Preview: Newman plays for third straight boys basketball state title Friday

Playing in its fourth straight state championship game, Newman goes for a third straight state title today when the top-seeded Greenies battle No. 3 University Lab at 2 p.m. for the Select Division III state championship at Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles.

Newman (20-10) has won three playoff games in convincing fashion by nearly 30 points per game. The Greenies whipped No. 13 Episcopal 68-34 in the semifinals. The Greenies are in search of a 12th state championship, third most in Louisiana boys prep basketball history.

Appearing in their seventh title game in nine seasons, the Cubs (24-7) are looking for their first state title since 2016. U-High also reached the title game in 2017, 2018, 2020 and 2021. U-High is in search of an eighth state title. The Cubs advanced with a 44-41 win over No. 2 seed Dunham in the semifinals.

LHSAA Boys Prep Basketball Schedule for Thursday, March 7
1 p.m.—Select Division II—(1) Madison Prep 39, (4) Archbishop Shaw 28
2:45 p.m.—Select Division II—(2) Peabody 52, (3) Carver 48
4:30 p.m.—Select Division IV—(2) St. Martin’s Episcopal 62, (6) Hamilton Christian 33
6:15 p.m.—Non-Select Division I—(5) Natchitoches Central 60, (8) Ruston 56
8 p.m.—Non-Select Division I—(2) Ponchatoula 34, (3) New Iberia 26

LHSAA Boys Prep Basketball Championship Game Schedule for Friday, March 8
12 p.m—Select Division V—(1) Avoyelles Public Charter vs. JS Clark Leadership Academy
2 p.m.—Select Division III—(1) Newman vs. (3) University Lab
4 p.m.—Non-Select Division IV—(1) Lakeview vs. (6) Franklin
6 p.m.—Non-Select Division V—(1) Zwolle vs. (2) Anacoco
8 p.m.—Non-Select Division II—(1) Iowa vs. (2) Wossman