The face of recruiting is constantly changing for the high school athlete. One of those areas where it is changing the most is dwindling opportunities to sign with four-year schools.
Just six or seven years ago there would have been athletes signing from several area high schools. This year during the year signing period, we only had four notable players (three girls and one boy). Because of that reason, the season will be ultra-competitive with the senior starters still trying to make an impression on college coaches during district play.
Local senior signees
Jamar’i Bell (Southeastern Louisiana)
Kerel Dean-Ward (Xavier-New Orleans)
Carley Hamilton (Southern Mississippi)
Dakota Howard (Southeastern Louisiana)
Play in Districts 1-2A, 1-5A has begun
The new District 1-5A and the revamped District 1-2A began district play on Tuesday night in various areas of northwest Louisiana. The Cavalry Baptist boys are looking to continue their 1-2A title streak. Meanwhile, the Giants of Green Oaks and Homer are looking to make some noise in a new-look district 1-2A.
On the girls side, it will be a highly competitive district race between Calvary and Homer. The home games that those two teams play will be highly important in determining who comes out of the district as the victor.
In district play Tuesday, the Calvary Baptist boys and girls defeated North Caddo. Homer defeated Magnolia Charter in both of their contests. The ladies of D’Arbonne Woods won their game over Green Oaks and the G-Men took their contests in the matchup. Jonesboro-Hodge and Union Parish had to postpone due to snow.
Big-time collision in 1-5A girls
Class 5A began district with the big-time matchup between Huntington and Parkway. The No. 2 team in Non-Select Division I, the reigning two-time state champions, played host to the always strong Lady Raiders and did not treat them royally. Parkway’s Lady Panthers kept the pedal to the medal and downed the Lady Raiders 81-68. It was the first district loss in 50 games for Huntington, a longtime 4A powerhouse playing up a class now. Parkway has ruled 1-5A for years and won its 47th straight in the extremely strong district.
The boys game followed the same formula as the girls and got Parkway a district win by the same score. The Panthers are off to a hot start.
In other 5A news, Evangel and Airline split district tilts with the girls and the guys. The Airline girls moved to 17-2 with the win. Evangel’s boys garnered a must-have win as they are trying to get into the last playoff slot in Division I Select.
Captain Shreve remains seventh (girls) and 11th (boys) in the Select Division I state power rankings after Tuesday night wins over Benton. Both Haughton games against foes outside of the district were cancelled due to the weather. Finally, the always-strong Natchitoches Central (boys) moved to 1-0 in district with a double-digit win over visiting Byrd. The girls did not play.
1-4A tips off tonight
District 1-4A gets off to a terrific start with an appealing slate tonight. Bossier travels to Booker T. to begin district. Loyola hosts the Pokes of Southwood, Northwood heads up the road to North Caddo, and Minden hosts the Woodlawn Knights. Loyola looks to be rude for their new district foes. All matchups are boys and girls games and varsity action begins at 6 p.m.
A little lagniappe
Even after a loss to the state’s top-ranked team, Zachary, Huntington grad Nicholas Smith has his Dallas Kimball team No. 1 in Texas’ UIL Class 4A. Shoutout to his continued coaching prowess.
I look forward to 1-2A and 1-5A to continue their direct play, and 1-4A getting underway. Lots of things will be happening. However, we will get it covered. Hopefully I will feel better also. That will be amazing as we continue to give you the best we can in the SBJ Prep Hoops Report.
Contact Preston at preston9360@gmail.com or on X @peedee1906