As the playoffs near closer, the games leading up to the postseason are filled with so much intensity.
This week was just that as some teams make their final preparations for the playoffs.
Once again, we delve into the top storylines from this past week with the Rapides Parish Hoops Report.
Tinsley wins 500th as Northwood defeats LaSalle
Northwood coach Alan Tinsley has accomplished a lot during his long head coaching career and he added another milestone Tuesday.
The former Louisiana Christian assistant and Buckeye, Tioga and ASH coach won his 500th game after Northwood defeated LaSalle 63-42 in Lena Tuesday.
“It feels awesome, but it also feels great to share it with these young men and coaching staff,” Tinsley said.
The Gators trailed 28-23 at halftime but exploded for 32 points in the third quarter to take control of the game.
Perfect no more: Buckeye boys suffer pair of tough losses
Unfortunately, all things must come to an end.
Buckeye opened the season with a 25-0 start but had a pair of close losses to Marksville and Bunkie last week to drop their record to 26-2.
The Panthers trailed Marksville last Friday 10-0, before tying the game last in the first half. However, the Tigers scored six straight in the fourth to hand Buckeye its first loss. Buckeye would then fall in overtime Thursday to Bunkie, 35-32.
With a week to go in the season, Buckeye can still earn a first round bye, but will need some help to set up some tiebreaker games for the extra district power point.
Best Wins of the Week
This week’s best girls wins spotlight goes to Buckeye for upsetting Marksville and Caldwell Parish to keep their playoff hopes alive on the final weekend of the season.
Sophia Graves scored a career-high 17 points in a 47-24 win over the Spartans as the Lady Panthers need to beat Jena and get extra help to go to the playoffs.
For the guys, the honor goes to Alexandria Senior High for defeating Ruston and righting a shaky ship of late.
The Trojans outscored Ruston, 20-10, in the fourth quarter to take a 55-46 road win thanks to senior Jaylin Johnson’s 17 points and eight rebounds.
10 Games for the Next 10 Days
Here is this week’s look at the 10 most anticipated games for this weekend and next week involving Rapides Parish schools.
Girls
Buckeye at Jena (tonight): After defeating Marksville and Caldwell Parish last week, the Lady Panthers find themselves in a must-win game if they hope to make the playoffs. Buckeye must beat Jena and hope St. Louis and L.B. Landry lose to sneak in with the final spot.
Fairview at Plainview (tonight): Slowing down a Fairview squad that has given up just 15.7 points in district play is a tall task, but the District 5-C title is still on the line for Plainview. The Lady Hornets have played well of late – winning five of their last seven.
Glenmora at Menard (tonight): The Lady Cats came away with the upset on Jan. 23 with a 44-42 home win, thanks to a double-double by senior Alexsia Branch. Menard will look to extract revenge against its in-parish rival as both teams look to solidify their footing in Division III select and could set up a rematch in the quarterfinals in the right scenarios.
Oak Hill at Anacoco (tonight): Despite Hicks clinching the District 4-B title and both teams locked in to their current seeds, this is still a good playoff tune-up. Both teams are among the best in Cenla and could hoist trophies in Hammond this March.
Boys
Ouachita at ASH (tonight): It does not get any better than a winner-take-all game for the District 2-5A title. The Trojans have been reeling of late, but beating the Lions could put them in an outstanding position to earn a first round bye with an extra power point as the district champion.
Buckeye at Jena (tonight): A pair of home losses to Marksville and Bunkie now has the Panthers needing a win and help to clinch a share of District 2-3A. Buckeye has to beat Jena and hope for Marksville to defeat Bunkie to set up a three-way tie and a possible unique district tiebreaker.
Pineville vs. Peabody (Saturday, at ASH): Old rivals square off in Alexandria Senior High’s four-game showcase to help teams earn extra power points. Watch out for the battle in the post between seniors Jordan Mathews for the Warhorses and Javonte Thomas for the Rebels.
St. Thomas More vs. Tioga (Saturday, at ASH): Another big game in ASH’s showcase, this one will prep the Indians against one of the top teams in their division.
Pineville at ASH (Feb. 13): This is a “non-district” game because District 2-5A is playing one round this year, but the energy will remain the same. The Rebels won on Jan. 26 as Jordyn Johnson missed the last game for ASH, but Johnson was the hero with a game-winning 3-pointer the last time these teams met in Caesar’s Palace last year.
Avoyelles Charter at Peabody (Feb. 17): Yes, the Hall of Fame Game is an exhibition of sorts but there is always a lot of pride on the line. The Warhorses welcome the defending Division V select champions in a playoff tune-up for both teams.
A former sports reporter for The Town Talk in Alexandria and the Natchitoches Times in Natchitoches, LaMar Gafford has covered the sports scene in Central Louisiana for the last 10 years. Along with contributing a weekly basketball column for the Rapides Parish Journal, the 2023 recipient of the LHSAA’s Prep Journalism award and eight-time LSWA award winner writes about Cenla sports for his website CenlaPreps.com. You can contact LaMar by e-mail at lamargafford@gmail.com or on Twitter/X @lamargafford.