The Minden Crimson Tide overcame a slow start to make a game of it before falling to the Bossier Bearkats 66-52 in a battle for the District 1-4A lead Friday night at Bossier.
Minden dropped to 18-3 overall and 4-1 in district. Bossier improved to 13-11 and 5-0.
Despite the loss, Minden is still No. 3 in the non-select Division II power rankings, according to GeauxPreps.com. The Tide have three games left in the regular season. If they finish fourth or higher in the final rankings they will have a first-round bye in the playoffs.
Bossier, which has won six straight, is No. 8.
The 14-point final margin is deceptive. Minden trailed 44-43 with 20 seconds left in the third quarter after getting a steal and layup on an inbounds pass under their basket.
But the momentum quickly turned in Bossier’s favor.
David Thomas put up a 3-pointer in the waning seconds of the quarter. It was blocked. But the ball went right back to Thomas who had just enough time to put up another 3.
This time the shot hit nothing but net with 0.7 seconds left. Thomas was also fouled. He converted the four-point play and Bossier led by five going into the fourth.
Minden stayed within striking distance and trailed 53-47 with 3:47 left. After a timeout, the Tide had a chance to get within three but missed a 3-pointer.
Thomas then knocked down a 3-pointer from the corner to put Bossier up by nine. The Tide cut the lead to seven but that was as close as they would get.
Cameron Parker led Minden with 14 points Darnell Morris had 11.
Kerel Dean had another big night for Bossier. He led the team with 23 points, including 19 in the first half. When he wasn’t scoring, the 6-7 Xavier of New Orleans signee made his presence felt on defense.
Thomas finished with 13 points. Kam Davenport came up big in the fourth quarter, scoring eight of his 12.
Bossier jumped out to an 11-2 lead but Minden wasn’t fazed. The Tide rallied and tied it at 13. The Bearkats scored the last four points of the first quarter for a 17-13 lead.
Bossier extended the lead to eight late in the second , but Christian Harris hit a 3 at the buzzer to get the Tide within five at the break.
Offensive rebounds were key for Bossier. The Bearkats got several second- and third-chance baskets.
Minden hosts Northwood (9-18, 3-2) Tuesday. The Falcons defeated Southwood 45-42 Friday.
Elsewhere, Doyline fell to Quitman 84-74 at Doyline. The Panthers fell to 20-5 overall and 2-3 in District 1-B. Quitman improved to 22-4 and 5-1.
Doyline hosts Weston Tuesday.