Ville Platte, Mamou earn playoff berths

Before the LHSAA boys basketball playoffs were announced on Monday, both the Ville Platte High Bulldogs and the Mamou Demons knew that they would draw tough first round opponents.
That held true, as the No. 31 ranked Ville Platte High Bulldogs will have to travel to Baton Rouge to take on the defending Class 3A state champions, No. 3 ranked University High.
Game time is set for 7 p.m.
Mamou drew the No. 26 ranking and a solid opponent in No. 7 ranked Dunham High School.
The Demons who will also have to travel to Baton Rouge face the Tigers. Game time is set for 6:30 p.m.
Ville Platte will face a University High team that has an overall record of 22-3 and was perfect in District 6-3A going 14-0.
The Cubs average 72.3 points per game on offense and hold their opponents to a meager 52.6 points per game.
University is led by LSU signee Wayde Sims who averages 20 points and 10 rebounds per game.
Ville Platte counters with junior Shanicole Holland and senior Kelian Semien who average 13 and 14 points per game respectfully.
It will be a tall task for the Bulldogs, but head coach Tommy Jones is optimistic.
“This year the football team went to Patterson and no one gave them a chance and they came within one play of winning,” stated Jones. “I like to be the underdog. We are going to have to play a perfect game, but I believe we are ready. We have played the toughest schedule since I have been here, so our players know what to expect.”
Mamou’s first round opponent, Dunham went 27-5 overall this season and were the co-champions of District 8-2A, Their only district loss came to Episcopal.
Dunham is led by two freshmen, Jordan Wright and Ty Spurlock. Wright averages 17 points and nine rebounds per game, while Spurlock averages five assists and four steals a game.
The Demons are led by center Russell Edwards and guard Trey Wilson.
“Being district co-champions allows us to know how to handle pressure games,” commented Mamou head coach John Jack. “We are going to have to play our game and try to dictate the tempo. Being on the road for the first round is tough, but we are going to have to be patient and relaxed.”