | PG Calvary Baptist Academy | 2022 State LA (5’10" / 2022) was a flame thrower in this game from deep. However, he missed a late three to put the Cavs up and the Warriors closed out the win with free throws.

Southwood 62 - Natchitoches Central 54 - In the bat game, Natchitoches came out firing in the first half. The Cowboys walked them down and the backcourt of Daniel Ortiz Daniel Ortiz 6'1" | CG Calvary Baptist | 2021 State LA (6’1 / 2021) and Marquarius Johnson Marquarius Johnson 6'1" | CG Southwood | 2022 State LA (6’2" / 2022) finished the Chiefs off in the end.

Alexandria 38 - Bonnabel 37 - In a tightly played contest, ASH wins their first state title as they outlast the Bruins. Latrell Holly Latrell Holly 6'1" | SG Alexandria | 2020 State LA wins game MOP with his points, rebounding, and defense.

Walker 81 - Crescent City 77 - The Rumble on the River at Madison Prep usually provides good games. This one was no exception. Walker thought they had it in hand but the Pioneers kept dropping treys. Jalen Cook Jalen Cook 6'0" | PG Walker | 2020 State #98 Nation LA won this game against Byron Joshua Byron Joshua 5'10" | PG Crescent City | 2020 State LA in this high scoring game.

Doyline 63 - JS Clark Leadership 61 - Decari Markray Decari Markray 6'3" | CG Doyline | 2020 State LA had a 20 point and 20 rebound double-double. However, it took freshman Jamaria Clark Jamaria Clark 6'2" | CG Doyline | 2023 State LA (6’1" / 2023) and his timely shooting to give them the victory. JS Clark showed that they will be a team to reckon with this year.