Ferriday hosts Episcopal tonight in quarterfinals

By Jeff Edwards (Contact) | The Natchez Democrat

Published Friday, February 29, 2008

Photo by Marcus Frazier

Ferriday’s Matthew Smith keeps the ball away from Natchez High’s Dwong Hughes when the two teams met up early in the season. The Trojans will look to advance to the LHSAA Class AA Tournament semifinals with a victory over Episcopal of Baton Rouge tonight at 7.

FERRIDAY — The Ferriday Trojans have been on a roll for over two months, but will need one more night of great play in order to make the trip to Lafayette for the semifinals and finals of the LHSAA Class 2A boys state tournament.

The Trojans, 26-7, have not lost since December and ride a 20-game winning streak into their quarterfinal game against Episcopal of Baton Rouge tonight at 7 in the Ferriday High gym.

Ferriday is the No. 6 seed in the tournament while Episcopal is the No. 3 seed.

The Trojans have easily disposed of their first two playoff opponents, beating Springfield 84-52 in the first round and whipping Donaldsonville 72-54 in the second round Wednesday night.

Ferriday coach K.G. Watkins said he was a little concerned entering the playoffs, but has been very pleased with the way his team has rolled through its first two games.

“I’m satisfied with the way we’ve played,” Watkins said. “We had a long layoff before the playoffs started because our district games ended early and I was concerned about us not getting off to a good start. But we were able to play through that and play well.”

Winning their first two playoff games should come as no surprise to the Trojans. After all, they haven’t dropped a game since a 56-52 loss to Vidalia on December 15.

“We really have gotten accustomed to winning,” Watkins said. “But we don’t play on our own record. We know that all the teams in the playoffs are there because they have the capability of winning.”

Despite the Trojans’ long winning streak, Watkins knows his team must ramp up their level of play even higher if they want to win a state championship.

“In order to achieve our goal, we’re going to have to beat the No. 3 team (tonight), then play the No. 2 team after that and then play the No. 1 team after that,” Watkins said. “The competition is only going to get better. We have to really get focused.”

It all starts with the huge matchup with Episcopal tonight.

“They have only lost two games the whole season,” Watkins said. “But we match up with them pretty decent. They have the full package. We’re going to have to play good fundamental basketball and execute.”

However, playing at home will be a big advantage, Watkins said.

“We have the chance to do the things we normally do on game day without breaking routine,” Watkins said. “I’m hoping we have an excellent crowd at the game as well.”