The Bossier Bearkats are looking for another trip to the state tournament.
To get to Lake Charles, No. 6 seed Bossier (20-12) will have to defeat No. 14 A.J. Ellender (18-12) in a non-select Division II quarterfinal game Friday night at Bossier. Tip off is 7 o’clock.
The Bearkats reached the state tournament, also known as the LHSAA Boys’ Marsh Madness, 10 times in the last 15 seasons. Bossier’s most recent trip was in 2023 when the Bearkats won their fourth state championship since 2016 and fifth overall.
Bossier and Ellender, located in Houma, are familiar foes. The Bearkats defeated the Patriots 62-36 in the first round last year at Bossier.
Bossier has defeated No. 27 St. Martinville 73-52 and No. 11 Plaquemine 48-39 in the playoffs. Ellender defeated No. 19 Eunice 69-66 in the first round. The Patriots upset No. 3 Opelousas 49-46 on the road in the second Tuesday.
Bossier has played one of the state’s toughest schedules. The Bearkats were 7-11 on Jan. 14 after a 55-50 loss to Huntington. They haven’t lost since and will take a 13-game winning streak into Friday’s game.
Kerel Dean, a 6-foot-7 senior, leads the Bearkats. Other major contributors are senior Kameron Davenport, junior Tonio Ambler-Barr, senior Javonte Small, sophomore Jatravion Bunnery, freshman David Thomas and sophomore Ty’Coreion Williams.
Ellender has won five in a row and seven of its last eight. The Patriots finished second in District 8-4A.