JOURNAL SPORTS
One of the country’s most highly-regarded junior college basketball sophomores, Bossier Parish Community College guard Tony Montgomery, leads Jeff Moore’s second Cavaliers team into its season opener Monday night at home.
BPCC is celebrating Military Appreciation Night when it hosts NWLA-Barksdale at 7 p.m. in the Coach Billy Montgomery Gymnasium, 6220 East Texas St. in Bossier City.
Military Appreciation Night will bring the campus and military communities together for an evening of basketball and recognition.
The Airline High School Air Force Junior ROTC program will post the colors during pregame ceremonies. At halftime, Chancellor Dr. Rick Bateman Jr. will present Col. Chris G. Cain, commander of the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, with the “Key to BPCC,” reaffirming the college’s commitment to educating and empowering airmen and their families.
“BPCC is proud to be part of a community shaped by military service, and we deeply value our relationships with service members, veterans and their families,” said Susan Stakes, program manager for Veteran Educational Services at BPCC. “Military Appreciation Night gives us an opportunity to honor their service, recognize the sacrifices their families make and express our gratitude. Whether they come to BPCC as students, visitors or fans cheering on the Cavaliers, we want them to know they are always welcome here.”
With three returning starters, added depth and a talented freshman class, the Cavaliers are preparing for a competitive season. Moore said his returning players have established a foundation for the program, while newcomers bring shooting, length and athleticism to the roster.
“I am really excited about coaching this group of players this season. Each player brings their own unique skills and capabilities that complement each other,” Moore said. “I believe that this team has the ability to compete every night in the very tough Region XIV conference.”
Returning starters Yoav Botzer, Dustin Welch and Montgomery lead the Cavaliers into the new season. Botzer averaged 6.3 points and 2.8 assists per game last season, while Welch averaged 7.9 points and 5.5 rebounds.
Montgomery returns after averaging 19.5 points, 4.9 assists and 1.9 steals per game. He was named the Louisiana JUCO Player of the Year and earned first-team All-Region XIV honors, becoming one of only two freshmen selected to the first team.
Recently, Montgomery was ranked No. 11 on a list of the nation’s top JUCO sophomores compiled by NextLevel and the 6-1 guard was the shortest player in the top 25.
BPCC has added sophomore transfer Javon Barbee, who averaged 7.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game last season at Missouri State University-West Plains. Barbee shot 41.5% from the field and 34.9% from 3-point range. Tyran Young also returns to the Cavaliers after an injury.
Free T-shirts will be tossed to the crowd, and fans will receive a free pompom at the door while supplies last. Admission is free with a military ID, and general admission is $10. BPCC students, faculty and staff receive free admission to all home games with a BPCC ID.