By PRESTON EDWARDS, Journal Sports
Bossier is back in District 1-4A, where Huntington has ruled, after dropping down to 1-3A for three years. That makes Shreveport’s boys basketball heavyweights district rivals once again.
So, needless to say, Jan. 17 had probably been circled on both teams’ schedules. However, with the composition of District 1-4A, Tuesday night’s battle at Bossier High was actually a non-district contest.
Confused? You’re not the only one. Historically, 1-4A teams have played each other twice and that determines who is top dog in the district. This year, only one of the contests that the Bearkats and Raiders play will be an actual district game.
No matter if it was officially a district or non-district battle, the stakes were high in this one. A win would provide a boost in the LHSAA power rankings. Bossier is presently No. 4 in the Division II, Non-Select power rankings, and the Raiders are currently fifth in the Select power rankings for Division I.
In other words, this game was important whether it moved a digit in district standings or not.
Bearkats coach Justin Collins acknowledged that.
“Traditionally, Huntington and Bossier are very good games,” he said. “As a coach, you want the challenge as much as you can get it.”
Collins hit the nail on the head as Tuesday night’s game was another classic added to these two teams’ storied history. Chris Carpenter made 4 of 5 free throws down the stretch and the Huntington defense clamped down on Bossier paint touches to leave with a 62-59 victory.
The Raiders moved to 16-6, and Bossier dropped to 11-9 — though against a murderous schedule.
After the victory, Huntington coach Mack Jones had good things to say about his squad.
“Great team win tonight,” Jones said. “Guys really stayed focused. Down by eight, our seniors showed a lot of character. Great environment for basketball tonight. Hats off to Coach Collins and the Bearkats. They pushed our guys for 32 minutes.”
Huntington assistant coach Errol Pipkins praised the players as well and offered a key to the final score.
“We had too many empty possessions. We had to get the ball to the big man (Decedric Webb) and we had to get stops,” he said.
Getting stops and getting Webb involved were key in pulling out the triumph. Bossier constructed an eight-point lead before Webb got going. His team high of 20 was sparked after the Raiders made a concerted effort to get him the rock. He scored on four of five consecutive possessions to keep Huntington within striking distance until the Raiders came together and clamped down defensively in the fourth.
During the first half, Huntington looked disjointed and the Bearkats took full advantage. Tahj Roots, who scored a game-high 21, was hot from three and the other Bearkats pitched in. Bossier led by three at the half.
These teams will meet again in “real” district play on February 10 at Huntington.
On the girls’ side of this doubleheader, the Lady Raiders poured it on Bossier, 68-23. Kyndal Graham, Huntington’s freshman point guard, scored 33 points. The win improves the Lady Raiders’ record to 16-6; Bossier remains winless on the year.
Contact Preston at preston9360@gmail.com