1A Championship Game Review: White Castle vs. North Central

The first championship game of the weekend in Lake Charles pitted the White Castle Bulldogs against the North Central Hurricanes. Both teams have a history of performing well in title games with multiple titles to their credit. This game was back and forth early on with the Hurricanes finally pushing the pace to one more to their liking in the second quarter. They went into intermission with a 17-12 lead. The Hurricanes turned it on in the 3rd and the 4th quarters killing the Bulldogs in transition. When the final horn sounded, North Central claimed their third title in four years with a 63-40 victory over White Castle. [player_tooltip player_id="970125" first="De’Vion" last="Lavergne"] Lavergne consistently displayed the ability to attack the paint regardless of who was guarding him. His first step is as quick as you will see from any 6’3" guard/wing in high school. He showed lead guard ability to push the ball in transition as well as the wherewithal make offensive decisions in the half court. He rebounded the ball well too which helped culminate his 22 (pt.) and 10 (reb.) double-double. Lavergne was definitely one of the top players on the court as they defeated White Castle. [player_tooltip player_id="781856" first="Reginald" last="Stoner"] There may be two or three guards fast that Stoner in the open floor. Against White Castle, Stoner created transition buckets with his speed and change of direction when changing ends. His floater was on point as he carved up the White Castle defense to the tune of 23 points. It was not just his offense on Friday. His seven steals lead to transition buckets that broke the game open. He is one of the top defenders to play in the Boot and showed it in victory. His overall performance earned him Most Outstanding Player honors and showed why he is a top 15 player in his class. [player_tooltip player_id="1213568" first="Jalan" last="Washington"] Washington is an all-purpose guard and he displayed that he can be effective at either guard position. He has the ability to knockdown the three, take players off-the-dribble, and distribute when he penetrates. His ability to attack from various spots on the floor makes him a difficult cover as North Central found out. His game is one that will translate well to the next level. Being that he is a junior, he may lead White Castle back to the same position next year. Damorion Burks The White Castle freshman was a load in the paint and on the block during their loss to North Central. The 6’4" post has soft hands and catches everything thrown to him. He clears space and can finish well around the bucket when he gets opportunities. If his 6 point, 7 rebound game is a precursor for what is to come, Burks may be a real threat in the post for the Bulldogs for years to come. Damian Pierce Pierce was very good in the paint during the game against North Central. He garnered an 11 point, 10 rebound game by being active on the offensive and defensive boards. At 6’2", he was able to battle with the North Central forwards and wings without a lot of issues. Pierce is a lefty who can shoot and rebound which makes him a commodity as he tries to play on the next level. The 1A championship will be followed by the Class C title game featuring Gibsland-Coleman versuse Calvin. Zwolle versus Simsboro will be the nightcap on the first night of the LHSAA, non-select championships in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

The first championship game of the weekend in Lake Charles pitted the White Castle Bulldogs against the North Central Hurricanes. Both teams have a history of performing well in title games with multiple titles to their credit. This game was back and forth early on with the Hurricanes finally pushing the pace to one more to their liking in the second quarter. They went into intermission with a 17-12 lead. The Hurricanes turned it on in the 3rd and the 4th quarters killing the Bulldogs in transition. When the final horn sounded, North Central claimed their third title in four years with a 63-40 victory over White Castle.

De’Vion Lavergne De’Vion Lavergne 6'3" | CG North Central | 2023 State LA

Lavergne consistently displayed the ability to attack the paint regardless of who was guarding him. His first step is as quick as you will see from any 6’3" guard/wing in high school. He showed lead guard ability to push the ball in transition as well as the wherewithal make offensive decisions in the half court. He rebounded the ball well too which helped culminate his 22 (pt.) and 10 (reb.) double-double. Lavergne was definitely one of the top players on the court as they defeated White Castle.

Reginald Stoner Reginald Stoner 6'1" | CG North Central | 2022 State LA

There may be two or three guards fast that Stoner in the open floor. Against White Castle, Stoner created transition buckets with his speed and change of direction when changing ends. His floater was on point as he carved up the White Castle defense to the tune of 23 points. It was not just his offense on Friday. His seven steals lead to transition buckets that broke the game open. He is one of the top defenders to play in the Boot and showed it in victory. His overall performance earned him Most Outstanding Player honors and showed why he is a top 15 player in his class.

Jalan Washington Jalan Washington 6'1" | CG White Castle | 2023 State LA

Washington is an all-purpose guard and he displayed that he can be effective at either guard position. He has the ability to knockdown the three, take players off-the-dribble, and distribute when he penetrates. His ability to attack from various spots on the floor makes him a difficult cover as North Central found out. His game is one that will translate well to the next level. Being that he is a junior, he may lead White Castle back to the same position next year.

Damorion Burks

The White Castle freshman was a load in the paint and on the block during their loss to North Central. The 6’4" post has soft hands and catches everything thrown to him. He clears space and can finish well around the bucket when he gets opportunities. If his 6 point, 7 rebound game is a precursor for what is to come, Burks may be a real threat in the post for the Bulldogs for years to come.

Damian Pierce

Pierce was very good in the paint during the game against North Central. He garnered an 11 point, 10 rebound game by being active on the offensive and defensive boards. At 6’2", he was able to battle with the North Central forwards and wings without a lot of issues. Pierce is a lefty who can shoot and rebound which makes him a commodity as he tries to play on the next level.

The 1A championship will be followed by the Class C title game featuring Gibsland-Coleman versuse Calvin. Zwolle versus Simsboro will be the nightcap on the first night of the LHSAA, non-select championships in Lake Charles, Louisiana.