Defensive pressure lifts Thibodaux past Central Lafourche

Fri. February 10, 2012 at 9:35 a.m. | By Keyon Jeff/Sports Correspondent

Embroiled in a tight battle early on with Central Lafourche Thursday afternoon, Thibodaux Tigers coach Tony Clark decided to turn up the defensive intensity in the second half.

The move paid off as Thibodaux outscored the Trojans 30-8 in the third quarter, en route to an 84-36 victory over its District 7-5A rival.

"Defensively, we just want to put some more pressure on (Central Lafourche). That's kind of how we play)," Clark said. "We were able to get some turnovers and get some easy baskets."

Central Lafourche (3-22, 0-11 district) had no answer for Thibodaux's Trevon Cole who scored a game-high 33 points. Jauane Johnson contributed 13 for the Tigers.

Cole had eight of Thibodaux's 11 first quarter points, but the Trojans held the lead 12-11 on a 3-pointer by J.P. Williams (nine points) as the period expired.

Tied at 14 in the second quarter, Thibodaux (10-15, 4-7 district) scored nine consecutive points to go up 23-14 midway through the period. A short jumper by Devaughn Brown gave Thibodaux a 29-21 halftime lead.

Thibodaux went to a full-court press to begin the second half and aggressively double-teamed Trojan ball handlers in the half court. Thibodaux converted the Trojans turnovers into easy transition baskets.

"They pretty much came out of the locker room and played hard-nose defense," Central Lafourche coach Brett Smith said. "Thibodaux's defense, that's what beat us."

The Tigers started the third quarter on a 19-2 streak, including 15 straight, to lead 48-23 halfway through the period. Cole scored 14 points in the quarter as Thibodaux led 59-29 after three.

"Trevon played well. What he did was score in the paint," Clark said. "We were trying to get the ball inside. We wanted to attack the basket. We shot a couple of more threes than I wanted early on. I wanted to attack (Central), pressure them and get to the basket."

The Tigers continued to pour it on in the fourth quarter, outscoring Central Lafourche 25-7 including the final 12 points of the game.

"We have a game plan to contain teams, but we don't seem to be doing that right now," Smith said. "That's kind of been our season in a nutshell."

While Thibodaux may be out of the playoff picture, Clark hopes to end the season on a high note with one game remaining.

"We have momentum going into the last game of the season," he said. "Every time you go out and play you want to win. It's about going out and beating your opponent."

THIBODAUX 46,

CENTRAL LAFOURCHE 39 (GIRLS)

In Thibodaux, the Lady Trojans cut a 10-point deficit to three in the final two minutes before the Lady Tigers secured the District 7-5A victory.

Thibodaux (8-16, 3-8 district) was led by Elise Plaisance with 18 points and Eris Stove with 12.

Shaquinta Young scored nine points for Central Lafourche (6-20, 0-11 district).

Thibodaux led 13-7 after the first quarter; 16-14 at halftime, and 33-25 after the third.