JS Clark's intense defense too much for Episcopal of Acadiana in Division V select semifinals
LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA - Joseph S. Clark Leadership Academy (Opelousas) has been through the wars the last two years.
The second-seeded Bulldogs came up short in the state semifinals last season. Head coach Ross Rix instilled in them that they are worthy to become state champions.
They would have to get through a scrappy, third-seeded Episcopal of Acadiana team for the third time this season in the Division V select state semifinals. JS Clark turned up their defense and overwhelmed the Falcons to clinch a berth to their first state final in school history with a 62-43 victory Monday at The Burton Complex.
Both teams went back and forth starting the game. Caden Arvie and Le’Damien George set the tone for the Bulldogs with consecutive baskets to take a 4-2 lead. Episcopal (25-10) answered with a 6-0 run to take an 8-4 lead. Jacob Vilar scored consecutive layups for the Falcons.
JS Clark (in white) defeated Episcopal of Acadiana in the Division V select semifinals March 4, 2024.
JS Clark (23-8) took charge late in the first quarter, outscoring Episcopal 9-4 to take a 16-12 lead. Justin Chavis stepped up with a 3-pointer for the Bulldogs.
Then, the Bulldogs added on with three consecutive layups by George, Lawrence Pickney and Evan Thomas.
The Falcons tried to bounce back in the second quarter with three consecutive layups by Miles Eble, Javion George, and Semar Flugence, cutting the Bulldogs' lead to 25-19. The Bulldogs answered with a 3-pointer by Chavis.
Louisiana boys high school basketball playoff scores: 2024 LHSAA state tournament
Chavis was 4-for-5 shooting in the first half and all four shots were 3's. JS Clark finished strong in the first half with a driving layup by Pickney at the buzzer, extending the lead to 12, 35-23, at the half.
“I’m really proud of how far team came this year. Nobody thought that we would come this far,” said Eble. “Our goal was to win state, but you can’t always get what you want.”
The Bulldogs' defense took over the second half forcing eight turnovers. Pickney took charge of the third quarter, scoring three consecutive driving layups. Then Ashton Joubert scored a driving layup to give JS Clark a commanding 49-30 lead.
“When the girls have won it, it gives us all the motivation. We got to make history,” said Pickney, referring to the JS Clark girls team which won its Division V select state championship on Friday. “I got to be the leader all the way to the next level. It starts with me being a leader and being vocal.”
JS Clark had three players scoring in double figures. Pickney led the Bulldogs with 19 points and 10 rebounds. George finished with 15 points, eight rebounds, and two assists. Chavis scored 12 points, all from the 3-point line.
“One advantage I have is knowing the process. Not just the process of winning, but the process of timing and all the little small things which contributes to victory,” said Rix. “This team has worked extremely hard this year.
"These guys have done an excellent job being able to manage themselves and be flexible. Kids around their age can lose their focus, but they stayed focused. I want to win the game just for them, because of everything they've been through this year and they deserved that one.”
Coach Rix is also the head coach of the JS Clark girls team which won state last week. He could become the second coach in LHSAA history to win state titles in girls and boys prep basketball in a single season.
Episcopal had two players scoring in double figures. George led the Falcons with 11 points and 12 rebounds, Vilar finished with 11 points and six rebounds, while Flugence scored seven points and five rebounds.
“We know how they wanted to play and we had to embrace the challenge. A lot of people thought we would not get here,” said Episcopal coach Jason Fatheree. “They’re physical.
"When your shot opportunities are limited to begin with because how good of a defensive team they are. When you get those chances, you've got to be clutch and knock them down.”
JS Clark will take on top seeded Avoyelles Public Charter in the Division V select championship game on Friday at noon at the Burton Complex in Lake Charles.
-- Vashon Jones | @SBLiveLA
