LHSAA Championships: Division lV Select

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> <strong>Southern Laboratory vs. Hamilton Christian: Championship Showdown</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Division IV matchup showcased the top two teams in the state for their respective division titles. In a highly competitive first quarter, Hamilton Christian established a steady offensive rhythm, racking up 16 points, while Southern Lab managed to score 11. [player_tooltip player_id='2313822' first='Javon' last='Vital'] was the standout for Southern Lab in the opening period, contributing 6 of their 11 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the game moved into the second quarter, Vital continued to assert his dominance on both ends of the floor. His ability to score, defend, and dish out assists kept Southern Lab in the game. [player_tooltip player_id='2562018' first='Braylon' last='Brown'] also stepped up, providing an offensive spark for Southern Lab and helping them stay within striking distance. [player_tooltip player_id='2302337' first='Seth' last='Ned'] found his rhythm, adding 15 points in the first half, as Hamilton Christian led 37-26 at halftime.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the third quarter, Southern Lab tightened up defensively and began to find their offensive flow, cutting Hamilton Christian's lead to just 44-47. Hamilton Christian, however, held firm and kept their sights on securing the Division IV Championship. In the end, Hamilton Christian emerged victorious, capturing the championship title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player Spotlights:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2313822' first='Javon' last='Vital']</strong> – A dominant guard with the ability to control the game with his size and skillset. Vital thrives under pressure, managing the game's tempo while ensuring his teammates are in the right spots. He is one of the most physically imposing guards in the state and can score efficiently at all three levels. Vital's unselfish play, leadership, and vocal presence make him a key contributor on both sides of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2302337' first='Seth' last='Ned']</strong> – A crafty off-guard with an exceptional ability to play off the ball. Ned is a sharp shooter, constantly positioning himself for opportunities behind the arc. His basketball IQ shines as he reads defenders, using their hesitation to either take the shot or drive. He showed his scoring prowess in the first half of the championship game, finishing with 15 points. With a quick first step and a knack for finishing at the rim, Ned consistently delivered clutch shots when his team needed them most.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2562018' first='Braylon' last='Brown']</strong> – The primary scorer for Southern Lab, Brown is a smooth operator who can create offense when his team is struggling. He carried much of the scoring load in the first half, contributing 16 of Southern Lab's 26 points. Brown is known for his defensive intensity and mid-range shooting, making him a constant threat on both ends of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2490756' first='Channing' last='Briggs']</strong> – An eighth-grade starter who has quickly made a name for himself as a shooter. Briggs is quick, confident, and not afraid of big moments. Despite being undersized for his age, he uses his agility to create advantages on offense. Whether it's hitting big shots in crucial moments or finishing in the open court, Briggs is a player to watch for the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Charles Leblanc</strong> – A versatile combo guard who also excels as a post player. Leblanc uses his size and strong footwork to create mismatches around the rim. His hustle and tenacity make him a key contributor to his team's success. Quick off the ground and a strong rebounder, Leblanc is a constant presence on both ends of the floor, running the floor and finishing fast breaks with efficiency.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Warren Gougisha</strong> – In the game's biggest moments, Gougisha seemed to always come up with the timely play. Whether he was crashing the boards or scoring clutch buckets, his presence was felt throughout. Standing at 6'2" as a sophomore, Gougisha has the physical tools to become a top-tier prospect in the coming years. Expect big things from this rising star.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->