Lady Tigers, Wildcats knocked out of playoffs

Destrehan’s Kayla Smothers brings the ball up court. The Wildcats made it into the playoffs, but lost to 5th-seeded John Ehret.

The Hahnville Lady Tigers and Destrehan Lady Cats both lost in the first round of the Class 5A state playoffs, with Hahnville falling to Mandeville 54-64 and Destrehan coming out on the losing end of a 52-36 contest with John Ehret.

The Lady Tigers, who finished the regular season in second place in district 6-5A, fell behind early to Mandeville, and trailed 16-29 at the half. In the second half, the Lady Tigers stepped up their defensive pressure and forced turnovers as they slowly crept back into the game. Though they trailed by 18 points at one point in the third, Hahnville cut the lead to three points in the fourth quarter.

However, Mandeville made 10 consecutive free throws to increase the lead and lock up the 10-point victory.

"Defensively, we played great in the second half," Hahnville head coach Kevin Robicheaux said. "Unfortunately, the team that has to come from behind usually runs out of time and/or energy.

"Against Mandeville, we just ran out of time."

Hahnville sophomore guard Kaelynn Boyd was spectacular in the game, leading all scorers with 27 points. Fifteen of those points came on five 3-pointers.

"Kaelynn played very well," Robicheaux said. "She made some key shots for us in the second half, and at times guarded one of Mandeville's best players."

Though the Lady Tigers’ season is over, Robicheaux was proud of the hard work and effort the Lady Tigers put in this year. He also feels that the team can get back to the playoffs next year and make a run.

"The potential of our team next year is good," he said. "We have some players coming back who will be able to step in and contribute right away. We definitely have a chance to make a playoff run next year if we put the work in during the offseason."

While Hahnville kept the game close, Destrehan never really had a chance against 5th-seeded John Ehret.

Still though, Paige Rochelle, who has been the team leader for the Lady Cats all season, scored 25 points in her last game at Destrehan.