Northwest Eliminated
sBOBBY ARDOIN
St. Landry Now.com Editor
A poor start and an equally unproductive final quarter led to the elimination of the Northwest High boys’ basketball team during the semifinal round of the Division II Non-Select playoffs on Tuesday night.
Second-seeded Northwest experienced scoring problems during the first eight minutes of the game, which allowed Brusly to take a commanding 26-5 lead by the start of the second quarter.
The Raiders’ scoring problems – eight fourth quarter points – were also pivotal in the 72-56 season-ending Northwest defeat at Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles.
The Raiders (22-8) were making their first state tournament appearance since 2004.
Brusly will play top-seeded Wossman on Friday night. Wossman defeated No. 4 Bossier (55-49) in the other Division II semifinal on Tuesday.
How It Happened
Northwest recovered briefly before halftime, as the Raiders closed the scoring gap to 12 points (40-28) at the intermission.
However the cold-shooting final period prevented Northwest with any chance of recovery.
Overall the Raiders shot only 27 percent (20-of-73) throughout the game, while Brusly made 43 percent of its field goal attempts.
Reginald Lavergne led Northwest with 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Malek Davis added 11 points and eight rebounds.
Guard Courtland Young scored 15 while grabbing 11 boards.
Defensively Northwest provided 13 steals, but the Raiders’ offensive also contributed as many turnovers.
Northwest produced only five assists.
Brusly outrebounded the Raiders 51-43.
Micah Bryant was the scoring leader for the Panthers (19 points). Ben Bradford had 14 points and as many rebounds, while Ryan Johnson scored 15 for Brusly.
