5A Regional Playoffs: Key Players to Watch (Part I)

Class 5A remained chalk through the first round of playoffs in Louisiana. With the teams tipping tonight in the regional round, things should get pretty interesting. In this Prep Hoops Louisiana exclusive, we will take a look at the top half of the 5A regional round pairings. We will examine key players for each team as each team attempts to move one step closer to a state title.

Mandeville vs Zachary

Zachary is the top team in 5A and is riding the longest winning streak in the state.  The Havoc House has not been kind to visitors this season and Mandeville is the next visitor in line.  The Skippers are coming off a hard fought home win against Airline and are looking to pull the upset.  

Mandeville wins if.... Bryce Weinmunson Bryce Weinmunson 6'2" | CG Mandeville | 2022 State LA  has a big game.  That means he needs to have huge scoring and assist numbers.   If he is able to get others involved, the Skippers will have a good chance.  

Zachary wins if.... they defend.  They have multiple wing defenders to throw at the top Mandeville players.  Their two top wing defenders, Jordan DeCuir Jordan DeCuir 6'3" | CG Zachary | 2022 State LA and Brandon Hardy Brandon Hardy 6'4" | SG Zachary | 2023 State #234 Nation LA , are capable of shutting players down.  If they do, trying to score will be tough sledding for the Skippers.  

Destrehan vs Natchitoches Central

Destrehan and Natchitoches Central each won their first round game by double digits.  This game will be played at Central and their gym is usually rude to road guests.  The Wildcats are the bigger team, so this will be a chess match in how each team defends the other.  

Destrehan wins if.... Devin Fourcha can handle the constant pressure by the Chief guards.  He is a guard who has the ball in his hands often and will need to score and facilitate for the Wildcats.  Handling the Chief pressure will go a long way in Destrehan winning the contest.  

Natchitoches Central wins if.... Devin Helaire Devin Helaire 6'1" | SG Natchitoches Central | 2022 State LA is the best "big man" in the game.  Helaire is only 6'2" but he is active.  If he is active on the offensive boards and scoring in the paint, the Chiefs will be hard to beat at home.  

Southside vs Ouachita 

The Lions pounded Acadiana in the first round while Southside eked out a home win against Ponchatoula.  Southside now travels to the Madhouse which is especially raucous during playoff time.  However, this Lion team is young and they have been beaten at home before.  

Southside wins if.... sophomore guards Jayce Tolivar Jayce Tolivar 6'2" | CG Southside High | 2024 LA and Noah Brookter Noah Brookter 6'2" | CG Southside | 2024 State LA contribute heavily.  Both players give Coach Brad Boyd different things.  For the Sharks to win at the Madhouse, they will need to do what they do at a high level.  Scoring and defending that is.  

Ouachita wins if.... they command the boards.  The Lions can beat teams up inside with Phil Bradford Phil Bradford 6'5" | PF Ouachita Parish | 2022 State LA and Jonathan Bradshaw Jonathan Bradshaw 6'4" | SF Ouachita | 2023 State LA .  Bradshaw tracts the ball well and Bradford is a load inside.  Commanding the defensive and offensive boards will give them a distinct advantage.  

Barbe vs New Iberia

Barbe won a low scoring affair with district rival Sulphur in the first round while New Iberia thirty-pieced Sam Houston.  This is a district match-up that was pretty close in early February.  Barbe is looking to avenge that loss and to keep pushing towards a state title.  

Barbe wins if.... Ja'quise Richmond has a dominant game in the paint.  Richmond is a shot-blocker and has the ability to rebound at a high clip.  Him being able to dominate the paint will be a way to give Barbe extra scoring opportunities.  That can go a long way in them pulling off the road win.  

New Iberia wins if.... Austin Delahoussaye Austin Delahoussaye 6'0" | PG New Iberia | 2024 State LA and Christian Walker Christian Walker 6'0" | PG New Iberia | 2023 State LA control the game.  Both guards are excellent shooters and can defend.  If they can keep Jabbari Barry Jabbari Barry 6'1" | PG Barbe | 2023 State LA  out of the paint while giving the Yellow Jackets some offense, New Iberia should do well.  

Most 5A regional games tip at 6 pm with a few starting no later than 7.  These games should be excellent chess matches for the teams involved.  Look for each of these games to be decided late.