Parkway gains revenge against Ponchatoula in girls basketball title game

HAMMOND – A year was a long time to wait.

The memory lingered.

Favored Parkway lost a heartbreaking 80-79 double overtime decision to Ponchatoula at University Center to cap last season.

While it was a thrilling game and euphoric night for the Green Wave, it was a devastating loss for the Panthers.

On a mission to erase the result and memory, Parkway was not going to be denied Saturday night.

The Panthers controlled play from start to finish in an 80-57 victory over Ponchatoula to win the Non-Select Division I state championship in the finale of the 2023 LHSAA Girls Prep Basketball State championships at Southeastern Louisiana.

LSU signee Mikaylah Williams was tremendous, scoring 34 points in a dominant performance. Williams added 11 rebounds and three steals.

Congratulations to the Select Division I Most Outstanding Player, Mikaylah Williams! 🏀🏆 pic.twitter.com/4YyxcBsI8x

— LHSAA (@LHSAAsports) March 5, 2023

Ponchatoula (25-9) kept it close early, trailing just 23-19 after one quarter but from that point forward, it was all Panthers. Parkway outscored the Green Wave 18-8 in the second quarter to take a 41-27 halftime lead.

The lead grew to 59-37 after three quarters.

Junior Chloe Larry added 17 points for Parkway (26-1) while Tylissa Henderson and Makenna Miles each scored nine points. Parkway shot 50 percent from the field, 79 percent from the free throw line and made seven 3-pointers. The Panthers controlled the boards by a 38-27 margin.

Taylor Jackson scored 20 points for Ponchatoula while Libby Thompson contributed 17 points and six rebounds.

🏀🏆📊 pic.twitter.com/TVcxHd6J8K

— LHSAA (@LHSAAsports) March 5, 2023