Four of LA’s strongest teams represent Central Louisiana on Saturday
by Marshall Loeffler
(photos courtesy of FastBreak ENT)
ALEXANDRIA – The Charles Smith Classic will take place tomorrow at Peabody Magnet High School, featuring eight of the state’s best teams competing in The Emerald Palace, the top-notch gym that Coach Smith has built into one of the state’s best hoops venues. Four of those teams, from right here in CENLA, have also been building, and have racked up plenty of wins and high rankings in the non-district season. The first game of the day features Tioga High School, who’s roster and coaching staff have played elite basketball in this area with great results.
The Tioga Indians, currently the 5th ranked team in Division I Select, bring in a 20-4 record to their matchup with Northside, and have been able to establish defense as their strength early on. According to head coach Christavious Gill, that will be key against the Vikings, who have Peabody alumnus Troy Jones at the helm.
“Northside brings a good guard presence; they can space the floor and attach from different angles”, said Gill, who was an All-Cenla star at Alexandria Senior High. “I also get to coach against Coach Jones, one of my childhood friends. We went to battle several times in ASH-Peabody games from 2010-2012, so it’s an honor to be part of this event.” Northside travels up I-49 with a 17-8 record and a top-10 ranking in Division II Select.
The Indians will attack with #1 senior Kervin Johnson and #10 junior Kaydn Hardie, who have led their team for the majority of this season. Hardie scored his 1,000th point this season, and Johnson will suit up for Ole Miss football this fall. The players and coaching staff are battle-tested, but very ready for this high-profile showcase.
When Tioga was invited to participate in the Charles Smith Classic, “there was no second guess to accept this invitation”, Coach Gill added. “Coach Smith is the best coach in Louisiana history, and it’s an honor to be part of this event. The impact that he has made on basketball in Central Louisiana in truly amazing.”
Tioga and Northside play at 3:00 PM on Saturday.
