In the Class C Quarterfinal round matchup between #4 Saline High School and #5 Georgetown, it was the Bobcats who came away with a 49-33 victory. 

As a result, Saline improves to 23-13 on the year and advances to the Class C semifinals, where they will play top-ranked and fellow District 1C member Gibsland-Coleman (27-3) at 2:45 pm on Monday, March 9th, in the home of the LHSAA state tournament, Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles, LA. 

The Bobcats reached the Quarterfinals by dispatching #13 St. Joseph- Plaucheville 69-51 after receiving a first-round bye. Gibsland-Coleman, who also got a first-round freebie, beat #17 Family Christian 74-43 in the regionals before smashing #9 Simpson 74-39 to set up a rematch with Saline, after winning the first game by an 84-67 margin.

While reaching the state semi-finals for the first time in 16 years means a lot for the players and fans of the school, it is extra special for head coach Klint Robinson, who has guided the Saline program since 2014 and was the point guard on three of the four legendary straight state championships that Saline won in 1990-94.

“It’s really special to be back here. This school and this program mean a lot to me because it’s where I grew up as a player. I was lucky enough to win three state championships here in high school, and those memories are something I’ve carried with me my whole life,” reflected Robinson. “Now, to be standing on the sideline as the head coach and helping lead these guys back to the state semifinals for the first time in 16 years—it’s hard to put into words what that means.”

Gritty Effort! Taking on the persona of their head coach, who, as a player, was known for playing his best on the biggest stage, the Bobcats’ effort against Georgetown was among the best of the year when it counted the most. Georgetown, which ends the year with a 30-8 record, came in with a reputation of being a high-scoring team. This was evidenced by the 94 points they put up in the Regional Round. The 33 points that Saline held them to were by far the fewest of the year, leading Robinson to comment on the effort his team gave. 

“Gavon Dailey had a little injury in the first quarter, but kept going. Gutted it out! Eli was hampered by fouls. Elijah Calloway really took his game to another level tonight & Jackson Bougues & Conner Roberts showed a lot of maturity stepping up,” said Robinson about his starting five before commenting on others on the team. “Braydon Robinson came off the bench & used his 6’6 frame to play great defense & rebound. Jay Nash gave us some big defensive stops & Hayden Laborde really helped with the ball while Gavon was out. Just a great all-around game from our guys. Coach Kevin Hill keeps those non-starters prepared every day, making practice tough for the starters.”

Dailey led Saline in scoring with 14, followed closely by Calloway, who scored all 11 of his points in the first half, which was instrumental in Saline jumping out to a 31-13 halftime advantage. Bougues finished with 6 and Ferguson finished with 4 points. Robinson and Laborde tallied two points each.  

What makes this moment the most meaningful is that this group bought in, they’ve trusted each other, and they’ve earned the opportunity to compete on this stage,” concluded Robinson. “To see them experience something like this for the first time in so long for our program is really rewarding.”

 

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