PRAIRIE RHONDE -- The Ville Platte High Bulldogs came into the Northwest Holiday tournament determined to get the word out that they are a force to be reckoned with in the second half of the season.
So when Ville Platte took to the floor on Wednesday and Thursday night they hoped to continue the momentum gained from their big win over East Iberville on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, the Bulldogs were able to revenge a previous loss this season, as they powered past host team Northwest 70-61. Ville Platte then followed that up with a tough 61-54 loss to Opelousas.
With those two results, the Bulldogs were scheduled to play in the third place game against LaGrange. The Gazette will have coverage of that game in Thursday’s paper.
Meanwhile, the Lady Bulldogs took on the Lakeview Lady Gators in the consolation bracket on Wednesday night. Unfortunately, Ville Platte could not finish strong enough, as they fell 55-53 to drop out of the tournament.
Here is a re-cap of those games played.
Ville Platte (B)
vs. Northwest
As advertised, this game started in full throttle and stayed that way throughout the first quarter. The two teams ran the floor with abandon and showcased some amazing athleticism, with thundering dunks, pin point three-point accuracy and in your face lay-ups.
As the first quarter progressed, neither team could gain any advantage what-so-ever, as the lead changed eight times in the period. With Northwest leading 21-19 and only two seconds on the clock, Ville Platte’s Terrian Roy sunk a three-point attempt and was fouled in the process.
Roy hit the bonus attempt and the Bulldogs held a 23-21 lead as the first quarter came to an end.
The second quarter unfolded the same way that the initial quarter did, with the two clubs battling for any type of momentum. As the period wound down, it would be Ville Platte that would seize on several opportunities and close out the half on an eight point run, behind two more three-pointers from Roy, to take a 36-30 lead into the locker room.
The Bulldogs used the steam built up at the end of the second quarter to propel themselves to a 52-37 lead in the first five minutes of the third quarter. The Raiders were able to quell the velocity gained by Ville Platte, but could not close the gap, as the 15 point advantage, 56-41, remained as the third quarter closed out.
The Bulldogs did not let complacency set in during the final quarter. Ville Platte continued to pressure Northwest and finished the game strong, completing the win and advancing on.
In the game, Roy led all scorers with 21 points. Tyran Jones added 16 for Ville Platte.
Ville Platte (B)
vs. Opelousas
It was a tale of two halves for the Ville Platte Bulldogs, as they owned the first part of the game, but could not hold on down the stretch to get to the championship game.
Ville Platte controlled the first quarter jumping out to a 19-15 lead. That four point advantage was increased by one during the course of the second quarter, as the Bulldogs still remained on top, 34-29, as the first half ended.
Opelousas began its comeback in the third quarter, outscoring Ville Platte 14-12 in the third quarter. But, it was the final period that spelled doom for the Bulldogs, as the Tigers outpaced Ville Platte 18-8 to close out the win.
Jamal Byers had 17 points to lead the Bulldogs. Tyran Jones scored 11 and brother Tyler Jones contributed 10 points.
Ville Platte (G)
vs. Lakeview
It took the Ville Platte Lady Bulldogs a few minutes to get started on the offensive side of the floor to begin the game. Lakeview was able to jump out to a 6-2 lead at the 4:40 mark of the first quarter.
However, Ville Platte picked up the pace enough to go on an 8-0 run down the stretch, with the help of buckets by La’Jaia Leday and Makayla Ardoin, to own a 13-6 lead at the close of the period.
The second quarter became the quarter of the long range shot. The two teams exchanged three-point baskets twice in the period, including the first two baskets from both clubs. The Lady Gators were able to gain some advantage as the quarter progressed and outscored the Lady Bulldogs 12-8, to close the gap down to three as the teams took their halftime break.
Ville Platte began the third quarter with two quick baskets to open the game back up to seven. But, Lakeview had the answer knocking down the next five points.
As the two teams battled back and forth, the Lady Gators were able to use some solid defense and fairly accurate free throw shooting to take over the lead, 36-31, as the period ended.
Ville Platte fought hard to get the advantage back on its side, even retaking the lead, 51-50, with 1:34 to go in the contest. Unfortunately, the Lady Bulldogs could not fend off Lakeview for the final moments in the game, as the Lady Gators scored five of the last seven points to seal the win.