JOURNAL SPORTS

Bossier Parish Community College’s impressive freshman class was topped by John Awoke and Braylan McNeal this season, and the dynamic duo has earned Region XIV Men’s Basketball All-Conference recognition.

All-Region and All-Conference teams are chosen by the head coaches from Region XIV.

McNeal, a 6-5, 175-pound Ruston High School product, averaged 15.6 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game. He capped his freshman season in the top 5 in Region XIV in total rebounds and rebounds per game (244, 10.2) and blocked shots (41). McNeal scored double figures in 19 of his 24 games and registered 13 double doubles.

The freshman poured in a season-high 33 points and grabbed 18 rebounds against East Central Community College in the Decari Markray Classic. The Bernice native finished his freshman season ranking top 10 in school history in rebounds per game, blocked shots, and total rebounds.

He had a dynamic week late in the season. McNeal scored 20 points, grabbed 15 rebounds and dished 5 assists against Panola Junior College in a 67-64 loss, then sparked BPCC to its first-ever season sweep of the powerful Tyler JC program with an 18-point, 16-rebound outing on the road while contributing 4 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocked shots in a 72-55 victory.

Awoke, a 6-3 true freshman guard from Alexandria, Va., averaged 15 points, 3.8 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game. His 42 percent rate from the 3-point line led Region XIV. The Hayfield School product finished his freshman season in the top 10 in Region XIV in total assists and assists per game (117, 3.8), three-pointers made (59), points per game (15), and minutes per game (36.2).

Awoke scored a season-high 33 points twice, which ranks top 10 in school history for single-game scoring performances.

The Cavaliers’ season came to an end last week with a loss to Kilgore College in the Region XIV Tournament. Coach J.A. Anglin had 11 freshman on his 13-man roster, and will return a talented and experienced squad for 2024-25.