'True definition of sportsmanship:' Donaldsonville basketball team shows sportsmanship in consoling opposing players after game

The Donaldsonville High School basketball team finished a successful season with an appearance in the state semifinals in Lake Charles that included an exceptional display of sportsmanship during their playoff run.

After upsetting the No. 1 seed French Settlement, Donaldsonville players could be seen consoling opposing players who were overcome with emotion as their season came to an end.

Fans and LSPN's camera captured the moment, which has been shared widely online.

The Tigers from Ascension Parish had just defeated the Lions 62-56 in the quarterfinal round of the Division III state playoffs March 1.

Ascension Parish Schools recognized the players' positive actions with a post to its social media page, and parish government also celebrated the team.

French Settlement coach Jake Bourgeois called the game's ending "the true definition of sportsmanship" in a social media post.

"They could have run around and celebrated, but chose to show grace and comfort even through excitement," Bourgeois wrote in the post. "You should be so proud; I know I'll forever be a better coach because of that moment."

"The community of Donaldsonville should be very proud for raising such young men. We will be cheering you on at state and go Tigers," a French Settlement fan wrote in another post.

Donaldsonville's season ended with a 56-45 loss to Red River in the Division III non-select semifinal March 5 at Burton Coliseum.