Rayne defense halts STM in regionals, 57-31

RAYNE - During Monday’s regional match-up between No. 7-ranked Rayne High and No. 10 St. Thomas More, the Lady Wolves showed what they are best known far -- defense.
That fast-paced, stingy defense held the Cougars to three single-digit quarters and a 57-31 regional round win for the Lady Wolves.
“We came out and played our game,” stated Rayne Head Coach Chester Randall following Monday’s win over the Cougars.
“We are known for our defense and that’s our strength,” Randall continued. “If we have our defensive game working, our offense follows through. And that’s what happened tonight.”
The Rayne defense caused 30 STM turnovers and collected 15 steals on the night.
In addition, the Lady Wolves recorded 11 blocked shots, 10 of them complements of Rayne center Whitley Larry. While holding down the back end of Rayne’s productive press, the junior also dumped in 12 points and five rebounds for the Lady Wolves’ offense.
Leading Rayne scorer and middle person on press detail was junior point guard Charlesha Dugas with 20 points on the night, in addition to six steals, five rebounds, six assists and two blocks.
“I have to hand it to our girls, they really did what we practiced,” noted Randall of his team’s execution both on defense and offense for the win. “Not often things goes like you practice, but today it did, and we came out on top.”
Randall continued, “Like I always say, we are taking it one game at a time. We’ll see what Thursday brings.”
On Thursday, the Lady Wolves are scheduled to take on the winner of the Salmen (#2) and Loyola Prep (#15) regional contest rescheduled from Monday to Wednesday due to weather conditions.
Rayne vs Ursuline
The No. 7-ranked Rayne High Lady Wolves host No. 26-seed Ursuline Academy Thursday during the first round of the 4A state basketball playoffs and handed the Lions a 62-45 loss.
In Thursday’s win, Rayne jumped out to a 11-0 lead behind a fast-moving offense and stringy defensive press before Ursuline could manage a bucket. The halftime break saw the Lady Wolves holding a 36-14 lead. The young Lions recorded 16 points against Rayne’s 11 in the third quarter before the Lady Wolves went into a stall offense in the final quarter of action for a 15-point last quarter for the win.
“We came out the blocks like we discussed,” stated Rayne Head Coach Chester Randall following Thursday’s first round win. “But, like we have done all season, that inconsistencykicked in once again and allowed them (Ursuline) to score some unanswered points.”
Randall continued, “We had a good game most of the night, but we will have to remain on top of our competitors the entire time if we are to continue. There’s no second chances now.”
Leading the charge for the Lady Wolves was Charlesha Dugas with 21 points, along with four rebounds and five steals.
Also hitting double digits were Cierra Harmon and Tristan Mouton, each with 10 points apiece. Harmon also recorded five rebounds, while Mouton had three steals.
Whitley Larry led Rayne rebounds with a dozen, along with seven points and four blocks.
Completing the Rayne scoring were Tajane Butler, Keysuana Moore and Tanner Wilson, each with four points, and a bucket by Taryn Kanonu.