There were lots of highs and very few lows this season for the French Settlement boys basketball team. Even after a 57-52 loss to Winnfield in the Division III nonselect semifinals, it was most certainly a season to remember.
The Lions made their first appearance in the state tournament since 1966 and finished with a record of 29-5. Along the way, there were plenty of thrills.
In December, French Settlement won three games at the Livingston Parish tournament before a loss in the championship game to Walker, a Division I nonselect semifinalist this year.
There were wins over Division I nonselect playoff teams Denham Springs, St. Amant and Sulphur and also St. Paul’s, which competed in Division I select. It all led up to earning a No. 2 seeding and a first-round playoff bye for the Lions.
After home wins over Amite and St. Helena, French Settlement to the state tournament at Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles. The game with Winnfield hinged on defense, and Lions coach Jake Bourgeois gave credit to the Tigers.
“I thought Winnfield did a really good job on defense, putting pressure on the full length of the court and getting us out of our offensive sets that we like to run,” Bourgeois said. “They made it tough on us. They’re a heck of a team and you have to tip your cap to them.”
French Settlement led 24-22 at halftime, but Winnfield nudged ahead in the third quarter and kept the Lions at arm’s length the rest of the way. Trailing by 3 with less than a minute to play, French Settlement had two possessions to cut into the lead, but lost the ball on turnovers both times.
Senior Draven Smith led the Lions with 20 points and eight rebounds, but was 0 for 3 from 3-point range. Both teams shot 37.2% from the field, but French Settlement was 0 for 11 on 3-pointers.
“I’m super-proud of my team. They left their hearts on the floor,” Bourgeois said. “We just didn’t make the few plays that we needed down the stretch to put us over the top.”
Championship seasons are easier to remember than some, but French Settlement’s journey this season is also one that Lions fans can savor.
Bulldogs, Lions post impressive district wins
Springfield’s Maggie Ridgedell threw a no-hitter, and the Bulldogs took advantage of 12 walks as they opened play in district 7-2A with a 19-1 win over Independence. At the plate, Ridgedell went 2-for-2 and drove in a run.
French Settlement was equally impressive as they took a 19-0 win over St. Thomas Aquinas. Emma Petite and Jillian Cullen combined to limit the Falcons to three hits.
Springfield and French Settlement, both 2-0 in district, will play this week at Springfield.
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