re: Can someone explain the rational behind the LHSAA playoffs?

Your post sort of illustrated the point. Small temporary filled schools like Lafayette Christian can build a basketball powerhouse by patrolling the AAU circuit and hand picking their student/athletes. Meanwhile most other schools have the usual up and downs of talent. It's proven even with the split. Some private schools play with what they have, while other private schools bring in the ringers.

Some public schools find ways to skirt the rules as well. The problem with the LHSAA is that there isn't a level playing field and the LHSAA in the past has refused to punish those breaking the rules.