Zachary boys basketball escapes with LHSAA Non-Select DI title vs Ruston
· Yahoo Sports
The final game of the 2026 LHSAA Boys Basketball Marsh Madness was just the finale fans at Burton Complex were hoping for between No. 1 seed Zachary and No. 2 seed Ruston.
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With the Non-Select Division I championship on the line, both squads left it all out on the floor. In the end, the Broncos were too much to handle beating the Bearcats, 63-60 to go back to back as state champs.
For Zachary, the trip to Lake Charles has become a given as it was here last year hoisting up the championship trophy while this was the Bearcats first time back to the finals since 1988. Having past experience paid off for Zachary as its star players showed no fear. Headlining the Broncos offense to no one’s surprise, was guard Ian Edmond.
The junior guard typically averages a team-high 19 points per game and delivered those same kind of numbers in the finals. Edmond ended the first half with 12 points scoring over half of his points from beyond the arc. He was just as effective in the second half going on to lead the Broncos with 20 points along with three rebounds and a steal on his way to being named the MVP of the game.
Whenever the Broncos needed a bucket, they turned to Edmond while Ruston turned to junior Ahmad Hudson and sophomore Darren Ford. Hudson did a little bit of everything for the Bearcats, who trailed for most of the game. By halftime, the 6-foot-8 forward already had a double double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. He ended the game leading all scorers and rebounders with 32 points and 24 rebounds along with a team high seven blocks.
Ford was Ruston’s mid-range threat, knocking down jumpers to chip away at Zachary’s lead. He racked up 19 points, three assists and four rebounds. The Bearcats couldn’t get the job done this season but will return both Hudson and Ford for next season.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Zachary boys basketball escapes with LHSAA Non-Select DI title vs Ruston