By GEORGE MAHL

BOUTTE – It had all makings of a classic.

Both high school teams, Destrehan and Hahnville, had talented players and enthusiasm from their fans to make it a special night. It felt like it was going to be a fantastic night for both squads, especially during the first quarter.

However, things began to swing in HHS’s favor near the end of the second quarter. Moreover, the Tigers were able to turn things up in the second half, leading to an impressive 60-40 victory before a capacity crowd.

The recent game was filled with intense and physical play throughout.

“I think our defense kept us in the game,” HHS head coach Brian Lumar said. “We made it into a transition game, which led to easy baskets for us.”

Both teams exchanged baskets on numerous occasions in the first quarter. After DHS freshman guard Jai Eugene sank the back end of a one-and-one, Destrehan grabbed an 11-10 lead.

However, on the next trip down the court, Hahnville center Courtnie McCoy was fouled, creating two foul shots. He missed the first one, but made the second, tying the game at 11.

A three-point bomb from Ravon Singleton gave the Tigers a 14-13 lead at the end of the first quarter.

In between periods, a visibly upset Lumar told his players they needed to step it up defensively in the second period. His club responded by allowing only seven points in the quarter.

After several players from both schools rolled on the floor for a loose ball, Brett Naquin picked it up and nailed a basket giving Hahnville a 25-18 lead with 1:11 left until halftime. Another field goal from McCoy with 50 seconds left until halftime gave the Tigers a 27-18 halftime lead.

A three-point shot from Singleton put the Tigers up 36-27 with about six minutes left in the third period.

Things got to be ugly for a moment after that. Each team had a player called for a technical foul that resulted in HHS grabbing a commanding 41-27 lead.

The momentum temporarily began to shift in Destrehan’s favor near the end of the third quarter. Two straight layups from junior Korey Raymond cut the HHS lead to 41-31 with 1:27 to play in the period. However, a 41-31 lead quickly became 53-39 late in the fourth quarter.

The final basket of the game was a slam dunk by HHS two-sport star Laron Landry making the score 60-40. The dunk caused an explosion among the Hahnville faithful.

“Laron did a pretty good job for us tonight. He still has a way to go, but I think by the mid-point of the season he’ll be ready to go,” Lumar said.

Leading scorers for DHS included Chris Moore (13 points) and Korey Raymond (11 points).

Leading the way for HHS was Joey Comardelle (16 points), McCoy (9 points) and Landry (9 points).

Hahnville (16-4, 3-0) returns to action Tuesday against South Lafourche, while Destrehan (13-6, 2-1) travels to face East St. John.