By ROY LANG III, Journal Sports

When Parkway junior Cameron Dunn got tangled up with Calvary’s goalkeeper on Dec. 16, an unforgettable shriek pierced the silence and rattled Panthers head coach Shelley McMillian.

McMillian has seen it all on the pitch. She’s had a laundry list of star athletes go down, but as Dunn writhed on the turf after a compound tibia-fibula fracture, she was impacted unlike any other moment in 30 years of coaching.

Just a week before, McMillian told her bench nothing negative makes her cry in front of people. Perhaps the winningest soccer coach in Louisiana history underestimated just what her girls mean – especially this time around.

When her Panthers host North Caddo on Tuesday, McMillian faces an unthinkable opportunity – a chance to be the first prep coach in state history to reach 700 victories.

However, so much has changed since the former Airline and Centenary star collected No. 600. She has a wife, Cristina, an 8-year-old son, Joey, and, consequently, a dazzling new perspective.

“I’m softer,” McMillian, who “retired” in 2015 with 647 victories, told The Journal. “I’m more emotional. I haven’t lost my competitiveness, but 20 years ago, my first thought may have been, ‘Oh my gosh, I just lost a kid who scored 20 goals.’ Instead, my concern was first and foremost for my kid and her parents, the Calvary goalie and for my players that were also put through that trauma.”

In a frightening moment, the teenager found peace thanks to her coach.

“I kept saying, ‘I’m sorry,’” Dunn said. “They were trying to give me my IV on the field. For some reason I was really scared of the needle while my leg was broken. Coach looks at me and she says, ‘Look at your family behind you.’ I looked at all my teammates sitting right around me. I just looked at them and coach right there and I just started bawling. I felt so loved.”

The moment plays to the mantra of McMillian 2.0 – coaching for “significance, not success.”

The Panthers desperately needed a leader midway through the 2018-19 season, and McMillian came out of retirement to save the day (she founded Parkway soccer in 1990). McMillian didn’t think she’d still be at it three years later, and she certainly couldn’t have predicted the abundance of emotion.

“I think of the lives over the years — the weddings and the baby showers (of former players) of kids I’ve coached,” said McMillian, who scored the first goal in Centenary women’s soccer history (1992). “Now I coach the kids of kids I coached. I say all the time when I speak, ‘If you want to leave a great legacy, you have to live a great life’. I love looking at all the great lives of the kids I’ve coached. This has been a dream.”

As a player, McMillian had just three coaches during her entire career – Tony Papaneri, Milt Magaw, Glenn Evans.

“Those three men are so much of who I am today. I learned, ‘This may only be a game, but for some of these kids this is their lifeline.’ It was a lifeline for me. You don’t have to take the game so serious, but you have to take the influence you have and the fact this is a lifeline seriously.”

So, what comes after No. 700?

“This latest coaching stint has taken me down memory lane for the last 30 years,” said McMillian who coached boys and girls teams at Loyola and Calvary. “It’s also been really cool to share with Joey. He remembers everything and watches everything.

“At my core, I’m a coach. Before I wanted to win, now I want to inspire — but I don’t want to be one of those coaches that stays longer than I was good enough to do. Would I love to get this year’s juniors through next year? Of course, but there’s always going to be the next group of kids who you fall in love with.”

McMillian joked she would love to be a “Hall of Famer” someday. “Heck, maybe it’s my family’s Hall of Fame,” she said.

It’s hard to imagine anything other than a first-ballot entry for this area legend.

Photo by CHRISTI LANG

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It was an e-mail wrapped in purple and gold, sent to my Dad and I, personally, from new LSU head football coach Brian Kelly.

Well, the e-mail said it was from him. It had his signature.

So, it had to be from him, right?

Anyway, Coach Kelly was writing to let us know (I could hear the southern drawl in his words) he hopes we will renew our season tickets — the ones we have had close to 20 years.

Well, of course we will!

New ($95 million) coach. New (eligible to be paid) players.

It sure sounds like LSU is about to get back to the business of winning.

Which is exactly why Pops has slammed on the renewal brakes.

College football has become too much a business, and too little a game.

“I am embarrassed at what the school I have loved and supported has become,” Pops said. “I quit. I will not be renewing my season tickets.”

Huh?

Pops uses our LSU tickets much more than me — and I am happy for him to do so. He’s 88 going on 58, and a life-long Tiger fan. Before the days of every game being on a big-screen TV, Pops would tune in John Ferguson, then Jim Hawthorne — their descriptions of Tiger Stadium crackling through the radio speaker sitting on the nightstand.

Now, Pops lives nine months for three months — the three months he steers his sporty-looking car, with a wind-whipped Tiger tail attached to the trunk — down I-49 toward Baton Rouge, for a weekend full of food, fun and football.

“There is something about when I step on campus off of Nicholson Drive that seems to give me a new high,” Pops said. “Rain, a blistering sun, it doesn’t matter, because it’s LSU, the flagship of our state.”

But the way Pops sees it, that “flag” is tattered and weather-beaten. From paying millions of dollars for coaches not to coach (see Ed Orgeron and his staff), to paying millions of dollars for coaches to coach (see Kelly and his staff), to sexual assault allegations and how they were handled (see a Google search), to businesses paying players for the player’s endorsement (see Name, Image, and Likeness).

It’s all become too much.

“The recent events have soured me on LSU football,” Pops said. “We are no longer a school of

student-athletes that compete for honors that elevate our state. We have become a school that values winning above anything else. If a guy is 6’5” and 300 pounds and can run a 4.5 40, recruit him no matter his morals. If he can play football, all else is overlooked…or not seen.”

Well, you certainly won’t find this breakdown in Phil Steele’s annual college football magazine.

“We can take a fellow from high school, give him an opportunity to get a $50,000 per year education, and watch him squander the opportunity to learn, while the plain students and their families work, sacrifice, pour over books to learn and raise their social and economic standards, and be proud alumni of LSU,” Pops concluded.

Yes, college football is a business. At times, an uncomfortable, ugly business. But when it’s 4th and 1, LSU needs a first down to seal the win, and Tiger Stadium is rocking, there is no place you would rather be.

Interested in some south end zone season tickets?

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By LEE HILLER, Journal Sports

Huntington will looking to finish the first half of its district schedule undefeated when it hosts Evangel in a key District 1-4A boys basketball game.

The Raiders are in first place of 1-4A with a 5-0 record and 13-4 overall while Evangel comes in with a 4-1 mark in district and 15-5 overall. Huntington is looking to capture its first district crown since the 2013-14 season.

Last year these two teams split their games with each team winning at home.

Woodlawn, the third place team at 3-2 and 17-7 overall, will play at Bossier (17-6) in a non-district game that will benefit both teams in getting ready for the playoffs and seeding enhancement.

In other 1-4A games, Northwood (12-11, 2-3) will host North DeSoto (3-11, 0-4) and Booker T. Washington (15-7, 2-2) will entertain Minden (3-19, 0-4).

Southwood, one of three teams tied atop of District 1-5A, will play at Byrd. The Cowboys, winners of four straight, have a 5-1 record in 1-5A and 12-12 overall while Byrd is 11-8 3-3.

Natchitoches Central (15-4, 5-1 in 1-5A) will travel to Bossier and face Parkway (5-13, 0-6). Captain Shreve (16-5, 5-1) will host Haughton (13-9, 1-5).

Benton (9-17, 2-4) will be trying to move up from the middle of the pack in 1-5A when it host Airline (9-8, 3-3).

Mansfield (8-6, 1-0) will host Loyola (10-12, 2-1) in a game where both teams try to stay within range or first-place Bossier (3-0 in 1-3A).

Green Oaks (7-13, 0-2) will play at North Webster (3-11, 0-4) with both teams looking to avoid the cellar in 1-3A.

District play will finally get going in 1-2A where Jonesboro-Hodge (8-4) will play at winless Lakeside (0-16). D’Arbonne Woods (8-9) will travel to Vivian to face North Caddo (7-12).

Another key district battle will take place in 1-1A, as Lincoln Prep (18-6, 3-0) will play at Calvary (12-7, 2-0). Both teams are riding win streaks with the Kittens on a five-game tear and the Cavaliers a four-game streak. Calvary got a big non-district win over the weekend, defeating Scotlandville, 59-54.

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By LEE HILLER, Journal Sports

The Loyola Flyers, winners of seven straight, will take to the road to face Mansfield in a clash of girls basketball teams that are undefeated in District 1-3A.

The Flyers (11-9, 3-0) are out to capture their 16th district championship in the program’s history. Mansfield brings a district record of 2-0 in the contest and is 14-5 overall.

North Webster (3-12, 0-2) and Green Oaks (2-18, 0-3) will both be looking for its first District 1-3A win in Springhill.

District 1-5A will have another stacked slate of games with league leader Parkway (23-2, 8-0) hosting Natchitoches Central (12-10 4-4).

Southwood (17-8, 5-3), winners of four straight, will travel across town to face Byrd (11-10, 0-8). Benton (17-8, 4-4) will entertain Airline (19-9, 5-3). Haughton (13-9, 3-5) will come to Shreveport to face Captain Shreve (11-12 3-5).

District 1-4A has Booker T. Washington (17-10 5-1) hosting Minden (9-13, 4-3). The Lady Lions will be trying to keep pace with first-place Huntington (11-6, 6-0) who will also be at home against last-place Evangel (0-11, 0-5).

North DeSoto (7-14, 1-5) will play at Northwood (14-12, 4-3). Woodlawn (10-12) plays a non-district game at Bossier (5-12).

North Caddo (6-10) will open District 1-2A action when D’Arbonne Woods (1-10) comes to Vivian. Jonesboro-Hodge (5-11) will play Lakeside (2-12) in the other 1-2A district opener.

Calvary (6-7 1-1) will welcome Lincoln Prep (2-13, 1-0) to Shreveport for a District 1-1A matchup.

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By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

A week ago, Northwestern State supporters were digesting the news that the replacement for longtime Demons athletics director Greg Burke was somebody nobody in the 318 area code knew.

How’d that happen?

It was a product of a two-month process led, for the first time at Northwestern, by an outside search firm. To say Kyle Bowlsby of Bowlsby Sports Advisors was discreet during those eight weeks is more than understatement.

The curtain opened, and 43-year-old North Carolina State graduate Kevin Bostian made his first impression, introduced last Thursday on campus before quickly heading home to Greensboro, N.C. until he steps into his new office Feb. 7.

Among the 10-person advisory committee that pared dozens of applicants down to three finalists: four Shreveport-Bossier men confident the Demons have found the ideal candidate.

Ex-Demon baseballer Kenny Knotts is an insurance consultant. John A. Manno Jr. is a retired local businessman. Terry Moore, a Haughton native and Captain Shreve graduate whose brother Robert started at safety 30-plus years ago for NSU, then the Atlanta Falcons, is a financial advisor. Vietnam veteran and former NSU infielder Mike Wilburn is an investment advisor.

They are as Demon as it gets. When their work began after Thanksgiving, they liked the idea of being involved in a new approach.

“I was really proud of the university going to a nationwide search process, and I was really happy that on the committee were business people, former athletes, and representatives of the faculty and student body as well,” said Moore. “Everyone brought something to the table. From a leadership standpoint, you can’t get any better than John Manno, a level-headed guy who loves Northwestern and would ask relevant questions.”

The unknown: being guided by an outsider who was learning about NSU on the fly.

“My initial thoughts were this was going to be really fast, and I wasn’t sure it would be handled correctly,” said Manno, who last fall was part of the advisory committee helping hire new president Dr. Marcus Jones. “I was very wrong. The search firm was excellent.

“We damned sure should have done this (process) 15 years ago,” he said, not referring to replacing Burke, but to how NSU has previously hired key athletic personnel.

“Rather than making it so Natchitoches-centric, looking for ties to Northwestern, we enlarged the pool in this process. We needed that so very much, a new approach with a new leader who has great vision,” said Wilburn.

“Kevin is going to build on the legacy that Is in place,” said Moore. “People assume since there’s change, that so much is wrong. No. It’s just time for another person to take the hammer and nails and build on the many strong points in place.”

Bostian was a prime pick by the advisory panel, said Manno, emerging from 25 (chosen by Bowlsby from an initial pool of 80) who were narrowed to 13 by the group, then to five who they interviewed, and three finalists recommended to Jones. That trio visited Natchitoches for final interviews with Jones and other NSU personnel on MLK Day and the next morning. Bostian quickly got the offer while he was in Shreveport last Tuesday, waiting to fly home.

A few days earlier, Bostian had checked out Natchitoches on his own. He flew into Shreveport, drove south, visited downtown and walked the campus by himself, without anyone at NSU aware.

“That made an impression on me. He did that on his own dime,” said Wilburn. “It said a lot about his approach, and his interest in our job.”

“He was the most ready candidate to make this step,” said Knotts, noting Bostian spent three months last fall as interim AD at UNC Greensboro. “He’s sat in that chair, made the final calls, hired coaches, kept the ship steady.”

“We have the right guy,” said Manno.

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By JERRY BYRD JR., Journal Sports

Four years ago, the fastest prep female sprinter in Caddo Parish raced against the fastest female sprinter in Bossier Parish in an obscure event at Northwood High School called the Meet of Champions. For the small crowd assembled to watch the action, it seemed like the beginning of something special.

Fast forward four years and Airline’s Brianna Taylor and Byrd’s Nicole Flowers are still among the fastest sprinters in not only Northwest Louisiana—but in all of Louisiana.

They proved as much last year at the LHSAA State Indoor meet when they made it through the qualifying rounds to make their way to the finals of the 60 meters. They were joined in the finals by two seniors — Captain Shreve’s Karrington Stewart and BTW’s Chyler Turner — to give Caddo-Bossier four of the eight spots among Louisiana’s fastest girls high school athletes.

Taylor, who ran a personal record of 7.77, finished second to John Curtis’ Raven Nunnery. Flowers finished fifth with a 7.87, just two hundredths off her personal best.

Last spring, they raced in the 100 meters through district and regional races to qualify for the LHSAA’s State Outdoor Meet. Taylor finished fifth (11.89) and Beard came in eighth (12.01).

As their senior year comes out of the blocks, the two seem poised for a few more epic efforts, but it’s the camaraderie formed between the two, who both run summer track for the River Cities Track Club, which has meant more than the outcome of any race.

“It’s a really good dynamic that we have,” Flowers said. “We talk about workouts and encourage each other. I think we both feed off each other.”

“It started off rocky,” Taylor said, “but once we go to know each other, she helped me to learn how to have fun with the sport and she really has pushed me. I’m extremely grateful to have our friendship.”

Flowers, who has had to overcome numerous injuries and losing a training year as a sophomore due to Covid, knows she has work to do in order make those championship sprint finals, the first of which will come at the 2022 LHSAA State Indoor Meet next month.

“I’m working on speed endurance,” Flowers said, “and holding the speed throughout the end of the race. Also, my start needs to improve.”

Both were in action last weekend at the LSU Indoor Qualifying Meet in Baton Rouge.

Taylor finished fifth in the 60 meters with a 7.88. Flowers finished 10th in 8.06.

While Taylor’s times in the 60 meters haven’t quite reached the PR levels of a year ago, she has seen dramatic improvement in her 400 performances, where she lowered her personal best to a 1:00.20 on Saturday, finishing fourth overall.

Now the veterans of Caddo-Bossier’s sprint corps, they were joined by Huntington sophomore Demetria Harris, who finished second in the 60 meters with a time of 7.81 and also finished second in the 60 meter hurdles (8.85).

Dutchtown’s Arian Linton won the 60 meters with a 7.53. Scotlandville’s Makeriah Harris won the 60 hurdles in 8.79.

Caddo-Bossier was equally represented in the boys 60 meters. Captain Shreve’s Marquez Stevenson (6.97), Parkway’s Jaylan White (6.99), and Haughton’s John Ecot (7.10) all made the finals of the boys 60 meters. Stevenson finished second to Edna Karr’s Ra’hji Dennis (6.86). White finished fourth while Ecot finished seventh.

Byrd distance runner Trent Wells, running in his third different state in as many weeks, finished third in the 1600 (4:27.83) before getting edged in the 3200 by Benton’s Mason Haley (9:48.23), by less than half a second. Haley also finished sixth in the 1600 with a 4:34.21.

Byrd sophomore Hudson Roberts finished third in the 3200 meters (11:51.04) breaking the school record, set by Bryn Peters in 2021, by three seconds.

Photo: by CAITLYN BYRD

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Boys   Soccer
DIVISION I – DISTRICT 1	Dist.	All
Byrd (11)	8-0-0	12-6-4
Alexandria (5)	6-1-0	14-2-2
Captain Shreve (13)	5-2-0	15-8-3
West Monroe (26)	3-3-1	7-9-2
Pineville (15)	2-3-1	10-7-1
Ruston (35)	2-4-1	4-12-3
Natchitoches (36)	1-3-1	2-9-3
Airline (22)	2-6-1	11-11-0
Southwood (45)	0-8-0	0-9-0
Division II – District 1	Dist.	All
Benton (8)	5-0-0	13-7-2
Caddo Magnet (6)	4-1-0	16-7-1
Parkway (9)	4-1-0	12-8-1
Northwood (11)	2-2-0	13-5-2
Haughton (21)	1-4-0	6-13-2
Minden (25)	1-4-0	6-13-2
Huntington (33)	1-5-0	1-6-1
Division III – District 1	Dist.	All
Bossier (4)	4-0-0	16-2-3
Loyola (11)	2-0-0	8-7-1
Sterlington (14)	2-1-0	9-5-1
North DeSoto (35)	1-2-0	3-9-2
Union Parish (25)	1-4-0	5-19-0
Division IV – District 1	Dist.	All
Evangel (24)	2-0-0	6-13-0
Calvary (26)	0-1-0	4-8-0
North   Caddo (38)	0-1-0	0-8-1

 

Girls   Soccer
Division I – District 1	Dist.	All
Byrd (9)	6-0-2	12-4-8
Captain Shreve (4)	5-0-2	21-2-3
West Monroe (16)	6-1-1	12-5-4
Alexandria (20)	4-2-2	7-6-4
Airline (28)	5-4-0	10-10-4
Pineville (23)	3-4-1	8-8-2
Parkway (31)	3-4-0	14-9-0
Natchitoches (37)	2-5-0	4-11-1
Ruston (41)	1-7-0	3-16-0
Southwood (47)	0-8-0	1-12-1
Division II – District 1	Dist.	All
Caddo Magnet (2)	4-0-0	12-5-3
Benton (5)	3-0-0	13-8-4
Haughton (11)	2-1-0	10-10-3
Minden (17)	2-2-0	8-13-1
Northwood (24)	0-4-0	6-13-0
Huntington (34)	0-4-0	1-16-0
Division III – District 1	Dist.	All
Loyola (1)	1-0-0	8-5-4
North DeSoto (5)	1-1-0	13-5-1
Bossier (27)	0-1-0	5-10-0
Division IV – District 1	Dist.	All
Calvary (6)	1-0-0	9-6-3
Evangel (18)	1-1-0	6-9-1
North   Caddo (37)	0-1-0	2-13-1

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The Grambling Tigers posted their third straight Southwestern Athletic Conference basketball triumph Monday night, dumping visiting Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

The G-Men (7-12, 5-2) rode 23 points from Shawndarius Cowart and 20 by Cameron Christon. Cowart hit 9 of 11 shots and dished 6 assists.

Grambling shot 52 percent overall, 62 percent after halftime.

UAPB (4-17, 2-6) picked up 22 points from Dequan Morris and led by 14 with 7:41 left in the opening half, but miserable 3-point aim (2-18) curtailed the Golden Lions.

MEN

CENTENARY 95, TEXAS LUTHERAN 62: The host Gents went on 22-5 run to end the first half in cruising to the SCAC win. Syied Dyer hit 7-of-9 3-pointers in leading Centenary (9-7, 4-4) in scoring with 23 points. AJ Hall added another 16 points, Joseph Wiggins scored 11 and Ralph Johnson 10. Texas

Lutheran (5-9, 3-3) was topped by Jamir Mason’s 11 points.

WOMEN

TEXAS LUTHERAN 63, CENTENARY 49: The Bulldogs used a 10-0 run to start the fourth quarter to take a 55-41 lead in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference win. Texas Lutheran (9-5, 6-0) was led by Ashley Reyes’ 14 points. Centenary (3-13, 1-7) got 13 points from Jazzmyn Jones, Destini Powell had 11 points and eight rebounds and Addy Tremie added 10 points.

GRAMBLING 83, UAPB 72: At the Fred Hobdy Center in Grambling, the Lady Tigers (7-11, 4-3) scored 50 points after halftime and padded a tenuous two-point edge going into the final period to prevail. Grambling outscored UAPB (8-10, 4-4) 23-14 in the final 10 minutes. Ariel Williams scored 25 and Justice Coleman 22 for the winners, who shot 63 percent in the last 20 minutes.

Photo: courtesy of Centenary

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Bossier Parish

Debra Ann Marshall
February 18, 1958 – January 20, 2022
Visitation: 10:00 a.m. until time of service
Services:  12:00 P.M. Saturday, February 12, 2022 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Drive, Bossier City

Caddo Parish

Stacy Lynn Jones
January 6, 1968 – January 17, 2022
Service:  Tuesday, January 25, 2022 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport

Catherine Lucille Gill Flynn
December 15, 1932 – January 16, 2022
Visitation:  Saturday, February 5, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until service time
Services:  Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Dr., Shreveport

Michael Lynn Green
September 21, 1960 – January 13, 2022
Services:  Wednesday January 26, 2022 12:00 PM Heavenly Gates Funeral Home 1339 Jewell Street Shreveport

Mr. Garland Crittion, Jr.
July 16, 1974 – January 10, 2022
Visitation: Friday January 28, 2022 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM Winnfield Funeral Home – Shreveport 3701 Hollywood Avenue SHREVEPORT
Services: Saturday January 29, 2022 11:00 AM Winnfield Funeral Home – Shreveport  3701 Hollywood Avenue

Raymond Grady Taylor
March 18, 1939 – January 22, 2022
Services: A private service for family members will be held at Forest Park Cemetery, St. Vincent

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By JOHN JAMES MARSHALL, Journal Sports

H-O-R-S-E is a simple game, one that’s been played by just about everyone who has ever touched a basketball. Other than an ego boost from winning, not much typically comes from it. You win or you lose and everybody moves on.

But for former Centenary star Travion Kirkendoll, a simple game of H-O-R-S-E has changed his life.

However, it took a while.

Three years ago, when Kirkendoll was in the midst of his outstanding career as a Gent, the Harlem Globetrotters were in town for a performance. Kirkendoll and one of the Globetrotters played a game of H-O-R-S-E while they were shooting baskets and struck up a friendship.

“He reached out to me and the next thing I knew, they (the Globetrotters) had me in for a tryout,” Kirkendoll said. “The rest is history.”

After an audition in November, Kirkendoll was signed to the team. Last month, he appeared in his first game as a member of the world-famous basketball team in a game in Pittsburgh.

The kid from Campti who never really knew much about the Globetrotters – other than their connection to the Scooby Doo cartoon (“I was a big Scooby Doo fan growing up”) — was now part of a team that is among the most famous on the planet.

“The fact that Scooby Doo featured some kind of basketball was what I remembered,” he said. “Everybody remembers Curly Neal (as a Gloebrotter), but I knew Curly Neal from that episode.”

Once Kirkendoll joined the team, it didn’t take him long to find out what it’s all about.

“I think what makes the Globetrotters special is that no two players are the same,” Kirkendoll said. “People think they are all funny guys. Everybody is so different in style but we are the ambassadors of goodwill. The love of basketball and the love of people is what makes it work and not just looking at the people as fans.”

When Kirkendoll left on Christmas Day to begin this edition of the Globetrotters tour in North America – they’ll be at Brookshire’s Arena in Bossier City on March 30 – it began the latest chapter in Kirkendoll’s basketball career.

After graduating from Lakeview High School, he became one of most decorated players in Gents’ history. Kirkendoll played for the Gents from 2014-18, was named to the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference’s 30th Anniversary team and is the league’s all-time leading scorer with 1,919 career points.

“I learned so much from my coaches at Centenary,” he said.  “I don’t think I would have developed as a player and a man if I had gone anywhere else.”

From there, he played internationally in Saudi Arabia for one season. He knew that wasn’t for him, and was about to sign to play in Mexico when that league shut down due to the pandemic. From there was some semi-pro basketball and a year coaching at Centenary. Adam Walsh, his former coach at Centenary, was hired at Shenandoah University in Virginia and brought Kirkendoll in to join that basketball staff.

When the Globetrotters came to Winchester, Va., Kirkendoll attended his first Globetrotters game. Three months later, he was on the team.

“The travel is tough,” he said. “I definitely don’t feel 25 (years old) right now. We are on tour basically year round. Everybody (else) leaves (to be home) on Christmas Day but one of the coaches told me he hasn’t been with his family on Christmas in 47 years. The sacrifices that the Globetrotters make is something people don’t realize.”

There is no shortage of local ties for Kirkendoll and the Globetrotters. Former Gent Herbert Lang became a longtime Globetrotter and one of the team coaches is Louisiana Sports Hall of Famer Sweet Lou Dunbar, a Minden native who played against Centenary when he starred at the University of Houston.

“I think people underestimate how much the Globetrotters really love basketball and make it mean something for the younger generation and people all over the world,” Kirkendoll said. “Some nights you might not have it, but then you see those smiles from the fans and that makes it all better.”

PHOTO:  submitted image.

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By LEE HILLER, Journal Sports

Captain Shreve traveled to Natchitoches on Friday with a one-game lead in the boys District 1-5A standings and came back to Shreveport in a 3-way tie.

Natchitoches Central got the 47-44 win over the visiting Gators to move to 5-1, the same as Shreve and Southwood.

The Chiefs (15-4 overall) got 15 points from Dalyn Davis, Caylin Demars added 13 and Justin Aaron had 12.

The loss snapped Shreve’s nine-game win streak and dropped its overall record to 16-5.

Southwood defeated Airline 76-60 as Mar’Quarius Johnson led all scorers with 33 points and grabbed 8 rebounds for the Cowboys. Jeremiah Evans added 22 points and 11 rebounds and Darius Anderson scored 11 as the Cowboys evened their record at 12-12 overall.

Trevon Jackson led Airline (9-7, 3-3) with 20 points, Cameron Walker added 17 and AJ Coleman 10.

Byrd rallied in the second half to defeat Benton 51-47. The Tigers (9-17, 2-4) took a 23-20 to the locker room at the half but was outscored 17-8 in the third quarter by the Yellow Jackets (10-8, 3-3). Greg Manning led Benton in scoring with 18.

Brian Morris led Byrd with 19 points.

Evangel defeated Woodlawn 81-62 in a key District 1-4A game at Evangel to stay one game behind league leader Huntington.

The Knights (18-6, 3-2) got 24 points from Donovan Seamster and Andri Lewis added 21. Evangel improved to 15-5, 4-1.

Loyola defeated North Caddo 67-50 in a non-district game at Loyola. John Carmody and Jacob Lafitte both scored 19 points to lead the Flyers (10-12). North Caddo falls to 7-12 on the season.

Lincoln Prep remained undefeated in District 1-1A at 3-0 with a 64-28 defeat of Plain Dealing. The No. 4 rated Kittens improved to 18-6 overall. Plain Dealing dropped to 1-15, 0-2.

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By LEE HILLER, Journal Sports

Airline ran into a red-hot Southwood and a red-hot Jermesha Frierson as the Lady Cowboys rolled to an 80-48 to win at home Friday in a District 1-5A battle.

The Lady Cowboys won their fourth straight to improve to 17-8 overall and moved into a second-place tie in 1-5A with the Lady Vikings at 5-3.

Frierson is a big reason the Lady Cowboys have been on a roll as she totaled 31 points, three rebounds, six assists and seven steals. She is averaging 33.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game her last four games.

Also in double digits for Southwood included Minnie Williams with 16 points, Ma’Shaylen Pratt had 11 points and Amelyon Stewart 10.

Airline dropped to 19-9 overall and 5-3 in the district.

Parkway traveled to Haughton looking to avoid being the third-consecutive upset victim of the Lady Bucs and came away with a 52-26 win.

The Lady Panthers (23-2, 8-0) got 17 points from Chloe Parry and 15 from Mikaylah Williams and now have a three-game lead in the District 1-5A standings.

Benton also got a District 1-5A win defeating last-place Byrd 58-23 behind the 16 points of Marissa Schoth. Riley Grace Stanford was the only other Lady Tiger in double digits with 10. Benton is now tied with Natchitoches Central in fourth place in 1-5A with a 4-4 record and sports a 17-8 overall record.

Natchitoches Central improved to 13-10 overall with a 63-52 defeat of Captain Shreve (11-12, 3-5).

Huntington remained unbeaten in District 1-4A at 6-0 and moved to 11-6 overall with a 77-41 defeat of Northwood. The Lady Falcons are tied for third with a 4-3 mark and are 14-12 overall.

Booker T. Washington is just one game behind Huntington at 5-1 in 1-4A and is 17-10 overall.

Bossier got a big District 1-3A win defeating Green Oaks 65-25 at home. The Lady Kats now 5-12 overall is 2-2 in 1-3A got 18 points from Sanaa Brown, while Rikiyah Taylor (17) and Brianna Ellis (16) were also in double figures. Green Oaks dropped to 2-18, 0-3.

Loyola used the 16 points from Tiffany Siharath and 10 from Kate Fortune to defeat Woodlawn 40-38 in a non-district game at Woodlawn. Tarellya Baber led all scorers for the Lady Knights (10-12) with 27 points.

Calvary’s lack of depth caught up with them in a 56-44 loss to Arcadia. The Lady Cavs (6-7, 1-1 in 1-1A) stayed close for the first three quarters but foul issues crippled the ladies in the fourth quarter when the Lady Hornets were able to pull away a more comfortable win. Arcadia stayed in the first-place tie with Homer in 1-1A with a 2-0 mark and are 12-9 overall.

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By PRESTON EDWARDS, Journal Sports

It may sound funny to use a classic baseball term to describe a high school basketball event, however, the Extravaganza Classic hosted by Calvary Baptist on Saturday was a home run.

Mal Mundy of Hoopfest Tours echoed the same sentiment.

“I loved the setup. I loved the event. Shreveport came out to support the event, said Mundy. “ Other high school players coming to the event was good to see. Vic Morris was really hands on as well. This will be an annual event.”

The inaugural Extravaganza Classic sponsored by Hoopfest Tours saw five games matching 10 of the top teams in Louisiana. From the comments from each participating school on Twitter, they enjoyed the experience.

“Saturday was special man,” stated Calvary coach Vic Morris. “To have that type of support from the city and the fans was amazing. Big shoutout to Mal Mundy for bringing the platform to Shreveport. We are back at it next year!”

Even with Woodlawn and Bossier having Friday night district matchups, they (along with Calvary) competed hard during their contests. Here is a rundown of how each local team fared.

OUACHITA 41, WOODLAWN 38: Despite 17 points and 9 rebounds from Donavan Seamster, the Lions pulled out a close victory over the Knights. Freshman Brandon Henderson was a bright spot for the Knights with 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Jeremiah Puckett was the Ouachita leading scorer with 12.

CALVARY BAPTIST 59, SCOTLANDVILLE 54: Labree Williams scored 24 points and pulled down 14 boards as the host team Calvary defeated top rated Scotlandville Hornets. Senior Rayvon Smith, of the Hornets, had a good game as well with 22 points and 8 assists of his own.

CARVER 57, BOSSIER 50: The nightcap saw a tight contest between the Rams and Bearkats. Dorian Finister and his 25 points and 9 assists led Carver to the victory. Joseph Manning and Marquis Harris each had great games. Harris ended with a double-double (14 point, 11 rebounds) while Manning finished with 21 points and 8 rebounds.

In the other Extravaganza contest, St. Paul’s defeated Simsboro 64-50 behind Zach Fenn stat sheet filling performance. He had 24 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists on the night. Defending 5A champion Zachary prevailed by 12 over a hardworking Wossman Wildcat team 68-56. The Broncos were powered by a 25 point, 15 rebound performance by senior Jalen Bolden. With the win, Zachary extends their win streak to 17.

All participants return to district play this week on Tuesday.

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Boys   Basketball
DISTRICT 1-5A	Dist.	All
Captain Shreve (15)	5-1	16-5
Natchitoches (4)	5-1	15-4
Southwood (21)	5-1	12-12
Airline (25)	3-3	9-8
Benton (38)	2-4	9-17
Byrd (Div. 1 – 8)	3-3	11-8
Haughton (39)	1-5	13-9
Parkway (49)	0-6	5-13
DISTRICT 1-4A	Dist.	All
Huntington (6)	5-0	13-4
Evangel (Div. II – 6)	4-1	15-5
Woodlawn (10)	3-2	17-7
BTW (16)	2-2	15-7
Northwood (29)	2-3	12-11
Minden (40)	0-4	3-19
North DeSoto (43)	0-4	3-11
DISTRICT 1-3A	Dist.	All
Bossier (2)	3-0	17-6
Loyola (Div. II – 15)	2-1	10-12
Mansfield (17)	1-0	8-6
Green Oaks (33)	0-2	7-13
North Webster (45)	0-3	7-14
DISTRICT 1-2A	Dist.	All
J-Hodge (3)	0-0	8-4
D’Arbonne Woods (31)	0-0	8-9
North   Caddo (28)	0-0	7-12
Lakeside (53)	0-0	0-16
District   1-1A	Dist.	All
Lincoln   Prep (4)	3-0	18-6
Calvary   (Div IV – 3)	2-0	12-7
Haynesville   (30)	1-0	1-10
Homer   (11)	2-1	4-7
Ringgold   (13)	1-1	9-13
Arcadia   (12)	0-1	4-13
Plain   Dealing (26)	0-2	1-15
Glenbrook   (Div IV – 23)	0-3	4-9
Magnolia   (22)	0-0	1-13
Magnolia   has cancelled rest of season

 

Girls   Basketball
DISTRICT 1-5A	Dist.	All
Parkway (2)	8-0	23-2
Airline (13)	5-3	19-9
Southwood (15)	5-3	17-8
Benton (10)	4-4	17-8
Natchitoches (25)	4-4	12-10
Haughton (19)	3-5	13-9
Captain Shreve (27)	3-5	11-12
Byrd (Div. I – 8)	0-8	11-10
DISTRICT 1-4A	Dist.	All
Huntington (8)	6-0	11-6
BTW (18)	5-1	17-10
Northwood (21)	4-3	14-12
Minden (31)	4-3	9-13
Woodlawn (28)	1-4	10-12
North DeSoto (40)	1-5	7-14
Evangel (Div II – 22)	0-5	0-11
DISTRICT 1-3A	Dist.	All
Loyola (Div II – 12)	3-0	11-9
Mansfield (5)	2-0	14-5
Bossier (25)	2-2	5-10
North Webster (51)	0-2	3-12
Green Oaks (49)	0-3	2-18
DISTRICT 1-2A	Dist.	All
North Caddo (38)	0-0	6-10
Jonesboro-Hodge (21)	0-0	5-11
D’Arbonne   Woods (45)	0-0	1-10
Lakeside (47)	0-0	2-12
District   1-1A	Dist.	All
Homer   (7)	2-0	10-7
Arcadia   (9)	2-0	12-9
Lincoln   Prep (20)	1-0	2-13
Calvary   (Div IV – 17)	1-1	6-7
Plain   Dealing (13)	0-1	8-13
Haynesville   (15)	0-1	6-14
Glenbrook   (Div IV – 11)	0-2	6-7
Ringgold   (28)	0-2	2-18

 

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By ROY LANG III, Journal Sports

A two-game road trip to the first-place team is a classic situation that calls for “a split.” Sure, you’d like to win both games, but if you can win every other road game against playoff-quality opponents, it bodes well in the standings.

A split looked like a tough task for the Shreveport Mudbugs as they trailed New Mexico and the final seconds of the third period ticked away.

Then lightning struck.

Connor Gatto scored the tying goal with less than 1 second remaining to force overtime.

Although the Mudbugs lost (4-3) in a shootout, they gained an all-important point in the standings.

“We didn’t think we played a very good game at all, but again, timely goals,” Mudbugs head coach Jason Campbell told the Journal. “We almost snuck away with two points.”

On Saturday, the Mudbugs led throughout, only to watch the Ice Wolves score late in the third period to tie the game (1-1).

However, Shreveport flipped the script this time. Veteran Billy Fezcko posted the lone goal in the shootout and the Mudbugs escaped Albuquerque with better than your typical split.

“Three out of four (points) is a great weekend here in New Mexico,” Campbell said.

Although Timofei Khokhlachev didn’t participate in the shootout Saturday, his head coach believes he may have been the difference maker.

“KoKo was trying to fire the guys up before the shootout, maybe that’s what worked,” Campbell said.

Shreveport dropped a spot in the standings (Corpus Christi swept El Paso), but still moved closer to a playoff position. The Mudbugs entered the weekend eight points behind fourth-place Amarillo and loaded the bus for home just five points back.

Last week’s 3 Stars

1. Austin Brimmer, became first Mudbug to reach 10 goals scored with a first-period tally on Saturday

2. Connor Gatto, helped Shreveport steal a point Friday when he scored with 1 second left in regulation to force overtime

3. Billy Feczko, lone player to score in Saturday’s shootout

NAHL South Division standings

New Mexico (23-10-3), 49 points
Lone Star (20-9-6), 46
Odessa (20-13-3), 43
Amarillo (19-14-2), 40
Wichita Falls (16-13-7), 39
Corpus Christi (17-18-2), 36
Shreveport (15-14-5), 35
El Paso (13-19-3), 29

*top four make the playoffs

Team leaders

Goals: Austin Brimmer, 10
Assists: Connor Gatto, 18
Points: Austin Brimmer, 27
Penalty Minutes: Davis Goukler, 99
Game-winning goals: Gunner Moore, Garrett Steele, Gatto, 3
Goals-against average: Devon Bobak, 2.08
Save percentage: Bobak, .919

Up next

The first-place team last week, second-place team this week. Shreveport returns home to face Lone Star on George’s Pond at Hirsch Coliseum (Friday and Saturday at 7:11 p.m.).

“Oh boy, she’s going to be a war, right?” Campbell said. “We’re going to have to be on our A game.”

Photo:  of Austin Brimmer by TERI JOHNSON

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Opinion by DOUG IRELAND, Journal Staff

Lots of fine folks have contributed money to give away, legally, to top-caliber high school senior football scholar-athletes.

The S.M. McNaughton Chapter of the National Football Foundation has been doing this for over 40 years. The local chapter raises funds with tennis tournaments, auctions and other events, then awards scholarships to the cream of the crop among north Louisiana’s seniors.

One catch: those fine young men have to be nominated by their head coaches. Only 10 nominations have been submitted so far, from eligible football programs in districts 1, 2 and 3 in Louisiana.

When you read that the deadline to apply was last Thursday, don’t be alarmed. It’s been extended to Wednesday, Feb. 2, already a red letter day for senior prep football players. It’s also National Signing Day.

Throw in the excitement of Groundhog Day, and it’s a date impossible to ignore.

Not that the head coaches who haven’t nominated anyone yet are intentionally overlooking this wonderful opportunity for their super seniors.

Although the football season is done, those coaches aren’t. Offseason strength and conditioning programs have begun. All of the coaches are also teachers, with classes to educate and an ever-soaring amount of record-keeping required.

Most importantly, more than ever before, today’s coaches are mentors at least, and in many cases, surrogate parents for young people whose parents are too overwhelmed or sometimes sadly indifferent.

So, Coach, if you haven’t nominated your top senior football player in 2021 for the McNaughton Chapter NFF Scholarship, this second chance is for you, says Toni Goodin, the longtime secretary/backbone of the local chapter.

She can relate. The former Logansport High cheerleader has coordinated the NFF scholarship program for longer than the 2021 seniors have been living. It’s hardly the only cause for Goodin, who among other unpaid pursuits is a vibrant volunteer for the Independence Bowl, along with her mom Peggy Mitchell.

But currently, she’s the CEO honed in on opening the sparkling Shreveport Rehabilitation Hospital. That’s resulted in her delegating the oversight of the scholarship program to another NFF board member. She picked the rookie – me.

It’s a privilege. Just like it is to win one of these NFF scholarships. I’ve been to most of the NFF Scholar-Athlete Awards Banquets this century, watching and listening to the accomplishments of these remarkable young men, seeing their excitement at being recognized for not only being a really good player, but doing a great job throughout their high school years in the classroom, and being involved in community service.

Those are the cornerstone values. Nominees must have earned all-district honors for the 2021 season; have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2; and have involvement in some extracurricular activity. The application, submitted to SBJSportsLine@gmail.com by the head coach, must include the student-athlete’s academic transcript and any recommendation letters or supporting materials.

Nomination info was e-mailed to local and area head coaches when school reconvened early this month.

Questions? Call or text me at 318-471-2086. It’s all about giving opportunity to deserving young men – and a lifelong memory at East Ridge Country Club on March 24 for the best of the best.

There are role models on the field every fall at every high school. Here’s a chance for your favorite one to sparkle one more time.

Photo: by ROBERT FREDERICK/TimeBoxPhotography.com

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By DAVID ERSOFF, Journal Sports

A tune up for the state girls soccer playoffs sent Byrd High south to Cajun country, where the Lady Jackets didn’t find much warmer weather but did pick up valuable lessons and experience.

Ranked ninth in Division I, Byrd met 2021 D1 state champion Mt. Carmel (ranked 10th currently) and D1 No. 2 Dominican on neutral ground at St. Thomas More. With the loss of Elizabeth Klotzbach to a knee injury and the limitations of All State forward Khiana Roraback and starting center back Skylar Burke, due to nagging leg injuries, Byrd was forced to change tactics to a more defensive posture.

Friday’s 0-0 tie with Mr. Carmel was truly even, with both teams getting chances to score. Byrd’s senior keeper, ULM signee Emerson Roberts, had 10 saves. The offense was able to put seven shots on frame, none of which could secure the victory.

Saturday was a different story in a 7-0 loss to Dominican. Byrd’s offense could only muster one corner kick and one shot on goal. Dominican rode four goals and two assists from reigning Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year Kelsey Major. Ella Goings scored two goals and had an assist.

The bright spot for the Lady Jackets was Roberts, with 13 saves including two 1-on-1’s by the potent Dominican offense. The first half was dominated by Dominican, as they scored three goals in the first 30 minutes. With three minutes left in the half, Dominican went full on attack and scored three more times before the halftime whistle.

The second half was played more in the middle of the field, with the Lady Jackets only yielding one more goal. They gained some much-needed confidence by possessing the ball much more and connecting passes the way we are used to seeing them do.

Byrd will look to rebound this week, busy with games against Airline, Lafayette, Natchitoches Central and Loyola.

Before the three-hour ride south, earlier last week Byrd beat Alexandria 3-1. The Lady Jackets got goals from Landry Jones, Ellie Lawrence and Elizabeth Whitton. Roberts had 5 saves, her lone goal given up was a penalty kick. They also beat Southwood 8-0. Jones, Whitton and Claire Flurry had two goals each. Ainsley Davis and Khaela Roraback scored a goal each. Roberts had one save in the game.

Photo: by EMILY SMITH

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By DAVID ERSOFF, Journal Sports

Last week’s girls soccer competition was especially successful for Loyola, Captain Shreve and Caddo Magnet, all going 2-0, and Parkway and coach Shelly McMillian, who moved to the brink of 700 career wins.

Division III’s top-ranked Loyola Lady Flyers posted victories over North DeSoto 6-0, and Teurlings Catholic 4-0. For the week, goals were scored by Kennedy Jarrett (5), Madalyn VanDevender (3), Mary Helen Burford and Katelyn McNeill.

Assists came from Maggie Googe (3), Erin Campbell (3), Jarrett and Emmaline Drummond. Loyola finishes the season against Sterlington, Bossier and Byrd.

Division I’s No. 4 ranked Captain Shreve also went 2-0 this week, defeating Ruston 8-0 and Holy Savior Menard 5-0. In those games, the Lady Gators got goals from Emma Bradford (5), Brooklyn Lattier (2), and from Madelyn Head, Maddie Aubrey, Kiley Rourke, Emily Moffett, Alex Knight and Ella Grace Davis.

Assists were by Rourke (2), Lattier, Knight, and Ella Rossi. Shreve finishes facing Southwood, Natchitoches Central and Parkway this week.

The second-ranked team in Division II, Caddo Magnet, beat Huntington 8-0 and Parkway 7-3. In the Huntington game Magnet got three goals from Audrey Jordan, two from both Toni Sapp and Caroline Wilemon and another from Merritt Hughes. Providing assists were Wilemon (2), Sapp, Hughes, Gaffney Nelson and Maddie Myers.

The Magnet game against Parkway was featured in the Friday edition of the SBJ. Magnet finishes the season Thursday with a showdown against fifth-ranked Benton, when on the line is the district championship.

The no. 28th-ranked Division I Airline Lady Vikings went 0-1-1 on the week, a tie with Benton 3-3 and a 2-1 loss to Calvary Baptist. In the Benton game AHS had two goals by Adele Bihler, and the last by Siciliy Fontaine. Molina added an assist. Keeper Gracie Rellin, in only her second varsity game, had 10 saves.

In the Calvary game, Molina scored the lone goal. Keeper Elyssa Moore had a pair of saves. Airline finishes the season with Byrd and North DeSoto.

Calvary Baptist, sixth-ranked in Division IV, went 2-1 on the extended week, with a Jan. 15 loss to Ouachita Christian (3-2), along with wins over Airline (2-1), and Evangel (3-1). Overall, Calvary got five goals by Carson Davis, and one each from Jaedan Lee and Kelsey Coburn. Assists were recorded by Lee (3), Ava Colvin and Davis. Keeper Peyton Lewis had 17 saves in the three games. Calvary finishes the season with Minden and North Caddo.

Parkway (No. 31 in Division I) had a 2-1 record for the week, with shutout wins over Haughton (7-0) and Natchitoches Central (8-0). Caddo Magnet handed Parkway a 7-3 loss. This puts coach Shelly McMillian at 699 career wins as a varsity coach in Louisiana.

In the wins, Parkway got 11 goals from Maya Jackson, two from Kendahl Winningham, and one apiece by Emelie Morton and Isabel Bright. Assists came from Bright (4), Marie Smith (3), Jackson (2), Katelyn Icenhower (2), Audrey Stippel and Sierra Leins and Morton. Keeper Aubri Dupre had seven saves. Parkway wraps up the season against North Caddo and Captain Shreve.

Other results: Benton 6, Natchitoches Central 0; Haughton 3, Northwood 1; Minden 7, Huntington 0; Minden 3, Northwood 1; Pineville 7, Southwood 0; Southwood 4, Wossman 0.

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