By LEE HILLER, Journal Sports

Shreveport-Bossier, the 2022 The Basketball League champions, welcome last year’s league champion Potawatomi to the Southwood High School gym tonight with a 7:05 tip. 

The Mavericks opened the season with wins at Little Rock 106-97 and at home versus Wichita 115-94 Friday and Saturday respectively. 

The Fire is 1-0 after a home-opening 136-91 win over Enid Friday. 

Last season both teams battled each other for the top-spot in the Central Conference with the Fire (21-3) finishing just ahead of the Mavericks (20-4). Potawatomi edged out Shreveport in the Conference Finals of the TBL playoffs before winning the regional finals and overall championship. 

Shreveport opened the season with a road win in Little Rock as newcomer Devon Dorsett scored 27 points to lead the way. Dorsett hit on 4-of-7 from long range while hitting 9-of-14 from the field. Veterans PJ Meyers (18 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists) Josh Montgomery (13 points, 8 rebounds) and Win Ross (13 points, 10 rebounds) also made major contributions. 

The Mavericks returned home the following Saturday to lead start to finish in disposing of Wichita at Southwood. Montgomery had another outstanding game with 24 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Returnee Tavin Cummings poured in 23 points, and also had 6 rebounds while Dorsett scored 15 points. Win Ross led nine Mavericks that had six or more rebounds with 9 and Cedric Harris collected 8. 

Overall Shreveport-Bossier shot 51 percent from the field (45-87) and 46 percent from 3-point range (13-28). 

Potawatomi had six players score in double digits in its season opening win. Ricardo Artis II and Terry Maston both had 22 points, J Simmons 19 points, Daylon Guy 18 points, 10 assists. Deshawn Munson had 11 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists while Ruston Hayward scored 11. 

Contact Lee at leeh051@hotmail.com