Two Tiger basketball stars sign with colleges

When Braxton Bernard and Jacoby Simon wore the red and white for Donaldsonville, they always gave the Tigers a chance to win.

With their size, length, athleticism and ability to create their own shots, they became prolific scorers that helped Donaldsonville become regulars in the playoffs and always a threat to make a little noise.

Their days with the Tigers are over, but their basketball careers are about to be elevated. Recently, both former Donaldsonville standouts signed with colleges, and they’ll be ready to compete this fall.

Bernard, a 2016 graduate, signed with Clarendon College—which is located in Clarendon, Texas. Simon signed with Independence Community College—which is located in Independence, Kan.

Simon isn’t the only Tiger athlete to sign with Independence. Back in February, Donaldsonville football star Kaleb Phillips signed with the school.

Bernard burst onto the scene during his junior season with the Tigers.

In helping lead Donaldsonville to the second round of the playoffs, he became one of the best scorers in the area as he averaged 25 points per game, along with four rebounds and two steals.

For his efforts, he was an all-district, All-State and Baton Rouge area All-Metro selection.

During his senior season, Bernard’s scoring wasn’t as abundant, but he remained the Tigers’ go-to guy in a season that culminated in another playoff run.

Bernard was the only Tiger to make the All-District 6-3A first team. He was also a first-team All-Parish selection.

Like Bernard, Simon had a breakout season during his junior year. His emergence prevented Donaldsonville from having to rely so heavily on Bernard’s scoring.

As a result, Simon was named second-team All-Parish that season.

For his senior campaign in 2016-17, Simon took over as Donaldsonville’s top star.

He led the Tigers to a strong year that saw them finish 18-16, despite very challenging district and non-district schedules. They earned the No. 8 seeding in the Class 3A playoffs.

There, they won their first-round game against Bogalusa, before being upset by Jennings in regionals.

Simon was a first-team All-District 6-3A selection. He also made first-team All-Parish.