Matthews also picked up a second-place finish in the 1100-meter hurdles (13.96). The 5A Region II meet will be in Denham Springs Thursday followed by the state meet at LSU May 4.
The ZHS baseball team finished the regular season with a record of 19-14 (5-4 in District 4-5A), which earned them the 23 seed in the Division I Nonselect baseball playoffs.
The first-round opponent was a familiar face with the Central Wildcats (22-8 overall and 8-2 in District 4-5A) pulling down the 10 seed.
In addition to being District 4-5A rivals, the Wildcats are coached by Leo McClure, who has indicated that this is the last year he will be coaching at Central. McClure, during district play and the playoffs, has had to look across the field to see his grandson Madden McClure, a sophomore for the Broncos.
During District 4-5A play, the Wildcats were victorious twice (5-2 and 2-0) earlier in April. The best-of-three series began at Central on April 19 and Wildcats ace pitcher Grayden Harris was magnificent, pitching a no-hitter to lead Central to an 8-0 opener win.
Harris’ performance was similar to the 2023 playoffs, when he also held the Broncos scoreless. The Wildcats backed him offensively in Game 1 with 10 hits and the Broncos just could not respond offensively.
In the second game on April 20, the Broncos went into the seventh inning with a 6-5 lead and the chance to extend the series to three games. Two walks and a hit by pitch loaded the bases for the Wildcats.
A subsequent grand slam would be too much for the Broncos as they exited the playoffs with a 9-6 loss.
Central will move on to play the seventh seed Natchitoches Central in the regional round.
Leo McClure’s retirement is extended another week. Grandson Madden played first base on Saturday and was responsible for one of the Broncos' six runs.
In case you missed it
ZHS basketballers Tiarra McPipe and Ava Raymond earned honorable mention All-State honors. Xavier Ferguson pulled in All Metro honors for ZHS boys basketball.
Melissa Nolan was named to the first team of the All-Metro soccer team. Rylee Deignan and Trinity Spence earned honorable mention All-Metro honors.
Tre’Dez Green was named the Warrick Dunn Louisiana Player of the Year award winner for football joining Lindsey Scott Jr. as the only two athletes from Zachary High School to win this prestigious award. Green beat out local Catholic High quarterback Daniel Beale and seven other finalists from across the state of Louisiana.
Warren Brady covers sports for The Plainsman. He can be contacted at zachary@theadvocate.com.
