JEANERETTE — Jeanerette freshman guard Paul Richard may not evoke memories of JSH basketball legend Derek Gray just yet, but for one night, he was more than equal to Jeanerette Senior High’s all-time leading scorer as Richard scored 48 points as the Tigers stunned Catholic High 68-67 in a District 6-2A boys’ basketball game Tuesday.

Richard, who had 30 points against Delcambre last week, scored 42 points through the first three quarters and despite being double-teamed by Catholic High in the final period added 6 more points, including the game-winning basket in the lane with fewer that 10 second remaining as JSH improved to 5-16 overall and 2-4 in district.

“I never coached Gray but I heard the stories that he was a scorer,” said JSH coach Darrell Caesar. “Paul has the intangibles to be just as good or as great as Derek was.”

Caesar believes Richard’s effort Tuesday was the first 40-plus point effort at Jeanerette since Gray had several 40-plus point games during the 2003-4 season.

“It was an unbelievable performance,” said Caesar. “It was fun to watch. You just got caught up in him scoring like that. At the same time, I have to give credit to his teammates for feeding him the ball knowing that he was hot.”

Richard’s effort also did one other thing. It threw the battle for second place in district wide open as Jeanerette, Catholic High (3-2) and Loreauville (3-3) all have a chance to finish in second place and get an automatic bid to the postseason.

Even CHS coach Ross Rix was complementary of Richard’s performance.

“Twenty-two (Richard) did a great job and had a great night on offense,” said Rix, whose team fell to 16-8 overall and is stuck in a three game losing streak. “We had the same game plan we had during the first meeting. I was hoping that one of my kids could have stepped up and stopped him.”

Catholic High had several chances to win the game.

The Panthers led 17-13 at the end of the first quarter an 33-29 at halftime. CHS led by 3 points with just over a minute left in the game but couldn’t stop Richard, who had two baskets in the final minute to help pull off the upset win.

“I had a great game but I couldn’t do it without my teammates,” said Richard. “They gave me the ball and put their trust in me. I put the team on my back. I love my team and if it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do.”

Tim Granger had 12 points and 14 rebounds for CHS. Ryan Hebert added 15 points, Evan Hebert had 20 points and Nick Geoffroy finished with 12 points.

Desean Linton scored 11 for the Tigers.

Jeanerette has the district bye and plays host to Berwick Friday, Catholic High travels to Delcambre.

Catholic High 43, Jeanerette 29

Emily Pellerin scored 11 points and Lexi Landry added 10 as Catholic High beat Jeanerette Tuesday in District 6-2A play.

Allison Legendre added 9 for the Lady Panthers (8-14, 4-1), who outscored Jeanerette 28-21 in the second half to pull away for the win.

Ambrielle Clark led JSH (1-16, 1-5) with 7 points.

CHS travels to Delcambre Friday. Jeanerette plays host to Berwick.睷