Minden held off a furious comeback by the LaGrange Gators to give the Tide a 73-67 win Friday in the opening round of the LHSAA Class 4A Division II (Non-Select) state playoffs.

Minden build a big 14-point lead after one quarter and led by 16 at the half before LaGrange outscored the Tide by 13 in the third to cut into the deficit.

Cameron Parker’s 25 points led Crimson Tide scorers while Markavius Johnson added 14. Hudson Brown had eight points, Gerald Richardson tossed in seven and Javen Calloway and Kameron Harris had six apiece.

Jaden Freeman and Jakilon topped the Gators with 16 each.

Minden will visit the Brusly Panthers, the division’s number three ranked team, in the next round of the state playoffs. Tipoff at West Baton Rouge Parish school is scheduled for 6:30 Tuesday.