In this edition of the Three Point Shot, staff writers Warren Arceneaux and Rodrick Anderson discuss the first half of the high school basketball season.

 

What is the biggest boys story line?

WA: Early struggles for the city’s two state tournament representatives last year, Washington-Marion and Hamilton Christian. Both teams got off to slow starts against tough schedules. W-M endured injuries but is back at full strength in time for district. HCA is behind the 8-ball in the District 4-1A race after losing at Grand Lake but can still earn a share of the title by beating the Hornets at home.

RA: It is not that DeRidder was not expected to be good, but that the Dragons kept winning despite losing Louisiana-Lafayette signee Randy Glandey for several games. In his absence, Joseph Davis, Dequandre Bagley and Deirico Smith have stepped up, giving the Dragons more offensive threats now that Gladney is healthy again. DeRidder (17-5) is ranked No. 7 in Class 4A and will open district play Tuesday at home against rival Leesville.

 

What is most interesting thing about the girls’ season?

WA: Star power from top to bottom in the area with the likes of Barbe’s Brandi Williams, DeRidder’s Dominique Davis, Lake Arthur’s Jamara Levy, Merryville’s Andrea Cournoyer and Fairview’s Maddison Martin. Lots of talent and scoring on display.

RA: District 3-5A may be one of the deepest in the Lake Area with Barbe, Sulphur, LaGrange and Sam Houston. Barbe has dominated the last two seasons, but this season they are one of four teams from the district ranked in the top 10 in the Class 5A power rankings. Barbe (14-4) is No. 1 followed by No. 3 LaGrange (16-3), No. 5 Sulphur (17-4) and No. 9 Sam Houston (15-3).

 

Name one boy and girl player who caught your eye.

WA: Hamilton sophomore guard Michael Thomas and LaGrange freshman Jeriah Warren. Both are electric athletes with a good feel for the game. Both teams should be at a high level for the next few years.

RA: His future lies in Houston as a tight end for the University of Houston Cougars, but that hasn’t stopped Sulphur big man Christian Trahan from having a productive season on the hardwood. Trahan is averaging near double-double figures and put up 19 points in a 59-55 overtime loss to Leesville on Tuesday.