CHAMPS: The LSUS baseball team ended its unbeaten season with the NAIA World Series championship Friday night. (Photo courtesy NAIA)
By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports
LEWISTON, Idaho – Had the magic spell that confounded opponents all season faded at just the wrong time Friday night for the undefeated LSUS Pilots?
After making early leads routine, No. 1 LSUS landed on the wrong side of a four-run margin before getting to hit for the second time in Friday night’s NAIA World Series championship round game with sixth-seeded Southeastern (Fla.).
But it was not uncharted territory for the Pilots. And they handled it just as well as they did a couple times early this season, bouncing back quickly within a run, battling through three lead changes in the next five innings, and finishing with a flourish to record a 13-7 triumph over the Fire and capture the highly-accomplished program’s first national championship.
“It’s unbelievable. It’s hard to comprehend,” said sixth-year coach Brad Neffendorf. “It’s 35 years in the making. It’s one of the most historic programs that did not have a national title. This is a program title. There’s a lot of really good teams, a lot of really good players, a lot of really good coaching staffs that helped pave the way for us to be in this position.
“Our guys did something unbelievably incredible this year,” he said.
Back-to-back solo home runs by Jackson Syring and Ian Montz put LSUS on top for good and opened a four-run sixth inning capped by RBIs from Ryan Davenport and Austin Gomm for a 10-7 advantage. The champions scored eight runs in their last four at-bats while reliever Kenneth Schlecter retired 10 straight Southeastern hitters as the Fire went scoreless after the top of the fifth.
Staff ace Isaac Rohde came out of the bullpen to rapidly record the game’s final three outs.
Their final 59-0 record leaves the Pilots as the first college baseball team at any level to finish unbeaten.
The 4-0 deficit going to the bottom of the second was the biggest LSUS faced all season, but they’d been there twice before – down four against 17th-ranked Indiana Southwest (but winning 12-5) and vs. No. 22 Tabor (rallying to a 8-7 victory).
Friday night was only the 18th time this season the Pilots trailed. In trademark fashion, they responded right away, with a three-run second, two scoring on Jose Sallorin’s bouncing base hit up the middle and the third on a wild pitch.
An inning later, LSUS went ahead when Diego Aragon and Davenport drew bases-loaded walks. But Southeastern, stinging from a 10-0 loss to the Pilots two nights earlier, regained the advantage with a two-run fourth and added another run in its next at-bat for a 7-5 lead going to the LSUS half of the fifth. Aragon led off with a triple and pinch-runner Cooper Huspen scored on a Davenport groundout to tighten the spread to one.
Then in the sixth, the Pilots launched their big inning and began to extinguish the Fire. The three-run lead got cushioned by a seventh-inning RBI single from Sallorin, and two more runs in the eighth on a double by Josh Gibson and Syring’s sacrifice fly scoring Gibson.
Sallorin had two hits and three RBI. Davenport also drove in three and each drew three walks. Gibson and Syring contributed a pair of hits apiece as the Pilots scored in double digits for the third straight game while collecting 11 walks accompanying 11 hits.
Flash back to September 2024, Pilot Field, LSUS: As the baseball team, with 20 seniors, gathers to begin fall workouts, LSUS players adopt the mantra “win the Red Banner.”
The Red Banner, we’ve discovered via NAIA channels in the last 72 hours or so, is presented to the organization’s World Series champions each year.
It’s preposterous to think the Pilots knew about the “#BattleForTheRedBanner” last fall, this spring, or even, this week.
But it’s also preposterous to consider what they did this season, and finished Friday night.
Undefeated national champions. That’s absurd.
Just doesn’t happen in college baseball, at any level.
Too many games played, too many ways each time out to get beat. It’s baseball, where a good hitter delivers three times in 10 tries. Where any pitcher not named Paul Skenes will, even at his best, throw meatballs to the other guys every so often.
But here’s the outlier, the never been done so well before, brought to you by Brad Neffendorf and his uber-determined Pilots. We’ve just seen the final inning of the finest season by any ballclub to take the diamond at any level of the college game.
59 games, 59 wins. Nobody said it couldn’t be done, because there was nobody who considered it remotely possible. Not even the LSUS team. All they aimed to do was win the last game they played, in Lewiston, Idaho, and bring a natty back to the 318, to be No. 1 among 180+ ballclubs in the NAIA.
Now they’ve done it. And in a way that leaves them with a unique place in the history of the game, in the history of sports in our state, heck – in all the states.
This week, and especially Friday night, people near and far paid attention to the Pilots. People who had little or mostly no interest at any earlier point.
Average attendance at 33 LSUS home games: 84 people, officially. Not counting those in both dugouts or doing other things like umpiring or selling popcorn and cokes or taking tickets.
Don’t feel guilty not being among that number.
Interest expanded exponentially this week as the Pilots pushed through the World Series bracket, backing up a couple 6-3 wins with two double-digit victories to reach the championship round – getting there Thursday night with their landmark 58th straight win, more in a row than any college team at any level had ever strung together.
Friday night, very casual observers watched the frequently buffering stream on NAIA.org, in their living rooms, man caves or on their laptops or iPads, with others gathering at Walk-Ons a mile north of the LSUS campus, or at other watering holes around here.
Fascination spread far past Caddo Parish, all around the state. While the big boys, the LSU Tigers, were taking care of business in the Baton Rouge Regional, the Pilots were on the radar of many at Alex Box Stadium.
And elsewhere, at lunch in Lafayette, at supper in Slidell, during the endless happy hour at Antoon’s in Natchitoches, at Superior Grill not only on Line Avenue but also in Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Lafayette, for example, LSUS was a hot topic. When has that ever happened before?
The idea of an unbeaten national championship season in baseball was inconceivable. Was, until last night.
The reality of it: indescribable, if you ask the NAIA Pitcher of the Year, Pilots left-handed ace Isaac Rohde, who set down the last three hitters in order, quickly, in a fitting final appearance to set off the championship dogpile behind the mound at Harris Field in Lewiston.
“Unbelievable, that’s the only word for it. That’s perfection – it’s never been done, so it’s a crazy feeling. I can’t put it into words. There’s nothing that can describe what we’ve done.”
These guys would have been ecstatic if they weren’t Perfect Pilots, as long as they did win their last game in Big Sky country.
But every May, some team gets to figure out who is packing the Red Banner for the trip home. It’s an elite group, the collection of 68 teams to leave the field as champions.
No bunch of ballplayers before, and probably ever again, in the NAIA, or the NJCAA, or the NCAA, or whatever follows the NCAA, will ever walk away from their last outing knowing they never played a game they didn’t win.
The 2025 LSUS Pilots have that satisfaction for the rest of their lives.
CHAMPIONSHIP VIBES: This postgame celebration came Thursday night after undefeated LSUS won to reach the championship round of the NAIA World Series. The Pilots sealed the deal Friday night In Lewiston, Idaho to finish 59-0 as national champions. (Photo courtesy LSUS Athletics)
JOURNAL SPORTS
The City of Shreveport is hosting a community-wide celebration of the NAIA World Series champion and undefeated LSU Shreveport Pilots baseball team on Monday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Festival Plaza in downtown Shreveport.
The Pilots (59-0) broke the collegiate baseball record with their 58th straight win Thursday night and dispatched Southeastern (Fla.) 13-7 Friday night in the NAIA World Series at Lewiston, Idaho, to capture the national championship, the first in LSUS history.
“This team has shown the heart, discipline, and relentless drive that define champions,” said Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux in a statement distributed before Friday night’s championship game. “No matter what the outcome, the City of Shreveport is immensely proud of what they’ve accomplished, and we look forward to honoring them with the celebration they’ve earned.”
“It’s been a privilege to watch this team in their historic pursuit of perfection,” said LSUS Chancellor Dr. Robert Smith. “They’ve represented LSU Shreveport in the best possible way on a national stage, and we can’t wait to celebrate them back home in Shreveport.”
The public celebration will include appearances by players and coaches, remarks from university and city leadership, music, food trucks, and plenty of Pilot pride. Community members are encouraged to wear LSUS gear and come ready to cheer.
We’re proud to announce that John Ackel, President & CEO, has been elected to the Louisiana Bankers Association Board of Directors as the Central Region representative for 2025–2026!
John’s election is a testament to his leadership, commitment to community banking, and dedication to strengthening Louisiana’s financial institutions. He will serve alongside respected banking professionals from across the state to help shape the future of the industry.
If you see John, please join us in congratulating him on this well-deserved recognition!
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises motorists that as construction progresses on the $127 million I-20 major rehabilitation project in Bossier City, an additional interchange ramp has reopened following a full reconstruction.
The I-20 westbound off-ramp at the LA 72 (Old Minden Road) interchange is now officially back open to traffic, with the westbound on-ramp soon to follow, weather permitting. The eastbound on and off-ramps had previously been reopened.
The opening of the Old Minden Rd. ramps allow the contractor to proceed with additional construction work at adjacent interchanges.
Weather permitting, beginning on the night of Thursday, May 29, the I-20 westbound on-ramps from US 71 (Barksdale Blvd.) and LA 3 (Benton Rd.) will be closed for full removal and reconstruction.
Please note that access to Barksdale Blvd. southbound (right lane) from this on-ramp will be maintained during this closure. I-20 westbound access will be closed.
Additionally, in the coming days, the I-20 westbound on and off-ramps at the LA 782-2 (Industrial Drive) interchange will be reopened to traffic after having been closed to allow for their rebuild from the ground up. An exact date for that opening will be announced soon.
Once the Industrial Drive interchange is fully reopened, the contractor will then proceed with closing the westbound on and off-ramps at the LA 3105 (Airline Drive) interchange. An exact date for that closure will be announced soon. The eastbound ramps were previously closed, with the old pavement and roadway base currently undergoing demolition.
Meanwhile, major concrete paving operations on the outside travel lanes, drainage and dirt work, and other related construction activities continue to make strides.
The project remains on track to wrap up in late 2025/early 2026, weather and other factors permitting.
Track construction progress and other updates via the I-20 major rehab project webpage. Click here for additional resources.
DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment. Remember to leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Shelly Ragle, Director of Shreveport Public Assembly & Recreation (SPAR), has announced that the Southern Hills Tennis Center is currently transitioning to new management and will be temporarily closed through Monday as the new leadership team gets everything up and running.
SPAR appreciates the public’s patience during this brief pause and encourages the public to take advantage of SPAR’s other excellent tennis facilities in the meantime, including Querbes Tennis Center and Bill Cockrell Tennis Center. A full list of SPAR tennis locations is available at http://www.MySPAR.org/
During this transition, SPAR regrets to inform the public that the previous management did not provide SPAR with any records of current memberships at Southern Hills Tennis Center. If anyone has an active membership, SPAR kindly ask that individuals present proof of payment to the new management team upon reopening so that they can honor valid memberships accordingly.
SPAR thanks the public for its understanding and continued support as they work to improve and grow SPAR’s recreational offerings for the community.
A Shreveport teen shot and mortally wounded in the Werner Park neighborhood Tuesday, May 27, has been named by the Caddo Parish Coroner’s office.
Kevin R. Ester, 15, was shot just after 8:20pm in the 3100 block of Parkhurst Street, near Prentiss Avenue. He was transported to Ochsner LSU Health hospital, where he succumbed at 5:40am Wednesday, May 28.
The death is the 15th homicide in Shreveport in 2025. It remains under investigation by the Shreveport Police Department, to which further inquiries should be directed.
Shreveport Police have arrested 33-year-old Laquesha Washington following a troubling incident involving her two children on Wednesday, May 28.
Officers were dispatched to the 3400 block of Palm Road regarding a report of missing juveniles. Upon arrival, and after receiving initial information, officers contacted detectives from the Shreveport Police Juvenile Crimes Unit to assist in the investigation.
Detectives determined that Washington had been involved in a verbal altercation with her children, ages 12 and 11. According to the juveniles, Washington forced them out of her vehicle near the intersection of Broadway and Hollywood Avenue before driving away and leaving them alone.
Several hours later, Washington contacted the Shreveport Police Department to report the children as missing. While officers were still on scene speaking with her, a relative contacted them and informed them that the children had arrived safely at a residence in the 1300 block of Andrew Avenue.
Following the investigation, Laquesha Washington was arrested and charged with two counts of Criminal Neglect of Family. Detectives also contacted the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services to ensure the continued safety and well-being of the children.
Fortunately, both juveniles were located unharmed.
ON FIRE: While the sensation of setting an all-time, all-levels record with 58 consecutive wins was the attention-grabber Thursday night, the LSUS baseball team rejoiced with coach Brad Neffendorf (center) about moving into the NAIA World Series championship game tonight. (Photo courtesy NAIA)
By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports
LEWISTON, Idaho – After a win Thursday night that made a compelling entry in the college baseball record book, the unbeaten LSUS Pilots are one victory away from completing their dream season with a national championship.
LSUS captured its 58th straight game with a steady 14-4 drubbing of reigning champion Hope International in a semifinal contest of the NAIA World Series. It elevated the Pilots alone across all collegiate levels of their sport – from junior college through the NAIA and NCAA ranks – for posting the most consecutive wins in a season.
They passed the last milepost in the record book, topping the 57-game string by the 2007 Howard (Texas) Community College team, but the Pilots are zeroed in on a more appealing historic finish – bringing home the NAIA crown to Shreveport for the first time.
They get the chance tonight at 8:30 against a team they run-ruled 10-0 Wednesday night. Surprising Southeastern (Fla.), the sixth seed, hammered No. 2 Georgia Gwinnett 16-6 Thursday afternoon in the loser’s bracket final to advance to the Series championship round.
An LSUS victory ends the Series. In case the Fire (47-14) shocks the Pilots, the teams play again Saturday night in another 8:30 matchup for the title.
“We will worry about that record when we’re all said and done,” said LSUS coach Brad Neffendorf. “It’s great. They deserve recognition. But I think all of them would give any record up to compete for a national title, and we have earned that opportunity starting tomorrow.”
The Pilots posted their second straight double-digit victory by scoring seven runs in the first three innings, two in the second before a five-spot a frame later – and finishing off the Royals with seven unanswered over the last three innings after Hope (48-10) rallied.
Grabbing the quick 7-2 advantage created welcome breathing room. Two-run singles by Jose Sallorin, Ian Montz and Ryan Davenport did most of the early damage.
“It changed the game,” said Neffendorf. “It gave us a cushion and the ability to force them to have to fight their way back in against our pitching staff.”
Cobe Reeves (12-0) struck out nine and allowed only two earned runs despite getting touched up for eight hits in a 111-pitch, 5.2 inning start. The Royals managed just one more hit against relievers Kenneth Schecter, Lex Meinderts and David Hankins,
Hope loaded the bases twice and had two on another time against Reeves, but could not spark a big inning. Two LSUS errors keyed the Royals’ three-run sixth that closed the gap briefly to 7-4, but the Pilots responded right away in the seventh on two-run singles from Diego Aragon and Davenport.
“It’s what we’ve done a great job at doing all year, minimizing damage,” said Neffendorf, “and we did that tonight for the majority of it.”
At the top of the LSUS lineup, Davenport and Josh Gibson set the tone with three hits apiece. Montz and Anthony Swenda added two each with Davenport’s four RBI and three from Montz and Aragon leading the Pilots. Montz scored a team-best three times.
It carried the Pilots to where they aimed from the outset of fall practice, with a 20-member senior class stinging from missing opportunities to win Opening Round brackets o their homefield each of the past two seasons.
Coverage of the championship contest is available at NAIA.org/watch.
The LSUS Pilots sit on the precipice of an historic, almost-beyond-belief baseball season as they are one win away from not only the NAIA World Series championship, but doing it in unbeaten style.
One more win.
But even though they are in Idaho to try to win it all, the Pilots wouldn’t have to look far to find a cautionary tale back here in Northwest Louisiana.
An undefeated run to the championship game certainly brings back memories of what a few high school teams experienced years ago.
In 1991, the Airline Vikings were 30-0 as they entered the state championship game against St. Amant. They were nationally ranked in the USA TODAY high school baseball poll. Airline even had the benefit of playing close to home as the Class AAAA tournament was held at Fair Grounds Field in Shreveport.
It was a team that featured Todd Walker, who would go one to be one of the greatest players in college baseball history.
All of that was great … until St. Amant put up a seven-spot in the first inning. The Vikings never recovered.
And in a way, they still haven’t.
“Devastating,” says Rodney Horton, who pitched in both the semifinals and finals on that day. “I still haven’t gotten over it. Not sure I ever will.”
The Vikings had been knocked out in the quarterfinals in the previous year on a 14th inning error in a game that took two days to play. They had been a surprise team in the state finals in 1989 in Baton Rouge
But nothing could have prepared them for going from 30-0 to 30-1. If there was a silver lining, at least the dream didn’t end on a wild pitch or a dropped fly ball. Losing 18-4 didn’t leave much doubt.
“I look around and I see reunions of state championship teams and I know I’ll never get to have one of those,” Horton says. “Being unbeaten meant nothing compared to winning the state championship.”
But the ’91 Airline Vikings were just the latest in line to suffer that fate. Not only did the Bossier Bearkats do it once, they did it twice. And in back-to-back-years.
The ’72 Bearkats were 26-0 as they headed to Minden to meet the Crimson Tide, a district rival who Bossier had already beaten three times that season. Minden had only made the playoffs by winning a committee vote of the district principals after finishing in a tie for second.
Mattered not.
The Bearkats are still waiting to get a hit in that game. Junior righthander Ronald Martin, who would go on to pitch at Louisiana Tech, threw a no-hitter as Minden won 3-0.
Twenty-six and one.
Certainly that couldn’t happen again the next year, but it did. This time, the ‘73 Bearkats went 23-0 on the way to the state championship game, this time played at home (Walbrook Park).
Morgan City put three runs on the board in the top of the first inning on the way to a 7-3 win.
Twenty-three and one. (At least they got six hits this time).
For those keeping score, the 1972 and 1973 Bossier Bearkats were 49-0 in every game that wasn’t played for the state championship during those two seasons.
Over a three-year period, the Bearkats won 66 regular season games in a row.
Even this year, Covenant Christian (Houma) went 36-0 until losing in the Division IV semifinals.
Just like the amazing run LSUS has had this year, all of that is impressive window dressing. But it really just boils down to one thing that matters.
RING CEREMONY: Mike McCarthy (left), Tom Pratt (center) and Peter Samuels display their rings with their 1953 high school yearbook. (Journal photo by JOHN JAMES MARSHALL)
By JOHN JAMES MARSHALL, Journal Sports
It’s an idea that may seem a little cliché at times, but unless you’ve lived it, you can’t fully appreciate the impact that sports and friendships can have. And not just an impact during a particular season or year. These are relationships that can last for decades.
Maybe it’s the teamwork aspect of it and maybe it’s just being in the trenches day after day, game after game, that serves to ignite a common spirit that never really goes away.
Even after the cheering stops, those relationships seem to last without even a hint of an expiration date.
Peter Samuels and Mike McCarthy met in the 1940s in elementary school in Beloit, Wis. – “he says we met in fifth grade and I say it was fourth grade,” Samuels says – and then became friends with Tom Pratt when all three attended Beloit Memorial High School.
They’ve been friends ever since.
For years. For decades.
“Sports became the catalyst for our friendship,” Pratt says. “In life, you have to find something you can rally around and for us it was sports. We have maintained that friendship ever since. It’s interesting how sports will bring you together.”
Earlier this month, life brought them together again. You hesitate to say “one more time” because these are three men who have already beaten the genetic odds.
Each will turn 90 years old this summer.
They have no trouble remembering escapades from their childhood and high school days and, yes, all can remember what they had for lunch. McCarthy might have lost a step or two but otherwise this trio far exceeds the health standard of what you might expect from three men who graduated from high school when half of the households didn’t even own a television.
Not a wheelchair in sight.
“I think about that frequently,” Samuel says. “We are very fortunate and how lucky we are and what we can still do at this age.”
Samuels came from Indiana and Pratt from Florida to join McCarthy in Shreveport. Throughout the three days they were together, it was the thread of athletics that ran through almost every conversation and memory. That’s why they unofficially dubbed this as the Three Rings Reunion.
Among the many rings that Pratt has is from Super Bowl IV when he was a defensive line coach for the Kansas City Chiefs. And how’s this for longevity – he coached in the first Super Bowl (with the Chiefs) and was one game away from coaching in the 50th Super Bowl (with the Arizona Cardinals).
Samuels was a wrestling coach for 15 years at Ball State and was inducted into the Indiana Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2014.
McCarthy has been a driving force behind the Independence Bowl since its inception and was named as the bowl’s Sportsperson of the Year in 1985. He is also a staunch supporter of local college and high school athletics, among other civic endeavors.
“Ironically, we all have rings of some sort,” McCarthy says. “We have a common thread through athletics. But more importantly, we have a common thread in that we have been friends for more than 70 years.”
Rings are a symbol of a significant milestone in life and each of three has certainly made that on their own. But if there ever was a case to a have a three-man collective ring, this would be it.
They graduated from Beloit Memorial in 1953 and have kept in contact for more than 70 years. As coaches, Pratt and Samuels traveled around the country and McCarthy’s business trips enabled some visits throughout the years. There was also a similar gathering a few years ago at Pratt’s house in Florida.
“This is a great relationship we have carried through the years,” Pratt says. “You stop and think about life and how fast it goes by. We were high school kids and not knowing where were going or what we were going to be. Now we look back at it and say that we are glad we took the path that we did. Because we have all enjoyed a certain amount of success in our fields and still stayed friends through all these many years.”
“Mike and I were OK athletes,” Samuels says. “Tom was the premier athlete in our class.”
Pratt went on to play at the University of Miami where he was an All-American linebacker in 1956. He coached collegiately for four years before making the jump to professional football with the Chiefs, where he coached from 1963-77. He then coached for the New Orleans Saints for three seasons, two more stints with the Chiefs (1989-94, 2000) plus Cleveland (1981-88) and Tampa Bay (1995).
He coached so long that he was an assistant on the Saints when Archie Manning played and then was an assistant in the NFL when Manning’s sons played. As a great grandfather, he came out of retirement to coach with the Cardinals in 2014 at age 77 as a pass rush specialist.
So they gathered together to tell stories, especially about the road trip from Wisconsin to Florida to go see Pratt when he was being recruited by the University of Miami. No detail was forgotten or left out.
They poured over old yearbooks (the “Beloiter”) and reminisced about what life was like so many years ago.
“I have this rare ability to think about things I did in the first grade,” Samuels says. “In junior high, Mike and I probably spent an inordinate amount of time in the principal’s office because we spoke in class when we should have been listening to Mrs. Abel in Latin class.”
“You stop and think about what we have lived through,” Samuels says. “This is great time to get together and talk about things. Some of these stories I can’t even remember but Mike and Pete have good memories, so that carries it for me.”
But remembering old faces is nothing compared to the old sporting events, whether it was football or track or wrestling.
“Athletics were certainly a bond,” McCarthy says. “It still is with me today. But it’s more than that. We worked together during the summers. Tom, and I painted silos. One thing I know is that you cannot teach work ethic. You either have it or you don’t. All three of us grew up with work ethic.”
You simply could not look at the gathering of these three about-to-90-year-old men and not think about how fortunate they are.
“Being together is really important because we have been together for so many years,” Samuels says. “These guys are very special in my life. I love them and we’ve been through a lot together. When you think about it, we are in the twilight of our lives and we want to spend time together. It’s a wonderful experience to share time with my friends again. I think we are all hanging in there and doing the best we can. We are enjoying life and each other.”
“We have all three had our successes in our fields,” Pratt says. “I look back and I rally around the thoughts that we all had together. Some were good and some were bad. I guess we all recovered somehow.”
“Today, I have very few friends,” McCarthy says. “I have many acquaintances. I’m proud to say that these guys are two of the best friends I’ve ever had. It’s almost like we are brothers. I don’t think much of that exists anymore today.”
Only about 16 percent of the U.S. male population live into their 90s. But to have this degree of mental and physical health? That’s almost one-percent type stuff.
They can laugh about it – “I tell people I’ve got another 50 years so I’m going to make the best of them,” Samuels says – but all three certainly understand how fortunate they are.
More importantly, how fortunate they are to have each other.
ALEX BOX ATMOSPHERE: The LSU baseball team is confident it will get a significant boost from Tiger fans packing Alex Box Stadium beginning today for the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional. (Photo by GEORGIA JONES, LSU Athletics)
By RON HIGGINS, Journal Sports
BATON ROUGE – When Jay Johnson was named LSU’s head baseball coach on June 25, 2021, it was a dream come true.
He was joining a program that had already amassed six national titles, five of which were under the retired legendary head coach Skip Bertman.
“When I took the LSU job, I thought there’s nothing bad about LSU,” Johnson said. “It’s LSU. It’s Skip, it’s the championships.”
What Johnson didn’t understand until the end of his second season in 2023 was the impact of a loud, packed Alex Box Stadium crowd when the Tigers hosted the NCAA Tournament regionals and Super Regionals en route to winning their seventh national championship.
He found out in the Super Regionals opener against Kentucky when a crowd of 12,452 packed the Box despite the game being delayed six hours due to rain. In the first inning of an eventual 14-0 victory, the crowd noise reached rocket liftoff level when Tigers’ first baseman Tre’ Morgan hit a two-homer.
“I thought that (sound) was what everybody had been telling me about,” Johnson said.
Johnson expects the sellout crowds at this weekend’s Baton Rouge Regional, starting with today’s 2 p.m. game between No. 3-ranked LSU (43-14) and Arkansas-Little Rock (24-32), to reach the same noise level proportions as two years ago.
“When we’re up to the plate and it’s a big spot, they (the crowd) know when to get into it,” said LSU junior first baseman Jared Jones, one of just seven Tigers of the 40-man roster who has experienced Alex Box’s accelerated NCAA tourney crowd noise. “There’s a ton of energy. You’ve got to let the crowd feed you when you need.”
Except for Jones and the interchangeable designated hitter duo of senior Josh Pearson and junior Ethan Frey, no one in LSU’s starting batting lineup has played a home NCAA tourney playoff game in Alex Box.
The same goes for Kade Anderson and Anthony Eyanson, the Tigers’ top two starting pitchers, and most of the relievers.
Anderson, a Louisiana native from Madisonville who has thrown in front of sellout crowds in all five of his SEC home starts this year, said playing postseason home games is a huge advantage.
“The fans have helped us out more than they realize,” Anderson said.
LSU led the nation in home attendance this season with 387,484 fans and in average home attendance (11,071). The Tigers are 30-5 at home this season.
“I don’t think anywhere is like this,” Johnon said. “The care level (from LSU’s fan base) makes it awesome. This team has played really well at home and when it’s had its legs underneath it. We had a couple of rest days this week. We’re fresh and rested, and our energy is high.”
The LSU vs. Arkansas-Little Rock winner will play a 5 p.m. Saturday contest against the winner of today’s second game between Dallas Baptist and Rhode Island.
As a No. 6 seed national seed, the Tigers will host a Super Regional next weekend against the winner of the Clemson Regional if LSU wins its regional this weekend.
No. 3 ranked LSU (43-14 overall, 19-11 SEC) vs. Arkansas-Little Rock (24-32, 8-16 OVC), NCAA tournament Baton Rouge Regionals, today, 2 p.m., Alex Box Stadium (SEC Network)
HOW THEY GOT HERE
LSU – Awarded the No. 6 overall national seed.
Arkansas-Little Rock: No. 4 seed in the Baton Rouge Regionals, received an automatic NCAA tournament bid for winning the Ohio Valley Conference tournament.
LSU IN THE SEC THIS YEAR
Series wins (7): 3-0 vs. Missouri, 3-0 vs. Mississippi State, 3-0 at Oklahoma, 2-1 vs. Alabama, 2-1 vs. Tennessee, 2-1 vs. Arkansas, 2-1 at South Carolina. Series losses (3): 1-2 at Texas, 0-3 at Auburn, 1-2 at Texas A&M
ARKANSAS-LITTLE ROCK IN THE OVC THIS YEAR
Series wins (2): 3-0 at Morehead State, 2-1 vs. Western Illinois. Series losses (6): 0-3 vs. Tennessee Tech, 1-2 at Southern Indiana, 0-3 vs. SIUE, 0-1 vs. Eastern Illinois, 1-2 vs. UT Martin, 0-3 at Southeast Missouri. Series ties (1): 1-1 vs. Lindewood.
LSU vs. ARKANSAS-LITTLE ROCK SERIES
LSU leads 3-0, sweeping a home series 4-2, 11-8 and 15-9 on February 18-20, 2005.
LSU IN NCAA TOURNAMENT
Through 1998, regional winners advanced to the College World Series. Starting in 1999, regional winners advanced to the Super Regionals.
Overall NCAA tourney record: 177-65 (.731), including 108-26 at home (.806), 23-19 away (.548), 46-20 neutral site (.697). Won 32 of 39 home regionals and Super Regionals, won 3 of 13 away regionals and Super Regionals, won 7 of 19 College World Series.
Regionals: 36 (27 as host), 26 regional championships, 111-29 (.793) including 89-17 at home (.840) and 22-12 away (.647). Won 23 of 27 home regionals, 3 of 9 away regionals.
LSU advanced to the CWS 10 times and 16 times to the Super Regionals.
Super Regionals: 16 (12 as host), 9 championships, 20-16 (.555) including 19-9 at home (.679) and 1-7 away (.125). Won 9 of 12 home Super Regionals, Won 0 of 4 away Super Regionals.
Advanced to CWS 9 times.
College World Series: 19 CWS appearances, 7 national titles, 46-20 (.697).
Regionals: 1, 0-2 (.000) in 2001 Corvallis Regional, losing to host Oregon State and Georgia
A LOOK AT LSU
LSU is No. 5 in the SEC in team batting average (.301), No. 3 in on-base percentage (.412), No. 4 in runs scored (450), No. 4 in hits (566), and No. 5 in doubles (116). The LSU pitching staff is No. 2 in the league in team ERA (3.72) and No. 3 in strikeouts (641) and opponent batting average (.221). Junior designated hitter Ethan Frey is No. 5 in the SEC in batting average (.358) and No. 4 in slugging percentage (.693), Junior first baseman Jared Jones is No. 3 in RBI (66) and in total bases (147), No. 4 in home runs (19), No. 5 in hits (76), and No. 8 in slugging percentage (.645). Freshman outfielder Derek Curiel is No. 9 in the SEC in hits (73), No. 7 in walks (41), and No. 8 in doubles (16). LSU sophomore left-hander Kade Anderson is No. 1 in the nation and in the SEC in strikeouts (145) and No. 2 in the league in innings pitched (89). Junior right-hander Anthony Eyanson is No. 4 in the nation and in the SEC in strikeouts (125), and No. 3 in the league in innings pitched (84.1).
A LOOK AT ARKANSAS-LITTLE ROCK
Arkansas-Little Rock is hitting .271 with 93 doubles, eight triples, 46 homers, and 55 steals in 81 attempts. The Trojans are led at the plate by designated hitter Ryan Geck, who is batting .301 with 15 doubles, six homers, and 48 RBI. Senior pitcher Jackson Wells (3-6, 5.24 ERA, 79 innings, 90 strikeouts, 32 walks) leads the OVC in strikeouts. Senior pitcher Jack Cline (8-5, 4.83 ERA, 82 innings, 62 strikeouts, 32 walks) is the only UALR hurler with a winning record. Coach Chris Curry, a Little Rock native, is a former Northwestern State assistant coach.
The Bossier Association of School Leaders recently announced parish-wide honors for Bossier Schools’ incredible Assistant Principals of the Year and Instructional Coaches of the Year. Superintendent Jason Rowland was on hand to present the awards and congratulate these outstanding educators.
Instructional Coaches of the Year:
Jaimee Mercer – Stockwell Elementary
Lisa Lambert – Haughton Middle School
Jenna Winkler – Airline High School
Assistant Principals of the Year:
Jennifer Breedlove – Platt Elementary
Ashley Sanchez – Haughton Middle School
Seth Stowell – Airline High School
Bossier Schools are grateful to these individuals for their dedication to their students and schools—Bossier Schools thanks them for making a difference every day.
On May 30, National Creativity Day encourages individuals to embrace their imaginative instincts. In Louisiana, a state renowned for its vibrant arts scene, this day resonates deeply, celebrating the diverse expressions of creativity that flourish here.
From the jazz musicians of New Orleans to the folk artists of the Acadiana region, Louisiana’s creative community is as varied as its landscapes. The state’s cultural melting pot fosters innovation, blending traditions to produce unique art forms.
Art walks, workshops, and open mic nights abound on National Creativity Day. Cities like Lafayette and Shreveport host events that invite residents to explore different mediums, from painting and sculpture to dance and digital art.
Schools and universities use the day to highlight the importance of arts education. Exhibitions and performances showcase student work, emphasizing the role of creativity in academic and personal development.
Local businesses often collaborate with artists, featuring their work in stores and cafes. These partnerships not only beautify spaces but also provide vital exposure and income for creators.
National Creativity Day in Louisiana is more than a celebration—it’s an invitation. An invitation to explore, to express, and to contribute to the state’s rich artistic legacy.
Carolyn L. Battarbee January 8, 1942 – May 26, 2025 Service: Monday, June 2, 2025, 10:30am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Shreveport.
Michael Anthony Carter January 24, 1950 – May 25, 2025 Service: Saturday, May 31, 2025, 11am at Rose-Neath Funeral Homes, Bossier City.
Vera Samuels Holmes October 6, 1944 – May 24, 2025 Service: Saturday, May 31, 2025, 10:30am at Zion Baptist John H. Wilson Center, Shreveport.
Laurie Douglas (L.D.) McGraw, Sr. November 6, 1933 – May 24, 2025 Service: Saturday, June 7, 2025 , 12pm at Rose-Neath Funeral Homes Southside, Shreveport.
Jennifer Kern Booras November 14, 1966 – May 22, 2025 Service: Thursday, June 12, 2025. 10am at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Shreveport.
Rickie F. Garrison September 8, 1966 – May 22, 2025 Service: Saturday, May 31, 2025, 12pm at The Restoration Church, Stonewall.
David S. Holt December 11, 1954 – May 22, 2025 Service: Saturday, May 31, 2025, 4pm Rose-Neath Funeral Home Southside, Shreveport.
Verma McMillan September 29, 1932 – May 22, 2025 Service: Friday, May 30, 2025, 11am at Rose-Neath Funeral Homes, Bossier City.
Glenda Joyce Mitchell February 24, 1951 – May 22, 2025 Service: Saturday, May 31, 2025, 11am at Winnfield Funeral Homes, Shreveport.
Donna Shively Buford September 7, 1938 – May 20, 2025 Service: Friday, May 30, 2025, 11am at Noel Memorial United Methodist Church, Shreveport.
Emmie Sue Ellisor March 10, 1935 – May 20, 2025 Service: Friday, May 30, 2025, 1pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Shreveport.
Estella Vela August 10, 1931 – May 19, 2025 Service: Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 11am at St Jude Catholic Church in Benton.
Mary Lee Washington June 16, 1926 – May 18, 2025 Service: Saturday, May 31, 2025, 1pm at Mt. Paran Baptist Church, Shreveport.
Randle William Butler, III February 13, 1948 – May 17, 2025 Service: Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 1pm at Believer’s Worship Center, Benton.
Donald David Owens July 24, 1979 – May 17, 2025 Service: Saturday, May 31, 2025, 11am at Mount Bethel # 1 Baptist Church, Keithville.
Bennye Joy Speer Taylor March 28, 1938 – May 16, 2025 Service: Friday, June 6, 2025, 12:30pm at Northwest Louisiana Veteran’s Cemetery, Keithville.
Jack R. Lamb May 12, 1939 – May 15, 2025 Service: Monday, June 2, 2025, 10am at First Methodist Church, Shreveport.
Thomas Harris August 19, 1977 – May 14, 2025 Service: TBA
Babbette “Babs” Sunderlin Gerard July 16, 1953 – May 11, 2025 Service: Monday, June 2, 2025, 2pm at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City.
Wendy Marie Nielson July 26, 1967 – May 5, 2025 Service: Saturday, May 31, 2025, 2pm at Aulds Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Bobby Wayne Potts, MSgt. November 21, 1945 – May 1, 2025 Service: Friday, May 30, 2025, 12:30pm at Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, Keithville.
Frederick James Ramsey April 30, 1983 – March 17, 2025 Service: Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 11am at Osborn Funeral Home, Shreveport.
The Shreveport-Bossier Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or SBJNewsLa@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Death shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to SBJNewsLa@gmail.com)
The Shreveport Police Department is currently investigating a tragic and disturbing incident after the remains of a deceased infant were discovered early Tuesday morning.
At approximately 5:30 a.m. on May 28, 2025, officers were dispatched to the 500 block of Hollywood Avenue to the Alsco Uniforms building in reference to a deceased individual. Upon arrival, officers spoke with employees who had discovered what they initially believed to be a doll wrapped in linens. Upon closer inspection, the employees realized the remains were those of a small child and immediately contacted authorities.
The Shreveport Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit was promptly notified and responded to the scene. Detectives were able to determine that the remains belonged to an infant who was stillborn in Dallas, Texas, on May 3, 2025.
The child’s funeral service was held on May 17, 2025, at Golden Gate Funeral Home & Crematory in Dallas, where the body was scheduled for cremation. Preliminary findings indicate that the infant’s remains were mistakenly transported along with soiled linens to Shreveport where they were discovered at the Alsco Uniforms facility.
The Texas Funeral Service Commission has been notified and has opened an investigation to determine how the remains were misplaced and whether any parties were aware of the error.
“This is a deeply distressing situation,” said Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith. “Our thoughts are with the family of the child as this investigation unfolds.” No foul play is suspected at this time, but the investigation remains ongoing.
Haughton Police Department officers were dispatched to the 400 Block of Union Texas Rd, to investigate a welfare concern of a resident and animals living inside the home on May 23. Upon arrival, officers detected a horrendous smell outside the home and could see dogs in cages that were stacked on top of each other, visible from outside through windows.
After being denied entry, officers obtained a search warrant for the residence and the property. Once inside the residence, officers recovered 13 dogs that were living in appalling conditions. Due to the Bossier parish animal control not having room for the dogs, HPD contacted the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office, asking them for assistance from their animal control. Sheriff Parker and his team were essential in assisting HPD in gathering, housing, and caring for all the dogs over the weekend. Officers arrested the resident, Michele Massara, on 13 counts of animal cruelty. Massara is currently being held on a $460,000 bond at the Bossier Maximum Facility.
As of May 27, the dogs are visiting a vet for care and then headed to LAMA Animal Rescue for love and care.
Chief Gibson would like to send a special thanks to Sheriff Jason Parker, Deputy David Dick and the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office, LAMA Animal Rescue, and Bossier Parish Animal Control for assisting with the case and HPD officers for having to trench through the horrible conditions.
If anyone is interested in the care of these dogs, donations of Purina One Dog Food, cleaning supplies, bleach, towels, detergent or monetary can be dropped off at the Haughton Police Department. They are working closely with LAMA Animal Rescue in this case, which is still under investigation.
The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office is excited to announce the Sneakers on the Ground 5K. Registration for the event is now open. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/SOTGRun.
This event aims to promote the fight against obesity. It will take place at Bill Cockrell Park (4109 Pines Road, Shreveport, LA 71119). At each mile, a DJ will be playing motivating music to inspire runners throughout the race. Come out and join the fun while helping to combat obesity.
FEELING IT: Unbeaten LSUS celebrates adding to the scoring column Wednesday night in a 10-0 romp over Southeastern (Fla.) at the NAIA World Series. (Photo courtesy NAIA)
By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports
LEWISTON, Idaho – Just as ABC’s Good Morning America and more national outlets are taking notice of the LSUS baseball team’s season-long win streak, the Pilots could care less about being in the spotlight.
They are now just two victories away from the NAIA World Series championship, the goal they set when practice began last fall.
Wednesday night’s 10-0 romp over Southeastern (Fla.) brought undefeated LSUS even with Howard (Texas) Community College’s 2009 team, which won 57 in a row before losing and finishing 58-1. The Pilots passed the previous all-time college baseball best win streak by any four-year school 10 games ago.
While others are understandably fixated on the record, the top-seeded Pilots are fully focused at a different kind of history – the first LSUS national championship.
Tonight, after a run-rule seven-inning rout of Southeastern (46-14), the only other team that was 2-0 in Lewiston this week, LSUS has an 8:30 CDT rematch with fourth-seeded Hope International. The Pilots topped the Royals 6-3 Monday, getting a pair of insurance runs in the ninth inning.
Hope (50-7) is the defending national champion and eliminated Cumberlands (Ky.) Tuesday, 9-7.
The LSUS-Hope winner advances to the championship final round Friday night. Sixth-seeded Southeastern and second-seeded Georgia Gwinnett (57-5) collide this afternoon in an elimination game.
After its first two World Series wins were nailbiters, LSUS took control immediately Wednesday night with a five-run first inning and rode a shutdown outing from the NAIA Pitcher of the Year, lefty Isaac Rohde. He improved to 16-0 with a four-hitter, striking out 10 in seven innings.
Getting out of the gate quickly has been a trademark of the Pilots.
“The first inning said the same thing that it’s said all year,” said LSUS coach Brad Neffendorf, accustomed to big leads early.
Josh Gibson’s RBI double plated Ryan Davenport, who had also doubled, for a 1-0 edge. One out later, Jackson Syring’s base hit scored Gibson before a push bunt from Ian Montz made it 3-0. With two down, Jose Sallorin’s single through the left side drove in two.
That was plenty for Rohde, who was the winning pitcher in Friday’s Series opener. Against Southeastern, he retired 14 straight in a pivotal stretch.
“Rohde was extremely good, going on four days rest, one day shy of what we would normally want, but it was another example of what he’s always done for us,” said Neffendorf.
Anthony Swenda took the first pitch of the LSUS fourth out of the park, ripping an opposite field solo home run. LSUS added two more on Austin Gomm’s sacrifice fly and Vantrel Reed’s RBI single for an 8-0 advantage.
Sallorin contributed a sac fly RBI and Diego Aragon added a run-scoring ground out in the fifth to put the Pilots in position to score the run-rule win.
While the Pilots’ ultimate goal is two wins away, Neffendorf is confident his team will maintain a workmanlike approach tonight.
“Tomorrow will be nothing more than us going out and working to get better again as a team. We got better today as a club and that’s what we need this late in the year,” he said. “If we come out tomorrow and do the same, we will have a chance to be in position again.”
All of the World Series games can be streamed at NAIA.org/watch.
ROOKIE SENSATION: Louisiana Tech’s Elena Heng is just the second true freshman in the four-year history of the award to earn one of nine Rawlings Gold Gloves presented by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. (Photo by DARRELL JAMES, Louisiana Tech)
JOURNAL SPORTS
A year after starring for Airline High School, outfielder Elena Heng of the Louisiana Tech softball team has been awarded a Rawlings Gold Glove, recognized as the nation’s best defensive left fielder by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.
Heng is just the second true freshman in the four-year history of the honor to win a Gold Glove.
Heng is the first Louisiana Tech player to win the award and is one of seven players from the mid-major level to earn a Gold Glove since 2022.
The Bossier City native started all 57 games in left field for the Bulldogs. She played every inning this season and was named to the All-CUSA Freshman Team. She did not make an error while recording 107 putouts with 114 chances.
Heng showcased her strong arm with a team-high seven outfield assists, while utilizing her speed to take away would-be extra base hits.
The Gold Glover batted near the top of the Bulldogs’ lineup for much of the season, finishing with a .321 average, 60 hits, 40 runs and six RBI. Her 40 runs led the team, while she also stole a team-high 16 bases. Heng led the team with 19 multi-hit games.
The top nine defensive players from all collegiate divisions (NCAA DI, NCAA DII, NCAA DIII, NAIA, NJCAA DI, NJCAA DII, NJCAA DIII, Cal JC, NWAC) are annually recognized with the Rawlings Gold Glove Award, presented by the NFCA. In 2022, the inaugural recipients from NCAA Division I were announced at the NCAA Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City, Okla. In 2023, the award expanded to include all the collegiate divisions.
Recipients of the Rawlings Gold Glove Award, presented by the NFCA, were selected by the NFCA’s NCAA Division I All-America Committee, following regional voting to identify the finalists at each position. The group utilized fielding statistics and school-submitted video to closely examine finalists and select the winners at every defensive position.
By PATRICK MEEHAN, Centenary Sports Information Director
Loyola College Prep graduate Patrick Garrett has been named the head coach of the Centenary men’s and women’s swimming programs, director of athletics and recreation David Orr has announced.
Garrett, a Shreveport native, replaces Tom Radam who was at the helm for the last three seasons. Garrett assisted the Ladies and Gents this past season in a volunteer role.
“Patrick’s work rate and professionalism are of high quality and I look forward to seeing his leadership in action,” said Orr.
Garrett was the previous owner/operator of the Swim School in Shreveport from 2019-23. He is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin and a decorated veteran having served in the U.S. Navy. Garrett is a 2000 Loyola graduate.
“I am honored to have the privilege to coach such an outstanding group of swimmers,” said Garrett. “I am looking forward to seeing them meet the apex of their abilities in the pool through hard work, determination and a no-quit attitude.”
The Gents finished fourth at the SCAC Championships in February and earned 292 points as they recorded their best finish in the event since also finishing fourth in 2021. The Ladies placed sixth and tallied 265 points at the SCAC Championships, led by sophomore Hannah Waddell of Shreveport.
Waddell took second in the 100-yard breaststroke championship final as she swam a time of 1:07.25. She also broke her own school record in the 200-yard breaststroke as she swam 2:24.28 in the prelims and finished third in the championship final (2:24.59).
SOFTBALL ACADEMIC AWARDS: The 2024-25 Academic All-District® Softball Team selected by the College Sports Communicators (CSC) included four Centenary competitors among 25 selected from Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference teams.
Abigail Hodgson, Viviana Rivero, Emma Shepherd and Laine Sullivan were the Ladies chosen. Rivero was a repeat selection.
Ozarks, Texas Lutheran and Trinity led all SCAC squads with five honorees each, while Centenary and Southwestern placed four student-athletes apiece on the squad and Austin College had two designees.
The 2025 Academic All-District® Softball teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize top student-athletes for their combined performances on the diamond and in the classroom. The CSC Academic All-America® program separately recognizes softball honorees in four divisions — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA.
Academic All-District® honorees were considered for advancement to the CSC Academic All-America® ballot. Student-athletes selected as CSC Academic All-America® finalists are denoted with an asterisk and will advance to the national ballot to be voted on by CSC members. First-, second- and third-team Academic All-America® honorees will be announced June 17.
The Division II and III CSC Academic All-America® programs are partially financially supported by the NCAA Division II and III national governance structures to assist CSC with handling the awards fulfillment aspects for the 2024-25 Divisions II and III Academic All-America® programs.
