MidSouth recap: H.L. Bourgeois falls; Ellender advances

The Assumption Mustangs used a 21-point fourth quarter to cruise pass the H.L. Bourgeois Braves 71-57 Friday night during second day action of the Mid South Bank Classic held at Ellender Memorial High School.

Assumption Head Coach Roland Moore said his team played fundamental basketball in the second half.

“We wanted to come out a little more aggressive in the second half,” Moore said. “My kids did a good job, I am proud of them tonight.”

H.L. Bourgeois Head Coach Andrew Calliouet said he is disappointed with the way the season is going.

“I’m just disappointed in the season right now,” Calliouet said. “We come out in the second half and we totally regress. I thought we had such a character team but it is proven that we don’t have a character team.”

The Braves jumped ahead, taking an early 11-9 lead following a three-pointer by Khiry Williams.

The Braves held on to the lead and took a 16-14 lead going into the second quarter.

In the second quarter, the Mustangs trailed by as many as six, 24-18, but rallied back and tied the game at 30.

James Landry hit a three pointer right before half and the Mustangs took the lead 33-30 and held on to a 33-32 lead at halftime.

The Mustangs increased their lead in the third quarter and took a 46-40 lead going into the final quarter.

The Mustangs did not relinquish the lead in the fourth and lead by no less than 10 to secure the victory.

Moore said the Mustangs were able to win the battle of the boards to increase the lead.

“We gave ourselves second and third shots and did a good job on the boards,” Moore said.

Calliouet said the Braves need to change things up before district play starts.

“If they don’t come to play they are going to sit,” Calliouet said. “We might not be as good with some of those young kids but if those young kids play their butts off, then that’s what it is going to be.”

Leading all Braves scorers was Jordan Steib, 20, Philip Jackson, 10, and Mark Lewis, 11. Riley Hoube scored 12 while Delwin Williams added eight to lead all Mustangs.

Ellender 68, Plaquemine 39

The Ellender Patriots advanced to the finals of the MidSouth Bank Classic after defeating the Plaquemine Green Devils 68-39.

Ellender Head Coach Scott Gauthreaux said he is pleased with how everything is going so far this season.

“Once again the third quarter has been our quarter,” Gauthreaux said. “I know I am repeating myself but when good things keep happening that is going to happen.”

Plaquemine Head Coach Denny Wright said the Green Devils could not overcome inexperience or Ellender’s ability.

“We had it within five points at one point but we just couldn’t convert,” Wright said. “Some of that is Ellender’s ability and some of that is inexperience. I don’t want to use that as an excuse but we are young.”

The Patriots were firing on all cylinders coming right out of the gate, taking an early 15-2 lead in the opening quarter. Chris Duthu scored nine points in the first quarter to help the Patriots lead 22-10 heading into the second quarter.

In the second quarter, the Green Devils pulled within five, 31-26, following a basket by Gerald Jenkins, but the Patriots closed out the half on an 8-0 run to take a 39-26 lead going into halftime.

Following the script that has been their season, the Patriots used another dominant third quarter to break the game open. Led by Sterling Jones, the Patriots were able to outscore the Green Devils 20-6 in the third quarter to take a commanding 59-32 lead entering the final quarter of play.

“We talked about it at halftime,” Gauthreaux said. “We talked about the third quarter. We put some pride in it and got it done.

The Green Devils also saw Wright get ejected in the third, and were left to play the final quarter without their head coach.

Both teams used their younger players in the fourth, and the Patriots again outscored the Green Devils 9-7 to secure the 68-39 victory.

Gauthreaux said playing teams outside of the area is always a good measuring stick.

“They (Plaquemine) have a rich tradition,” Gauthreaux said. “It is good to play teams outside the area because we get tired of playing each other. That’s what is good about bringing in outside teams. It gets exposure to your kids for different teams.”

Wright said he credits Ellender for being such a good team.

“Ellender has a real nice basketball team,” Wright said. “I apologize to the fans for letting the ejection get out of hand. They have done a great job, have a lot of weapons and could go a long way.”

Leading the Patriots was Bruce Harding who finished with 14, while Duthu added 12. Jenkins led all Green Devils with 14.