Hamilton Christian is coming together on and off the floor in hopes of another long playoff run and showed its good form Saturday night, blowing by Ville Platte 72-49 at Burton Coliseum to wrap up the first day of play at the MLK Classic.

The Warriors (11-6) took the lead for good with a 14-4 run to end the first quarter, taking a 20-12 lead. Baskets by Mason Russell and Elijah Belton started the run. DJ Williams scored the final two baskets.

Belton scored seven points in the second quarter as the Warriors extended the lead to 13 by halftime.

Belton finished with 22 points. Deion Ware added 17 and Williams finished with 10.

Sage Papillion led Ville Platte (9-6) with 17 points. Montavis Serialle added 13.

“We moved the ball well and took good shots,” Hamilton head coach Dexter Washington said. “We are starting to play for one another, cheer for one another. Our chemistry is coming along. That’s how you win championships.”

Earlier in the day, Washington-Marion beat Northwest 58-46. Elijah Netty and Kishaun Stevens scored 14 points each to lead W-M. Jordan Johnson added 13.

Chris Freeman led Northwest with 17 points.

 

Sunday’s Games

Carencro vs. Carroll, girls, 9 a.m.

Southside vs. Livonia, boys, 10:15 a.m.

East St. John vs. Woodlawn-SH, boys, 11:30 a.m.

Opelousas vs. Southwood, girls, 12:45 a.m.

Parkway vs. Fairview, girls, 2 p.m.

Karr vs. West Monroe, boys, 3:15 p.m.

Madison Prep vs. West Monroe, girls, 4:30 p.m.

Destrehan vs. Northside, boys, 5:45 p.m.

North Central vs. Alexandria, boys, 7 p.m.

Elton vs. Ville Platte, boys, 8:15 p.m.