Happy New Year everyone! The beginning of the New Year means we are at the midway point in the high school prep season. When the high school hoops turn the calendar to 2023, that means district play is right around the corner.

With one of the largest districts in the state (1-5A) and one of the most competitive districts (1-4A) in the area, it means the high school gyms will be red hot with action. The SBJ prep hoops report, here in volume six, will be here to cover it all. From the finals of the “Doc” Edwards to district play in 1-5A and beginning of the Bossier Invitational, we got your back.

“Doc” Edwards tournament winners

Huntington won the finals of the “Doc” Edwards tournament with a 79-70 victory over the Bossier Bearkats. The Raiders have bounced back from their trip to Madison Prep and found some pep in their step. Senior guard Trey Carter was the tournament MVP. He shot the lights out from behind the arc during the three-day tournament.

On the girls’ side, Benton made it to the finals but was upended by the Lady Tigers of Gibsland-Coleman 50-43. Sophomore Samora Sampson and her teammates gave all teams trouble as they dispatched three 1-5A teams (Byrd, Airline, and Benton) en route to the title.

District 1-5A on the girls’ side

Probably the most surprising thing three games into the girls’ battle for District 1-5A is that the Southwood Lady Cowboys are winless. They took their third loss on Tuesday to Parkway.

While the result may have been a forgone conclusion, the fact that the young Lady Cowboys only scored 10 points is a bit concerning. Jermisha Frierson has left the program and while Minnie Williams has been holding her own, the rest of the ladies have to help her out.

Other winners from Tuesday’s district contests were Benton (defeated Byrd), Haughton (defeated Airline), and Natchitoches Central (defeated Captain Shreve).

1-5A boys open district play

The boys’ teams in 1-5A had their district openers on Tuesday night. Captain Shreve is the defending district champion and the Gators began their repeat quest on the road at Natchitoches Central — where they defeated the Chiefs 43-32. Southwood survived two late Parkway shot attempts with two blocks by Jeremiah Evans to secure the 60-58 win. Benton secured a 10-point win over Byrd. Trey Smith and Greg Manning combined for 33 in the win. Haughton won its district contest, surprising Airline at home 63-57.

The 83rd Bossier Invitational

The 83rd edition of the Bossier Invitational has gone away from the tournament format and now plays more of a showcase-style format. Two games opened night one of the invitational as Loyola played Red River and Bossier hosted District 1-4A member Evangel.

Flyers Cage Van Norman and Caleb Burch made key free throws in the end of the game to defeat Red River 58-50. In the nightcap, Tahj Roots poured in 17 for Bossier as the Bearcats defeated Evangel 68-43. Despite a cold shooting night for the Eagles, Brayln Clark finished with 15 — scoring all points in the second half.

Tomorrow will see a total of three games. Red River and Minden will lead off everything at 4 p.m. They will be followed by Deridder and Evangel at 5:30 and the rematch between Calvary and Huntington at 7 p.m. All games will be played at Bossier High.

Teams of the Week

The Huntington Raiders were highlighted earlier for their victory in the “Doc” Edwards tournament. Those wins have helped them win eight of their last 10, which has them sitting 5th in the latest DI power rankings by the LHSAA.

On the girls’ side, there is no team hotter than the Lady Tigers of Benton. They have won 10 of their last 12 and are presently sitting at 14th in the Non-Select power rankings with a 13-7 record. Opening District 2-1 helps also. We will see what the Lady Tigers have going as district play continues. 

Contact Preston at preston9360@gmail.com or Twitter handle @peedee1906