This past Friday night, January 30, the LaSalle Tigers were tasked with the tough challenge of opening district play against the #2 team in the state – the Lakeview Gators (20-3).

The Gators are always taking the trip to Lake Charles in the post season so this would provide a good tale of the tape against a potential state champion contender. The boys’ game against Grant was cancelled this past Tuesday (January 27) due to the freezing temperatures and hazardous road conditions. The rest was much needed from a busy multi-game-a-week schedule and had the boys ready for this past Friday in Campti.

From the opening tip off the boys played defense well in the first quarter and held the Gators in striking distance but struggled to get points early on. The game’s leading scorer, Lane Burnham, paired up a couple of 3’s and went 2/2 from the free throw line and kept it manageable going into the half.

As the game went on, the physicality of the game played against the Tigers as they got into foul trouble and forced them into unfamiliar territory, with three players fouling out and the loss of key starters as the game ensued. Down the stretch the Gators pulled away with timely free throw shooting and good offensive possessions making the final score 61-35 in favor of Lakeview.

With the toughest opponent of the season out of the way, the Tigers can look forward to a week full of opportunities as they look forward to three games coming up. Their first game is against district rival Northwood-Lena at home on Tuesday, February 3, followed by a revenge match against Dodson at home on Thursday, February 5. This will also be Senior Night as La-Salle’s three seniors, Caiden Finley, Tuff Street and Madison Jeter are honored.

The finale of the week will be against longtime district rival St. Mary’s in Natchitoches on Friday, February 6. With the district changing later this year, this will possibly be one of the last times LaSalle will have a district game in the City of Lights. Along with fighting for their spot in the playoff picture the Tigers are still in great position to get their first double digit win season in quite some time. Currently, the Tigers are ranked #27 in the Div. IV Non Select playoff power points.

Let’s all attend the games and cheer for the boys as they attempt to make history and continue to make the community proud. Go Tigers!

This week’s Tigers sports page is sponsored by Southern Heritage Bank.

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