St. Martin’s routs Hamilton Christian to reach first boys basketball title game

LAKE CHARLES – No. 2 seed St. Martin’s Episcopal is relatively new to Marsh Madness. The Saints made their first trip ever last season but lost to eventual state champion Northwood-Lena.

Head coach Mike Odom knew that this was just the beginning with the quality team he had return for this season. St. Martin’s made their second trip memorable Thursday afternoon with a 62-33 victory over Hamilton Christian at the Burton Complex.

The Saints will play for a state title for the first time. The Division IV (Select) State title game in an all-Metairie affair pitting St. Martin’s against Crescent City this Saturday at 2 p.m.

St. Martin’s took control starting the second half when Ashton Oliver knocked down a three-pointer followed by to layups from Patrick LaForge. Cooper Odom and LaForge also scored in the paint as the Saints outscored the Warriors 36-10 in the second half.

Three players finished in double figures for St, Martin’s. Weaver led the Saints with 24 points and five rebounds. Odom tallied 16 points, two rebounds, and two assists. LaForge added 10 points, 15 rebounds, and five rebounds.

Overall, St. Martin’s was 48 percent (21-of43) from the field and 75 percent (15-of-20) from the free throw line.

Oliver scored a pair of driving layups as the Saints jumped out to an early 10-5 lead. A pair of three-pointers by Matthew Weaver was followed by another from Odom, extending the lead to 26-18.

The Warriors bounced back to finish the first half. Destin Love knocked down a three-pointer, and Vital made another jumper but St. Martin’s led 26-23 at the half.

Hamilton Christian had two players score in double figures. Love led the Warriors with 11 points. Vital finished with 10 points, four rebounds and two assists.