Matt Vines

COUSHATTA – Red River is headed back to the Top 28 as an explosive third quarter set the tone in a 71-59 win against No. 10 seed Westlake on Friday at the Dawg Pound.

The No. 2 seed Bulldogs (26-5) widened a six-point halftime lead by scoring 26 third-quarter points and carrying a 56-40 lead into the final period.

“Our defensive intensity, explosive plays, and the electrifying energy of the crowd all contributed to our advantage,” said Red River coach Dadrian Harris. “We shot the ball exceptionally well against Westlake.
“We managed to make a total of 12 3-pointers.”

Collin Stafford made four of those treys to lead the team with 16 points. Malique Smith (14 points), Demarche Newton (14 points) and Jomello McDonald (12 points) all reached double figures.

Newton added four 3-pointers of his own as the junior has greatly expanded his role from last year’s Bulldogs squad that reached the state title game.

“Balanced scoring has been a key factor for us throughout the year,” Harris said. “My guys are incredibly unselfish and always prioritize making the best basketball play rather than prioritizing their own egos.

“Their sole focus is on winning, and they don’t care about the stat sheet.”

The quarterfinals win sets up a rematch of that title game as No. 3 Marksville awaits in the semifinals.

Red River will suit up Wednesday at 8 p.m. in Lake Charles’ Burton Coliseum.

Marksville edged No. 11 Avoyelles, 43-37, in the quarters.

It’s the first time since 1998-2000 that the program (then Coushatta High) has appeared in consecutive Top 28 tournaments.