VPHS places foothold at MSU

The 2014 LHSAA Top 28 is being hosted by McNeese State University this year. Burton Coliseum and the entire campus is now humming “I’m so glad to be a Bulldog” as the VPHS Lady Bulldogs and the community has invaded MSU and they are looking to get a semi-final win over fourth ranked Albany (28-6) tonight.
“This is tremendous over here,” said VPHS Head Coach Dot Doulet. “The atmosphere has been unexplainable. The community’s support is amazing. We have been here on this stage before, but this time is really big. They might as well close down the city.”
The top rated Lady Bulldogs know they will have their work cut out for them tonight when the game kicks off at 6:15 p.m. Albany has lost to just one Class 3A team this year. That was a 70-45 loss to University High, who just happens to be playing in the other semi-final against John Curtis.
The AHS girls last lost to Class 5A power house West Monroe back on December 19th. They fell 65-40 to the Lady Rebels. Albany defeated Notre Dame in Crowley 59-56 to get to the Top 28.
“We match up well against them because we have broken down so many of their films,” Doulet explained. “We have prepared for them offensively and for their style of defense. We have the height and the strength to contain them. If we can contain their big girl and their quickness overall, we have a good shot. They also have the ability to hit the three-point shots, so we have to take that away too. I think if we get them running, it is in our favor.”
The winner of this game will meet the winner of the second ranked John Curtis (29-4) and Univeristy, the third seed. The U-High girls are 28-6 on the year. That game takes place today at 4 p.m. at Burton Coliseum. The JCCA Lady Patriots got the Top 28 by beating South Beauregard 74-30, while the Lady Cubs of U-High beat Mansfield 66-53. That semi-final game should be a good one and will hopefully wear the two teams out.
The finals are set for Saturday at 4 p.m. in Lake Charles. The top ranked Bulldogs look to be in that contest.
“We are really ready to play,” Doulet said. “The girls are ready to play ball and they are confident. I am excited.”
Ville Platte is not overlooking anyone despite the high ranking.
“This is no different that when we were ranked fifth last season,” Doulet stated. “This is girls basketball and the Top 28. Anything can happen on a given night.”
Most people in the community will attend the games and VPHS has been getting great support. They have an excellent shot at getting by Albany, but they will have to continue to play as a team and stay out of foul trouble. The group, is led by senior Shalinda Thomas, has really bonded together and played well down the stretch.