Three Point Shot: Transition to basketball

Published 11:00 am Tuesday, December 6, 2022

In this edition of the Three Point Shot, staff writers Warren Arceneaux and Rodrick Anderson preview the week of high school basketball.

Which is the most interesting game this week?

WA: Midland at South Beauregard, girls, today. Midland is 12-3 and has won eight straight, including three in a row at the South Beauregard tournament last weekend. The Rebels will try to win one more against the Lady K’s, who are off to a 4-2 start, with four consecutive wins.

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RA: Sulphur at LaGrange, girls, today. Sulphur is on its second three-game win streak and won the Elton Tournament last week. Despite a pair of losses to top-10 John Curtis Christian and Lafayette last weekend at the Hamilton Christian tournament, LaGrange is ranked No. 7 in Division II and has won four of its last five games against the Tors.

Name a boys player to watch.

WA: Lake Charles College Prep guard Ryan Batiste has helped the Trailblazers to a 7-2 start with a combination of defense, scoring and passing. The Blazers won the consolation bracket of the Hamilton tournament, beating Washington-Marion, Alexandria and Hahnville.

RA: Junior guard Desamonte Gradney averaged almost 20 points a game and came up with key defensive plays while leading Iowa to a 3-0 run and the Elton Tournament championship. Iowa is ranked No. 4 in the Division II non-select power ratings.

Name a girls player to watch.

WA: Lake Arthur’s Vivian Sketoe had a 28-point game last week and will lead the Tigers in their tournament this weekend. The Tigers will face Southside, North Vermilion and Jennings. Sketoe can score and distribute the ball to teammates.

RA: Fairview’s Ella Reeves is a key offensive threat for the Division V No. 1 Panthers with the ability to score in the lane, on fast breaks and hit deep 3s. Reeves scored 43 points in the semifinals and finals of the Hamilton Christian tournament that included wins over Division I top-10s Lafayette and Parkway. Fairview will play in the Pitkin Tournament this week.