By ROBERT L. LEE

LAFAYETTE – The Reserve Christian Eagles defeated Doyline by almost 20 points, 64-46 Wednesday to clinch their first state championship berth. The Eagles, 42-10, will return to the Cajundome today at 2 p.m. to face nine-time state champ Zwolle for the state title.

Eagles’ coach Tim Byrd said Zwolle’s quickness is similar to Reserve Christian. He said he expects a good matchup and a lot of full-court press and trapping from Zwolle. Perhaps the biggest threat the Eagles will have to prepare for will be Zwolle’s three, physical guards.

“They are a basketball powerhouse,” Byrd continued. “But we played them last year in the regionals and won by 20, at their place. I don’t think our kids are intimidated at all by their program.”

While the Eagles have some experience with the Zwolle team and a series of 20-point playoff wins providing momentum, the Eagles need to adjust to their Cajundome surroundings. In their first Top 28 game in Lafayette against Doyline, the Eagles played tense through the first half. Byrd admitted his team came out tight and had a low shooting percentage, but credited junior Frankie Francois, who scored 11 of the Eagles first 14 points.

“He came out smokin’. He was focused,” said Byrd. “It’s tough playing for the first time in the Cajundome. The team was trying to do so well and knew the loser goes home, but it didn’t look like the atmosphere bothered him.”

Although Francois led the Eagles charge for the 19-7 first-quarter lead, he quickly found himself in foul trouble and had to sit most of the half on the bench. With the officials calling the game close, fouls added up for both teams and sent 10 Reserve players rotating onto the court. The Eagles’ defense overwhelmed Doyline through the following three quarters, to allow the Panthers a total 28 points from the field. The Panthers had opportunities from the foul line, but managed to score only 16 points from free throws. Offensively, the Eagles consistent top scorer, Demond Carter, fell victim to the first-half tension, but hit some key shots and went 10-14 from the foul line to get himself back on track in the second half. With the threat of foul trouble looming and the lead on their side of the court, the Eagles switched to a four-corner offense to hold the ball and slow the pace.

“We are excited to finally get a Top 28 win,” said Byrd. “Hopefully, we can relax and play our game Saturday.” Carter finished the game with 22 points, Chris McCain had 12 and Francois finished in double digits with 11. Matt Jackson and Dwayne Myers each scored six points, Marlon Brumfield had four and Marshall Williams had three points.