The Destrehan Wildcats are on a roll after beating South Lafourche, H.L. Bourgeois and East St. John in the last seven days to improve to 5-2 in district play.
Destrehan began their winning streak last week when they held on down the stretch to knock off South Lafourche 67-63. Destrehan led by 17 late in the third quarter, but coach Todd Bourg removed several starters, which allowed South Lafourche to creep back into the game.
“It was a mistake on my part taking out too many starters, but we fought back and made some clutch free throws” Bourg said.
Those free throws were the deciding factor, as South Lafourche began fouling with three minutes left to go in the game.
“They wanted us to make free throws and we got it done,” Bourg said.
On Friday, Destrehan pulled out a thrilling 55-54 win over H.L. Bourgeois. Clifton Adams hit a jumper from the top of the key with six seconds left to seal the win.
The teams were tied heading into the fourth quarter, but the Wildcats went on an 8-0 run to take a 50-46 lead. However, Bourgeois took the lead back with 42 seconds left, setting the stage for Adams’ winning shot.
This marked the second time in four games that the Wildcats pulled out a win at the buzzer away from the friendly confines of their home court.
“[Winning close games] says a lot about our guys. They are maturing and learning how to win on the road,” Bourg said. “If you make the postseason, those types of wins help you out.”
Bourg said that last year his squad lost several games in the fourth quarter due to turnovers and poor shot selection. He says that was a learning experience that is now paying off for his team this season.
“It was another great battle to come out with a one-point win on the road,” Bourg said. “If you can hold serve at home and steal one or two on the road, it usually lands you in the playoffs.”
The Wildcats picked up their biggest win of the season on Tuesday when they beat East St. John 60-56. Going into the game, ESJ was undefeated in district play.
“East St. John has won district five or six years in a row,” Bourg said. “They have talent on top of talent, and they have size.”
But the Wildcats went toe-to-toe with ESJ, with David Green leading his squad to the win with 24 points.
Bourg said his team is playing much better as they enter the second half of district play.
“I think we are getting back to where we were earlier in the year,” he said. “We were playing great team ball early and we were blocking out and taking charges. In the middle of the season we got away from that and lost a couple games we shouldn’t have lost.
“We are back to being more patient on offense and taking charges. That is the difference.”
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