Plaquemine boys tops Helen Cox to win Green Devil Classic hoops title

The Championship Game of the Plaquemine Green Devil Classic was a rematch of last year’s final when Helen Cox beat the hosts 55-61 to ring in the New Year. This time, the Green Devils behind a total team effort defeated Helen Cox, 52-50, to win the 2017 Green Devil Classic.
　
A close game throughout, it looked like the opening quarter would end in a tie but Helen Cox’s Daelon Murdock hit a three-pointer with 2 seconds left to give the Cougars a 15-12 edge.

Cox went on 6-2 run capped by a three-pointer from Derrick Castine with 2:25 to play in the quarter to lead 23-17 over Plaquemine. Plaquemine wasn’t done in the half by any means, rallying in the final two minutes to outscore Helen Cox 10-0 to take a 27-23 halftime advantage. A.J. Riley and Kederic Spears scored book end buckets to spark the Green Devils..

Helen Cox came out to play in the 3rd quarter with a 9-4 run to regain the lead. Issaiah Lewis and Derrick Castine sparked the Cougars. The two teams then traded baskets but Cox took a 42-39 lead to the final quarter.

　
With 1:35 to go in the game, Jazz Provo for Plaquemine drained a trey to draw the host to within one point at 50-49. Plaquemine with 51 seconds left in the game then took the lead on a pair of Darius Jackson. The Plaquemine defense came up with a stop and Jackson followed with another free throw. A final Cougars prayer went unanswered before the final horn.

Plaquemine was led by the tourney MVP Jackson with 19 points.

Helen Cox was paced by Daeion Murdock with 16 points and Issaiah Lewis with 15 points

Plaquemine Coach Donald Ray Johnson said, “We played hard tonight and got a win versus a well known, quality opponent.”

Plaquemine improves to 10-6 on the year and moves ahead to take on White Castle (9-4) for the fourth time this season next Saturday night in White Castle. Plaquemine defeated White Castle 42-39 in the Green Devil Classic Semi-Finals on Friday.

Helen Cox, now 12-6 on the year, will next play in the Allstate Sugar Bowl National Prep Classic this week at the Alario Center in Westwego.