Airmen from the 2nd Medical Group practiced hospital-specific skills Feb. 14 at the Willis-Knighton Innovation Center for the first time, strengthening their partnership with Willis-Knighton for an effective medical response in any situation.

“Building these partnerships in the community is important before an emergency or incident,” said Lt. Col. Jennifer McAndrews, the 2nd MDG chief nurse executive.

The Willis-Knighton Innovation Center, utilizing a simulated nursing unit, offers a unique learning environment where nursing students and medics can learn and practice in-patient hospital skills.

“It’s an extremely valuable service they have that we just don’t have the ability to maintain or replicate,” said McAndrews, “They procured an older hospital that was no longer being used and set it up like an actual nursing unit.”

During the training, the simulation educators presented medical scenarios, resources and simulated patients designed to meet Air Force readiness standards.

“The Willis-Knighton simulation staff is learning the training needs of the 2nd Medical Group and will help them maintain a ready state if or when a deployment occurs,” said Chasity Maylon, Willis-Knighton clinical simulation educator.

This initiative not only bolsters the skills of the 2nd MDG but also strengthens the relationship between military and civilian medical practitioners, ensuring a cohesive response to any future emergencies.

“We would love to continue providing hands-on training for the Barksdale staff,” said Maylon, “We hope that the Barksdale Air Force Base Medical Group finds the training beneficial for their staff and will continue to train with us for the foreseeable future.”

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My teachers told me I’d never amount to much since I procrastinate so much.

[showhide type=”post” more_text=”Show Answer” less_text=”Hide Answer”]“I told them, “Just you wait!”[/showhide]

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Each week, the Shreveport-Bossier Journal’s always hungry reporter visits a different restaurant and tells you about the experience.

By ANON E. MUSS, Journal Services

This was a tough one to write.

I received an email from the owner of Niema’s Cookery Corner (5751 Youree Drive, inside Sunshine Health Market), inviting me to visit her restaurant. She wrote: “Your honest review of our cuisine would be greatly appreciated.”

But here’s the thing: these reviews aren’t just about food. They are about the experience, as noted in the disclaimer at the top of this page. So, here goes . . . .

I invited a friend to join me for what Chef Niema promised would be “delectable West African and Caribbean dishes”. So, at 12:30 on a recent Friday, we walked into Sunshine Health Market and headed to the back, where Niema’s Cookery Corner has several tables, surrounded by African/Caribbean colors and decor.

My friend and I didn’t see any signs indicating if we should seat ourselves, wait to be seated, or approach the counter to order. We did see a gentleman behind the counter, but he didn’t see us. He was looking at his phone. So, we walked up to the counter and waited. Again, the gentleman didn’t see us — he was looking at his phone.

Finally, I asked, “How does this work?” The gentleman, who was very nice, pointed out the “new” menu. If I’m a first-timer, I like to look at a restaurant’s menu before going, to get an idea of what I might want. I had done this, and had my taste buds set on the Lumley Shrimp. Unfortunately, I was told that wasn’t available. In fact, we were told several things on the seven-item menu were not available.

(Memo to restaurant owners: Do not make a menu public, if you are not ready to serve what is on it.)

We considered leaving, but asked for more details on what was available. The gentleman was very kind to bring us two samples, which sold us on staying. I ordered what the gentleman described as Brown Chicken ($24), which was not on the menu. Maybe it was the same as Curry Chicken, which was listed. My friend ordered Brown Stew Short Ribs ($25).

We also selected one of five appetizers (at least one of them wasn’t available), Caribbean Chicken Egg Rolls served with fries and Nimzomatic dipping sauce ($16).

It wasn’t too long before a very nice lady brought us silverware, plates, and soon after, our appetizer. The presentation was impressive. Half the tray was four egg rolls diagonally on top of each other. The other half was thick, crisp fries. Slices of green and white onion decorated both. We also received two containers of sauce.

The egg rolls (as well as the fries) were delicious, filled with corn, black beans, and chicken. My friend is more observant than me, and said they reminded her of the egg rolls at Applebee’s (when we used to have an Applebee’s). The egg rolls were “open”, so you saw the ingredients.

She also said they tasted like Applebee’s egg rolls. Hmmm…Surely, for $16, Niema’s egg rolls are made in-house. I asked. They are not. Yes, they were good, but to me, $16 is a big ask for something which isn’t made at the restaurant.

The dipping sauce is made in-house, and I would have paid $16 just for it (not really). It was thick, spicy, and made the egg rolls taste even better.

When the nice lady brought our meals, we stared in amazement. Both plates were full and practically overflowing. Mine had large servings of brown chicken (think sliced chicken soaked in sauce) topped with onions and bell peppers, rice, cabbage, and Plantains.

My friend’s servings were just as hearty, featuring slow braised caribbean short ribs in a brown gravy with potatoes and carrots, and the same sides which came with my order.

The rice had a nice, distinctive flavor. After a little digging, I learned Niema’s rice is made with coconut milk, habanero, and green onions. The cabbage was thin and tender. The plantains had a sweet, pineapple taste.

Beware, Niema’s food isn’t for the faint of heart. Everything we ate was spicy, which was fine with me. But by the time I was finished, my bottled water ($2.50) was long since empty.

Both my friend and I thoroughly enjoyed what we ordered. However, our server was concerned that as we were about to leave, there was still food on my friend’s plate. My friend assured our server that the food was excellent, but it was too much for her to eat in one sitting. We asked for a to-go box, and what my friend didn’t eat at the restaurant made for a second meal at home.

It wasn’t until halfway during our visit that recorded Caribbean music began playing. That was a nice touch, but we wish it would have been playing the entire time.

The cost of our meal (my friend had a Diet Coke ($2.50) before taxes and tip was $72. That included a $2 “Custom Amount”, which I was told was for paying with a card instead of cash. By the way, my tip amount was added to the total, and not the subtotal. I brought this up to the gentleman who took my payment (You pay when you order). He said that was the way the machine was set up, and Niema, who was not there, would be the one to provide an explanation.

To me, $72 for lunch for two is really expensive (Thank goodness dessert wasn’t offered). Minus the appetizer, lunch would have cost $56. It’s not that the food wasn’t good, but the prices certainly limit how often I eat at Niema’s.

So, here’s why this review was hard to write. The food was absolutely fantastic. It was different, and there was a lot of it. However, as I wrote earlier, to me, dining out is about more than the food. It’s the experience. We weren’t noticed upon arrival, saw nothing which directed us what to do, and — most bothersome of all — a lot of what was on the menu wasn’t available.

All this leads me to giving Niema’s Cookery Corner Three Forks. If my review was based on food alone, I would have given the restaurant Four Forks. Go and enjoy the tastes of West Africa and the Caribbean. Now that you know “how it works”,
I am sure your experience will be smoother than mine.

Chef Niema, you asked for my “honest review”. Tighten things up just a bit, and you will have a restaurant to which I would go out of my way to enjoy.

Is there a restaurant you would like the Journal to visit? Email SBJRestaurantReview@gmail.com

1 Fork: Would rather eat a box of dirt
2 Forks: Will return, but only if someone else is buying
3 Forks: Will return and look forward to it
4 Forks: Will return and go out of my way to do so

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The Norwela Council of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has announced its plans for the Second Annual Celebrity Waiter Dinner, scheduled to take place on Thursday, March 14, at Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino in Shreveport/Bossier City, LA. The event, aimed at raising awareness and support for local Scouting programs, will feature a lineup of local “celebrities” serving guests in a lively atmosphere.

Beginning at 6:45 p.m., with doors opening at 5:45 p.m. for a social hour, the dinner will include the presentation of Distinguished Citizens Awards to three individuals: Roy Griggs of Griggs Enterprises, W.C. “Bubba” Rasberry, Jr. of Crestview Woods, LP, Raspberry Commercial Properties, LP, & Raspberry Mineral Lands, LLC., and Dr. Steen Trawick, Jr. of CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System. These honorees have long supported local Scouting initiatives and demonstrated exceptional dedication to their communities.

The event will feature a diverse lineup of celebrity waiters, including notable figures such as Tari Bradford, Grace Anne Blake, Trey and Sarah Giglio, and many others. Led by a dedicated Dinner Steering Committee comprising influential civic and business leaders, the event aims to rally support from the community for the honorees and the broader mission of Scouting.

Tickets for the dinner are priced at $125.00 each or $225.00 per couple, with opportunities available for table sponsorships and corporate support. Interested parties can purchase tickets or inquire about sponsorship opportunities by visiting the Eventbrite page or contacting Tom Wiuff or Jeff Brasher directly.

The Norwela Council looks forward to hosting this celebratory event and continuing its mission of shaping tomorrow’s leaders through Scouting.

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High school students and their families constantly look for the best ways to prepare for college.

Taking courses for college credit is an increasingly popular choice for Louisiana high school students as they get a head start on their degrees.

This trend is reflected in the rapid growth of LSUS’s Dual Enrollment (DE) and Academic Excellence (AEP) programs over the past two years.

LSUS’s combined enrollment in these programs reached 450 students this spring, a 45 percent increase from 310 students in Fall 2022.

Dr. Elisabeth Liebert, Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at LSUS and academic director of the DE and AEP programs, said the Louisiana Board of Regents has intentionally promoted dual enrollment as part of their 2030 vision.

“Much of this growth is in response to that promotion as their goal is to have every student graduate from high school with some kind of post-secondary credential or with college credits,” Liebert said of the Louisiana Board of Regents, which governs all higher education in the state. “Dual Enrollment is growing across the state, but LSUS has also made some direct contacts that have impacted the growth of our programs.”

While LSUS’s growth in its Dual Enrollment program, where teachers are authorized to administer college courses in high school classrooms, mirrors growth across the state, LSUS’s expansion in its Academic Excellence Program stemmed from specific relationships.

The AEP program, where high school students take college courses directly on campus or online, increased to 46 students, a 40-student increase from Fall 2022.

Agreements with North Caddo High School and Simsboro High School (Lincoln Parish) are responsible for the bulk of AEP growth.

In either program, high school students are earning college credit for the significantly reduced rate of $50/credit hour.

“Reducing the overall cost of a degree is certainly one of the key selling points of early college,” Liebert said. “Starting early means that some students can finish their undergraduate degree and embark on a graduate program while still receiving TOPS.”

But that’s far from the only benefit of early college programs.

Research shows that early-start programs help students develop cognitive strategies (practiced behaviors important for college-level work), content knowledge (understanding how foundational content is structured), and learning techniques (ownership of learning).

Strategically managed, early-start programs also help high school students develop transition knowledge and skills, understanding how college operates.

This benefit goes beyond the academic enrichment or college credits available to them in parallel programs, such as Advanced Placement.

“A dual enrollment student is an LSUS student, and they have a right to an equivalent experience in terms of accessing all the resources our campus offers,” Liebert said. “I want to make sure that they have that experience, not just the right to it.”

Informing dual enrollment students what LSUS offers was a key mission of Dual Enrollment Day, which attracted more than 100 of LSUS’s dual enrollment students to campus in early February.

Dual Enrollment students learned how to navigate college resources, met with college advisors, and participated in hands-on library research among a host of activities.

Having Dual Enrollment students on campus increases the probability that these students will attend LSUS full time once they begin college.

Dual Enrollment students that did enroll at LSUS full-time were highly successful. The Fall 2022 cohort, which consisted of 23 students, compiled a 3.37 GPA in their first year of college.

“These students came from eight different schools with very different demographics,” Liebert said. “Their dual enrollment classes ranged from Spanish to Biology, and they embarked on 13 different degree programs here at LSUS.

“The common experience was early exposure to college.”

While the program is working toward capturing more of the Dual Enrollment student population to attend LSUS full time, the most important aspect is that these students are prepared for college wherever they go.

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In an exciting leap forward for scientific innovation and medical progress, LSU Health Shreveport proudly announces the acquisition of five new patents by faculty members, both current and retired, during fiscal year 2024 (July 2023-June 2024). These patents not only safeguard the intellectual property of their creators but also introduce fresh approaches to treatment and processes that push the boundaries of science and healthcare.

Obtaining a patent is more than just a legal milestone; it’s a testament to the ingenuity, creativity, and dedication of each inventor and their team. It reflects LSU Health Shreveport’s dedication to nurturing innovation and discovery. The journey from idea to patent issuance is lengthy and complex, spanning years of rigorous research and development. The recently awarded patents, filed between 2017 and 2021, cover a range of utility and divisional patents, ensuring protection for a diverse set of groundbreaking inventions.

Let’s explore these remarkable patents in more detail:

Methods of Treating Neurodegenerative Disorders

Patent Title: Methods of treating neurodegenerative disorders

Inventors: Yuping Wang, MD, PhD, and Xiao-Hong Lu, PhD

Patent Number: US-11707491 (Utility Patent)

Overview: This innovative therapy offers a new approach to addressing neurodegenerative disorders and brain injuries. By utilizing neural progenitor cells from the mammalian placenta, the treatment holds promise for conditions like cerebral palsy, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. Unlike traditional methods, this therapy aims to repair damaged neural tissue directly, providing a novel path to recovery.

Targeting the TLK1/NEK1 Axis in Prostate Cancer

Patent Title: Targeting the TLK1/NEK1 axis in prostate cancer

Inventors: Arrigo De Benedetti, PhD, et al.

Patent Number: US-11826369 (Utility Patent)

Overview: Prostate cancer remains a significant health concern globally. This novel therapy combines with existing treatments to improve their effectiveness and delay disease progression, offering hope to patients facing this challenging diagnosis.

Cancer Treatment via Repositioned Tricyclic Anti-depressant-like Drugs

Patent Title: Cancer treatment via repositioned tricyclic anti-depressant-like drugs as anti-cancer agents

Inventors: James A. Cardelli, PhD, et al.

Patent Number: US-11744827 (Divisional)

Overview: This approach targets the invasion of tumors, particularly in brain cancer, offering a promising avenue for slowing disease progression and reducing mortality.

Method, Device, and System for Bone Fixation

Patent Title: Method, device, and system for bone fixation

Inventors: Giovanni F. Solitro, PhD; R. Shane Barton, MD, MPH, FAAOS, FAOA; and J. Steven Alexander, PhD

Patent Number: US-11806025 (Utility Patent)

Overview: A groundbreaking surgical tool simplifies bone surgeries in animal models, enhancing precision and reproducibility for researchers and surgeons.

Treatment for Methamphetamine Cardiovascular Disease

Patent Title: Treatment for methamphetamine cardiovascular disease

Inventors: Chris G. Kevil, PhD, and Gopi Kolluru, PhD

Patent Number: US-11883426 (Utility Patent)

Overview: This innovative treatment addresses the cardiovascular effects of methamphetamine abuse, offering hope for patients suffering from related complications.

For more information on these pioneering patents and collaborative opportunities with LSU Health Shreveport, please contact the Office for Technology Transfer at techtransfer@lsuhs.edu. These patents underscore LSU Health Shreveport’s commitment to advancing healthcare through innovation and discovery.

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By KEVIN SHANNAHAN

Northwestern State University hosted over 2,600 high school students, faculty sponsors and
families from 38 schools from throughout the region for the Northwest Louisiana Literary Rally,
Saturday.

The Louisiana High School Rally, an academic competition held throughout the state since 1909, with the regional competition being held at NSU since the 1960’s, is an academic competition in which high school students compete by taking exams in a variety of subjects taught in high school. The Northwest Louisiana Rally held at NSU featured 51 different tests ranging from Agriscience to Calculus.

Students from several high schools in Caddo Parish competed for academic honors at the rally. Students who earn qualifying scores on their test or performance will advance to compete at the state literary rally at LSU in Baton Rouge in March. NSU’s Art and Science departments also held demonstrations and a drone flying contest.

Hard working teachers raising our young people’s sights and encouraging academic excellence.
are part and parcel of our schools’ mission. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for the hours of
hard work, dedication and belief in your students’ abilities. Lastly, the Shreveport-Bossier
Journal wishes all the best to the students who will go on to represent our area at the state rally in
Baton Rouge. Well done!

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Shreveport police have taken action against a 38-year-old man, Cornelius Johnson, following allegations of second-degree cruelty to a juvenile and negligent injury. The arrest came after concerns were raised by two juveniles to a school resource officer, alleging physical abuse by a guardian.

Upon receiving the report, detectives swiftly responded and gathered compelling evidence, leading to Johnson’s arrest. Chief Wayne Smith emphasized the importance of active parental involvement in nurturing youth, while strongly discouraging the use of implements or objects in disciplinary actions.

“We urge guardians and parents to actively participate in the upbringing of our youth,” stated Chief Wayne Smith. “While discipline is essential, we advocate for its administration in a manner that prioritizes the well-being and safety of the child.”

The Shreveport Police Department remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of minors and ensuring justice for victims of juvenile cruelty. It is important to note that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty under state law.

Fortunately, the juveniles involved in this case are expected to recover. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable members of our community and the swift action that can be taken to address instances of abuse.

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The Shreveport Police Department reached a significant milestone on February 28th, 2024, with the groundbreaking ceremony for their new West Substation. Located at the southwest corner of Monkhouse Drive and Interstate Drive, this event marked the commencement of a project aimed at revolutionizing law enforcement efforts in the community.

The 13-acre property is set to undergo a transformation into a state-of-the-art facility, housing not only the Shreveport Police Traffic Bureau but also various other advanced operations dedicated to enhancing public safety and serving the community more effectively.

Chief Wayne Smith expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, emphasizing its importance in shaping a safer and more secure future for all residents of Shreveport. The ceremony was attended by members of the public, media partners, and law enforcement officials, signifying the collaborative effort behind this groundbreaking endeavor.

With the foundation laid for the West Substation, the Shreveport Police Department is poised to usher in a new era of law enforcement, characterized by innovation, efficiency, and community engagement. This development reflects the department’s commitment to proactive policing and addressing the evolving needs of the city.

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By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

It’s always good to play at home. Sunday for Centenary College, and not just the Gents’ basketball team, it was as good as it gets.

Punching a ticket to March Madness on your homecourt is tough to top. The Gentlemen, seeded third in the six-team Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament, outlasted fourth-seeded Colorado College 83-76 and earned a spot in the NCAA Division III Tournament.

Centenary (17-11) finds out during a noon selection show today streamed on NCAA.com where it will play Friday in a first-round contest. It’s likely to be in Texas, perhaps at SCAC regular-season champion Trinity, upset by Colorado College Saturday in the semifinals, or at UT-Dallas, another likely at-large regional site host. That’s where the Gents went for their last NCAA appearance, in 2020, just before the pandemic shut down the big-school Big Dance and everything else.

This weekend, having been awarded homecourt advantage in a tournament site rotation schedule for the first time since 2016, Centenary edged fourth-seeded Schreiner in a not-that-close (Schreiner hit a last-second 3-pointer) 76-75 first-rounder on Friday, then dispatched second-seeded, 20-win St. Thomas 64-51 Saturday afternoon. Meanwhile, Colorado College won Friday, then stunned top-seeded Trinity by one in Saturday’s first semifinal.

Sunday, Centenary fed off its own intensity and the enthusiasm of its student section, including athletes from many of the college’s other sports teams. But the battle on the court turned on defense and the sizzing shooting by Tykeem Singleton, who nailed 12 of his 14 shots – including all five 3-pointers – in a blistering 33-point career day, adding a team-best 7 rebounds in his final homecourt appearance.

The Gents’ first-team All-SCAC senior stalwart, Seth Thomas, offset subpar shooting from the field (4-15) by going 9 of 11 at the free throw line while finishing with 18 points.

In a championship contest between two understudies, Centenary survived 10 ties and eight lead changes, but never trailed in the final 14:25. The Gents pushed away from the more physical Tigers (16-12) despite getting beaten on the boards 42-23 and grabbing just one offensive rebound.

Centenary took control with lock-down defense in a six-minute span, outscoring the visitors 10-1 into a 68-57 advantage with 5:15 remaining.

The difference? Said Singleton: “Our energy, our intensity. We turned it up a notch. We got scrappy, we got handsy, getting steals. I would say the defense pushed us to get on that run.”

But Colorado College made Centenary sweat. The Tigers moved within 73-69 with 55 seconds left, and after the Gents scored the next four points, Colorado College clawed back within 79-76 on a 3-pointer with 20 ticks to go. But Thomas drained two free throws and Quentin Beverly sank 3 of 4 while the Tigers faltered.

“We beat Colorado twice in the regular season and we know it’s hard to beat a team three times, and they came off that Trinity win with a lot of momentum,” said Thomas. “We knew we had to fight to the buzzer.”

Riding Singleton’s spectacular showing was special for Thomas, as they were freshmen on the last Gents’ NCAA Tourney team.

“It was amazing watching him play. He’s been having a good year, too, and it was awesome seeing him giving his all in the last game at home,” he said.

That was Singleton’s compelling motivation, he confirmed.

“Honestly, just everyone telling me this was the last game I ever have in the Dome, I wanted to help my team the best that I can, and that’s what happened,” said the tournament MVP, who didn’t make the regular-season All-SCAC Team after averaging under nine points per game. “I gave my team everything I had.

“I was just locked in on another level. I wanted to feel that championship feeling. It’s been a little while. I wasn’t even thinking about the points. I was just playing, and it kinda just happened.”

His final basket, a trey with 2:42 left, lifted the Gents up 72-62, and although the outcome wasn’t secured yet, it seemed certain. Singleton looked at his right hand and waved it as he headed back down the court.

“I’m on fire. I’m on fire. The hand’s on fire,” he explained later.

“That last 3, yeah, I was just feeling it. Staying aggressive,” said Singleton. “I’ve been up and down this season being aggressive and being passive. I didn’t want to leave nothing on the floor today.”

He and his teammates didn’t. So they’re playing on.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

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By DAVID ERSOFF, Journal Sports

HAMMOND – The 11^th seeded Byrd Lady Jackets’ Cinderella season reached its apex in the LHSAA Division I girls soccer state championship game Saturday evening, but a late rally fell short in a 2-1 loss to the No. 4 St. Scholastica Doves at Strawberry Stadium.

The Lady Jackets (19-11-4) came into the game loose and knowing the pressure was on the Doves (21-2-5), and that showed well in the first half. Senior Natalie Dvorakova took immediate control of the middle of the field, using her ball skills to possess and eventually make a few picturesque passes to Myjoi Anderson, who turned a couple of them into great shots on goal, putting the Doves keeper to the test early.

The Doves, who won their eighth title, weren’t without their opportunities in the first half as well, first with a cross that was headed into the goal, until a diving Riley Monclaw came out of no where to deflect the ball away from the net. The Byrd keeper made a couple more nice saves in the half to send the game to halftime 0-0.

The second half began with the Doves shifting players more forward and pressing the ball more than they had in the first half. This shift affected the Lady Jackets enough that the Doves had a few great looks at goal, but they were not getting that clean finish.

In the seventh minute of the half that changed when a ball came into the box and was batted around, even punched once by Monclaw, but the Lady Jackets couldn’t clear it properly, and it found the back of the net for a 1-0 Doves’ 1-0 edge.

That lead would double three minutes later on a breakaway that the Doves’ forward had no issue finishing. Byrd had 30 minutes to get back in the game.

In most title contests, teams up by two goals tend to settle back defensively, but the Doves kept pushing numbers and the ball forward. They did this well without giving many chances for the Lady Jackets to get the ball in space and move it towards goal. Meanwhile, Byrd’s Dvorakov was basically double teamed at this point, keeping her at bay.

As the clock wound down Byrd was able to get the ball forward and was given a free kick from 22 yards out on the left side. This was the opportunity it needed.

Dvorakova stepped up and hit a bending free kick that hit the inside of the top of the far post and in. Hope Solo in her prime had no chance to save that ball. Byrd now had 13 minutes to tie, and the battle for the state title was back on.

The Doves put nine players behind the ball, but with a twist, having two forwards up they hit the long passes and the forwards played the delay game,  bringing the ball into the corner.

Frustration and desperation became understandably evident on the Lady Jackets and their fans.

With four minutes left, Anderson was chasing a through ball that looked promising, until the Doves keeper came way out and cleared the ball.

In a sign of ultimate respect, every time Dvorakova got the ball four and even sometimes five Doves surrounded her. They were not going to let Dvorakova be the one to beat them.

The Lady Jackets played an incredible game, fighting from the opening whistle to the final one. They should be proud of their game and their unbelievable run in the playoffs.

2024 soccer state final results

 

GIRLS

Division I

(4) St.  Scholastica 2, (11) Byrd 1

Division II

(1) St. Thomas More 6, (7) Ben Franklin 1

Division III

(1) Parkview Baptist 0, (2) St. Louis Catholic 0, Parkview won on PKs

Division IV

(3) Newman 1, (1) Episcopal 0

BOYS

Division I

(1) Jesuit 1, (2) Catholic-BR 0, OT

Division II

(1) Holy Cross 2, (3) Ben Franklin 2, HC won on PKs

Division III

(1) The Willow 2, (3) University Lab 0

Division IV

(8) Episcopal 3, (2) Episcopal of Acadiana 1 

Contact David at dersoff@bellsouth.net

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By RON HIGGINS, Journal Sports

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – No. 13 LSU’s 12-point halftime lead over Tennessee had dwindled four times in the second half to a single possession.

In one stretch lasting almost 13½ minutes, the Tigers clanked 13 of 16 shots.

It didn’t matter if it was Angel Reese repeatedly missing layups or Mikaylah Williams, Aneesah Morrow or Hailey Van Lith misfiring on mid-range or 3-point jumpers.

The ball wasn’t going in the basket. It appeared the fatigue of playing three games in a week had caught up with LSU.

The Tigers were about to flame out when Van Lith restarted the engines by scoring five points in 17 seconds. She ignited a 15-2 run that propelled LSU to a 75-60 victory over the Lady Vols.

Van Lith, the grad transfer from Louisville, scored her 12 of her LSU career-high 26 points in the Tigers’ saving-the-best-for-last 27-point fourth quarter.

“I could give you at least six reasons that we could have lost the game today,” said LSU head coach Kim Mulkey, whose Tigers (24-4 overall, 11-3 in the SEC) can win outright or clinch a second-place tie in the league with a win at Georgia Thursday.

Well, there was the fact LSU had its worst shooting game of the year against the taller Lady Vols. The Tigers made just 29 of a season-high 88 field goal attempts for a season-low 33 percent.

LSU also missed a season-high 30 layups, making just 12 of 42 from point-blank range. The only reason the Tigers overcame that is they collected a season-best 29 offensive rebounds.

LSU got multiple shots on 15 possessions including 6 shots on 5 offensive rebounds in a 21-second first quarter burst. The Tigers finished with 28 extra shots off offensive rebounds.

Four of LSU’s starters had 7 or more rebounds, topped by Reese with 11 points and 16 rebounds, and Morrow with 8 points and 13 rebounds.

“LSU’s momentum swings can be really, really high,” said Tennessee head coach Kelli Harper, whose team fell to 16-10 overall and 9-5 in the SEC. “They can really jump out on you. They can score a lot of points in a hurry. That’s where they are really good.”

LSU’s saving grace, besides rebounding, was it committed just 7 turnovers, tying a season low. It came on the heels of the Tigers’ season-high tying 22 turnovers in Thursday’s too-close-for-comfort 72-66 home win over Auburn.

In the first half, LSU took the home crowd of 15,281 packing Food City Center out of the game.

Van Lith closed LSU’s 19-16 first quarter with a 3-pointer and opened the Tigers’ 19-10 second quarter that boosted LSU to a 38-26 halftime lead.

Reserve center Aalyah Del Rosario started a 10-0 run in a 5:13 span with a 3-point play. Tennessee missed 11 of its last 13 shots in the quarter.

The Lady Vols, led by Rickea Jackson’s 16 points, re-grouped by outscoring LSU 19-10 in the third quarter. The Tigers missed 14 of 18 shots in the period, including 10 layups.

Trudging back to the huddle before the start of the fourth quarter, awaiting the Tigers was an encouraging coaching staff.

“Our coaches do a really good job of making them (the players) get that sourpuss look off their face,” Mulkey said. “You just tell them we still have the lead at the end of the third quarter. Let’s go ball. This is what you want. This will make us better.”

In the final quarter, Van Lith stepped up for the Tigers. She scored 12 points and Bossier City freshman Williams (who finished Sunday with 15 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists), Flau’jae Johnson and Reese combined for the other 17.

“She (Van Lith) was taking a lot of criticism, and it needs to stop,” Mulkey said. “She had zero turnovers (vs. Tennessee) in almost 37 minutes of play. “She hit big shots in the game when we needed a shot the most. She handled the ball the last couple of minutes when we used up the clock.”

Johnson, who didn’t practice Saturday because she was sick, had 5 points and 4 rebounds in the final period. It capped a day in which she had 9 points, 7 rebounds and 4 blocked shots in 36 minutes.

“We didn’t even know if Flau’jae was going to play,” Mulkey said. “We left at 8 a.m. yesterday, she got on the plane and said she was sick. I don’t even know what her symptoms were. I saw her at breakfast this morning. The trainer said, `Can you go or not?’  Of course, she said she  felt great. When you’re a baller, you don’t want the coach to know you really don’t feel good.”

Contact Ron at ronhigginsmedia@gmail.com

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JOURNAL SPORTS 

FRIDAY’S SCORES 

Airline 8, Evangel 2 

Benton 10, Glenbrook 1 

Haughton 9, Ruston 5 

Northwood 4, Oak Grove 2 

Woodlawn 17, Ringgold 16 

North DeSoto Tournament 

Ouachita Christian 12, Loyola 2

 Texas High 13, Byrd 3 

Captain Shreve 9, Winnfield 3 

Parkway 11, North DeSoto 4 

SATURDAY’S SCORES 

Haughton 6, Ruston 4 

Oak Grove 4-6, Northwood 2-3 

Evangel 5, Airline 2 

Benton 12, Glenbrook 7 

North Webster 15-23, North Caddo 10-12 

North DeSoto Tournament 

Byrd 4, Loyola 3 

Captain Shreve 15, Ouachita Christian 9 

St. Frederick 8, Byrd 4 

Parkway 4, Ouachita Christian 3 

Parkway 15, Winnfield 5 

North Vermilion Tournament 

Calvary 2, Notre Dame-Crowley 0 

Calvary 15, Pineville 5 

MONDAY’S GAMES 

Converse at Captain Shreve 

Southwood at North Webster 

Montgomery at Huntington 

Homer at Plain Dealing 

District 1-4A 

BTW at North DeSoto 

TUESDAY’S GAMES 

Texas High at Airline 

Ruston at Benton 

 Calvary at Byrd 

Captain Shreve at Loyola 

Haughton at Sterlington, 5 p.m. 

Parkway at DeRidder 

Haynesville at Bossier 

Plain Dealing at Huntington 

North Caddo at Minden 

Northwood at West Monroe 

District 1-4A 

Woodlawn at Evangel

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JOURNAL SPORTS

FRIDAY’S SCORES

North DeSoto Tournament

Benton 21, Mangham 3

Pine Prairie 16, Byrd 0

Pineville Tournament

Quitman 9, Airline 1

Benton 21, Mangham 3

Sterlington Tournament

Sterlington 15, Evangel 2

Haughton 14, Franklin Parish 8

Calvary 12, Ponchatoula 10

SATURDAY’S SCORES

North DeSoto Tournament

Opelousas Catholic 9, Benton 8

Benton 15, Cedar Creek 0

Pineville Tournament

Grace Christian 18, Byrd 0

North Vermilion 16, Byrd 1

Live Oak 10, Airline 2

Airline 10, ASH 0, 5 innings

Opelousas Catholic 9, Benton 8

Benton 15, Cedar Creek 0, 3 innings

West Monroe 12, Haughton 10

St. Frederick 19, Haughton 10

Doyline 10, Loyola 5

Sterlington Tournament

Calvary 15, LaSalle 0

Calvary 15, Franklin Parish 0

Evangel 10, Bastrop 10

Evangel 21, Weston 0

TODAY’S GAMES

Airline at Choudrant

Calvin at Byrd

Captain Shreve at North Webster

D’Arbonne Woods at Haughton

Parkway at Northwood

Evangel at Lakeside

Plain Dealing at Green Oaks, DH

Loyola at Red River

TUESDAY’S GAMES

Captain Shreve at Castor

Haughton at West Monroe

Calvary at Parkway

Southwood at Saline

Logansport at Evangel

Woodlawn at Huntington

Ebarb at North Caddo

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JOURNAL SPORTS 

Six of the seven boys basketball teams active in the opening round from Shreveport-Bossier were bounced out of the LHSAA playoffs Friday night. 

Sixth-ranked Bossier doubled up, eliminating Ellender 62-36 from the Non-Select Division II bracket to become the sole local survivor. The Bearkats will host No. 11 Opelousas Tuesday. 

Three local Select schools had first-round byes and will host second-round games. Division I No. 3 Captain Shreve will host No. 14 McKinley and No. 6 Southwood takes on No. 11 Brother Martin. In Division III, No. 4 Calvary will play No. 13 Episcopal. 

Here is a list of Friday’s scores and Tuesday’s second-round schedule of LHSAA playoff games involving local schools. 

Friday’s first round scores 

NON-SELECT 

Division I 

(17) East St. John 71, (16) Airline 68, OT 

(11) Walker 55, (22) Parkway 42 

Division II 

(6) Bossier 62, (27) Ellender 36

 SELECT 

Division I 

(17) Bonnabel 70, (16) Huntington 58 

Division II 

(23) E.D. White 47, (10) Evangel 44 

(13) St. Louis Catholic 61, (20) BTW 41 

(11) Northside 88, (22) Woodlawn 70 

 Tuesday’s second round games 

Non-Select 

Division II 

(11) Opelousas (18-10) at (6) Bossier (22-12). 6:30 p.m. 

Select 

Division I 

(14) McKinley (21-10) at (3) Captain Shreve (27-5), 5:30 p.m. 

(11) Brother Martin at (6) Southwood (23-8), 7 p.m. 

Division III 

(13) Episcopal at (4) Calvary (25-8), 6 p.m.

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JOURNAL SPORTS

Division I Select top seed Huntington and defending Division I Non-Select state champion Parkway are the local representatives in the LHSAA’s girls’ basketball final four state tournament, billed as Marsh Madness, this week in Hammond. Both play Thursday. The action begins today.

At SLU’s University Center

Hammond, La.

MONDAY’S GAMES

Semifinals

NS Div. IV – (6) Lakeview (26-3) vs. (1) Arcadia (30-3), 1 p.m.

Sel. Div. V – (3) Family Christian (25-11) vs. (2) J.S. Clark (22-6), 2:45 p.m.

Sel. Div. III – (3) Menard (22-11) vs. (2) Parkview (22-10), 4:30 p.m.

Sel. Div. III – (9) St. Thomas Aquinas (14-13) vs. (4) University (23-11), 6:15 p.m.

NS Div. IV – (6) White Castle (22-11) vs. (2) Oakdale (26-7), 8 p.m.

TUESDAY’S GAMES

Semifinals

Sel. Div. IV – (5) Hamilton Christian (24-6) vs. (2) Northwood-Lena (18-12), 1 p.m.

Sel. Div. V – (5) Plainview (17-18) vs. (1) Oak Hill (28-13), 2:45 p.m.

Sel. Div. IV – (4) Sacred Heart-VP (26-5) vs. (1) Southern Lab (26-7), 4:30 p.m.

NS Div. V – (4) Midland (26-9) vs. (1) Hicks (33-3), 6:15 p.m.

NS Div. V – (3) Anacoco (32-5) vs. (2) Fairview (30-7), 8 p.m.

WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

Semifinals

NS Div. – (4) Westlake (24-5) vs. (1) Rosepine (29-5), 1 p.m.

NS Div. II – (6) Church Point (26-6) vs. (2 South Beauregard (26-7), 2:45 p.m.

Sel. Div. II – (3) Madison Prep (24-10) vs. (2) Vandebilt Catholic (21-6), 4:30 p.m.

NS Div. II – (4) Albany (23-7) vs. (1) Wossman (27-4), 6:15 p.m.

NS Div. III – (3) Doyle (30-4) vs. (2) Amite (28-5), 8 p.m.

THURSDAY’S GAMES

Semifinals

Sel. Div. I – (5) Woodlawn-BR (24-9) vs. (1) Huntington (29-5), 1 p.m.

Sel. Div. II – (5) Bunkie (22-4) vs. (1) Lafayette Christian (29-1), 2:45 p.m.

Sel. Div. I – (3) Liberty (24-4) vs. (2) John Curtis (20-4), 4:30 p.m.

NS Div. I – (5) Parkway (28-6) vs. (1) Walker (35-1), 6:15 p.m.

NS Div. I – (3) Mandeville (28-5) vs. (2) Denham Springs (28-4), 8 p.m.

FRIDAY’S GAMES

Finals

Sel. Div. V, noon

Sel. Div. IV, 2 p.m.

NS Div. IV, 4 p.m.

Sel. Div. III, 6 p.m.

NS Div. V, 8 p.m.

SATURDAY’S GAMES

Finals

Sel. Div. I, noon

Sel. Div. II, 2 p.m.

NS Div. II, 4 p.m.

NS Div. I, 6 p.m.

NS Div. III, 8 p.m.

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JOURNAL STAFF

Overcoming a seven-point deficit in the final 19 seconds to win at Paris Junior College Feb. 14 was one late-season stride by the Bossier Parish Community College basketball team.

The latest was even more impressive.

The Cavaliers went on the road Saturday and not only beat longtime nemesis Tyler Junior College, but smacked down the Apaches Saturday afternoon, 72-55.

It completed the first season sweep of TJC in the history of the Bossier Parish program.  BPCC edged Tyler 75-72 in Bossier City on Jan. 31.

Saturday’s victory was the second in three games for the Cavaliers, who narrowly missed knocking off Panola JC Wednesday night in a 67-64 defeat. Those nailbiters have been frequent in BPCC’s 12-15 campaign, said coach J.A. Anglin. 

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Why do frogs love the year 2024?

[showhide type=”post” more_text=”Show Answer” less_text=”Hide Answer”]“Because it is a Leap Year!”[/showhide]

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In response to growing community interest and the need for widespread engagement, the Department of Water and Sewerage has announced additional meetings to discuss the proposed increase in water and sewer rates. These sessions come on the heels of an initial announcement and are aimed at ensuring residents have ample opportunity to participate in shaping the future of essential city services.

The proposed rate increase, championed by Mayor Tom Arceneaux, stands at 10%. Its primary goal is to address the rising costs associated with maintaining and supporting Shreveport’s crucial water and sewer system. According to city officials, these adjustments are vital for ensuring the sustainability and efficiency of the city’s infrastructure while also paving the way for future improvements.

The newly scheduled meetings will take place on various dates and locations across the city, allowing for broad accessibility and participation. Residents are encouraged to attend these gatherings to gain comprehensive information about the proposed changes and to directly voice their opinions and concerns to city officials.

The schedule for the additional meetings is as follows:

• Thursday, February 22, 2024:

  • 12:00 pm at A.B. Palmer Recreation Center
  • 5:30 pm at Southern University – Jackson Building Auditorium
  • 7:00 pm at Bill Cockrell Community Center

• Monday, February 26, 2024:

  • 12:00 pm at Valencia Park Community Center
  • 5:30 pm at Lakeside Community Center
  • 7:00 pm at Holy Angels

• Tuesday, February 27, 2024:

  • 12:00 pm at Airport Park Community Center

These meetings are designed to provide residents with the information they need to understand the proposed rate increase fully. Additionally, they offer an opportunity for community members to engage directly with city officials, providing valuable feedback that will shape the decision-making process.

Residents are strongly encouraged to attend these meetings to learn more about the proposed rate increase and to play an active role in shaping the future of water and sewer services in Shreveport.

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By JOHN JAMES MARSHALL, Journal Sports

For Byrd girls soccer coach Lisa Levermann, this is just like Game 1 against St. Michael.

Just like Game 11 against St. Louis. Or Game 21 against South Grand Prairie, Texas.

At least, that’s the plan.

And as much as she will try to make it that way, she knows as well as anybody that it really isn’t just like those games.

This is for the state championship. This is why her team played Game 1 and Game 11 and Game 21. And all of the rest of them.

All of that for this: Byrd vs. St. Scholastica for the Division I state championship on Saturday at Strawberry Stadium in Hammond.

“I want them to enjoy the ride,” Leverman said. “There’s a fine line there because you want them to go into it like we have every match. They are very superstitious so we are trying to do everything like we have done from the beginning.

“But I told them,” she added, “things are about to get a little crazy.”

St. Scholastica won back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019. Though Byrd was in the finals in 2016, it was 20 years before that since the Lady Jackets brought home the biggest trophy.

That’s a lot to think about, so they’d rather not.

“I’ll try to just focus on the exact moment,” said Natalie Dvorakova of what she’ll be thinking when the opening whistle blows. “At the end of the day, it’s still just a game we have to win. I’m just going to play my game and focus on having fun and enjoying my time on the field.”

Fun is kind of the operative word around the Byrd girls soccer program these days.

“I want them to focus,” Levermann said, “but I want them to enjoy it, too. I want them to know there’s no pressure. They (St. Scholastica) are the No. 4 seed. We have nothing to lose, so I want them to have fun and to play their hardest, no matter what.”

“It is just another game when you are playing it. But in the bigger picture, you know it’s not,” Dvorakova said. “But you have to think that way or the stress will get to you.”

The defense for 11^th-seeded Byrd figures to be a big key in the game. The two teams have already played this year with St. Scholastica winning 3-0 on Dec. 28 at a tournament in Mandeville.

“I’m going to be super excited, but I know I need to keep my composure so we can have fun,” said defender Lauryn Fleming. “I’m proud of our team for getting here.”

“Honestly, I’m going to treat it like a regular game,” said freshman defender Sarah Katherine Murrell. “I don’t want to get my nerves too spiked, so I just need to keep my composure too. It means a lot to be starting on the back line as a freshman. It’s been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Just to get a chance to play for my school and this team at a state championship is a great experience.”

Levermann has been down this road plenty of times – she was the coach in 1996 when Byrd won the title – and she understands that her role as coach means more than just strategy and substitutions.

“I’m just trying to keep calm with them,” she said. “That approach has been working pretty well. so, we are going to have fun, be focused and just enjoy the moment.”

Contact JJ at johnjamesmarshall@yahoo.com

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