Basketball: Rayville hands Riverside first loss, Scotlandville wins at Hall of Fame Tourney

It is very unfortunate.

With the split alive and well in Louisiana in many sports, including basketball, we will not get to see true state championships in basketball.

The most glaring example is Class 2A.

In a united organization, Rayville and Riverside would likely square off for the state championship in March in Lake Charles. Instead, we have the regular season to enjoy such matchups, as was the case Saturday evening in Baton Rouge.

In a battle of unbeaten titans, Rayville, which finished second in the state in 2A a year ago, broke open a close game in the second half with an impressive 82-68 victory over Riverside in the Howard Davis Hall of Fame Tournament at Scotlandville.

The Hornets (26-0) took a 24-17 lead after one quarter and held a narrow 36-35 lead at the half. The second half belonged to Rayville, as the Hornets outscored the Rebels 22-11 in the third quarter for a 58-46 lead entering the final quarter and won the last quarter as well for a huge victory.

Mylik Wilson led Rayville with 28 points, Nashawn Ellis had 22, Jamarcus Wilson scored 14 and Rashard Naylor added 13 points in a balance effort. Alabama signee Jared Butler led the Rebels with 26 points while Garland Robertson added 14.

In its 26 wins, Rayville has beaten all but two opponents by 10 points or more. The Hornets return to District 2-2A action Tuesday night at Beekman Charter at 7 p.m. Rayville spanked Beekman Charter 79-25 at home on Jan. 9. Rayville is the top-ranked team in the LHSAA Class 2A power rankings while Riverside is No. 1 in the Division III power rankings.

Riverside (24-1) hosts Country Day Thursday in an 11-2A showdown. The Rebels have beaten the defending Division III state champion Cajuns twice this season, winning 66-56 in the Sophie B. Wright Tournament on Dec. 2 and 68-61 at the Country Day Tournament on Dec. 23.

Scotlandville served as an unhospitable host to Trinity Christian of Cedar Hill, TX, winning 87-62 over the Tigers in the nightcap of the tournament.

LSU signee Ja’Vonte Smart put on a show, pumping in 48 points, dishing out seven assists and pulling down five rebounds.

The game was competitive early, tied 18-18 after one quarter. Scotlandville (21-5) dominated the rest of the way, taking a commanding 39-24 lead at the half. It was 74-40 after three quarters and the Hornets coasted to the finish line.

Baton Rouge native Tyreek Smith led the Tigers (25-6) with 23 points. Smith, who is 6-foot-8, has many Division I offers, including from LSU. Reece Beekman added 17 points for the Hornets.

Scotlandville returns to action Tuesday night at 7 p.m. at Walker (23-3) in a District 4-5A showdown which figures to determine a district champion.

Area Prep Basketball Results from Saturday, Jan. 27

Boys

New Orleans Area

Country Day 76, E.D. White Catholic 31

Jesuit 43, Chalmette 40

Lee, AL 71 Crescent City Christian 54

Newman 60, Archbishop Rummel 48

Baton Rouge Area

Rayville 82, Riverside 68 (Hall of Fame Tournament at Scotlandville)

Scotlandville 87, Trinity Christian, TX 62 (Hall of Fame Tournament at Scotlandville)

Shadow Mountain, AZ 60, Madison Prep 55 (Montverde Academy Tournament FL)

Jewel Sumner 64, Holden 47

Bayou Area

Lafayette Christian 65, Morgan City 50