Lady Cats fall in playoff opener

HOUMA – The Eunice High School Lady Bobcats fell to the Ellender High School Lady Patriots here Thursday night by a 56-40 decision in first round action of the Class 4A state playoffs.
Coach Durell Peloquin’s Lady Cats trailed Ellender by a 21-11 margin in the opening quarter of play and trailed 38-19 at the half. But the third quarter proved to be a plus for the Lady Bobcats. The Lady Cats actually cut the Lady Patriots’ 19-point lead to 10 points during the quarter, finishing with a 16-11 advantage.
With the Lady Pats holding a 49-35 lead heading into the fourth quarter, Ellender decided to hold the ball, forcing the Lady Cats to chase them in an attempt to force turnovers. The final quarter saw the Lady Patriots hold a 7-5 scoring edge to take the victory.
“We played as well as we could play”, commented Coach Peloquin on his team’s effort. “They got us in foul trouble and it played a factor late in the game.”
The Lady Bobcats made seven of 13 free throws in the game, while the Lady Patriots sank only six of 17 charity shots.
Hali Jack and Beulah Bradley shared top scoring honors for the Lady Bobcats with nine points apiece. Dashaya Vigers, who fouled out of the game, and Ashley Washington added eight points apiece for the Lady Bobcats.
Tiara Scott, who hit five three-point field goals in the game, finished as the top scorer for Ellender with 23 points. Sage Scott hit the double figure mark with 10 points for the Lady Pats.
Ellender advances to the regional round of the playoffs with a 22-5 record. The Lady Bobcats finished their season with an overall mark of 14-11.