Tigers beat Dutchtown, playoff hopes in jeopardy

Thelezia Folse

HHS’ Jerqwinick Sandolph passes the ball to an awaiting teammate in his team’s win over Dutchtown.

The Hahnville boys basketball team's struggles continued in district with a 66-48 loss to Destrehan last week, but the Tigers were able to rebound to pick up a huge district win by defeating Dutchtown 58-54.

That win improved the Tigers to 13-8 overall and 3-5 in district play.

Against Dutchtown, the Tigers fell behind early, trailing 14-12 after the first quarter, but Hahnville went on a run in the second quarter that gave them a 33-32 lead at the break. The Tigers added some cushion to their lead by outscoring Dutchtown 11-5 in the third quarter and then held off a late Griffins run in the fourth for the 58-54 victory.
Derek Howard led his team to the win with 18 points.

"I think that we really were able to execute and defend in the second half, which lead to some easy transition baskets," Hahnville head coach Brian Lumar said.

The Tigers, who usually are contenders for the district crown, have struggled to gel this season because Lumar had to replace four starters from last year's squad.

"But I think the experience gained this year has been really beneficial to a lot of the guys," Lumar said. "My guys have continued to fight."

But even though Lumar knows his team is giving their all, there have been long scoring draughts in district play.

"We have had difficulty all year with scoring and being able to knock free throws down," Lumar said. "It has really hurt us in some big games this year."

While the Tigers are currently tied for third in District 6-5A, there are only two games remaining. That means the Tigers will have to pick up victories in their remaining games to have a shot at the playoffs.

"I have a great group of guys and they will no doubt leave everything on the court in our last regular season games," Lumar said.

The Tigers travel to St. Amant, who is 3-5 in district play, before hosting East St. John in the regular season finale. The Wildcats currently lead the district with an 8-0 record.
Friday's finale against East St. John is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.