Quitman High School fell to Zwolle 73-63 in the LHSAA boys basketball playoffs on March 7th, ending one of the best seasons in school history in the Class B quarterfinal round with a 24-7 record. The appearance in the “elite eight” for the 6th seeded Wolverines was only the second in the past 50 years and for only the sixth time in school history.

Third seeded Zwolle, who has won more state championships than any other school in the LHSAA with 17, including being the Division IV champions among “non-select” schools the past two years, improved to 23-8 and continued to the 2024-25 version of “March Madness where they lost to Avoyelles Public Charter in the Class B semi-finals

The loss overshadowed one of the best playoff performances in QHS history turned in by senior Noah Leach, who posted career bests in both scoring and rebounding with 27 points and 15 boards. Braydon Martin also had a big game, scoring 16 points while Gavyn Caskey chipped in with 8 points. Additional scoring contributors were Taden Thomas with 5, Abel Leach finished with four and Brayden Smith tallied three. 

“I can’t say enough about how proud I am of our team and the way they competed,” said QHS head coach Mike Black. “There is no tougher place to play than Zwolle, especially in the playoffs. Our guys went toe-to-toe with them and have nothing to hang their head about.”

Early advantage!  After Zwolle hit a three pointer to open the game, Quitman went on an 11-2 run to take an 11-5 advantage which led to a 17-10 lead at the end of the first quarter and a 37-31 first half lead.   

Changing ends! As procedure, at the beginning of the second half the two teams swapped ends and with it Quitman’s fortunes with making baskets took a turn as well. After making 7 of 12 shots in the first half, the Wolverines managed to sink only 8 of 25  shots in the second half, including going 3 for 16 from the three point line which allowed Zwolle to rally from the six point half-time deficit. 

Super Six Seniors! The loss brings an end to not only one of the best seasons in school history but the high school careers for Noah Leach, Gavyn Caskey, Grant Williams, Case Sims, Amaurion Thompson and Payton Nomey. There contribution to the success of the Wolverines this season and to the QHS program was not lost on Black.

“These seniors were 8th graders when I started at Quitman and they are leaving the program in a better place than when they started,” reflected Black. “Whenever they were called on they stepped up and made our team better whether it be in practice or a game. They will all be missed and remembered for their accomplishments.”