John Curtis dominates from start to finish in semifinal win over Loranger

WESTWEGO, LA. – As the defending Division I state champion, John Curtis Christian certainly looks like the team to beat in its classification again in 2018. The Lady Patriots may be the team to beat in the Allstate Sugar Bowl National Prep Classic as well.

After losing in the title game a year ago, Curtis is in the tournament championship game again in 2018 following a convincing 53-30 victory at the Alario Center Friday evening in semifinal action.

“We worked hard on defense and it turned into turnovers which created points early,” said Curtis head coach Barbara Farris. “We are not a big team so we have to work hard and have everyone rebound and block out.”

The Lady Patriots dominated the opening quarter, ending the period on a 16-0 run. Tulane signee Dynah Jones led the way with seven points.

Curtis continued its dominance in the second quarter, going on a 9-0 run to extend the lead to 33-5 before taking a 35-9 lead to the break. Abryhia Irona had eight points in the second quarter and led Curtis with 10 in the half while Jones had nine and Salma Bates contributed seven points.

Loranger played much better in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 43-24 as Carley James hit a couple of 3-pointers.

Curtis was facing potential rematch with tough McKinley in the championship game but the Panthers lost 31-30 to Kenwood, Illinois in the other semifinal. McKinley handed Curtis its only loss of the season, beating the Lady Patriots 44-43 at the St. Michael Tournament on Dec. 1.

Jones led the Lady Patriots (14-1) with 20 points, five rebounds and four assists.

“Coach Farris always says our offense starts with our defense which gets us going, starts us off and that happened tonight,” Jones said. “We think about losing in the final a year ago every single day, talk about it at practice. We would love to finish what we could not finish a year ago.”

Irons finished with 13 points while Salma Bates had nine for Curtis. Desrael Schnyder led the Wolves (9-7) with eight points, five rebounds and three assists.

John Curtis will face Kentwood in the championship game Saturday at 5 p.m., which you can watch live at CrescentCitySports.com.

“Kenwood is an excellent team and we know we will have to work hard on both ends of the floor and rebound to win,” Jones said.

“Kenwood is long, athletic, quick and they hit the boards hard,” Farris said. “We know we will have to play our best to win. We are looking forward to the challenge.”

Final
John Curtis 20 15 8 10 53
Loranger 3 6 15 6 30

Scoring
John Curtis—Dynah Jones 20, Abryhia Irons 13, Salma Bates 9, Da’jha Virgil 7, Jerkalia Jordan 4

Loranger—Desrael Schnyder 8, Carley James 6, Ivy Carr 5, Ashley Miller 3, Sydney Rivers 3, Linsey Ard 3, Lulu Hookfin 2