MCA hotshots ready for 5A playoffs

Mount Carmel’s run through three rounds of District 9-5A competition was a ho-hum event. The Cubs hardly broke a sweat in sweeping the three-team district, which also included Archbishop Chapelle and Dominican.

Coach Panos Bountovinas’ squad won their six district games by an average of 24 points per game, finished the regular season with a 24-6 record and the No. 9 seed in the Class 5A playoffs.

The good news for the Cubs is that they will not have to face their victors – Warren Easton and John Curtis (each of which beat MCA twice), Salmen and Edna Karr in the post-season. None are Class 5A teams.

Mount Carmel joins district mate Chapelle, Class 4A Cabrini and 3A St. Katharine Drexel Prep as playoff participants.

Mount Carmel’s strength this season has been its wealth of talent, experience and depth. If the Cubs have an issues of doubt, it’s their lack of height under the goal, so speed and defense will be the keys to whatever success they enjoy.

The leaders have been three guards – senior Jennifer Clark, junior Taylor Berry and sophomore Kristen Nuss – plus a solid supporting cast.

The Cubs were scheduled to open the playoffs at home against No. 24 Sam Houston (16-15) on Feb. 20 or Feb. 21.

Chapelle (11-15) slipped in as the No. 32 seed and will travel to No. 1 Ouachita (26-4) in another Class 5A bi-district game.

Led by Kyle Williams’ and Rakell Spencer’s fine seasons, Cabrini posted a 21-8 record and District 9-4A title, which earned the Crescents the No. 6 seed and a playoff opener at home against No. 27 Vandebilt Catholic (13-14).

And Coach Terry Wilson’s St. Katharine Drexel Prep squad (17-9) gained a No. 19 seed and will visit No. 14 Jewel Sumner (19-8).