Lafayette Christian Academy girls basketball squad enters final lap in 'Drive for Four'
HAMMOND, LOUISIANA - Jada Richard labeled it as "The Drive for Four."
Four state titles in four years. That's what Richard and Lafayette Christian senior teammates Eve Alexander and Indy Richard can accomplish on Saturday at the University Center on the campus of Southeastern Louisiana University.
The top-seeded Lady Knights (30-1) secured their berth in the Division II select championship by downing No. 5 Bunkie, 58-37, in the semifinals on Thursday afternoon.
"We need everyone to come out and support these young ladies on Saturday," LCA coach Errol Rogers said. "I know everyone thinks that we can just come in and win. Let me tell you something; it's going to be a dogfight (against Madison Prep)."
Jada Richard, Alexander and junior Taelyn Taylor combined for 56 of 57 points in the semis. The trio made a combined 24-of-43 field goals and were a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line. Richard, an LSU signee, canned 14-of-22 field goals and finished with 33 points. She was 13-of-17 on shots inside the 3-point line.
"That was probably one of the hardest things to do was prepare for (Richard) and Eve Alexander," Bunkie coach Jessie Juneau said. "We did our best. I feel like if we would've had a couple of games against players like that, it would've helped, but look - hat's off to them. They have really, really good athletes. They're a great team."
Carlesia Fields scored 15 points with eight rebounds, three assists and a steal for Bunkie. Kaylen Rabalais and Shatel Eggins chipped in 10 points apiece.
The Lady Panthers, who had won 14 straight games, stayed true to the man-to-man defense that helped them eliminate No. 4 E.D. White and No. 21 Cabrini.
"We went back and forth, trying to prepare and it was questionable, but that's what we've done all year," Juneau said. "(Man-to-man) defense has been our strength. It's what led us to be so successful, so we stuck with it."
Alexander, a 6-foot Florida A&M signee, scored 12 points with eight rebounds, three steals and two blocks. Taylor, a junior guard, added 12 points, six rebounds, an assist and a steal. Hebert limited Fields, who was averaging 26 points per game, to 5-of-15 shooting.
"Indy is someone I can lean on," Richard said. "Behind closed doors, she's the one always telling me I can make the next shot, or to get out of my head. She takes on the job of guarding the opposition's best player."
LCA outscored Bunkie in every quarter except the fourth when Rogers substituted liberally. The only aspect that left something to be desired was accuracy from the perimeter. The Lady Knights made 1-of-11 from beyond the arc.
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"The mindset we're taught is that we're going to win," Alexander said. "We always play hard no matter the opponent.
"I know Coach Errol is going to give us a tough practice Friday because it's the last practice before the game. As seniors, we're going to give our all on the court. That's what we're taught."
The Lady Knights will face No. 3 Madison Prep (25-10) at 2 p.m. on Saturday. The Lady Chargers advanced via forfeit when No. 2 Vandebilt Catholic self-reported the inadvertent use of an ineligible player.
"We have to get ready to play a very tough team," Rogers said. "Madison Prep changes their lineup so much that I don't know who is going to start for them. I have a game plan in the back of my mind. I will come up with a game plan, say that's what we're going to do, and then right before the game, decide we're going to just do what we do.
"We'll find out. Be here early, get a good seat and get some popcorn. We're going to have some fun."
Photo of Lafayette Christian's Jada Richard (30) by KATC-TV
-- Mike Coppage | @SBLiveLA
