Natchitoches Central used double-figure scoring from five players, including two off the bench, Friday night and thumped visiting Covington 79-62 in an LHSAA Non-Select Division I state quarterfinal boys basketball playoff game in front of a packed house at The Teepee.
The victory advances the Chiefs (26-5) to their eighth state semifinal appearance since 2012, and their second in a row. Last year NCHS reached the state championship game. NCHS won it all in 2014 and 2016.
NCHS, the fourth seed in the Non-Select Division I playoff bracket, will collide with the No. 1-ranked Zachary Broncos (31-4) Thursday night at 8 in Lake Charles at Burton Coliseum. The winner reaches the state finals Saturday night at 8 in the LHSAA’s Marsh Madness boys tournament.
Khaelyb Creighton and JD Demery both scored 15 points, while the Chiefs got 14 apiece from Duke Nelson and Jaden Braden and 11 by Harold Remo as they drubbed Covington Friday night.
NCHS was up 41-33 at halftime. The lead quickly rose to double digits and never dropped under 10 afterward.
