Sports

Rocky Bayou’s breakthrough season ends with Sweet 16 loss to Providence School

Despite an 84-29 loss in the Sweet 16, the Knights capped a breakthrough year that included program-best marks and a district title.

Travis Espy

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Saturday’s Sweet 16 matchup against Providence School wasn’t the ending the Knights were hoping for, but it doesn’t erase what they accomplished this season.

Providence School pulled away for an 84-29 victory, taking control in the second quarter by outscoring Rocky Bayou 38-5 to build a 56-10 halftime lead. By the fourth quarter, it was a running clock.

But the final score shouldn’t overshadow a season full of firsts for the Knights. Rocky Bayou posted its first winning season and playoff appearance since 2016 and claimed its first district title since 2014. The team also put together the best start in program history.

The Knights will lose only one member of their starting five in Xavier Crawford. Calix McCune, Cullen McCune, Harrison Sanders and McCabe Olin will all return next season, giving head coach Garrett Ruppel a strong foundation to build on.

Providence School will host The First Academy in the Elite 8. The First Academy beat P.K. Yonge 65-36.