Trojan Bayou Classic tourney starts Thursday

MATHEWS – Central Lafourche has played in nine varsity boys basketball games so far this season.

Only two of those games have been played in Central Lafourche’s home gym.

So Central Lafourche coach Mark Sanders and the Trojans are ready to play more games in front of their home crowd this season.

They’ll get a chance to do just that when they host the first-annual Trojan Bayou Classic tournament this week.

The tournament will be held on Thursday and Friday at Central Lafourche. It will consist of host Central Lafourche, Assumption, Central Catholic of Morgan City and Chalmette.

After playing mostly on the road at tournaments held at Thibodaux, H.L. Bourgeois and Chalmette this season, Sanders said it will be good to play more games at home.

"We’re really excited because we’ll get to play two home games in front of the home crowd," Sanders said. "We have a good crowd and a nice gym. It’ll get a chance for our fans to see us play at home against some really good teams from the area."

The Trojans Bayou Classic will start on Thursday with Central Catholic playing Assumption at 5:30 p.m. and Central Lafourche taking on Chalmette at 7 p.m.

On Friday, Chalmette will play Central Catholic at 5:30 p.m. and Assumption will face Central Lafourche at 7 p.m.

Sanders said he is expecting competitive games during each night of tournament.

"We have some really good teams and coaches coming in," Sanders said. "It’s going to be fun to watch the different styles and the different players that we have."

The Trojans have a 4-5 overall record this season, so Sanders said he is hoping they could build some momentum while playing at home.

"We’ve got to get in the habit of finishing strong and learn how to put away people in the fourth quarter," Sanders said.

The cost of admission for the tournament is $6 per day.

Sanders said he encourages the entire community to check it out.

"Just come out and watch some good basketball," Sanders said. "Everybody is trying to get those final warm ups before you get in the district play. I think it will be a good tournament."

LIONEL EZIDORE CLASSIC AT ST. JAMES

Central Lafourche isn’t the only local boys’ basketball team hosting a tournament this week.

St. James will host its annual Lionel Ezidore Classic on Thursday and Friday at St. James.

The tournament will start on Thursday with Grand Isle playing Sci Academy at 6 p.m. and West St. John taking on St. James at 7:30 p.m.

On Friday, Sci Academy will play West St. John at 6 p.m. and St. James will face East Iberville at 7:30 p.m.

The cost of admission is $7 for adults and $5 for students ages 5-18 (must bring school ID). Kids under age 4 will get in free.

The tournament is named after former St. James head basketball coach Lionel Ezidore, who led the Wildcats to a Class 3A state championship in 2000.