Final Days of “Marsh Madness” Kick Off with High-Stakes Championship Contests
After four intense days of semifinal action, the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) girls’ “Marsh Madness” tournament is finally entering its championship phase. The excitement is palpable as five state titles are up for grabs on Friday, with another five set for Saturday. The University Center in Hammond, located on the campus of Southeastern Louisiana University, will be the stage for these high-stakes games. As fans and teams prepare for the final showdowns, the anticipation is building to a fever pitch.
Class C Championship: Summerfield vs. Simpson
The Class C Championship kicks off the action at noon, featuring a clash between Summerfield and Simpson. Summerfield (29-6), the No. 2 seed, secured their spot in the final with a 51-44 victory over Plainview. Armiya Williams was a standout player, scoring 31 points on 11-of-17 shooting and adding seven steals. Zyan Smith also contributed significantly with a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds. On the other side, top-seeded Simpson (39-2) dominated Reeves with a 74-59 win. Olivia Edwards led the charge with 31 points and 12 rebounds, while Ashlyn Allain added 15 points and three 3-pointers. Dakota Miller chipped in with 10 points, and the team’s remarkable rebounding advantage, 66-43, played a crucial role in their triumph.
Division III Select Championship: Academy of Sacred Heart-New Orleans vs. Lafayette Christian
The Division III Select Championship follows at 2 p.m., pitting the Academy of Sacred Heart-New Orleans against Lafayette Christian. Lafayette Christian (28-5), the top seed and last year’s Division II Select state champ, is one win away from a repeat performance. They advanced to the final with a 62-37 victory over De La Salle, thanks to Kaliyah Samuels’ double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds. Paityn Dean and Kenadie Jackson also had strong performances, contributing 13 and 10 points, respectively. No. 2 seed Academy of Sacred Heart-New Orleans (20-6) narrowly edged defending Division III Non-Select champion Rosepine, 43-40. Leah Varisco nearly recorded a double-double with 17 points and 9 rebounds, while Elizabeth Fitzpatrick added 11 points and 8 rebounds. The team’s dominant rebounding, 45-25, was a key factor in their victory.
Division IV Non-Select Championship: Lakeview vs. Arcadia
At 4 p.m., the Division IV Non-Select Championship will see Lakeview face off against Arcadia. Top-seeded Lakeview (28-4) continued their strong run with a 48-44 win over Midland in the semifinals. Timberlyn Washington was their top scorer with 23 points on 8-of-13 shooting. Arcadia (27-4), the No. 2 seed and defending state champions, secured their spot in the final with a 55-47 victory against White Castle. DeAsia Alexander was a force to be reckoned with, scoring 28 points, pulling down 16 rebounds, and blocking seven shots. Her outstanding performance, including shooting 10-of-17 from the field and 8-of-11 from the foul line, was instrumental in their win.
Class B Championship: Fairview vs. Bell City
The Class B Championship rounds out the Friday schedule at 6 p.m., with Fairview and Bell City going head-to-head. No. 1 seed Fairview (35-5) is favored after a dominant 82-48 victory over Anacoco. Five players reached double figures, with Avery Williams leading the way with 24 points. Reesie Jinks added 19 points, Andi Turner scored 14, Andi Stanley contributed 12, and Madison Turner chipped in with 10. Bell City (25-3), the No. 2 seed, also had a strong showing, defeating Oak Hill 72-54. Payton Herpin led the team with 24 points, three 3-pointers, and six blocks. Caroline Gullory added 18 points and made six 3-pointers, while Klancie Hebert contributed 15 points and three 3’s.
Division II Non-Select Championship: Wossman vs. Albany
The final game of the day, set for 8 p.m., is the Division II Non-Select Championship between Wossman and Albany. Wossman (27-3), the defending champions and top seed, is aiming for another title after a dominant 67-26 win against Iowa. Ashanti Smith and Ramiah Augurson both scored 15 points, while Taylar Wright and Anyra Wilson added 13 and 11 points, respectively. Albany (24-11), the No. 7 seed, made it to the final with a hard-fought 52-48 victory over Sterlington. Rene Harris was a standout player with 14 points and 16 rebounds, and Kaidence Ponder and Katlyn Duhe each contributed 12 points. Duhe’s perfect 6-of-6 free-throw shooting was a critical component of their win.
How to Watch the LHSAA “Marsh Madness” Girls Basketball Championship Games
For those unable to attend the games in person, all state championship contests will be streamed live on the NFHS Network. Subscribers can choose a monthly or annual plan to access the live broadcasts. This ensures that fans across the state and beyond can witness the thrilling conclusion to the “Marsh Madness” tournament, where the best of the best will compete for the ultimate prize. Whether you’re a die-hard basketball fan or a proud supporter of your local team, these championship games promise to be action-packed and unforgettable.
