By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

Running out to an 11-1 lead in the first four minutes Thursday night, Huntington’s Lady Raiders looked like the state’s No. 1 seeded Select Division I basketball team.

While they were never threatened in their state quarterfinal matchup with Lafayette’s St. Thomas More, the Lady Raiders muddled through the next 12 minutes, scoring only 15 more points while posting a relatively mundane 12-point lead at halftime.

Then a trio of 3-point bombs from senior Zanayah Lefear defined the night, framing Huntington’s 66-27 romp. The Lady Raiders treated the visiting Lady Cougars like kittens, erupting for 25 third-quarter points while giving up only 5.

The diminutive Lefear nailed back-to-back 3s opening the third period, igniting Huntington fans – and her teammates.

Huntington (29-5) finished the quarter on a 19-2 run into a 51-19 margin that triggered a running clock for the fourth quarter, flooring eighth-seeded STM (17-14).

Then as time ticked down to the final buzzer, Lefear dribbled away the seconds in front of her bench, and jubilantly pulled up for one last 3-pointer, nailing it from WNBA range as the clock evaporated, setting off a dance-filled celebration.

“Bad sportsmanship!” exclaimed a visiting fan. Fitting finish, undoubtedly. Huntington did what it wanted to do, dominating STM on the boards, in the open floor, with its trapping 3-2 zone defense, and in well-executed half-court offensive sets.

“That last shot, I was just feeling it, so I took it and it went in there,” said Lefear, who posted 11 points in Huntington’s ensemble performance. Jaila Marshall led with 14, while Kyndal Graham and Carley Hamilton each scored 10.

Winning coach Brian Shyne, who was sparkling all night in a suit, was barely off the ladder after he cut the last strands of the net on the home rim before he got hit by a celebratory spray from his players, spewing water bottles. Moments later, they found him with ice cubes from a cooler. Then, he beamed about his team and the resilient, resplendent Lefear.

“This is my baby right here. She’s a senior, but she still wants to be babied sometimes,” he said. “She played huge tonight. Last game she didn’t play too well, but we talked. She got in the gym, put the work in, got herself prepared for this moment. She earned this moment, she deserved this moment.”

The Lady Raiders have won their two playoff games over Lafayette district rivals Acadiana and STM by spreads of 38 and 39 points. Now they’ll head to Hammond for the state semifinals and presumably tougher tests next week at Marsh Madness.

They embrace their top seeding instead of downplaying it.

“Yes! A hundred percent, we’re the favorite,” said Lefear. “Keep doing what we’re doing, everybody staying together. That’s when you see the best of our basketball team.”

“We’re the favorite in our eyes,” said Shyne. “I tell them, I don’t care what seed we are, we believe we have the team to win it all, and we know we’re capable, so we’re going out and show the world that.”

Not to say he and assistant Rickey Evans took Thursday’s outcome for granted, but they did plan ahead. Scouting their semifinal opponent, fifth-seeded Woodlawn of Baton Rouge (64-42 winners over St. Scholastica), has been underway. John Curtis and Liberty will meet in the other semifinal next week.

“Yes, oh, trust me,” said Shyne, grinning. “We’re doing our job.”

So are his players.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

Detectives from the Shreveport Police Domestic Violence Unit have apprehended 32-year-old Larenzo Boyd in connection with a domestic violence incident. Boyd faces charges including one count of second offense Domestic Abuse Battery and one count of Domestic Abuse Battery with a weapon inflicting serious bodily injury.

The arrest stems from an investigation into an altercation where Boyd allegedly assaulted the victim with a metal pipe, inflicting severe injuries. The victim sustained multiple injuries as a result of the alleged attack.

“Our Domestic Violence Unit remains dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals affected by these heinous acts,” said Chief Wayne Smith.

The Shreveport Police Department encourages anyone experiencing domestic violence or who has information about such incidents to come forward and seek assistance.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty under state law.

In a swift response to a tragic incident, the Shreveport Police Department announced the arrest of a suspect connected to the homicide on February 18th in the 5200 block of Broadway Avenue.

The events unfolded at approximately 6:20 p.m., when officers responded to reports of multiple gunshot victims in the area. Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered one individual deceased at the scene, while another male, identified as Fatonious Ballard, sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wounds and received immediate medical attention.

Following an intensive investigation by the Shreveport Police Violent Crimes Unit, 31-year-old Fatonious Ballard was identified as the suspect in the case. Ballard has since been taken into custody and is facing charges that include one count of second-degree murder and one count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Chief Wayne Smith extended appreciation to the community for their cooperation throughout the investigation and commended the diligent efforts of the Violent Crimes Investigative team.

It’s important to note that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty under state law.

For further inquiries, please contact the Shreveport Police Department at shreveportpdpio@shreveportla.gov.

A collaborative effort between multiple law enforcement agencies in Shreveport has resulted in the arrest of a wanted suspect. Tramarcia George, aged 25, was apprehended on February 20th at around 4 p.m. in the 2700 block of Stanberry Drive. The operation involved the Shreveport Police Violent Crimes Abatement Team, Shreveport Police Warrant Unit, Shreveport City Marshal’s Office, and the United States Marshals.

During the arrest, officers discovered George in possession of both narcotics and a firearm. Further investigation revealed that George was a convicted felon, leading to additional charges for being in possession of a firearm as a felon.

The successful outcome of this operation highlights the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies in ensuring community safety. The Shreveport Police Department expressed its gratitude to the Shreveport City Marshal’s Office and the United States Marshals Service for their assistance in the apprehension.

It is worth noting that all suspects, including George, are presumed innocent until proven guilty under state law.

This arrest serves as a testament to the dedication and effectiveness of law enforcement agencies in working together to remove individuals who pose a threat to public safety from the streets of Shreveport. The Shreveport Police Department reaffirms its commitment to protecting and serving the citizens of the city.

The Shreveport Police Department has launched a determined effort to locate and apprehend Dequavion Pouncy, a 19-year-old individual identified as the suspect in a recent homicide case. The incident, which occurred on February 15th, 2024, in the 4300 block of Lakeshore Drive, resulted in the tragic loss of life.

According to authorities, Pouncy is wanted on charges of second-degree murder following their investigation into the incident. The department is actively seeking information from the public to aid in locating Pouncy and bringing him to justice.

Individuals with any information regarding the whereabouts of Dequavion Pouncy are urged to come forward and assist law enforcement in their ongoing investigation. The cooperation of the community is considered invaluable in efforts to apprehend the suspect.

Those wishing to provide information can reach out to the Shreveport Police Department directly at 318-673-7300 #3. Alternatively, anonymous tips can be submitted to Caddo Crime Stoppers at 318-673-7373. It’s important to note that Crime Stoppers only require information and not the identity of the individual providing it.

As the investigation progresses, the Shreveport Police Department emphasizes that all suspects, including Pouncy, are presumed innocent until proven guilty under state law.

Junior Achievement (JA) of North Louisiana recently hosted its annual JA EMPOWER: A Work-Readiness Initiative, Student & Mentor Lunch event at the Shreveport Convention Center. This initiative, held on February 22, brought together students from eleven Caddo Parish high schools, as well as schools from Webster Parish, for a day focused on preparing them for their future careers.

The event provided an invaluable opportunity for students to engage with business mentors and participate in activities aimed at enhancing their job readiness skills. These activities included learning about career opportunities, practicing interview techniques, and developing soft skills crucial for success in the workforce.

Over 198 volunteers from various organizations, including LSU Health Shreveport, Bossier Parish Community College, and local businesses, generously dedicated their time to support the students during the Student & Mentor Lunch. Discussions during the event covered important topics such as making a good first impression, setting smart goals, and mastering the interview process.

Feedback from previous JA EMPOWER events has highlighted the positive impact on students’ attitudes towards school, motivation to learn, and awareness of career options. Nita Cook, President and Executive Director of Junior Achievement, emphasized the critical role of mentors in inspiring confidence and sparking students’ desire to learn.

Trey Giglio, Chairman of the event, stressed the importance of preparing students for both college and career pathways, highlighting the equal significance of these options in today’s world of work.

The success of JA EMPOWER reflects the collaborative efforts of Junior Achievement offices across the United States and internationally. Partnering with Junior Achievement provides opportunities for individuals and organizations to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives.

To learn more about how to get involved with Junior Achievement and support the empowerment of Louisiana students for future success, visit www.JANLA.org or contact Nita.Cook@JA.org / Krystal.Critton@JA.org. Together, we can build a brighter future for our students and communities.

What kind of party music is disliked by birthday balloons?

In response to a proposed 10 percent increase in water and sewer bills set to take effect in April, Mayor Tom Arceneaux is advocating for significant changes to the Shreveport Water Assistance Program (S.W.A.P.). The proposed adjustments aim to alleviate the financial strain on the city’s lowest-income residents.

The City Council is slated to finalize the rate increase on February 27, prompting Mayor Arceneaux to explore avenues to mitigate the impact on vulnerable citizens. S.W.A.P., in effect since 2001, initially aimed to assist low-income individuals with water and sewer bills but faced limitations in eligibility and application accessibility.

Acknowledging the shortcomings of S.W.A.P., the Mayor’s proposal introduces a streamlined approach. Eligibility will be simplified, with possession of a valid SNAP card rendering citizens eligible for the program. Unlike the current S.W.A.P., the revised program won’t restrict the number of times citizens can access assistance. Those who qualify will receive a 10 percent discount on their total water and sewer bill monthly, offering potential savings of $5-10 for most customers. The plan envisions an annual re-certification process.

While some details remain undecided, the city administration is committed to creating a more effective assistance program within the existing budget of approximately $500,000 allocated for S.W.A.P. The final budget will hinge on resident enrollment.

Although this proposal doesn’t address every citizen’s concerns, the city administration asserts its responsiveness to the Council’s goal of minimizing or eliminating the impact of the rate increase on many citizens. The Mayor has the authority to implement this program without significant additional Council legislation, but suggestions from the Council are welcomed.

The ultimate aim is to have the revamped assistance program in place shortly after the proposed rate increase, offering a more straightforward and accessible solution for citizens in need. The city administration is optimistic that this initiative will better serve the community and ensure financial relief for those most affected by the impending rate hike.

A rural Bossier Parish water district is getting off the hook for a huge percentage of an unpaid bill arising from an emergency that occurred when a major winter storm hit Bossier Parish and northwest Louisiana on December 27-28, 2022.

Parish Police Jury members unanimously agreed Wednesday to accept a payment of $7,700 to settle a $77,000 bill for water that was delivered to the Bellevue Water System when customers’ service was shut down by the storm.

“The parish had the contract (for water and delivery), and we did what needed to be done,” Parish Attorney Patrick Jackson said.

“The bottom line is they do not have the money to pay the bill,” he explained to jury members. “They have offered money to drop the lawsuit. They have offered an amount they can afford to pay.”

Jackson said the Bellevue board’s offer was only 10 percent of the total bill, “…but it’s better than nothing.”

Jackson told jury members the Bellevue system board of directors in place at the time of the storm requested assistance and authorized the water to restore the system. While roads were practically impassable and people were sleeping in their stranded cars, “…we secured, at great expense, a contractor to provide water.”

Previous Bellevue board members also directed the police jury to attempt to take over the water system because of needed infrastructure needs, but that effort failed, Jackson said.

“The new board doesn’t want to transfer the system to the parish and when it came time to pay, they didn’t want to do it. I would recommend that in future emergencies they get their own contractors,” he added.

Jury member John Ed Jorden said he thought the parish would be “…hurting people if we don’t help.” He later said the board of directors that approved the emergency water purchase is not the board that is refusing to pay the bill.”

Jackson said by refusing to pay for services that were delivered under extreme conditions, the Bellevue board of directors could be placing themselves and the system in a precarious position.

“If there’s another emergency they’re cutting off their nose to spite their face. In emergencies, it’s expensive to do business. We got somebody to deliver, they delivered. Everybody will understand they may not pay their bill so who will come to their rescue We do not know,” he said.

Also during Wednesday’s meeting, jury members:

• Agreed to a pair of requests for a variance of Bossier Parish subdivision regulations governing the percentage of signatures required on petitions for developments. Also, set dates for three public hearings, two of which are asking for plat approvals in the subdivisions where variance was granted.

• Accepted a certificate of substantial completion of the Sligo Rd. extension (Arthur Ray Teague Parkway) overlay project.

• Named Suzette Hadden to the Bossier City-Parish MPC board of adjustments for a five year term.

• Agreed to appoint Mel Allen to the Bossier Parish Communications District No.1 board of directors for a four year term. The position is a joint appointment with the City of Bossier City and must receive approval from the city council.

• Approved a $58,000 change order on the North/South Corridor Phase II (Flat River to Crouch Rd.) project.

From the Pit

Years ago, a friend asked me to describe my relationship with God and I quickly responded that I felt like I was in a Pit all alone. God wasn’t there. Luckily my friend did not run out of the room and down the street screaming. My friend did not really say much because there was not much to say. When you are in the Pit, you just want someone to sit beside you and not try to “fix it.” The Pit feels heavy, lonely and scary.

One gift the Pit offers is time. Lots of time. Time to be. Time to think. Time to rest. It also offers space to talk with God. Jonah offers us an example of praying to God from a Pit…the belly of a whale. In Jonah’s prayer he says, “I called out to the Lord in my distress, and he answered me. From the belly of the underworld, I cried out for help; you have heard my voice.” Somewhere in the midst of prayer, loneliness and fear something starts to happen. The Pit begins to offer clarity, purpose and hope. Jonah was vomited (gross) out of his Pit on to the shore. Clarity, purpose and hope. Samuel Shoemaker, a great Episcopalian priest, once said, “Prayer may not change things for you, but it for sure changes you for things.”

Someone around you is probably experiencing life in the Pit this week (or month…or year). It may be someone you live with in your tent or it may be you. Someone you know is in the Pit. Here is what you do for the Pit dwellers …. give them space, keep them fed and practice patience. Sometimes life is just hard and God seems far far away (even though God is right there all the time). When life is hard, we need people around us that will not run out of the room and down the street. We need friends who will just sit beside us until the experience passes.

When it passes, Pit dwellers become new creations. Just like butterflies struggle to come out of their cocoons, we struggle to come out of the Pits of life. The results are well worth the journey.

Join us every Thursday as we explore practices that connect us with our Creator God. God’s greatest desire is to BE with us. Spiritual practices keep us in the flow of the Holy Spirit and God’s presence. We are thrilled you are here and @Practice with us. This simple moment can be a retreat from daily life and a space for you to BE with God in your every day activities.

Meredith and Steven Bell share many things in common and share many differences. They met 24 years ago in Dallas, Texas while studying theology. With each having a science degree already, they both decided a theology degree was the next right step. For the past 24 years, they have served communities in ministry together in a number of different ways. The relationships they have built along the way with friends, colleagues and churches is a blessing to their lives. The biggest blessing is being parents to two amazing young women. From diapers to driver’s licenses, they have parented, laughed, sacrificed, loved, prayed, cried, and grown together. Their differences simply make life interesting. Growing up in different states, listening to different music, enjoying different hobbies and just seeing the world around them differently keeps conversations lively! You can find Steven at First Methodist Church of Shreveport most days unless he is looking for waterfowl with his dog, Sam. You can find Meredith writing grants for non-profits and coaching people in ministry. More than anything, you can find the Bells living grateful lives. We are grateful to live in Shreveport and even more grateful to join with others to spread hope, love, and faith in the community!