“Thibodaux Captures First State Title In School History”

It was clear the Thibodaux Tigers were on a mission coming into playoffs to prove that they could bring home the first state title in school history. 

Walker got off to a hot start opening the game on a 8-2 run with 5:01 left in the first quarter, but Thibodaux head coach Tony Clark would call a timeout & regroup. The Wildcats lead after the first quarter 16-10. Sophomore Brian Thomas was the story of the first half scoring 20 of his team’s 37 points that included four three pointers & two electrifying dunks that sent the Wildcat fans into a frenzy. The Wildcats led 37-30 at the half. 

The Tigers wouldn’t get their first lead of the game until 4:02 left in the fourth quarter when senior Rashod Robinson nailed a corner three with a Wildcat defender draped all over him. The Tigers lead 53-52 & wouldn’t trail again this game. With just under a minute the Tigers were up three until sophomore Rashad Winslow would convert a put back layup to give his team a 65-60 lead. The Tigers would knocked down their free throws the rest of the way & win the game 70-60.

The stellar play on both ends of the floor from senior point guard Kobi Johnson uplifted the Tigers, especially in the second half. Johnson took on the challenge of guarding arguably the best player in the state Jalen Cook, which was a huge task after Cook scored 37 points in the semifinal matchup against Ouachita. Cook finished with 19 points, but Johnson’s pesky on ball defense led to some key turnovers that ended up playing a huge factor in the game. Johnson was named MVP after finishing the game with 18 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, & 3 steals. Rashod Robinson finished with 15 points, Marvin Robertson 13 points, & Rashad Winslow 11 points to go with 14 rebounds. 

Sophomore Brian Thomas led all scorers with 29 points for the Wildcats & Jalen Cook poured in 19 points.