The Catholic High boys’ basketball team hosted district rival Ascension Episcopal on Monday in the first round of the LHSAA Division III playoffs, dominating the Blue Gators in the first quarter to stake the Panthers to a 59-50 win.

CHS had faced No. 11 seed Ascension twice in the regular season, with each team coming away with one win.

Catholic High began the game with a rapid flurry of offensive brilliance. Tristan Lewis and Jaiden Mitchell each hit back to back 3-pointers to give the Panthers an early lead against Ascension, keeping the Blue Gators scoreless for over six minutes in the first half.

Catholic High head coach Casey McGrew said he didn’t expect his team to dominate the game so early.

“I was not expecting it, I was happy that it went that way, but I wasn’t expecting it,” he said. “That’s what’s good about Tristan, Jaiden, all my shooters, is that when they get hot, they’re hot.”

McGrew said it’s difficult to play a team one has already faced in the regular season since each coach knows the strengths and weaknesses of their opposition.

“It’s hard, especially when you’ve played them three times and all three games were very close games,” McGrew said. “Coach (Eric) Mouton knows us very well. He knows what we try to do offensively and defensively, so I knew it was going to be a tough game.”

The Panthers maintained a strong lead into the fourth quarter, when Ascension mounted an aggressive full court press that knocked Catholic High out of its rhythm.

McGrew said that his team was tired, which impacted how the defense performed near the end of the game.

“I think my guys were tired,” he said. “I didn’t sub a whole lot, I think I played six or seven guys tonight and a couple of guys didn’t get out of the game at all. I think they were just tired, but I really don’t mind people pressing us because I find that we break it pretty easily.

“I’m not happy with (the defensive performance), to be honest with you. To have a lead like we had and to let them cut it to two points, it’s just not good defense. I don’t like it. We gave them too much air, too much space between us and the ball. They made some big shots in the fourth (quarter) and it’s a replay of the last game, the same thing that they did in the last game against us. I almost saw a nightmare again.”

The Panthers now advance to face No. 3 seed Lafayette Christian Academy in the next round of the playoffs.

“I’ve got to go home and watch some game film and come up with a game plan to compete with LCA,” said McGrew.  “That’s a great team.”

LCA was set to host Catholic High Thursday evening.

Full coverage and photos will be available in Sunday’s paper and at iberianet.com.