[MONROE, LA] This past week PCA participated in the NCHBC Gulf Coast District tournament. Teams from Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and Arkansas all met up in Monroe, LA, for what was an exciting weekend of fun, friends, and basketball. The Paladins competed well in all five age groups (18U boys, 16U boys and girls, and 14U boys and girls).
The 18U boys came into this tournament confident with an overall seeding of 4 out of 15 teams. They rolled on into the championship game, with wins over the Acadiana Christian Defenders (#13 seed), Falkner County Falcons (#5 seed), and CHAAMP Hawks (#1 seed). PCA would end up losing in the championship to the #2 seed Little Rock Flames 59-53, placing 2nd overall. The Paladins now have an overall record of 24-4.
The 16U boys were looking to continue their win streak through this tournament. They defeated the Laurel Knighthawks, Little Rock Flames (#1 seed), and Shreveport Force, all of which were close, hard-fought games, taking the 1st place trophy in the tournament. PCA 16U boys now have a record of 17-2 on the season.
The 16U girls started strong with wins over the Laurel Knighthawks and Little Rock Flames. They ended the weekend in dominating fashion, defeating the CHA Flame 52-22. The girls would also come out (like the 16U boys) as the champions for the district tournament. That brings their record to 10-6 overall.
The 14U boys came into the tournament without many games together. They’ve only had four games all season, all of which were routine wins. The boys started out with a huge comeback win over Tyler Heat but lost to Little Rock Flames in the semifinals. They ended the weekend with a big win over the Saline County Warriors and a 3rd place finish. The 14U boys now have a record of 6-1.
The 14U girls had not played a single game together going into the weekend. They lost their first game to Tyler Heat but rebounded with two wins against the Laurel Knighthawks and CHA Flames They ended the tournament with a loss to the Little Rock Flames and a 3rd place finish. They now have a record of 2-2.
PCA is looking to end the regular season with wins as they will travel to Laurel to take on the Knighthawks this coming Saturday. The following weekend will be the MSAHA Playoffs, held in Hattiesburg, MS.
