Article Image Alt Text
Article Image Alt Text

The basketball teams at Morgan City and Patterson high schools won their district contests in dramatic fashion Friday. Morgan City upset Ellender, 76-75, after Makye Richard sank
the second of two free throws with 2.3 seconds remaining. Meanwhile, Patterson came back to defeat Berwick, 58-55, on a buzzer-beating three-pointer by Drew Lucas. In the top photo,
Morgan City players celebrate after their win, while in the right photo, Lucas dribbles during first-half action Friday. (The Daily Review/Geoff Stoute)

MCHS, Patterson record last-second district wins

Staff Report

Morgan City’s Makye Richard made the second of two free throws with less than three second remaining and a desperation shot by Ellender was off the mark as Morgan City held on for a 76-75 upset victory in District 7-4A action in Morgan City Friday.
Ellender was called for a blocking foul on Richard with 2.3 second left and the game tied at 75 as Richard was trying to bring the ball down the court for a last-second shot.
After missing the first free-throw, Richard’s second attempt was good for a 76-75 lead.
Ellender inbounded the ball, but standout Davontavean Martin’s attempt from half-court was off the mark to secure the Tigers’ win against Class 4A’s No. 6 team according to the latest Louisiana High School Athletic Association power rankings. Morgan City came into the game ranked No. 27 in Class 4A.
The Morgan City win forges a three-way tie atop the district standings between the Tigers, Assumption and Ellender, who all have two district loses apiece.
In Friday’s win, the Tigers trailed 21-18 after a quarter before outscoring Ellender, 27-15, in the second period for a 45-36 lead at halftime.
Ellender outscored Morgan City, 22-18, in the third period to cut its deficit to 63-58 after three quarters.
Ke’Sean Francois led Morgan City with 22 points, while Deondre Grogan and Richard added 16 points apiece. Other Morgan City scorers included Kerwin Francois, seven; Devonta Grogan, six; Jared Singleton, five; and Morrquise Charles and Taaj Daniels, two apiece.
Morgan City (15-8 overall, 5-2 in district) will return to action Tuesday when it travels to face South Terrebonne in district action.
Lucas’ buzzer beater
lifts Patterson
Drew Lucas’ three-pointer at the buzzer lifted Patterson to a 58-55 victory in District 8-3A action at Patterson Friday.
The shot capped an impressive fourth quarter for the Lumberjacks, who entered the period trailing 47-40, but outscored the Panthers, 18-8 in the period.
With the win, the Lumberjacks remain undefeated in District 8-3A action this season with an 8-0 mark.
While Patterson took an 11-8 lead after a period of play, Berwick outscored the home squad 22-12 in the second period for a 30-23 halftime lead. Each team scored 17 points in the third quarter.
Jordan Butler led Patterson with 23 points. Other scorers included Lucas, nine; Tyric Garrett and Dajon Richard, seven apiece; Elijah Williams, six; Khyri Harris, four; and Kai Schexnayder, two.
Patterson made eight three-pointers, led by Lucas’ three.
Berwick was led in scoring by Larenz Clark with 19 points, while Josh Carver had 14. Other Berwick scorers included Travis Whitehead, nine; Donald Tillman, eight; Cody Roberie, three; and Tysin Meads, two.
Berwick made five three-pointers in the victory.
The Panthers (17-11, 6-3) will return to action Tuesday when they host Kaplan in district play.
Patterson (13-8, 8-0) will hit the court again Tuesday when it travels to face E.D. White in district action.
CCHS routs
Highland Baptist
The Central Catholic Eagles routed Highland Baptist, 76-13, in District 7-1A action in Morgan City Friday.
Ja’len Johnson led the Eagles with 26 points, while Elijah Swan scored 15 and Blake Byrne, 10.
Central Catholic (10-9, 5-5) will return to action Tuesday when it hosts Vermilion Catholic in district play.

Follow Us