Colin Vedros | Exclusive to the Times
Natchitoches Central boys’ basketball started their run in the Alexandria High tournament Dec. 8 with a win against Marksville. The Chiefs let out a roaring 71-35 defeat over the Tigers with some familiar faces taking control. The win put the Chiefs winning two out of three recent games, having defeated Zwolle Dec. 2 and losing to North Central Dec. 6. NCHS shooting forward Devin Helaire scored 19 points and had 11 rebounds.
Shooting guard Dalyn Davis made his mark against the Tigers with nine points, nine rebounds and three assists, all behind Justin Aaron with 23 points, 13 steals, seven rebounds and five assists. Aaron, a senior point guard, normally breaks up plays on defense for NCHS during football season. His focus now is rejuvenating a winning mentality for his team, hopefully making a run for the state crown like last year.
Another double-sport athlete, shooting guard Caylin Demars, set his sights on embracing the same mentality as Aaron. Demars’ fast-break abilities in football mirror in basketball and work in his favor, allowing him to drop 10 points and three steals in their win against Zwolle and nine points and three steals in the North Central game.
A well-rounded senior class—Davis, Helaire, Aaron and Demars—strive for a better outlook since their loss to Zachary in the state championship in 2021. The spark this Chiefs team provides every game is nothing short of what is seen on Friday night in the fall.
NCHS is led by head coach Micah Coleman and is set to play Pineville Saturday, Dec. 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the ASH Tournament in Alexandria.
