Local high school basketball round up

OVER THE TOP- Independence senior swingman Melvin Baker’s consistent play has helped the Tigers take a lead in District 9-2A. Photo by Matthew Roy.

By Jesse Brooks

Here late in January we are nearing the end of high school basketball season. This year, we have seen an exceptional year from both girls and boys programs and it should be an interesting race down the stretch when the district champions are crowned.

Let’s take a look at the some of the best storylines this season as we near the finish line before the postseason begins.

Ponchatoula 

Girls- The 25-3 Lady Wave currently hold the hottest win-streak in Tangipahoa Parish right now at 10-0. They lead District 6-5A with a 7-0 record and recently displayed an impressive 63-23 performance over district opponent Northshore last week. On Tuesday, January 23, the Lady Wave will face hosting rival Hammond.

Hammond

Girls– The Lady Tors currently hold a 12-9 overall record and are second place in District 6-5A with a 4-2 record. They turned heads recently with a 82-49 win over Covington. Getting a win over rial Ponchatoula on Tuesday would be a big statement for the program.

Independence

Boys- At 12-2, the Tigers are easily the best boys program in Tangipahoa Parish and may even feature the best player in the parish, versatile forward Melvin Baker. The Tigers just missed winning the parish tournament with a 44-35 loss to Amite, but have improved since then to capture the District 9-2A lead with a 3-0 record. Baker had a 23 point total in a 59-58 victory over Varnado last week.

St. Thomas Aquinas 

Girls- The Lady Falcons lead District 10-2A with a 3-0 record and hold a solid 16-8 record overall. They earned wins over Doyle and Springfield last week, and freshman Jade Brumfield has been a top scoring option for them this season.

Boys- The Falcons are consistent with a 12-8 overall record, and they are currently in second place after Doyle in the District 10-2A standings at 2-1. Justin Tomas and crew had a big 55-32 win over Springfield on Friday, January 19, but are now looking to bounce back from a 50-45 loss to Doyle last night.

Loranger

Girls- The squad led by Jamaya Mingo-Young is closing up another high flying season as they are currently cruising through District 7-3A with a 5-0 record. They recently beat district rival Albany 52-43.

Albany

Girls- The Lady Hornets are expect to finish second in district, but have turned in an impressive 19-5 overall record so far. Despite being overshadowed by rival Loranger, this is a team that can make a lot of noise after entering the postseason.

Oak Forest Academy

Girls– The Lady Jackets are a steady 12-6 overall in MAIS competition with Caylon Brabham as their offensive and defensive anchor down-low. Their recent wins this month include Madison-Ridgeland Academy, Presbyterian Christian and Parklane Academy. They face Parklane again on Tuesday.

 

Boys- The Jackets started the season hot, but have struggled some conference play in MAIS AAAA Div. 1. They hold a 14-4 overall record and still look good for the postseason with a 3-3 conference record. The team will look to rally behind senior point guard Janero Porter to close out the regular season. They take on Parklane Academy on Tuesday, January 23.

 

Amite

Girls- The Lady Warrior winning tradition still rings true as they lead District 9-2A with a 4-0 record. The Girls are 13-6 overall and hold an 8-0 win-streak currently. This month they captured a 77-51 victory over rival Independence and a 72-21 win over district opponent Pine.

Boys- The Warriors have shown a lot of promise this season but can’t seem to get over the .500 hump, and are currently with a 10-10 overall record. They are 3-1 in district with their only loss being to Independence. After defeating Pine 59-29 last Friday, the Warriors look to build momentum on the road this Wednesday, January 24 against Northlake Christian.