
Winner of three out of its past four, Hahnville heads into a Friday night showdown with rival Destrehan riding strong momentum.
The two teams split a season ago, Destrehan winning 51-29 in the first meeting and Hahnville scoring victory in the rematch, 37-35. But there will be no split this season – barring a playoff matchup between the teams – as District 8-5A play is just a lone round this year. The game will be the district opener for both teams.
HHS head coach Joshua Bellaire said he expects a game befitting the rivalry between the schools.
“(Fans) can expect a good game,” Bellaire said. “This is a district matchup, a rivalry, and we know what this means – the magnitude of the game. There are the bragging rights that go with it … and additionally, with district being one round, it’s magnified. They’re having a really good season too. They’re well-coached and have some really talented players. We’ll be prepared.”
Hahnville enters with a record of 13-6, Destrehan 15-8 and riding high on its own wave of strong play, winner of five of its last seven.
Bellaire likes the look of his team entering the important game – and district play as a whole.
“Our defensive intensity is good right now. We can always tighten up a few things but I like the way we’re playing together, whether we’re up or down on the scoreboard or how the game looks. We’ve gone in down at half or even the fourth quarter, but we’ve found ways to win,” Bellaire said.
He added he believes the makeup of the team and chemistry the players have with one another has been a driving force in those situations.
“They really stick together. They love playing together and they take pride in it,” said Bellaire. “We went on the road to play E.D. White, a very tough team – we hung together, had some girls in a little foul trouble, and we had players make an impact off the bench and play well for us.”
That was a 44-36 victory for Hahnville in a tough environment. Another tough test came a game later against undefeated Walker (25-0) at home Friday night. One of the tougher teams in the state, Hahnville held its own before Walker separated for a 53-39 victory.
“I was impressed with everyone on our team and how they played against one of the best teams in the state, in any classification,” said Bellaire.
One key for Hahnville has been the play of senior point guard Dihlynn Mitchell, who brings a sense of calm and control under even the heaviest defensive pressure, Bellaire said.
“She’s been really big for us. She handled the pressure against Walker as our primary ballhandler and did a tremendous job,” Bellaire said. “She’s been steady for us all season. We know what she’s going to bring every single night – she’s always ready to play, and her ability to get everyone in the right spot and lead the offense is huge for us.”
Defensively, Hahnville continues to be a difficult test for opposing offenses. It’s long been at the forefront of the Lady Tigers’ identity and this is a team that makes the opposition work for its points – for everything, for that matter.
“Collectively, this is a really good defensive team. They really get at it,” Bellaire said. “I’m, proud of all of them. How we play as a team defensively is our strong suit.”
Alaejah Jupiter and Paige Friloux have been key in this regard and give Hahnville an interior presence every night.
“On most nights, I feel we have a real advantage in the frontcourt with those two,” Bellaire said. “They rebound the ball. A’Kjha Kenner is another – she’s been out for us but we hope to have her back in a week or so. She is a big factor in how we rebound the ball.”