Battle tested

PRAIRIE RHONDE -- The schedule for both the Ville Platte High Bulldogs and the Lady Bulldogs has been monstrous.
But, both teams have faced some of the best programs in the state and have weathered the storm.
Showing their resiliency, the Bulldogs and the Lady Bulldogs finished the Northwest Raider Holiday Tournament on winning notes. The Bulldogs completed the tournament by holding off the Port Allen Pelicans 54-49 to claim third place.
Meanwhile, the Lady Bulldogs pulled away hard and fast in the second quarter to claim a 56-35 win over the Mamou Lady Demons and the consolation finals trophy.
With the win, the Bulldogs are now 13-5 on the year and rest at the No. 4 spot in the current Class 3A power rankings.
The Lady Bulldogs move to 13-7 with their victory and like the Bulldogs are ranked No. 4 in Class 3A.
Here is a recap of the two games played.

Ville Platte (G)
vs. Mamou
In a rematch of the Evangeline Parish tournament finals, the Ville Platte Lady Bulldogs and the Mamou Lady Demons squared off once again in game of top five teams in the state.
The two teams came after each with a tremendous amount of energy from the tip-off. Ville Platte jumped out in front quickly going up 6-0 to start the game.
However, Mamou would reel off the next eight points to go up 8-6. The Lady Bulldogs and Lady Demons continued to battle through out the period, with Ville Platte taking a 15-11 lead as the quarter came to a close.
The second quarter was just as even as the first, as Ville Platte led most of the period. But, Mamou was able to scrap out the final two baskets of the quarter to tie the game at 24-24 as the two squads headed into the locker room.
The third quarter spelled the difference in the game, as the Lady Bulldogs began to pull away from the Lady Demons. Ville Platte scored all but three of the points in the quarter to take a 39-27 lead as the period came to an end.
The Lady Bulldogs did not relent in the final quarter. Ville Platte opened the period on a 7-0 run and never looked back. Mamou did manage to score eight points in the period, but it was all Ville Platte as they knocked down 17 more points in the final frame.

Ville Platte (B)
vs. Port Allen
Facing off against No. 24 ranked Port Allen, the Ville Platte Bulldogs needed almost the entire game to come away with the win over the Pelicans.
Ville Platte started on fire in the first quarter, jumping out to a 9-1 lead with 6:15 left to go in the opening period. However, Port Allen was able to respond, scoring the final five points of the quarter to make the score 9-6.
The Pelicans owned the second quarter, as they reeled off the first 14 points, giving them a 20-9 lead with 2:57 left to go in the period. Ville Platte scrambled back to cut the lead to 20-15, but Port Allen ended the quarter on a 4-0 run to bring the score to 24-15.
The Bulldogs were able to regroup at halftime and came out of the locker room with more energy and emotion. Ville Platte slowly climbed back into the game and took a 36-35 lead as the third quarter came to a close.
The final period of the game was not decided until the three minute mark. It was there that the Bulldogs were able to finally assert their will and take a 46-41 lead. From that point on, Ville Platte retained control and finished out the game on a strong note.