Basketball: State champs Carver, Ponchatoula score impressive wins

Area Prep Basketball Report for Thursday, Nov. 17

Last year’s Class 4A state champion Carver is not going anywhere.

Yes, the Rams graduated a slew of very talented players and return just one new starter from a year ago.

Still, Nathaniel Roche is an outstanding coach with an outstanding program.

The Rams opened their season Wednesday with a 77-63 victory at Slidell.

Jaylon Hicks led the way with 23 points, making 8 of 14 field goal attempts and sinking all six free throw attempts. Hicks added six rebounds, six assists and two blocks.

Ken’Wylon White added 20 points, sinking four of his 3-point attempts and White was 4 of 5 from the free throw line with five rebounds.

Daijon Leatherman scored 15 points and had five rebounds and Laurence Nathan scored 13 points with five assists.

Carver returns to action Friday at 6 p.m. while the Tigers (0-2) return to action across town at Northshore tonight at 7 p.m.

In girls action, last year’s 5A state champion Ponchatoula is off to a fast start.

The Green Wave easily handled traditional power Mount Carmel Academy 52-19 in Lakeview.

While Jaylee Womack is now at Tulane and returning star Taylor Jackson is out injured, Ponchatoula is still thriving.

The Green Wave led 16-7 after one quarter and 24-14 at halftime. Ponchatoula blew it open in the second half, outscoring the Cubs 29-5 the rest of the way.

Libby Thompson led Ponchatoula with 17 points, including five 3-pointers, while Alyssa Hillard had 15 points. Lili Bush added 11 points for the Green Wave.

Gianna Hingle led the Cubs with six points.

Ponchatoula (2-0) returns to action in the St. Thomas More tournament next Monday against St. Louis Catholic at 3:30 p.m.

Mount Carmel (1-1) will host Mandeville Friday at 6:30 p.m.

Area Prep Basketball Results from Wednesday, Nov. 16

Boys

Ben Franklin 55, West Jefferson 41

Bonnabel 79, Capitol 51

Carver 77, Slidell 63

Central Private 52, Kentwood 37

Varnado 59, Mount Hermon 57

Girls

Abramson 50, Mentorship Academy 1

John F. Kennedy 39, East Jefferson 28

Mandeville 56, Chalmette 38

McMain 40, South Plaquemines 38

Mount Hermon 42, Northlake Christian 38

Newman 42, Ursuline Academy 39

New Orleans Science & Math 51, Belle Chasse 18

Ponchatoula 52, Mount Carmel Academy 19