Does it seem like the matchups at the Louisiana high school girls basketball state tournament keep getting better as the week progresses?

The anticipation has been building for the last semifinal game, No. 2 Walker (32-2) vs. No. 3 Zachary (24-4). There should be a huge crowd at the University Center in Hammond with both schools located in the Baton Rouge area. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m.

Walker went undefeated last season until losing a semifinal heartbreaker in overtime to Parkway on a half-court 3-pointer as time expired. The Wildcats feature UL Ragin’ Cajuns’ signee Arionna Patterson (20 points per game), junior guard Logan Cookmeyer (12 ppg) and sophomore forward Kadyn Green (10 ppg), along with senior point guard LaShante Clay (4 ppg, 8 assists).

Zachary’ roster has it all: size, speed and strength. The Broncos, who took down No. 14 Hahnville (66-45) and No. 6 Natchitoches-Central (59-45), are led in scoring by junior Ava Raymond (19 ppg) and senior Tiarra McPipe (12 ppg). The duo combines for 17 rebounds per game. McPipe was the district defensive MVP.

Walker reached Hammond with wins over No. 15 Mandeville (60-36) and No. 10 Sulphur (47-30). The Wildcats lost in the semifinals each of the past two years and last won a state title in 1977.

Follow this post, refreshing frequently to receive the latest live update, with real-time reporting on scores and key plays.

Tipping right now. Lafayette area officials

Walker shows patience but ultimately turns it over on the first possession. Raymond to the rack for Zachary 2-0 Broncos. 6:56, 1st. Timeout

Sophomore Kadyn Green scores for Walker. Rideaux down low for Zachary. Broncos lead, 4-2. 6:04, 1st.

Patterson, the UL Ragin’ Cajuns signee, hits two free throws. Cookmeyer with a corner 3. Walker 7, Zachary 6 5:32, 1st Quarter. Quibodeaux makes a lay-up for Zachary.

Cookmeyer from the opposite corner. That’s obviously her spot. McPipe offensive rebound and bucket. Walker 10, Zachary 8 4:04, 1st.

Patterson drains a true jump shot, getting high in the air. Blake answers for Zachary. Walker 12, Zachary 10 3:20 1st.

McPipe makes two free throws to tie it at 12. Fountain with a basket for Walker. Raymond with a 3 for Zachary. Patterson hits a shot and gets fouled. 3-point play. Walker 17, Zachary 14 1:58 1st Quarter.

Freshman Asia Bell off the bench with a putback for Zachary. Walker 17, Broncos 16. 47 seconds left in the first.

Patterson shooting two free throws for Walker. She makes both. Walker 19, Zachary 16 :40 left in the first quarter.

Cookmeyer adds two free throws. Walker 21, Zachary 16 10.3 seconds left in the first…Raymond drives to the basket to cut it to 21-18 after one quarter. Six points for Raymond, six for McPipe. Nine points for Patterson for Walker. Cookmeyer has six.

Broncos score the first four points of the quarter. Rideaux in close for two points. Zachary 22, Walker 21 6:24, 2nd Quarter

Cookmeyer (nine points) hits a 3 to give Walker the lead right back. Wildcats 24, Zachary 22 6:06, 2nd Quarter.

Blake with a great bounce pass to Raymond. We’re tied at 24. 4:43, 2nd Quarter. Now Zachary is ahead, 26-24. Quibodeaux with a short jumper. Timeout. 4:30 left in the half.

LaShante Clay grabs a long offensive rebound. Passes to Patterson. She knocks down a jumper. We’re tied at 26. 2:41, 2nd Quarter.

Raymond gets in double figures with 10 points and gives the Broncos the lead. Zachary 28, Walker 26 1:58 2nd Quarter.

Patterson gets fouled by Rideaux. Makes two free throws. We’re tied at 28. 1:44, 2nd Quarter.

Patterson lowers her shoulder and then gets the friendly bounce for a 30-28 Walker lead. She has 15 points. 50 seconds left in the first half.

Patterson posts up against Rideaux and scores for her 17th point. Halftime: Walker 32, Zachary 28.

Zachary shot 54.5% from the field in the first quarter. 23.5% in the second (1-for-8 on 3s).

Rideaux makes a free throw. Makes another. Walker 32, Zachary 30 7:20 3rd

Quibodeaux is having a game. She has seven points. Her 3-pointer gives Zachary a 33-32 lead. 5:50, 3rd.

Rideaux and Patterson collide hard. Patterson called for the foul. Rideaux with two free throws. She makes one. Zachary 33, Walker 32 4:15 3rd Quarter.

Clay to Cookmeyer. 3-pointer. Walker 35, Zachary 33 3:38 3rd Quarter.

Timeout 35-33, Zachary

Cookmeyer 3 for Walker. Raymond to Alcerro for two points for Zachary. Wildcats 38, Zachary 35 1:40, 3rd Quarter.

To get live updates on your phone — as well as follow your favorite teams and top games — you can download the SBLive Sports app: Download iPhone App | Download Android App