Division l Select: Who Will Advance?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>The regular season is officially in the books, and the intense, win-or-go-home atmosphere of the Louisiana high school basketball playoffs has arrived. Across the state, teams are gearing up for the ultimate test of skill, heart, and determination. From powerhouse programs looking to cement their legacy to underdog squads ready to shock the world, the stage is set for a thrilling journey to the Top 28.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keep us updated on player performances, accolades and acknowledgements by sharing at:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>IG: @donald.tatum73</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>X: @cpt_tatum</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>John Curtis</strong> <strong>#1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>John Curtis earned a first-round bye, and with their team, they are an easy pick to win it all. They have the #1 point guard in the state, [player_tooltip player_id='1543684' first='Autrail' last='Manning'], and his supporting cast is a who's who of Louisiana Basketball. [player_tooltip player_id='2466408' first='Jakyri' last='Martin'] is another top player in the deep 2026 class, and other notables include [player_tooltip player_id='1975865' first='Zaveon' last='Shepherd'], [player_tooltip player_id='2883411' first='Jonnie' last='Walker'], Jewellz Tap, [player_tooltip player_id='1620977' first='Cashmir' last='Connor'], and 8th grader Tory Walker Jr., who is poised to be the next big name in Louisiana basketball along with [player_tooltip player_id='2947525' first='Chance' last='Foster'], who is on a next-level trajectory. There is no lack of talent, pedigree, culture, or coaching in this group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">McDonough 35 (16) vs. Woodlawn B.R. (17)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McDonough 35 has put together an impressive season with their leader, [player_tooltip player_id='3348645' first='Jason' last='Astorga'], stepping up and providing big games in hostile environments, but he is not alone. [player_tooltip player_id='2700453' first='Wayne' last='Nevels'] and Malik Jasmine have also provided a lot of great minutes and on-court production. Woodlawn B.R. is an exciting bunch, and the stock riser [player_tooltip player_id='1543676' first='Kingston' last='Jarrell'] is having an amazing season, building off his last season's accomplishments. He has added more to his game, and his pairing with [player_tooltip player_id='1543657' first='Triston' last='Brown'] puts them in a winning situation on any given night. Connor McWilliams could be the X-factor in this match with his playmaking ability, on-ball defense, and his lethal three-point shot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Huntington (9) vs. Hammond (24)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Huntington is one of the most dangerous teams in this bracket, and their matchup vs. Hammond will be a matchup of different styles of play. Huntington has several players that will play college basketball, but the x-factor in each of the upcoming matchups will be Ejayden McDonald. He drives the offense and anchors the defense. His ability to frustrate opposing point guards could surely disrupt coaching game plans. [player_tooltip player_id='1679406' first='Antonio' last='Dixon'], [player_tooltip player_id='2132729' first='Austin' last='Turner'], [player_tooltip player_id='1686289' first='Peyton' last='Parker'], and Antonio Williams are all special in their roles, and this team could find a spot in the Top 28.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Jesuit</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jesuit has beat some of the top teams in the state but still remains a mystery due to their playing style. This team could actually make it to the Top 28 without a dominant player and win it just from playing team basketball. The dark horse of this bracket has a high upside and could win or lose to any of the top teams. Each of their matchups will be interesting moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Catholic B.R. vs. St. Paul's</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Catholic B.R. comes into this matchup as the favorite, and in addition to their consistent playing style, they have some of the top talent in the state from each class. [player_tooltip player_id='2529000' first='Tyler' last='Brazier'] is the fearless leader of this group, and Luke Moreau, [player_tooltip player_id='3272001' first='Charlie' last='Mosely'], [player_tooltip player_id='3346336' first='Trey' last='Coleman'], big man [player_tooltip player_id='2888725' first='Jude' last='Chamberlain'], and freshman upstarts [player_tooltip player_id='2884828' first='D'maurion' last='Abbott'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2490756' first='Channing' last='Briggs'] round out a talented group of players that have all the tools to put any higher seed on upset alert. St. Paul's will have their hands full with this group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Captain Shreve (14) vs. Holy Cross (19)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Captain Shreve sits in the higher seed position, but this matchup vs. Holy Cross will not be an easy win. Shreve is led by senior [player_tooltip player_id='2307975' first='Niran' last='Ogunyemi'] but has an equally talented counterpart in Jacob Richardson, known for his ability to knock down shots. [player_tooltip player_id='2466397' first='Jeremiah' last='Ford'] holds down the paint, and Tre Brooks, Cameron Duncan, and [player_tooltip player_id='2623551' first='Braylen' last='Wilson'] all provide the support needed to win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Edna Karr (11) vs. Evangel Christian (22)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Edna Karr started the season on fire, winning their first eight games. They are a dangerous team with a lot of talent. Their big-time playmakers include [player_tooltip player_id='2892386' first='Khalil' last='Fisher'], [player_tooltip player_id='3274277' first='Kaleb' last='Williams'], and Delvin Jordan. It is going to be tough for Evangel to make the trip down south and win in that hostile environment, but if anyone can pull off an upset, it is the late-season-surging Evangel Squad. [player_tooltip player_id='2132739' first='Dimitry' last='Baylor-Nard II'] is running the show, but there is a lot of young talent on this roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Brother Martin (10) vs. Scotlandville (23)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brother Martin is favored in this game, and their notables could carry them far in these playoffs. The first name to know is [player_tooltip player_id='2471492' first='Raphael' last='Bickham'] because he is the motor on both sides of the ball. He is the orchestrator of it all, and his teammates play well together. Will McChesky holds down the post, and everyone else fills in and knocks down shots. Martin is a complete team with next-round capabilities. Scotlandville will have a tough time with this seeding matchup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Carencro (15) vs. Bonnabel (18)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bonnabel comes into the matchup at 26-9 with an undefeated District record of 7-0, led by seniors Thomas Molette and [player_tooltip player_id='2210639' first='Jordan' last='Jarreau']. This matchup could go to the wire because these teams match up in a lot of ways. Home-court advantage could be the deciding factor in this matchup. Carencro comes in at 20-10 and a state ranking of #59. They lost some tough games down the stretch but could be right back on track heading into the playoffs. Their young talent could be the difference-maker in this matchup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>The brackets are set, the strategies are drawn, and the time for talk is over. From the dominant, star-led powerhouses to the gritty, defensive-minded squads and the dark horses playing pure team basketball, every team has earned its shot at glory. While predictions and seedings provide a roadmap, the beauty of the playoffs lies in its unpredictability. Legacies will be forged, hearts will be broken, and unforgettable moments will unfold in packed gymnasiums across Louisiana. Stay tuned in for more bracket breakdowns leading up to the State Championship Games. </strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->