Madison High School’s season ended Saturday with a second-place finish in the Louisiana High School Athletic Association Division III non-select boys basketball tournament after a 65-44 loss to Marksville in the state championship game at Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles. The title game was part of Marsh Madness, the LHSAA state tournament held March 9-14 at Burton Coliseum.
Madison, the No. 2 seed in the bracket, reached the championship game with playoff wins over Port Allen, St. Helena and Green Oaks. The Jaguars beat Port Allen 58-52 in the second round, edged St. Helena 56-54 in the quarterfinals and defeated Green Oaks 49-46 in the state semifinal.
Marksville took control early in the championship game and led 15-9 after the first quarter. Madison cut the deficit to 26-23 at halftime after outscoring Marksville 14-11 in the second quarter. Marksville extended the lead in the third quarter with a 17-12 edge and closed the game with a 22-9 fourth quarter.
Dawson Brown led Madison with 17 points. Bryan Vaughn scored 12 points.
The championship appearance marked the program’s first trip to the state final since 2007 and came 19 years after the last state title by a Madison Parish team in 2006, following the consolidation of Tallulah High School and McCall High School.
Head coach John Holmes said the game turned in the second half.
“It was a tough game that we had. It got away from us in the second half,” Holmes said. “They started making some open shots. We didn’t rotate on the shooters. And I think that’s what it spiraled down from there.”
Holmes said his team could not regain control after Marksville gained momentum.
“Momentum. They gained momentum and then it was downhill after that,” Holmes said. “We called a couple of time outs and tried to make some adjustments, but we just missed assignments.”
Holmes said the run to the championship included close games in the postseason.
“We were the number two seed. We had two home games and those were close games,” Holmes said. “I’m proud of the community. I’m proud of all my guys that I had.”
Holmes said the team brought support from across the community.
“I think the biggest part that we brought back, we brought togetherness,” Holmes said. “We had everybody coming in wanting to help. The whole town supported us.”
Holmes said the senior group set the tone for the team.
“That I’m proud of. That’s the most thing,” Holmes said. “They’ve been close ever since they were in elementary school. That’s kind of like family. That’s the thing that I’m going to remember most.”
Holmes said the game will serve as a lesson.
“This is just one of those life lessons,” Holmes said. “When you get down, you can’t quit. I’m proud of you guys for not quitting.”
Madison High Principal Perry Revels said the season reflected the work of the team and staff.
“As I reflect on our varsity boys’ basketball season, it is evident our school community experienced a season,” Revels said. “Although we did not receive the result in the final game, I remain proud of our Madison High School varsity boys’ basketball team on being named the 2026 Division III non-select state runner-up.”
Revels said the team reached the state final and represented the school.
“Many schools across the state of Louisiana dream of making it to the Top 28; however, only a select few reach the quarterfinals, semifinals or the state finals,” Revels said. “Our Jaguars reached that stage.”
Revels recognized the coaching staff.
“To Coach Holmes, Coach Jackson, Coach McDowell, Coach McDonald and Volunteer Coach Fountain, thank you for your leadership, preparation and belief in our student-athletes,” Revels said.
Revels listed the team’s season results, including an 18-game winning streak, a second-place finish in District 4-3A, an 8-1 district record, an average of 65 points per game on offense and 48 points allowed per game on defense.
“This season also included a moment when Madison High School captured the Don Redden Tournament championship, becoming the first non-Ouachita Parish school to win the title since 2018,” Revels said.
Revels said the team’s impact extended beyond games.
“Your commitment to discipline, teamwork and excellence helped shape not only basketball players, but young men,” Revels said.
Revels thanked the community for its support.
“Jaguar Nation, thank you for the energy, support and pride you poured into this team throughout the season,” Revels said.
Revels said the team set a standard for the program.
“Hold your heads high,” Revels said. “The standard has been set and the future remains.”
