West Monroe drops ASH in OT

The West Monroe Rebels defeated the Alexandria Senior High Trojans 56-53 in overtime in a key District 2-5A boys basketball matchup at West Monroe High School on Tuesday night.

With 1 second remaining in regulation and West Monroe leading 46-43, ASH senior Connor Grigg drained a 3-pointer to force the extra frame.

ASH opened the game on a 9-0 run before the Rebels managed to score on a three-point play by Langston Powell. At the end of the first period, the Trojans (18-13, 2-8) were in control 19-10.

In the second period, the Rebels (16-13, 7-2) began to press on defense and ASH had no answer. West Monroe’s defense held ASH to only four second-period points cutting the Trojans’ lead to two points at 23-21 at the half.

West Monroe continued the pressure to begin the second half by opening the third period on a 10-0 run to take a 31-23 lead before ASH finally scored with 4:45 remaining with two free throws by Grigg.

At the end of the third period, the homestanding Rebels led 36-34.

West Monroe was led by Langston Bell who led all scorers with 21 points while Dennis Collins added nine points to finish second in scoring for the Rebels.

Trey Coleman was clutch from the free throw line going 5-of-6 with 4-for-4 crucial free throws in the fourth period to pace West Monroe in overtime.

ASH had three players in double figures in scoring. Grigg led the Trojans with 19 points while Tyrig Reese added 15 points and Jordan Hunt with 13 points.

With the Tuesday night’s victory, the Rebels sweep the Trojans in district. West Monroe defeated ASH 67-45 on Jan. 27 in Alexandria.

District 2-5A dominates latest power rankings

For years, District 2-5A has been considered one of the toughest in the state in the sports of football and softball. Looking at the Class 5A power rankings released by the LHSAA on Tuesday, District 2-5A has four teams ranked in the top nine.

The District 2-5A boys’ basketball teams ranked in the top nine are Ouachita Parish Lions (27-5, 7-1) at No. 2, the Natchitoches Central Chiefs (22-6, 6-3) at No. 3, Ruston Bearcats (18-11, 3-6) at No. 8 and West Monroe Rebels at No. 9.

ASH is ranked No. 17 while the Pineville Rebels (14-14) round out the District 2-5A teams in the No. 24 spot.