The Ville Platte Bulldogs dominated the Pickering Red Devils for four straight periods in the second round of the Class 2A playoffs.

The Bulldogs came out strong and never let the Pickering boys in the game. The Bulldogs’ 77-58 win moves them to take on the St. Thomas Aquinas Falcons Tuesday night in Hammond. The fourth seeded Falcons defeated Homer 71-59 in Homer.

Ville Platte went up 14-11 in the first period. They refused to let the visiting team get any momentum going. Mike Thomas turned things up under the goal with a few dunks and he also hit a few free throws. He went on to have a career night. He put up a total of 27 points overall and, the highest he has put up in the playoffs thus far.

Ville Platte’s ability to keep the Red Devils off balance slipped a little in the second period. PHS hit a few big shots and added a three-point bomb as well. They managed to close the game and make it a three-point game by the time the half rolled around. Ernest Ardoin hit a trey to keep the Bulldogs going. He finished the night with 12 points.

VPHS Head Coach Tommy Jones made some adjustments in the second half. The alterations were quickly noted as VPHS out-scored the Red Devils 26-17 in the third period and then 21-17 in the final period. Kendall Ardoin and Ernest Ardoin added a pair of three pointers and Thomas had his second straight eight-point period. As the third period came to a close, Perez Thomas ripped a three point shot as well.

Pickering was never able to catch the Bulldogs. VPHS went on a 10-2 point run at one point in the final period. The Red Devils tried to close the gap, but that margin never came close enough to allow them to tie the game.

Kendall Ardoin and Perez Thomas each finished the night with nine points. Brandon Dommick had a big night for the Bulldogs with 12 points. The talented shooter hit three treys in the game.

Ville Platte got another total team effort from the squad. Jones was proud of his squad, but knows the road ahead is not going to be easy. The Falcons will be tough. St. Thomas Aquinas and VPHS have a history together. The Falcons were the first team to beat VPHS when the Bulldogs went to the Cajun Dome several years ago. This time, the VPHS boys will be looking for revenge against the fourth-ranked team in Class 2A. Game time is set for 7 p.m.