Local boys teams eager for opening round of playoffs

Published 12:00 am Friday, February 24, 2017

As Ferriday High School gets set to enter postseason play, grizzled FHS coach K.G. Watkins said the key for his squad is to remain on the task at hand.

That first task lies in Baton Rouge’s Capitol High School.

The third-ranked Trojans are set to host the No. 30 Lions tonight in the Bi-District round of the LHSAA Class 2A playoffs.

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“It’s the first round, and there’s a lot of expectations,” Watkins said. “For me, there’s always fear of not playing the way we’re capable of. But if we do, then we will be fine.”

Capitol enters the playoff showdown winners in just 8 of 29 games this season. Despite the lackluster record, Watkins said he isn’t taking the Lions lightly.

“That doesn’t mean they aren’t formidable,” he said. “We have to go in and play. Our biggest enemy is ourselves, and my job is to make sure we’re not overconfident. We just have to go in and play hard.”

Game time is set for 6 p.m. at Ferriday Junior High.

Vidalia at Ville Platte

VIDALIA — When No. 29 Vidalia travels to No. 4 Ville Platte today, Vikings coach Robert Sanders said perhaps what may give his team the most trouble is the Bulldogs’ rabid fan base.

In 2007, the Vikings (10-16) hosted the Bulldogs (21-8) in a second round playoff game, and the Ville Platte made their presence felt in its team’s 82-75 win.

“They took over our gym,” Sanders said. “Their crowd is going to play a big factor.”

In attempt to combat VP’s home advantage, Vidalia will lean on its strong core of seniors, led by leading scorer Demarco Brown.

“Having a player like that gives us a lot of confidence,” Sanders said. “I’m sure they’re going to have a scouting report and try to stop him, and that’s when other guys are going to have to step up.”

Sanders said in addition to other players playing big roles, the Vikings will have to execute on both ends of the floor.

“If we defend the 3 and don’t turn the ball over, that’s when we’re at our best,” Sanders said. “

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.

Delta Charter 

at East Iberville 

The Delta Charter boys basketball is on the brink of playing its first playoff game in program history.

The No. 19 Storm are set to take on No. 14 East Iberville tonight in the Bi-District round of the LHSAA Class 1A playoffs.

“It’s real exciting, especially for the kids,” DCS coach Ron Ellis said. “They are taking it real serious, and you just get real hyped as a player.

Ellis described the Tigers (16-16) as a “scrappy team,” but said his squad is more than up for the challenge.

“They don’t have anyone over 6-foot,” he said. “They have two good guard, but everyone plays tough.”

Tip-off is slated for 6:30 p.m. in St. Gabriel, La.

“Anything can happen in the playoffs,” Ellis said. “You have to be on your game because anybody can lose.”