LHSAA Semi-Finals: Day One Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first day of the LHSAA Semi-Finals was truly one for the ages. The players delivered thrilling performances, and the teams put on an unforgettable show for their hometown fans who made the trip to Lake Charles, all vying for a chance to compete for the coveted State Championship Trophy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Kzirion Holmes","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77246","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Pleasant Hill","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d0a5046c005"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Holmes is a poised underclassman who has definitely made a name for himself as one of the top players in the 2028 class. As a floor general, he not only runs the offense with precision but also has a smooth jump shot that keeps defenses honest. He's a player who can stick to the game plan but also improvise when needed, punishing defenders who try to cheat. A trusted three-level scorer, Holmes' stock is only going to rise in the coming years. He's one to keep an eye on as Pleasant Hill gears up for a run at the state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2313822"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d0a5046c087"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Vital may have been the most impressive player in the gym on day one of the playoffs, controlling the game with his mastery of the perfect game plan. A strong, physical guard, he dominated with his solid frame and showed his versatility by recording the first triple-double of the Semi-Finals with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. With an elite handle, he kept defenders on their heels, using his strength to draw fouls. Calm, cool, and collected under pressure, Vital is one of the toughest players in the state and a true difference-maker on the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2471333"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d0ae1b441f7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In his final high school game, Stevens proved he is one of the top guards in the state. He displayed his full arsenal as a three-level scorer while also showcasing his skills as an elite defender. Playing with poise, he was able to settle his team on both ends of the court. Stevens is an exceptional talent, possessing the skill and basketball IQ to thrive at the next level. He's definitely a potential steal in Louisiana's deep unsigned senior class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1679405"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d0ae1b4424d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ford is one of the most well-rounded players in the state, consistently proving that he can impact the game in multiple ways, beyond just one statistical category. He's a threat from all three levels and stands out as an exceptional rebounder. Always finding ways to make plays, his 18-point performance was a key factor in Pleasant Hill's push for another state championship. Ranked as a Top 10 player in the state, Ford's stock is only set to rise as he continues to improve and showcase his elite skill set.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Keithan Rigmaiden Jr","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77244","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"VInton High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d0ae1b442f1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rigmaiden carried the team in a thrilling matchup against Ferriday, one of the closest games of the day. He was all over the court, finishing with 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. A true Swiss Army knife, his all-around performance is a major reason why Vinton is a strong contender for a state championship. Through his leadership and versatility, he has given the team a real shot at the title, contributing with his scoring, rebounding, defense, and playmaking.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->