The high school basketball playoffs begin next week and Central High will not be in the boys playoffs for the first time since 2004.

Coming off a year when everyone in the district made the playoffs except for Live Oak, District 4-5A is only going to have two representatives this year: Scotlandville and Zachary.

It is a rare down year for this district, but not without good reasons. If my calculations are correct, Central, Live Oak, and Walker had a total of five seniors on their varsity teams. Denham Springs lost an all-state player at the beginning of district. Since that loss, the Jackets have battled hard in district, but lost a number of close games in which they had the lead in the fourth quarter. Consequently, they will be missing out on the playoffs as well. The good news is that all of those teams have young talent and good coaching that should have those teams in the playoff hunt again next year.

As for Scotlandville and Zachary, these are two teams that can make serious noise in the playoffs. To no surprise, the Hornets have been ranked #1 all season. They have size, depth, a “go to player”, and great coaching.

In addition, they are extremely hungry to win it all after losing the last two years in the state championship game.

Zachary is playing their best basketball at the right time of the year. It took them a little while to find themselves under Coach Beckwith’s new system, but they have learned.

The Broncos have a senior leader in Morris Wright that is everything you want in a player. The Broncos also have the confidence of having Scotlandville in their district and had a chance to beat the Hornets in both district games.

The experience and confidence should have them ready to make a run at the Top 28.

While the teams in district 4-5A had their growing pains this year, I expect around four teams to make the playoffs next year. Good luck to the Hornets and the Broncos this year!!