Trojans seeking shot at playoffs this season

The Sacred Heart Trojan basketball team is looking to accomplish something that has not happened a whole lot over the past several years; make the LHSAA playoffs. Head Coach Gerald Cayer has a really good mix of players with different levels of experience to reach that goal.
The Trojan basketball team has only been able to be full strength within the last week because a number of football players play basketball.
“Our main team goal this season is to get into the playoffs,” said Cayer. “We are also looking to be one of the top two teams in the district. That is something that had not happened in a while. I think the community is ready for that to happen and we are going to do our best to make it happen.”
To accomplish the goals for this season, Cayer will be relying on a trio of returning starters in Mikey Laughlin, Christopher Tate and Shaun Fontenot. They, along with Garrett Ortego, Conner Fontenot, Seth Shipp and Nathan Fontenot will be called upon to improve on last year’s 11-17 record. Also, senior Wacen Fontenot will give valuable minutes to the squad this season.
The schedule for the Trojans is not an easy one. Non-district opponents include class 3A teams Church Point and Pine Prairie. Also, Northwood-Lena, Menard and Vermilion Catholic hold spots on the Sacred Heart schedule. Northwood was a regional finalist in the playoffs last season. Rounding out non-district play is St. Joseph of Plaucheville, a class C school that annually makes the postseason. The Trojans will also host its annual Turkey Tournament starting next week.
The Trojans must also face some very tough district opponents. North Central is an annual playoff team and Catholic of Pointe Coupee is a very tough win. And of course, there is the St. Edmund Blue Jays, who is a rivalry in any sport.
“We played recently against Ascension Episcopal in the jamboree and looked good for the little amount of practice we have been able to have,” stated Cayer. “Our five seniors are going to have to show some leadership and give us some decent playing time for us to be successful this season. I just hope that our fans come out and support us this season. Our guys are working really hard right now. Sometimes, I have to run them out of the gym because they want to continue after practice is over.”
There is no doubt that the Trojans have the desire to succeed this season. The play of the veteran players will be a determining factor in how the year progresses. A spot in the playoffs would be a huge step in boosting the program to a new level.