Top-Seeded Marksville Tigers Eye Division III Non-Select State Title

The Marksville Tigers varsity basketball team entered the 2026 postseason as the team to beat.

With a 23–5 overall record and a perfect 6–0 mark in district play, the Tigers secured the No. 1 overall seed in the LHSAA Division III Non-Select bracket. Their dominant regular season earned them a first-round bye and home-court advantage through the quarterfinal round.

The Tigers’ momentum reached its peak earlier this season at the Peabody Hall of Fame Game in Alexandria. In one of the most significant wins of the year, Marksville defeated the Peabody Warhorses 50–45, handing Peabody its first loss in the history of the event.

Marksville built control early in that contest. Dayne Small delivered a pivotal second-quarter performance, scoring 11 points in the period and helping the Tigers establish a 16-point halftime lead. Armonii Benjamin added an early spark with seven first-quarter points, setting the tone for the night.

Peabody mounted a late rally in the fourth quarter, but a clutch shot by Jaden Price helped maintain the Tigers’ advantage. The game was officially called with 1:37 remaining due to safety concerns following a disturbance in the stands, with Marksville awarded the victory.

The Tigers also delivered another standout performance earlier in February, posting a season-high 84–71 win over Huntington. The team showed resilience following a midseason 54–46 loss to Calvary Baptist, regrouping with consistent execution and defensive pressure down the stretch.

Under the leadership of Head Coach O’kie Benjamin, Marksville has demonstrated balance on both ends of the floor. The Tigers’ defensive intensity, transition scoring, and perimeter shooting have positioned them among the strongest teams in the Division III Non-Select bracket.

“We are excited about our team growth and where we are headed,” Benjamin said. “Our best basketball is still ahead of us.”

Several players have played key roles in the Tigers’ success this season. Dayne Small has consistently led the offensive charge, providing perimeter scoring and transition baskets while helping set the tempo on both ends of the floor. Jaden Price has delivered in key moments, including clutch shooting down the stretch in critical games, while Armonii Benjamin has supplied early momentum and steady production in big matchups.

Forward Devin Lavalais said the team’s chemistry has helped carry them through the season’s challenges.

“Everyone needs somebody to lift them up so they can keep going, and for me that’s Coach O’kie and my team,” Lavalais said. “This season we had our ups and downs, but we kept our focus on our family, the team. We are excited to keep working as a team.”

Point guard Dayne Small said the Tigers’ perseverance has kept them moving forward.

“It’s been a great season for us,” Small said. “We have had a few challenges along the way, but we trusted each other and never stopped working. Through perseverance we showed up as a team and are now headed back to the dome for the third year in a row.”

Marksville hosted St. James on March 3 as postseason play continued, with the Tigers focused on advancing deeper into the bracket.

The Tigers are now set to compete in the Marsh Madness Boys Basketball Championship playoff game on March 11 at 6:15 p.m. in Lake Charles, where they will look to cap their dominant season with a state championship.

With a historic road win, an undefeated district record and the No. 1 seed in the Division III Non-Select bracket, the Tigers have positioned themselves for a strong postseason run as they chase a state title.