Ponchatoula boys secured a chance to defend their Division I non-select state title by defeating New Iberia 34-26 in a state championship rematch, with Taj Jackson shining with 14 points. Ponchatoula advanced to face Natchitoches Central in the title game this Saturday.

The Big Picture

Ponchatoula's victory sets the stage for an intense Division I non-select title game against Natchitoches Central, highlighting the competitive nature of high school basketball championships.

By the Numbers
  • Ponchatoula shot 35% from the field, with Taj Jackson leading with 14 points and four rebounds.
  • New Iberia shot 27% from the field, with Wayne Randall scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds.
  • St. Martin's shot 48% from the field and 75% from the free-throw line in their 62-33 victory over Hamilton Christian.
State of Play
  • Ponchatoula to face Natchitoches Central in the Division I non-select title game this Saturday at 8 p.m. at The Burton Complex.
  • St. Martin's advances to the Division IV select state title game against Crescent City this Saturday at 2 p.m. at The Burton Complex.
Bottom Line

Ponchatoula boys secure another shot at the Division I non-select title after defeating New Iberia, with Taj Jackson's standout performance leading them to the finals against Natchitoches Central this weekend, while St. Martin's advances to the Division IV state title game against Crescent City.