LHSAA non-select semifinals players to watch, notes

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The final week of Louisiana's high school basketball season is upon us.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Forty teams head to Lake Charles this week for semifinals Monday through Thursday and state championships Friday and Saturday in 10 brackets —&nbsp;five select divisions and five nonselect divisions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are notes and players to watch for the "non-select" school matchups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>No. 2 Anacoco vs. No. 6 Gibsland-Coleman —  Division-V Non-Select (Monday, 6:15 p.m.)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Anacoco makes its fourth straight state tournament appearance, but is still searching for its first title since going back-to-back in 2015 and 2016. Seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1218221' first='Dustin' last='Welch']</strong>, <strong>Landin Draughn</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2700447' first='Caden' last='Cooley']</strong> and <strong>Kaleb Goodwin</strong> lead the way with a handful of sophomores helping round out the rotation. Gibsland-Coleman won an overtime thriller Friday to make its third straight trip, including a 2022 title. This year's Bulldogs don't include a senior on the roster, but are led by sophomore guards <strong>De'Avery Durham</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1680598' first='DeMarquis' last='Durham'] </strong>and <strong>Deveryuan Moore</strong> and juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2424619' first='Devery' last='Moore'] Jr.</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1709792' first='Carlos' last='Rudolph']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>No. 1 Zwolle vs. No. 4 Negreet — Division-V Non-Select (Monday, 8 p.m.)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defending champion Zwolle is the top seed, making its third straight tournament appearance with a veteran roster led by junior star <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1347266' first='Preston' last='Sanders']</strong> and a strong senior class led by guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2294871' first='Howard' last='Etheridge']</strong> and <strong>Jermaine Hudson</strong> and forwards <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1391314' first='Alec' last='Williams'] </strong>and <strong>Dawson Leone</strong>. Negreet meanwhile made the leap from a No. 27 seed and first-round loss last spring to its first semifinal berth in more than two decades with senior forward <strong>Jonathan Holmes</strong> and the junior trio of center <strong>Sebastian Brown</strong> and guards <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2692377' first='Layton' last='Byles']</strong> and <strong>Jamauri Thomas</strong> all averaging in double-figures.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>No. 6 Marksville vs. No. 7 Richwood — Division-III Non-Select (Tuesday, 1 p.m.)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tigers are back in the state tournament for the first time since back-to-back 2005 and 2006 appearances. Seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2382738' first='Marcus' last='Price'] Jr.</strong> and <strong>Zach Shuler</strong> and juniors <strong>Elidrick Murray</strong> and <strong>Bralyn Bazile</strong> are among the leaders with a talented cast of freshmen that includes <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2421312' first='Devin' last='Lavalais']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2532368' first='Dayne' last='Small']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2132753' first='Jaden' last='Price']</strong> already playing big roles. Richwood has meanwhile ended its own tournament drought by reaching its first semifinal since 2014 behind seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1167550' first='Xzander' last='Washington']</strong>, <strong>Yushunta Specks</strong> and <strong>Michael Wright</strong>, junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2408124' first='Markari' last='Newton']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2077393' first='Austin' last='Love']</strong> and <strong>Karder Mason</strong> and sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1967568' first='Lavell' last='Lane']</strong>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>No. 2 Ringgold vs. No. 6 Franklin — Division-IV Non-Select (Tuesday, 4:30 p.m.)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ringgold had seen far more missed postseasons (six) and first-round losses (seven) than quarterfinal appearances (two) since its previous most recent state tournament appearance nearly two decades ago. But the Redskins have now made the quarters twice in the past four years and reached the semifinals for the first time since 2005. And while seniors such as <strong>J'Bari Adams</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1217629' first='Trevor' last='Williams']</strong> and guard <strong>Xzorion Willis</strong> have been key, the team has also received notable contributions from all ages, including junior guard <strong>Ladaunte McCoy</strong> and standout freshmen <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2313820' first='Jordyn' last='Wilson']</strong> and <strong>Antravion Kinsey</strong>. Franklin meanwhile makes its second straight state tournament appearance behind a deep senior class headlined by speedy Grambling State football signee <strong>Jay'Shaun Johnson</strong> and backcourt mate <strong>J'Kylon Ceaser </strong>and a few key seniors, including the experienced <strong>Treyshaun Mack</strong> who played a big role on the 2023 run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>No. 8 Donaldsonville vs. No. 13 Red River — Division-III Non-Select (Tuesday, 6:15 p.m.)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Raiyen Oatis</strong>, <strong>Ja'Kai Allen</strong> and <strong>Zykiren Cole</strong> are the senior leaders for a Donaldsonville program back in its second state tournament in three years. The Tigers' players to watch also include junior forward<strong> Tahj Williby</strong> and sophomores <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2132651' first='Quinnton' last='Dabney']</strong>, <strong>Chase Schonberg</strong>, <strong>Donald Schonberg</strong>, <strong>Donald Brown</strong> and <strong>Jaden Allen</strong>. Red River leans heavily on strong junior and sophomore classes including forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2401995' first='Jomello' last='McDonald']</strong> (2025) and guards <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2400706' first='Jayden' last='Wells']</strong> (2025), <strong>Warren Bowman</strong> (2026), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2400598' first='Collin' last='Stafford']</strong> (2026) and <strong>Zy'quavious Smith</strong> (2026) around a key senior leader in <strong>Josiah Jones</strong>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>No. 1 Lakeview vs. No. 4 Pickering —  Division-IV Non-Select (Tuesday, 8 p.m.)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top-seeded Gators are making their fourth state tournament appearance in the past five years, but are still seeking their first win there since back-to-back runner-up finishes in 2014 and 2015. Seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1105535' first='Alonzo' last='Driver']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1218214' first='Andre' last='Sowell']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2382747' first='Dereon' last='Joseph']</strong>, <strong>Taylor Phillips</strong>, <strong>Treston Carter</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1593026' first='Kaleb' last='Collins']</strong> have helped lead the way with junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2408136' first='Jamarcus' last='Reliford']</strong> another big name to know. After three straight first-round losses and five in the past six years, Pickering is making its first state tournament appearance in at least two decades. Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2408142' first='Anthony' last='Berry']</strong> has filled up the stat sheet to lead the way, along with the senior trio of forward <strong>Christin Morgan</strong>, center <strong>Jace Donaldson</strong> and guard <strong>Landon Cupit</strong> and fellow junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1560407' first='Desire'' last='Privitera']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>No. 2 Wossman vs. No. 3 Carroll —  Division-II Non-Select (Wednesday, 6:15 p.m.)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Monroe rivals will meet for a fifth — yes, fifth — time this season Wednesday in the semifinals with the higher-seeded Wildcats having won three of the first four, but all four matchups decided by 10 points or fewer. The consistent contenders each have notable recent state tournament experience, including both making the 2023 trip, but haven't met in the playoffs since a Wossman win in the 2018 quarterfinals. Senior guards <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1105533' first='Jordan' last='Comanche']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1105543' first='Krystian' last='Lewis']</strong> and juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1285330' first='Antron' last='Mason II']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1330583' first='Zion' last='Weeks']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2302329' first='Andre' last='Mackey']</strong> lead this year's Wildcats group, while senior forwards <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1388006' first='Lavion' last='Owens']</strong> and <strong>Keshon Anderson</strong> and junior guards <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1362436' first='Treylan' last='Neal']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1347173' first='Jaden' last='Williams']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2406682' first='Demarion' last='Deal']</strong> lead the Bulldogs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>No. 1 Iowa vs. No. 4 Brusly — Division-II Non-Select (Wednesday, 8 p.m.)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior guards <strong>Da'Shawn Ceaser</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1480390' first='Desa'monte' last='Gradney']</strong> helped lead the top-seeded Yellow Jackets to a second straight state tournament with their high-scoring quarterfinal efforts. That duo, fellow guard <strong>Cameron Washington</strong>, forward <strong>Luke Guillory</strong> and <strong>Collin Goodly</strong> and brothers <strong>Josiah Bushnell</strong> (2024) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2307978' first='Jeremiah' last='Bushnell']</strong> (2026) are among the leading players to watch for this year's squad. Awaiting is a similarly deep and talented Brusly squad making its first tournament trip since 2020 after falling short to Iowa in last season's quarterfinals. Forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2382776' first='Cody' last='Loupe']</strong> and guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2382724' first='Tyran' last='Young']</strong> are senior leaders with juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2408581' first='Edrick' last='Snearl']</strong>, <strong>Steven Wesley</strong> and <strong>Brandon Hymes</strong> and sophomores <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2132649' first='Micah' last='Bryant']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1543686' first='Ryland' last='Johnson']</strong> among the top players in strong 2025 and 2026 classes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>No. 5 Natchitoches Central vs. No. 8 Ruston —  Division-I Non-Select (Thursday, 6:15 p.m.)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The eighth-seeded Bearcats traveled south Friday and knocked off top-seeded perennial power Zachary to punch their ticket to a second straight state tournament. The team is talented, defensive-minded and unselfish with super-freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2132725' first='Ahmad' last='Hudson'] continuing to develop into an outright star to further bolster the team's veteran core that includes seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1105544' first='Jamadrion' last='Lillard']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1892516' first='Zhy'Avion' last='Scott']</strong> and <strong>Trey Dimmer</strong> and juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1347443' first='Aidan' last='Anding']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2406650' first='Joran' last='Parker']</strong>. Former district foe Natchitoches Central meanwhile claimed its own road upset of Denham Springs to head back to its first state tournament since 2021. Multisport senior Camryn Davis is the Chiefs' lone senior, but with a junior group that includes point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1560371' first='Jaden' last='Braden'] and forward Jacorien Beard and sophomore group that includes leading scorer [player_tooltip player_id='2414908' first='Ja'Dell' last='Demery'] and guard [player_tooltip player_id='2551874' first='Harold' last='Remo']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>No. 2 Ponchatoula vs. No. 3 New Iberia — Division-I Non-Select (Thursday, 8 p.m.)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A rematch of last season's state championship will wrap up this week's semifinal action. Ponchatoula, the champions a year ago, have been on an absolute tear through district and the playoffs that now includes seven straight victories by 20 or more points and back-to-back performances of 35-plus points by Santa Clara signee<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1480391' first='Allen' last='Graves']</strong>, plus nearly 20 points per contest by fellow seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1434766' first='Jeremiah' last='Lewis']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1275273' first='Taj' last='Jackson']</strong>. Xavier (New Orleans) signee <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1218192' first='Wayne' last='Randall-Bashay']</strong> is the headline prospect for New Iberia with point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1105534' first='Austin' last='Delahoussaye']</strong> and wing <strong>Kentravion Smith</strong> among the senior leaders and junior wings <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2207009' first='Otis' last='Anderson']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1709796' first='Devin' last='Frank']</strong> and <strong>Khaled Fusilier</strong> as other top players to watch. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->