The Natchitoches Central Chiefs turned a close game into a rout in the fourth quarter Tuesday night, while the Lakeview Gators were never threatened as both parish boys basketball teams advanced to state playoff quarterfinal home games Friday night.
Lakeview, seeded second in Non-Select Division IV, blew by visiting 15th seed Haynesville 75-46. The Gators ran away by halftime, when they had a 48-26 advantage.
Lakeview (28-4) will host 10th-seeded Northeast (17-14) Friday night with a berth in Marsh Madness at stake.
Natchitoches Central (also 28-4), the third seed in Non-Select Division I, held a 43-41 lead going to the final quarter but hit visiting East Ascension with a 14-2 burst and never relented in a 68-50 triumph.
The 14th-seeded Spartans were forced into 30 turnovers by the Chiefs’ pressure defense.
NCHS will be back at The Teepee Friday night to face sixth-seeded Central (23-7) of Baton Rouge in a quarterfinal game.
The Chiefs are aiming for their fourth straight Marsh Madness appearance. The Gators are looking to reach Lake Charles for the ninth time in 12 seasons.
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