District Champs!

LEBEAU -- Deja vu.
Most people experience it throughout their life. So did the Ville Platte High fans this past weekend.
On Friday, the Bulldogs downed the Northwest Raiders 66-63 to force an if necessary game for the District 5-3A title.
On Saturday, Ville Platte and Northwest tangled once again, this time at a neutral site, North Central High School. And, just like Friday night’s game, the Bulldogs had to come from behind to seal a 67-63 win over the Raiders.
The only difference this time, Ville Platte was able to lay claim to the ultimate prize that is the District championship.
With the win, Ville Platte finishes the season with an overall record of 25-10 and a district record of 10-1. The Bulldogs now advance to the Class 3A playoffs and will host the Loranger Wolves tomorrow night. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
In the game on Saturday, both the Bulldogs and the Raiders got off to hot starts on the offensive side of the court. Ville Platte trailed for the first 3:30 of the opening quarter, but took a 12-10 lead at the 4:04 mark on a three-point basket from Tyler Jones.
Northwest forged ahead by six, 18-12, over the next two minutes. However, the Bulldogs clawed their way back, scoring the final five points of the period, to cut the lead to one 18-17.
The two teams traded baskets in the second quarter like two heavyweights trading blows in the ring. With 1:50 to go before half, the Raiders owned an eight point lead, 31-23.
But, the fight in the Bulldogs did not subside. By cranking up the defensive pressure, Ville Platte found some extra possessions that turned into much needed points.
Behind Tye’Wuan Byers’ trio of three-point baskets, the Bulldogs inched their way closer and closer to the Raiders. Ville Platte closed out the half with a nine to one run that put them back to within one, 33-32, as the teams headed into the locker room.
With all the scoring that took place over the first two quarters, the third quarter was rather quiet for both offenses. Ville Platte picked up the first two buckets of the period to move ahead by three, 36-33.
Northwest answered with a 4-0 run to re-take the lead. Nevertheless, the Bulldogs remained focused and finished the period with a 42-39 advantage.
With the district title on the line, both clubs came out swinging. Ville Platte move out to a seven point lead, 50-43, with 6:09 to go in the game.
But, Northwest battled back to cut the lead down to two 50-48. The game swung back and forth, until the Bulldogs were able to steady themselves enough to keep the lead and seal the win.