Wondering if there’s a little magic left in the shrewdly-managed Mulkey Miracle

Watching the Ohio State-Virginia Tech women’s basketball regional final, where the halftime score is 48-45, and remembering LSU’s 54-42 victory over Miami the night before.

Didn’t watch Iowa’s 97-83 regional championship win Sunday night over Louisville, but our lunch bunch women’s basketball expert, Steve Graf, reported Monday that Hawkeyes’ guard Caitlin Clark is the best college player in America, male or female. Her 41-point, 10-rebound, 12-assist performance supports Graf’s assessment, which was drawn from his eyeballs, not analytics.

Tuned in last night at the end of South Carolina’s 86-75 cruise past Maryland, only to get the final score. We all knew the Gamecocks would roll, because Kim Mulkey told us so in LSU’s postgame press conference Sunday night.

You gonna argue with Kim? I’m not gonna argue with Kim. NCAA Tournament officials don’t. They endure her histrionics and don’t dare to hit her with a technical foul, when any other coach grimacing and grousing at that level would be served an unsweet T. She’s earned the right with her resume’.

I am gonna disagree with Kim, while I praise her (and her wardrobe). She’s shrewdly developed her second Tiger team – that nobody, nowhere thought would still be playing this week – and a vital part of that was patience. Patience was possible because Mulkey made it so.

Referring you back to the Nov. 16 Journal:

While she fits new pieces together with her second Tigers’ team, and awaits the arrival next season of Parkway’s extraordinary student-athlete Mikaylah Williams, Mulkey’s non-conference schedule is softer than your pillow.  Her team will face tougher tests during fall semester final exams.

Sunday night, Mulkey made reference to critics of the pliable part of the 2022-23 slate. Obviously the attention paid to the layup drill schedule prior to Southeastern Conference competition is a burr in the Tigers’ saddle.

LSU’s strength of schedule in the NCAA’s ratings? Try 315, of roughly 350 Division I teams. Question that? Bellarmine, Mississippi Valley, Western Carolina, Houston Christian, Northwestern State, all at home to begin. George Mason and UAB in the Bahamas, then back to the PMAC for Southeastern Louisiana, down to Tulane (the toughest test before SEC play), home for Lamar, then to Hawaii for Montana State and Oregon State. The only NCAA Tournament team: the Lady Lions of Southeastern.

So what did LSU get out of that cakewalk? There were points of contention. SLU remarkably played LSU to 63-55 on Nov. 29, making former Lady Lion star Robin Roberts (who played with a ponytail, compared to Mulkey’s pigtails) proud. In the next outing, just off St. Charles Avenue in cozy Fogelman Arena, Tulane stayed competitive at 85-73.

Here’s what that competitive cruise through November and December did for LSU. There was steady development without any crisis of confidence in an unproven group. Of course the toughest times were in practice with the masterful Mulkey bringing along her refurbished roster to prepare for the SEC, and March.

All of this makes me wonder if LSU can keep up Friday night in Dallas at the Women’s Final Four.

Doesn’t look like the Tigers can score with Virginia Tech, who hung 87 on Ohio State.

Until you mention one of Mulkey’s favorite words: defense. None of the three other Final Four teams D-up as well. South Carolina, with Philly street-tough coach Dawn Staley, is the only one comparable.

LSU will have a decided homecourt advantage with DFW-area alumni.

I’ll take the Tigers in the semis, to gobble up VaTech. Bet the under.

It’s hard to forecast a South Carolina loss, especially glancing back at the Gamecocks’ 88-64 victory over LSU Feb. 12 – at Columbia, S.C.  However, it was not a 40-minute mangling – the spread was just five late in the third quarter.

If the two square off Sunday night for the natty, I’d take LSU and the points. If there are not too many points on the scoreboard, Mulkey might just pull off the biggest surprise in Women’s Final Four history.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com


Minden slips past Loyola in baseball, Byrd wins first of season in softball

(Photo by JOHN PENROD, Journal Sports)

JOURNAL SPORTS

Minden scored a run in each of the first and second innings and held on for a 2-1 baseball win over Loyola Monday at Griffith Park.

Jakobe Jackson doubled in Brandon Winston with the Tide’s first run. Minden scored its second run on a walk by Landyn Huddleston to take the 2-0 lead.

Loyola cut the lead in half at 2-1 with a run in the sixth when Colin Lirette reached on and error then scored on another error.

Jaxon Smith pitched a complete game for Minden (13-7) limiting Loyola (4-18) to three hits, while he walked one and struck out six.

Gavin Brint and Hudson Moore combined to limit Minden to two runs on five hits, as they walked five and struck out two.

LAKESIDE 10, EVANGEL 4: At Evangel, the Eagles fell in the non-district game as the Warriors scored seven runs in the decisive fourth inning. Kody Jackson was 2-for-4 for Evangel (6-16) and Peyton Fulghum had a two-run double.

SOFTBALL 

OUACHITA CHRISTIAN 6, HAUGHTON 1: At Haughton, OCS scored five runs in the fourth inning to break a 1-1 tie. Ariana Mathews was 2-for-3 and Kylie Small had a double for Haughton (10-9).

BYRD 15, SOUTHWOOD 0: The Lady Jackets got their first win on the season in a four-inning run-rule decision as Maggie Griffin was 2-for-3 with three RBI, Ariel Taylor had a pair of doubles and drove in two runs and Callie King was 2-for-3.


Williams gets a grand finale today in McDonald’s All-American Game

ONCE MORE:  In her final high school basketball outing, Parkway’s Mikaylah Williams plays in tonight’s McDonald’s All-American Game in Houston. (Photo by PETER FOREST, Journal Sports)

JOURNAL STAFF 

HOUSTON — Parkway’s Mikaylah Williams, considered one of the top two high school girls’ basketball players in the country, will be showcased today on ESPN2 in the 2023 McDonald’s All American Game. 

Williams, a 6-foot guard and the consensus No. 2 prospect in the nation’s 2023 graduating class, is one of 24 players slated to play in the game at the Toyota Center in Houston at 5:30 p.m. (CT).

The LSU signee, who led Parkway to a state championship early this month, has played for the United States in summer competition for the past two years.

Williams will be joined on the West roster in Houston by No. 1 prospect JuJu Watkins of Sierra Canyon, California.


Roots, Webb MVPs on 1-4A All-District boys’ basketball squad

CO-MVP: Huntington forward DeCedric Webb was named the Co-MVP of the All-District 1-4A boys’ basketball team. (Photo by JOHN PENROD, Journal Sports)

JOURNAL SPORTS

Bossier’s Tahj Roots and DeCedric Webb of Huntington were selected the Co-Most Valuable Players on the 2022-23 All District 1-4A boys’ basketball team selected by district coaches.

Roots averaged 19.7 points per game, 4.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists to help lead the Bearkats to an undefeated district championship (8-0) and their fifth state championship.

Webb, a 6-foot-5 senior forward, was part of the Raiders’ district runner-up and state semifinalist squad.

Chris Carpenter joined his teammate Webb on the first team along with CJ Shiflett of Evangel and Colossians Mason-Jones of Booker T. Washington.

Here is the complete list of the boys’ All-District 1-4A team.

FIRST TEAM

Tahj Roots, Bossier, Sr.

DeCedric Webb, Huntington, Sr.

Chris Carpenter, Huntington, Sr.

Chris “CJ” Shiflett, Evangel, So.

Colossians Mason-Jones, Booker T. Washington, Jr.

SECOND TEAM

Javon Johnson, Bossier, Jr.

Stafford Bailey, Minden, Sr.

De’kaveon Taylor, Huntington, Sr.

Brandon Henderson, Woodlawn, So.

Jayden Easter, Booker T. Washington, Sr.

Co-MVPs — Tahj Roots, Bossier; DeCedric Webb, Huntington

HONORABLE MENTION: Bossier — Kerel Woods, Lakavin Thomas. Booker T. Washington — Taboyous Anderson, Brian French.  Evangel— Jecal Bryant, Braylen Clark, Tomario Thomas. Huntington — Kentravis Green, Oshamar Hall; Minden — MiJai Batton, Jaylin Williams. North DeSoto — Connor Davis


Monday’s baseball, softball scoreboard; today’s schedule

College Baseball

Monday’s scores

No games scheduled.

Today’s games

BPCC at Louisiana Christian, 6 p.m.

Sacramento State at Louisiana Tech, 6 p.m.

Grambling State at LSU, 6:30 p.m.

College Softball

Monday’s scores

Prairie View 8-5, Grambling State 3-0 (first game 9 innings)

LSUE at BPCC 4-0, LSUE 3-1 (second game 11 innings)

Today’s games

Louisiana Tech at Northwestern State, 6 p.m.

Grambling State at Tarleton State, DH, 1 p.m.

High School Baseball

Monday’s scores 

Minden 2, Loyola 1
Lakeside 10, Evangel 4
North Caddo 5-4, D’Arbonne Woods 2-12
Plain Dealing 14, Homer 4

Today’s games

Southwood at Airline

Byrd at Benton

Captain Shreve at Parkway

Natchitoches Central at Haughton

BTW at Northwood

Calvary at Ruston

North Caddo at Haynesville

Plain Dealing at Ebarb

High School Softball

Monday’s scores

Byrd 15, Southwood 0
Ouachita Christian 6, Haughton 1
Lakeside 15-17, Bossier 0-0
Wossman 16-12, Woodlawn 1-1
Calvary 12, Ouachita 2
Loyola 7, River Oaks 4
North Caddo 16, Green Oaks 0

Today’s games

Airline at Natchitoches Central

Benton at Southwood

Byrd at Captain Shreve

Haughton at Parkway

BTW vs. Woodlawn

Huntington at Bossier

Minden at Northwood

Red River at Loyola

Plain Dealing at North Webster

Schedules are subject to cancellations and postponements.


Sam Burns’ biggest victory made sweeter by more Sunday magic from David Toms

BEST OF THE BEST: Shreveport native Sam Burns, a Calvary Baptist graduate, won the PGA Tour’s Match Play Championship in dominant style Sunday.

By ROY LANG III, Journal Sports 

Shreveport took center stage in the golf world once again. However, even though a litany of homegrown stars has produced a multitude of championship moments, Sunday produced a victory lap unlike any other. 

Former Calvary and LSU star Sam Burns authored a remarkable rally against good friend and world-No. 1 Scottie Scheffler in the semifinals of the Match Play Championship on Sunday morning and then rattled off eight birdies in 10 holes to make quick work of another young star, Cameron Young, en route to his first World Golf Championship title and the largest paycheck of his career. 

It doesn’t seem like it could get better than a $3.5-million windfall and another PGA Tour trophy, right? 

Well, a couple of hours after the 26-year-old Burns put the finishing touch on his fifth PGA Tour title, his mentor David Toms capped off a dominating performance in Rancho Mirage, California. Toms rallied from three strokes down on the front nine to post a four-shot victory in the inaugural Galleri Classic at Mission Hills Country Club. 

Toms, also a former LSU star, picked up his fourth PGA Tour Champions crown just three weeks after he ended a three-year drought with a victory in Tucson. 

“That’s awesome,” Burns said after he learned Toms had completed the Shreveport Daily Double. “I was just texting with (David’s son) Carter (Toms) and he said that he was about to win. Man, that’s like a dream of mine as a kid. Growing up watching him play, I can remember sitting on the back of the range and just watching him hit golf balls. It’s still one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen, just the way he could hit it. So straight and just like his tempo is amazing. Still is. But, yeah, to be able to win on the same day is really cool.” 

Prior to Sunday, it had been 17 years since Toms was able to enjoy a stress-free walk down the final hole or two of a Tour event. The 56-year-old’s first three PGA Tour Champions wins came by one stroke or in a playoff. His 13th and final PGA Tour title, at Colonial in 2021, was also by one stroke. In 2006, he captured his 12th title with a five-stroke win at the Sony Open. 

“I’m enjoying playing good golf right now,” Toms said Sunday. 

The victory moved Toms to the top of the season-long Charles Schwab Standings. 

“I haven’t been a part of the Charles Schwab Cup late in the season,” Toms said. “I really haven’t been close. Now my goal is to give myself a chance.” 

Burns’ 6-and-5 victory in the final match Sunday in Austin, Texas, came 18 years after Toms steamrolled Chris DiMarco by the same tally in the final match at the same tournament. 

Meanwhile, Burns moved to eighth in the PGA Tour’s FedExCup Standings. He moved up five spots to No. 10 in the Official World Golf Rankings, one place shy of his career best. 

There certainly have been better individual days for Shreveport golf. In recent years, the highlights have included Hal Sutton’s U.S. Amateur (1980), PGA Championship (1983), and Players Championship-winning duel with Tiger Woods (2000), Toms’ PGA Championship (2001), Meredith Duncan’s U.S. Women’s Amateur (2001), Burns’ Junior PGA Championship (2014) and Philip Barbaree Jr.’s U.S. Junior Amateur (2015). 

Sunday’s double is certainly in the discussion for unforgettable days for the locals and their fans and more proof of the incredible mark this community has made on the game. 

And it’s far from finished. 

Contact Roy at roylangiii@yahoo.com or on Twitter at @roylangiii   


PODCAST: Lyn Rollins reminisces about his career as a TV and radio personality

Lyn Rollins, who was voice of Northwestern State athletics (1992-2002) before becoming a statewide sports television broadcaster best known for his work with LSU sports since 2003, talks about his early days as a TV sports reporter at KALB in Alexandria and his distinguished career in sports broadcasting. Lyn also assesses LSU baseball and the Tigers’  prospects for 2023.

Photo courtesy Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame


NCAA’s revised transfer rules cramp Coleman, outbound Demon duo

PATIENTLY LOOKING:  Captain Shreve product Kendal Coleman (4) intends to find a new basketball home after leaving Northwestern State last spring and entering the transfer portal last week following a season at LSU. (Photo by PETER FOREST, Journal Sports)

By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

The NCAA transfer portal has gotten speed bumps installed.

That will stall plans for Shreveport’s Kendal Coleman and a couple of prominent departing Northwestern State players to be on the court at their new schools next season.

Coleman, who played a reserve role in 21 games this winter at LSU, announced last week that he was looking for a new hoops home, with more playing time as the obvious objective. Last March, the Captain Shreve product ended his days as a Northwestern State Demon, where he had emerged as an All-Southland Conference forward under Mike McConathy.

Meanwhile, among eight Demons departing NSU following Corey Gipson’s one-and-done, 22-win turn as head coach, at least six are joining Gipson at Austin Peay. But two, starting guard Isaac Haney and 7-foot-3 inside presence Jordan Wilmore, will  have to sit out next season to regain eligibility.

In a development not widely known until a recent social media push, the NCAA has tightened transfer rules, especially as they apply to second-time transfers from four-year schools. Since Coleman left NSU for LSU, and is now relocating again, he’ll have to sit out a year. Same for Haney and Wilmore going from their previous schools to Northwestern and now to Austin Peay.

Fortunately for all three players, each has a redshirt season remaining. But for Haney and Wilmore, there’s some sting since the Demons’ dynamic duo of Southland Conference Player of the Year DeMarcus Sharp and second-team All-SLC guard Ja’Monte Black will exhaust their college eligibility next season at Austin Peay.

Sharp and Black will have to graduate from Northwestern this spring or summer to be eligible as graduate transfers, but are said to be on track to do so.

The adjusted portal rules changed without fanfare but to significant impact, said NSU assistant athletics director for compliance Dustin Eubanks, who noted nothing is set in stone.

“They didn’t like the transfer landscape and this is what they’ve come up with; but remember, this is what we have right now. It could change next year, or even in the next couple of months,” he said. “For the kids transferring for 2023-24, these are the rules we have to follow now.”

There are some extreme cases that can result in a waiver for second-time transfers, including instances of assault or other violence, mental health, injury or illness. It’s no longer simply about a better opportunity to play or a desire to follow a coach to a new school.

“That’s the doors they’ve closed. There’s nothing there for kids who are undergraduates, unless there’s a pretty egregious situation they encountered at their current school,” said Eubanks.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com


Mudbugs on brink of playoff berth after win streak snapped 

(Photo courtesy Shreveport Mudbugs)

By ROY LANG III, Journal Sports

For the past month, the Shreveport Mudbugs’ stellar play has been rewarded. Not only did the Mudbugs enter Saturday’s game at Odessa on a seven-game win streak, they’d seemingly had everything involving other teams go their way in the South Division standings.

Shreveport climbed within two points of second-place Lone Star and just a single point stood between the Mudbugs and a playoff position.

However, the run of terrific play and good luck ended – at least temporarily.

For starters, Odessa defeated Shreveport, 5-2, on Saturday. It marked the first time since Feb. 3 – the team’s last trip to Odessa — the Mudbugs allowed more than four goals in a game. Shreveport, 3-1 winners on Friday, had allowed a total of two goals in its past four games entering Saturday.

“Our lack of puck responsibility was unacceptable,” Mudbugs head coach Jason Campbell told the Journal. “We turned pucks over coming out of our end – especially when we had 100 percent possession — too much and at their blue line too much.”

To top things off, Amarillo prevented a playoff clinching evening thanks to its victory against Corpus Christi and Lone Star completed a shutout sweep of New Mexico.

“You’re that close to clinching a playoff spot. You’re excited for that opportunity to clinch,” Campbell said. “There is a different level of excitement there for these last six games, fighting to clinch that spot and then getting your team ready for a playoff run – hopefully a long one.”

The Mudbugs could clinch a playoff spot before they play their next game – Friday night’s series opener at first-place Oklahoma. If Amarillo loses at Corpus Christi on Thursday night, the only thing left to decide for Shreveport would be seeding.

If Amarillo takes care of business, Shreveport needs just a single point against the Warriors. 

Last week’s 3 Stars

  1. Garrett Steele, the captain is finishing his long career in Shreveport in style. Saturday, he scored his 20th goal of the season during his 200th NAHL game. 
  1. Drake Morse, added three points on the weekend to extend his team lead this season.
  1. Simon Bucheler, the goaltender stopped 22 of 23 shots to pick up his league-leading 25th win Friday.

NAHL South Division standings

x-Oklahoma (42-11-1), 85 points

x-Lone Star (34-12-7), 75

Shreveport (32-15-7), 71

New Mexico (30-21-3), 63

Amarillo (28-23-3), 59

Odessa (26-24-3), 55

El Paso (16-34-4), 36

Corpus Christi (11-36-7), 29

*top four make the playoffs 

x-clinched playoff spot 

Team leaders

Goals: Garrett Steele, 20

Assists: Logan Heroux, 26

Points: Drake Morse, 41

Penalty Minutes: Liam Fleet, 86

Game-winning goals: Hayden Nichol, Jake Mack, Morse 4

Goals-against average: Simon Bucheler, 1.92

Save percentage: Bucheler, .923 

Up next

Shreveport’s four-game road trip ends with a trip to play Oklahoma on Friday and Saturday (7:15 p.m.)

Contact Roy at roylangiii@yahoo.com or on Twitter at @roylangiii 


Late heroics decide pair of 1-5A baseball games; complete standings

(Photo by JOHN PENROD, Journal Sports)

JOURNAL SPORTS

Late-inning heroics were the order of business Saturday in District 1-5A baseball games as both Parkway and Benton used big seventh innings to post come-from-behind wins.

Parkway defeated Captain Shreve 6-4 by scoring two runs in the sixth inning and four more in the seventh.

Brandon Levy and Trent Lape were both 2-for-4 with two RBI. Levy tripled to score Zach Schoenborn with the Panthers’ first run of two in the sixth inning and singled in the first run of the four-run seventh. Lape followed that single with a two-run double that put Parkway ahead 5-4.

Captain Shreve (12-8, 3-2) pitcher Jackson Bleich took a shutout into the sixth inning and finished allowing seven hits and four runs, as he walked two and struck out eight. Walker Wicklund staked the Gators to a 2-0 first-inning lead with a two-run home run.

Sean Waits got the win for Parkway (16-3, 5-0) pitching six innings, allowing five hits and four runs, walking one and striking out two. Lape pitched the seventh inning to get the save.

Benton used a five-run seventh inning to erase a 2-1 deficit in a 6-2 win at Byrd. Cole Weir tied the game 2-2 with a single and Bryson Pierce followed with a three-run home run to put the Tigers ahead for good. Kenner Lauterbach got his second hit of the day to score the final Benton run.

Hunter Brignac (2-for-3), Pierce (2-for-4) and Griffin Sibley (2-for-3) along with Lauterbach had multiple hits for Benton (11-12, 3-2).

Kevin Robinson suffered the loss for Byrd (14-9, 2-3) working 6 2/3 innings, allowing 11 hits, five earned runs and striking out five. He was the lone Yellow Jacket with multiple hits, going 2-for-3.

Elsewhere in 1-5A, Haughton got a combined shutout from Austin Anderson and Zach Ross in defeating Natchitoches Central 6-0 and Airline run-ruled Southwood 14-1.

Anderson allowed one hit in six innings and struck out nine for Haughton. Caleb Brown was 2-for-3, Christian Turner 2-for-4 with a triple, Trent McGowen 2-for-3 and Colin Rains 2-for-3 with a double for the Bucs (15-6, 2-3).

At Airline, the Vikings had an eight-run first and six-run third as leadoff hitter Clayton Brandon was the only multiple hitter going 2-for-3 with a double. Tyler Ferguson added a double and Noah Littleton had two RBI for Airline (10-10, 4-1).

Here is the complete list of standings after weekend action:

Baseball
DISTRICT 1-5A Dist. All
Parkway 5-0 16-3
Airline 4-1 10-10
Captain Shreve 3-2 12-8
Benton 3-2 11-12
Haughton 2-3 15-6
Byrd 2-3 14-9
Natchitoches Central 1-4 16-5
Southwood 0-5 3-16
 
DISTRICT 1-4A Dist. All
North DeSoto 3-0 17-5
Northwood 3-0 17-5
Evangel 2-0 6-15
Minden 1-0 12-7
Huntington 0-1 4-9
Bossier 0-2 0-7
BTW 0-3 0-3
Woodlawn 0-3 1-4
 
DISTRICT 1-2A Dist. All
Calvary 3-0 11-9
North Caddo 3-1 8-7
Lakeside 1-2 10-8
Loyola 3-6 4-17
D’Arbonne Woods 0-1 7-10
 
DISTRICT 1-1A Dist. All
Glenbrook 0-0 13-8
Ringgold 0-0 3-6-1
Plain   Dealing 0-0 2-7
Haynesville 0-0 3-12
Homer 0-0 1-6
Arcadia 0-0 1-7

Key district softball games Tuesday; complete standings

(Photo by JOHN PENROD, Journal Sports)

JOURNAL SPORTS

The softball season is winding down and key games will be a deciding factor in who wins each district.

In District 1-5A, Natchitoches Central (21-3, 6-0) will host Airline (19-6, 6-0) Tuesday for the lead at the top of the district in the final district game for both schools. According to the unofficial power ratings provided by Geauxpreps.com, the Lady Chiefs are No. 4 and Lady Vikings No. 8 in Non-Select Division I.

Three teams are tied for third place in 1-5A with two of those Haughton (10-8, 3-3) and Parkway (8-9, 3-3) playing each other Tuesday at Parkway. Benton (13-12, 3-3) will finish its district slate Tuesday at Southwood (2-18, 0-5). 

District 1-4A has been decided with North DeSoto (24-2, 8-0) winning the title with a recent defeat of Northwood, one of two teams tied for second with Minden at 5-1. The Lady Griffins are currently the No. 1 rated team in Non-Select Division II. Northwood (12-5, 5-1) will host Minden (13-10, 5-1) Tuesday for second place in 1-4A.

Here is a complete list of local district standings.

Softball
District 1-5A Dist. All
Natchitoches 6-0 21-3
Airline 6-0 19-6
Haughton 3-3 10-8
Benton 3-3 13-12
Parkway 3-3 8-9
Captain Shreve 2-4 11-6
Southwood 0-5 2-18
Byrd 0-5 0-16
 
District 1-4A Dist. All
North DeSoto 8-0 24-2
Northwood 5-1 12-5
Minden 5-1 13-10
Caddo Magnet 3-3 10-5
BTW 2-3 2-9
Huntington 0-3 4-3
Woodlawn 0-3 2-6
Evangel 0-4 5-17
Bossier 0-5 1-8
 
District 1-2A Dist. All
Lakeside 1-0 12-9
Calvary 0-0 17-8
D’Arbonne Woods 0-0 12-10
Green Oaks 0-0 0-4
North Caddo 0-0 0-7
Loyola 0-1 5-8
 
District 1-1A Dist. All
Glenbrook 2-0 10-9
Ringgold 2-1 3-14
Haynesville 1-1 4-6
Plain Dealing 1-1 2-6
Arcadia 0-3 1-9

Weekend baseball, softball scoreboard; today’s schedule

SPRING FLYOVER: Saturday was a perfect day for spring sports and a Blue Angels flyover of the newly-turfed softball field at BPCC. (Photo by LEE HILLER, Journal Sports)

College Baseball

Friday’s scores

Arkansas 9, LSU 3, 10 innings
LSUS 13-8, University of the Southwest 2-6, 2nd game 10 innings
Oregon 16, Northwestern State 1

Saturday’s scores

BPCC 9-16, Baton Rouge CC 3-5
Dallas 11-0, Centenary 4-18
Grambling St. 20-7, Alcorn State 3-6
LSUS 15, University of the Southwest 4
LSU 12-14, Arkansas 2-5, 1st game 7 innings
Louisiana Tech 5-3, Western Kentucky 3-2
Oregon 12-13, Northwestern State 7-3

Sunday’s scores

Grambling State 14, Alcorn St. 6, 6 innings
Centenary 3, Dallas Baptist 2
Western Kentucky 5, Louisiana Tech 2
Oregon 5, Northwestern State 0

Today’s games

No games scheduled.

College Softball

Friday’s scores

Northwestern State 6-3, Nicholls 5-1

Saturday’s scores

Middle Tennessee 5-2, Louisiana Tech 2-1
Nicholls 4, Northwestern State 3, 8 innings

Sunday’s scores

Louisiana Tech 4, Middle Tennessee 1
Prairie View 3, Grambling State 1

Today’s games

Prairie View at Grambling State, DH, 1 p.m.

High School Baseball

Friday’s scores 

Benton 18, Redwater 0
Calvary 8-10, Loyola 1-1

Saturday’s scores

Airline 14, Southwood 1
Benton 6, Byrd 2
Doyline 15, Bossier 0
Haughton 6, Natchitoches Central 0
Parkway 6, Captain Shreve 4
Ouachita Christian 7-11, Evangel 5-5
Northwood 17, Grace Christian 1

Today’s games

Loyola at Minden

Lakeside at Evangel

North Caddo at D’Arbonne Woods

Homer at Plain Dealing

High School Softball

Friday’s scores

Calvary Tournament

Airline 4, Jena 2
Calvary 15, Benton 0
Haughton 16, Ruston 12

Saturday’s scores

Calvary Tournament

Airline 8, Stanley 3
Airline 10, Ruston 0
Benton 10, Jena 1
Benton 9, Ruston 1
Calvary 16, Haughton 0
Calvary 14, Jena 3
Haughton 16, Stanley 10

Converse Tournament 

Negreet 25, Southwood 10
Converse 15, Southwood 0

Quitman Tournament

Evangel 9, Mangham 7
Parkway 11, Weston 1
Quitman 12, Evangel 1
Quitman 8, Parkway 4

Today’s games

Benton at Florien

Ouachita Christian at Haughton

BTW at Evangel

Caddo Magnet at Doyline, DH, 4:30 p.m.

Bossier at Lakeside

Woodlawn vs. Wossman, DH

Quitman at Evangel

Calvary at Ouachita

Loyola at River Oaks

Glenbrook at Plain Dealing

Schedules are subject to cancellations and postponements.


Locals Roberts, Ward heading to Final Four with LSU women

CELEBRATION:  Benton High’s Emily Ward (right), shown celebrating in LSU’s earlier NCAA Tournament win over Michigan with teammate Flau’jae Johnson, will end her basketball career in the Women’s Final Four in Dallas. (File photo by PETER FOREST, Journal Sports)

JOURNAL SPORTS 

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Behind a suffocating defensive performance, LSU earned its first trip to the NCAA Women’s Final Four in 15 years, defeating Miami (Fla.), 54-42, on Sunday evening at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. 

Benton’s Emily Ward, who earned a scholarship in preseason after previously being a walk-on in the program in her first three seasons, is a senior who has played in 25 games for the Tigers. Shreveport native Jennifer Roberts, an Evangel Christian and Louisiana Tech graduate, is part of Kim Mulkey’s LSU women’s basketball staff. 

LSU (32-2) returns to the Women’s Final Four for the first time since making five straight appearances from 2004-08. The Tigers will face the winner of tonight’s matchup in Seattle between No. 1 regional seed Virginia Tech and No. 3 seed Ohio State (8:30 p.m. CT). Iowa will take on the winner of South Carolina vs. Maryland (6 p.m. CT) in the other national semifinal. 

Friday’s national semifinal will tip off at either 6 or 8:30 p.m. CT from American Airlines Center in Dallas. 

Mulkey, a three-time national championship coach at Baylor (2005, 2012, 2019), advanced to the Women’s Final Four for the fifth time in her 23-year career as a head coach, along with four straight appearances as a point guard at Louisiana Tech and seven more at her alma mater in 15 years as an assistant coach to Leon Barmore. She and Barmore are in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame for their coaching accomplishments.


Dreamy day on the diamond Saturday for Centenary

JOURNAL SPORTS

The Centenary athletic complex turned into the Field of Dreams Saturday, with a no-hitter in baseball and a landmark softball win next door.

Freshman right-hander Aidan Reichek threw a no-hitter in the second game of Centenary’s Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader against the University of Dallas Crusaders, an 18-0 run-rule victory, at Shehee Stadium.

The Diamond Gents (10-6, 3-2 SCAC) fell 11-4 in the first contest to the Crusaders (11-10, 2-3 SCAC) and took their frustrations out in the second game, scoring a season-high in runs on 18 hits as the rookie Reicheck shined.

The no-hitter is the first thrown since Matthew Devillier held Austin College hitless on April 20, 2018 at home. Reichek and Devillier’s no-hitters are the only two in the Division III era (2012-present) in program history.

Meanwhile, just over baseball’s right field fence, the Centenary softball team recorded its biggest victory as a Division III program as the Ladies edged No. 4 Texas Lutheran 7-6 to start a Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader at the Centenary Softball Complex.

The Ladies (6-14, 2-4 SCAC) handed the Bulldogs, ranked fourth nationally by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA), their first Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference loss since March 2, 2019. TLU (16-3, 5-1 SCAC) responded with an 8-1 win in the nightcap. The Ladies had only beaten the Bulldogs twice in 33 all-time meetings (two wins in 1990) before Saturday. 


Arceneaux more optimistic about proposed REV development

REV’IN IT UP: Shreveport Councilwoman Ursula Bowman, REV Entertainment President Sean Decker, and Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux were on hand to give an update on the proposed entertainment development.

By HARRIET PROTHRO PENROD

Tom Arceneaux wasn’t sure how serious to take the news back in October when former Mayor Adrian Perkins held a press conference to announce the City of Shreveport had entered into a cooperative relationship with Arlington, Texas-based REV Entertainment that would bring professional baseball back to this area.

Five months later, things have changed quite a bit. Arceneaux is now the mayor of Shreveport and he’s got a little different take on the proposed development.

When the City of Shreveport and REV Entertainment held a press conference in the Independence Stadium Skybox Thursday morning to give an update on the master plan for the project, Arceneaux said he was “cautiously optimistic” that the concept would become a reality.

On Thursday, Arceneaux was joined by Shreveport Councilwoman Ursula Bowman and REV Entertainment President Sean Decker to discuss the proposed development concept that would include a ballpark as the anchor.

“We’re thrilled to be back here,” said Decker. “We wanted to let you know where we’ve been since we were in this room last October.”

Conceptual images displayed at the press conference showed the overall plans for the entertainment complex that would be developed in three phases and located right off I-20 near Independence Stadium and the State Fair Grounds.

“Part of the reason I’m more optimistic is because we’ve got a whole lot more information now (than back in October),” said Arceneaux. “REV has stepped up to the plate to develop that information.

“I did not know what public investment was being asked. Now I know it’s a really big public investment.”

Arceneaux said two things must be determined – the feasibility of the project and how it can be done without issuing general obligation bonds. The mayor said he could guarantee there would be no tax increases to build the project.

“There will be no general bonds and no property taxes,” he said.

The City of Shreveport is conducting a feasibility study on the plan. Once the study is completed, construction would begin on Phase I, which would include the ballpark. Future plans for the mixed-use development also include restaurants, bars and a hotel.

And what baseball team would be playing in the new ballpark?

“We would either buy a team and move it here,” said Decker, “or create and operate our own team here. Most likely, it would be a high-level independent league team.”

When asked for an update about the status of  the city’s former home for minor league baseball, dilapidated Fair Grounds Field, Arceneaux said demolition was in limbo because it remained in the litigation process.

“The outcome of litigation is still pending,” he said, “but I’m 100 percent confident that if we do this deal with REV, it will be demolished.”

Contact Harriet at sbjharriet@gmail.com


A reason to celebrate 100 different ways for the legendary Sibley Raiders

When you think about it – even four decades later – it’s still incredible to think that a team from a tiny town in Webster Parish won 100 games. Some schools have a hard time winning 100 in a decade. The Sibley Raiders won 100 the hard way.

In a row.

And in a way, the symmetry of it all makes it even better. Not 93 in a row or a 103 in a row.

A perfect 100. Easy to remember.

Of course, who could forget what the Sibley Raiders did in the late 1970s and early 1980s? Certainly not those involved, and they will get together Saturday as part of the Celebration of Champions at the Minden REC.

They need not worry about being forgotten, because it will be a long time before their accomplishment gets matched. For that matter, it’s probably not a good idea to hold your breath waiting for anybody else to even come close.

The Raiders were state champions in 1978-79, then went 58-0 on the way to another state championship in 1979-80. They kept it going into a third season before losing to next-door-neighbor Doyline on Nov. 22, 1980 – in Sibley’s own tournament.

But to be sure, it wasn’t by accident.

“We had passion,” says Willie Jackson, the unquestioned star of the team who went on to play at Centenary before being drafted by the Houston Rockets. “We loved each other and we were a group guys who lived in the same community.”

Basketball is just what they did. They’d play on dirt courts and nail a backboard to a pole if they needed to, or they’d head over to someone’s house and get up a game.

“That was a special time.” Jackson says.

Which is why they have some special memories. Especially one.

The previous national record for most wins in an unbeaten season was 52 and the Raiders were 56-0 when they entered the state semifinals against Leonville. Sibley was down a point with four seconds to go when the Raiders inbounded the ball, made two passes – and two dribbles – before the ball ended up in the hands of Carl Myles, who sank a game-winning 12-footer just before the buzzer to keep the streak alive.

Everybody touched the ball on that game-winning possession … except Jackson.

Sibley went on to win in the finals 72-61 over Holy Rosary and set the national record.

“To be honest, I really didn’t know how special that was at the time,” Jackson says. “As years have passed, I see it now. It was something special; something that may not be broken for a long time.”

Scheduling restrictions are certainly a reason, but Jackson thinks he knows another factor.

“It was a lot different than it is today, where guys just don’t have the passion for it like they should,” he says. “We loved each other and our success was because we hung around each other and shared the game of basketball. I guess that’s because there wasn’t that much more to do.”

The team got together a few months ago to plan this weekend’s celebration. It is sure to conjure a lot of memories brought back to life.

“It’s going to be an exciting time,” Jackson says. “I’m happy to be with the guys again and celebrate our basketball heroics from back in the day. It’s going to be great to share the fellowship with the guys.”

Contact JJ at johnjamesmarshall@yahoo.com


Top-shelf talent fills SBJ All-Metro boys’ roster

Photo credits: Evans photo courtesy @PKSportsphotography; Roots photo by Rodrick Anderson, Lake Charles American Press.

JOURNAL STAFF

Northwest Louisiana is a talent-rich area when it comes to hoops. This season, boys’ players and teams in the Shreveport-Bossier metro area showed the state what they were about with deep runs in the playoffs.

The 2022-23 Shreveport-Bossier Journal All-Metro boys’ team reflects that talent as all playoff teams were represented. The SBJ All-Metro roster is definitely one that displays the wealth of ability and performance that captivated local basketball fans this season. 

It proved impossible to name just one Player of the Year. The dominance in scoring, rebounding, and defense by Jeremiah Evans and the leadership, defense, and scoring by Tahj Roots were the reasons they share the distinction.

A trio of players from three local schools joined them on the first team. The 10-man squad, plus nine other “Best of the Rest” players, is one of the more talent-laden dream teams we have had.  This is a team that can compete with other all-city or all-area teams anywhere in Louisiana.

Roots, a senior guard, led his Bossier team to a 24-11 record which culminated in a Division II Non-Select state title for the Bearkats, the fifth state crown for the school.

“What makes Tahj Roots a good player is his competitive fire. He never looks like he does not believe that they are the best team and that they will make the plays to win,” said Airline coach Eddie Hamilton.  Roots’ 19.7 points per game, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists were also a large part in the Bearkats bringing the state championship to Bossier City. 

Evans was a key player in the Southwood Cowboys’ resurgence this season.  His 16.9 points and 12.9 rebounds were keys as Southwood went undefeated in always-competitive District 1-5A.  His 6.7 blocks helped the Pokes make the quarterfinal round in Division I Select, where they bowed out to Huntington in an epic contest.

Airline’s Hamilton spoke about the progress Evans made during the season. 

“I think we have only seen the tip of the iceberg of how good Evans can be. As he continues to learn the game and simplify using his size and height, the sky’s the limit.” 

Joining these two stars on the first team were District 1-2A MVP Rondae Hill, the Calvary point guard; District 1-4A co-MVP Decedric Webb, a forward for Huntington; and Green Oaks guard Fred’Travious Benjamin. 

Benjamin, a Jacksonville College commit, was probably the most improved player in the city scoring at a 24-point clip while securing 8 rebounds a game. Webb was the most electrifying player in the area with his transition dunks. His 18 points and 12 rebounds a game helped the Raiders make another Marsh Madness run before losing in the semifinals to Scotlandville, which claimed its fourth straight state title. 

Hill improved game after game as a point guard.  His season also included game-winners in the regular season and the playoffs.  Averaging 16 points, 6 assists, and 1.6 steals a game, he helped Calvary make another run to a state championship game.  They fell short to a very good Isidore Newman team led by coach Randy Livingston and Gatorade state Player of the Year Chris Lockett. 

Justin Collins was our Coach of the Year as he led the Bossier Bearkats to yet another state title in his first season in charge.  His 24-11 record was especially impressive considering that Bossier started 11-9, then had an undefeated district season along the way.

His Bearkats defeated top-rated Wossman and No. 3 Carroll in Marsh Madness on his way to his first state title as a head coach. Collins won one as an assistant at Bossier during the 2020 school year.

The SBJ All-Metro first and second teams were chosen in close consultation with local observers and coaches.  Our “Best of the Rest” were chosen on the same accord with  consideration for All-Metro second team at minimum.

2022-23 SBJ BOYS ALL-METRO TEAM 

First Team 

Jeremiah Evans (6’10”), Southwood, Jr.

Tahj Roots (5’10”), Bossier, Sr.

Fred’Travious Benjamin (6’2”), Green Oaks, Sr.

Decedric Webb (6’5”), Huntington, Sr.

Rondae Hill (5’11”), Calvary Baptist, Jr. 

Players of the Year –  Jeremiah Evans (Southwood) & Tahj Roots (Bossier) 

Coach of the Year – Justin Collins, Bossier 

Second Team

Chris “CJ” Shiflett (5’9”), Evangel, So.

Chris Carpenter (5’9”), Huntington, Sr.

Colby O’glee (5’11”), Airline, Sr.

Jyrin Sowell (6’3”), Captain Shreve, Jr. 

De’kaveon Taylor (6’3”), Huntington, Sr.

Best of the Rest

Omarion Miller, North Caddo, Sr.

Colossians Mason-Jones, BTW, Jr.

Darius Anderson, Southwood, Sr.

Javon Johnson, Bossier, Jr.

Caleb Branch, Loyola, Sr.

Ronald Strong, Calvary Baptist, So.

E’Joshua McDonald, Captain Shreve, Jr.

Marcus Stokes, Green Oaks, Sr.

Greg Manning, Benton, Jr.


Parkway moves into sole possession of first place in 1-5A with baseball win

 (Photo by JOHN PENROD, Journal Sports)

JOURNAL SPORTS

Parkway scored early and often in rolling to a 9-3 District 1-5A win at Natchitoches Central Thursday and is now in sole possession of first place in the district.

The Panthers, now 4-0 in 1-5A, scored eight of their nine runs in the first three innings to run away. Parkway’s win, coupled with Benton handing Captain Shreve (3-1) its first district loss and Airline (3-1) rallying past Haughton, gives the Panthers a one-game cushion.

Shawn Driggers went the distance on the mound allowing eight hits and three runs, while he walked one and stuck out eight.

Barrett Newman highlighted a four-run first inning with a two-run single and finished the game 3-for-3 with three RBI. Trent Lape walked in the first run of the game and later scored Parkway’s fourth run with a steal of home.

Zachary Clute led off the second inning with a home run and was 2-for-4 on the night. Driggers also had two hits for Parkway, now 15-3 overall.

Natchitoches Central scored all of its runs in the third inning on a Brock Laird three-run home run. The Chiefs are now 15-4, but just 1-3 in district.

BENTON 9, CAPTAIN SHREVE 3: The Tigers scored three runs with two outs in the second inning to break a 2-2 tie and handed the Gators their first loss in District 1-5A. Sawyer Simmons got the win working 5 2/3 innings, allowing two hits, one earned run, as he walked two and struck out nine.

Cale Latimer had the big hit for Benton (9-12, 2-2) in the second inning with a two-run single that gave the hosts a 5-2 lead.

Bryson Pierce was 2-for-3, Latimer 2-for-4 and three RBI and Kenner Lauterbach 2-for-3 with two RBI for Benton.

Captain Shreve (12-7, 3-1) scored its first inning runs on a wild pitch and error for a 2-0 lead. Christopher Peyton scored Andrew Sharp with a sacrifice fly in the third inning. 

AIRLINE 6, HAUGHTON 5: At Airline, the Vikings rallied with two outs in the seventh inning to score three runs to beat the Bucs. Noah Littleton’s two-run double to right field scored the game’s tying and winning runs —  courtesy runner Austin Smith with the tying run and Braden Adams with the game-winner.

Collin Wiggins started the rally by reaching first when he was hit by a pitch. Mason Lusk followed with a single and Adams scored Wiggins with a single to pull Airline (9-10, 3-1) within 5-4. Littleton then came through with the game-winner.

Carter White got the complete-game win allowing six hits, five runs, two earned, as he walked two and struck out four.

Haughton (14-6, 1-3) scored three runs in the third inning to take a 4-3 lead and added a run in the sixth for a 5-3 advantage entering the final frame.  Christian Turner was 2-for-4 with a double for the Bucs.

BYRD 12, SOUTHWOOD 4: At Byrd, the Yellow Jackets got the win at home as Lake Lambert was 4-for-4 and Kevin Robinson 2-for-4 with an inside the park home run. Dawson Meeks picked up the win for Byrd (14-8, 2-2).

CALVARY 12, LOYOLA 1: At Loyola’s Cicero Field, the Cavaliers took game one of the District 1-2A three-game series as Aubrey Hermes was 3-for-4 with two doubles and three RBI. Jackson Tedder added a pair of hits in three at bats and drove in four runs for Calvary (9-9, 1-0). Judson Funderburk got the win working three innings, allowing one hit and striking out three. Loyola leadoff hitter Konnor O’Neal was 2-for-2 and drove in the only run for the Flyers, now 4-15, 3-4.


 Airline remains undefeated in 1-5A with softball win at Parkway

 (Photo by JOHN PENROD, Journal Sports)

JOURNAL SPORTS

Airline scored eight runs in its final two at bats Thursday to take a key District 1-5A softball matchup with Parkway 10-2 at Parkway.

Taylor Anne Smith got the win in the circle, keeping the Panthers scoreless as the Lady Vikings clung to a 2-0 lead through the first five innings. Smith finished the game allowing four hits.  She walked two and struck out 14.

Airline (16-6, 6-0) broke things open with three runs in the top of the sixth as Elena Heng’s two-run triple increased the lead to 4-0 and Smith’s sacrifice fly brought home Heng with the fifth run.

Wilson’s two-run double in the bottom of the sixth scored the Lady Panthers’ only runs to cut the lead to 5-2.

The Lady Vikes added five insurance runs in the seventh as Aleena Duran had a two-run single and Smith singled in a run. The final two runs scored on a wild pitch.

Heng had two triples in five at bats with 2 RBI. Ryan Hutchinson and Duran both were 2-for-3.

Hayleah Thornton led Parkway (7-8, 3-3) at the plate with two hits in three at bats.

The win by Airline and Natchitoches Central’s 17-0 romp at Southwood left both tied for first place in 1-5A at 6-0. The Lady Chiefs are now 18-3 overall.

BENTON 16, BYRD 0: At Byrd in a 1-5A game, Northwestern State commit Sophia Livers had three doubles and a triple and drove in four runs as the Lady Tigers defeated the Lady Jackets in three innings. Emersyn Disotell was 3-for-4 with three RBI and Olivia Livers drove in three runs on a two-run double and sacrifice fly for Benton 9-9, 3-3. Byrd is winless (0-15, 0-4).

NORTH DESOTO 15, NORTHWOOD 0: The host Lady Griffins scored 11 first-inning runs in posting the District 1-4A win. Laney Johnson got the decision by allowing two hits in the four-inning game. While at the plate, she added a couple of home runs and drove in four runs. Payton Miller singled, doubled and homered with six RBI and Aly Delafield was 2-for-4 with two RBI for North DeSoto (23-2, 7-0). It was Northwood’s first district defeat (4-1) and dropped the Lady Falcons to 10-5 overall.


Mudbugs ride win streak into Odessa with chance to clinch playoff spot

(Photo courtesy Shreveport Mudbugs)

By ROY LANG III, Journal Sports

The Shreveport Mudbugs have won six straight games; should the streak reach eight this weekend in Odessa, the team would keep its perfect run of postseason berths alive in the North American Hockey League. However, the Jackalopes are desperate – and they have reason to be confident with their playoff lives on the line.

Despite residing in sixth place in the South Division, Odessa has taken four of six games against Shreveport this season. The Jackalopes likely need to sweep the Mudbugs in order to stay in the hunt for the South’s final playoff berth.

“This is another huge weekend on the road,” Mudbugs head coach Jason Campbell said. “We’re in their way right now. It’s going to be a battle. We need to be prepared to go in there and be road warriors.”

Not only can Shreveport (31-14-7, 69 points) make it official for the postseason, it can put some serious heat on Lone Star (32-12-7) for the No. 2 seed. The Mudbugs trail the Brahmas by two points, and Lone Star has one game in hand. 

“We’ve put ourselves in a good situation to make the playoffs, maybe even more up in the league standings during this playoff run,” said Campbell, whose team needs three points to garner a playoff spot.

Odessa swept the Mudbugs on George’s Pond at Hirsch Coliseum on Jan. 20-21. The teams split the last two meetings in Odessa on Feb. 3-4 – both games went into overtime.

“This is a huge time for two really big games this weekend,” Mudbugs captain Garrett Steele said. 

Note: The status of goaltender Nikola Goich remains unclear. The first-year Mudbug was struck in the head with the first shot of Saturday’s game against El Paso and left after 20 minutes of action. Although there doesn’t appear to be a long-term concern, Campbell was unsure about his status for the weekend against the Jackalopes … teammate Simon Bucheler moved into the NAHL lead in goaltender victories (24) when he relieved Goich and earned the win. Bucheler is No. 2 in the league with a 1.88 goals-against average. 

Mudbugs at Odessa

Tonight, Saturday, 7:15 p.m.

Contact Roy at roylangiii@yahoo.com or on Twitter at @roylangiii   


Thursday’s baseball, softball scoreboard; upcoming schedule

(Photo by JOHN PENROD, Journal Sports)

JOURNAL SPORTS

College Baseball

Thursday’s scores

No games scheduled.

Today’s games

Arkansas at LSU, noon

LSUS at University of the Southwest, DH, noon

Baton Rouge CC at BPCC, 6 p.m.

Northwestern State at Oregon, 6:05 p.m.

Louisiana Tech at Western Kentucky, 6 p.m.

Alcorn State at Grambling State, 6 p.m.

Saturday’s games

LSUS at University of the Southwest, noon

Baton Rouge CC at BPCC, DH, 1 p.m.

Arkansas at LSU, 1 p.m.

Northwestern State at Oregon, DH, 2:05 p.m.

Alcorn State at Grambling State, 3 p.m.

Louisiana Tech at Western Kentucky, 6 p.m.

Sunday’s games

Louisiana Tech at Western Kentucky, 1 p.m.

Alcorn State at Grambling State, 1 p.m.

Arkansas at LSU, 1 p.m.

Northwestern State at Oregon, 2:05 p.m.

College Softball

Thursday’s scores

No games scheduled.

Today’s games

Middle Tennessee at Louisiana Tech, 6 p.m.

Northwestern State at Nicholls, DH, 4 p.m.

Prairie View at Grambling State, 3 p.m.

Saturday’s games

Middle Tennessee at Louisiana Tech, 2 p.m.

Northwestern State at Nicholls, noon

Prairie View at Grambling State, DH, noon

Sunday’s games

Middle Tennessee at Louisiana Tech, 1 p.m.

High School Baseball

Thursday’s scores

Benton 9, Captain Shreve 3
Airline 6, Haughton 5
Parkway 9, Natchitoches Central 3
Byrd 12, Southwood 4
Calvary 12, Loyola 1
Ouachita Christian 17, Evangel 4
Northwood 17, Huntington 1
Minden 18, BTW 0

Today’s games 

Loyola at Calvary, DH

Mangham at Northwood

North Caddo at D’Arbonne Woods, DH

Mansfield at Plain Dealing

Saturday’s games

Airline at Southwood

Benton at Byrd

Haughton at Natchitoches Central

Parkway at Captain Shreve

Evangel at Ouachita Christian, DH

Grace Christian at Northwood

High School Softball

Thursday’s scores

Airline 10, Parkway 2
Benton 16, Byrd 0
Natchitoches Central 17, Southwood 0
North DeSoto 15, Northwood 0
Loyola 15, North Caddo 0
Caddo Magnet 15, Green Oaks 0
Wossman 18, Green Oaks 2

Today’s games

Bossier vs. Green Oaks, DH

Caddo Magnet at Loyola, 5 p.m.

Calvary Tournament – Haughton, Airline, Benton, Calvary.

Quitman Tournament – Evangel, Parkway

Saturday’s games

Calvary Tournament – Haughton, Airline, Benton, Calvary

Quitman Tournament – Evangel, Parkway

Schedules are subject to cancellations and postponements.


Byrd basketball great tabbed for Cedar Creek coaching post

BACK IN PREP HOOPS:  Katie Cochran Hall, the star on two straight Byrd High state championship teams 30 years ago, has been named head girls’ coach at Cedar Creek in Ruston. (Photo courtesy Lincoln Parish Journal)

JOURNAL SPORTS 

Former Byrd High School basketball star Katie Cochran Hall has been named the new girls’ coach at Cedar Creek School in Ruston, according to the Lincoln Parish Journal.

She will follow in the footsteps of recently retired Gene Vandenlangenberg.

As an All-State performer for the C.E. Byrd Yellow Jackets, she led the program to a pair of Louisiana Class 5A state titles in the mid-1990s. She was named the MVP of the 1993 state title game the year Byrd was ranked No. 1 in the USA Today Top 25 poll.

She signed a national letter of intent to play for legendary Hall of Fame coach Leon Barmore and the nationally-renowned Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters. During her four years with the program, the Lady Techsters posted a 121-15 record and won four Sun Belt Conference titles.

Hall experienced four NCAA Tournaments. She served as the co-captain her senior year on the 1998 team that played in the NCAA national championship game against Tennessee.

“Cedar Creek has hit a grand slam home run in the hiring of Katie as their girls’ basketball coach,” said Barmore. “They just hired a winner that knows her basketball and how to coach. Players will love playing for her. It’s a perfect fit.”

Following graduation, Hall was an administrative assistant for one year at both Ole Miss and for two years at Tech before being promoted to full-time assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the Lady Techsters for four years. She was on staff for four straight Western Athletic Conference title teams and four NCAA Tournaments.

Hall has been the owner and instructor of Hall of Hoops since 2007, conducting private lessons, camps and clinics for boys and girls throughout the past 16 years.

  • Reporting by Malcolm Butler, Lincoln Parish Journal

Shreveport Mavericks to host Southeast Texas tonight

JOURNAL SPORTS

The Shreveport Mavericks return home to host the Southeast Texas Panthers tonight in a The Basketball League contest at the Centenary Gold Dome at 7:05 p.m.

The Mavericks are riding a four-game win streak with the last three games on the road and have a 4-1 record on the young season. They started the road swing with a 127-109 win at Southeast Texas in Beaumont.

Last weekend Shreveport picked up its third win on the season with a 107-98 defeat of Enid and followed that up with a 117-108 win at the Wichita Skykings. The win at Enid was the second meeting between the two teams as Shreveport got its first win of the season with a home victory over Enid 129-115.

Shreveport is led by the league’s fourth-leading scorer Paul Parks, who is averaging 30.6 points per game. Kadavion Evans is averaging 25.7 points since joining the team three games ago. Jeff Boyd and Jay Hedgeman join Parks and Evans as double-figure scorers averaging 11.0 and 10.8 respectively.

Point guard PJ Meyers leads the team averaging 5.6 assists per game and Winford Ross-Holmes tops the team in rebounding averaging 6.4 a game.

Southeast Texas enters the game seeking its first win after three losses. Logan Hicks leads the Panthers in scoring averaging 24.3 per game with Kealen Coats scoring 19.7. Hicks also tops the team in assists with a 5.7 average per game.

Shreveport returns to the road with a date at Rockwall Saturday.


Repeat feat: Lady Panther duo heads SBJ All-Metro girls’ team

JOURNAL STAFF

The 2022-2023 season was full of action and surprises on the girls’ side. However, while some things changed (like Southwood’s whole team midseason), some things remained the same. In reference to the same, the player of the year and the coach of the year for this year’s version of the Shreveport-Bossier Journal All-Metro team happened to be the same as last season.

The Parkway Lady Panthers won the 2023 Division I Non-Select championship, bringing their first title home. For that feat, Gloria Williams and Mikaylah Williams repeat as Coach of the Year and Player of the Year, respectively, for the 2022-2023 basketball season.

Williams, Mikaylah that is, has garnered all the girls’ postseason awards given thus far this year. She was named Gatorade Player of the Year for the second year in a row, MaxPreps Player of the Year, and Off the Bench Sports Most Outstanding Player to go along with the Most Outstanding Player from the championship game. Her 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists per game led her team to an undefeated district season and a state championship.

“I have not seen a player like her in years. She is the rare young lady who gets it. She sees the value of life through basketball,” were the words of new Southwood coach and former Division I player Cindee Clark. “Alana Beard is the only comparable player to Mikaylah” (in recent history).

Williams is joined on the first team by her teammate Chloe Larry. The 5’6” guard was stellar again this season as a sharpshooter from deep. Her 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals per game were worthy of a repeat first-team nod.

Huntington newcomer Kyndal Graham set District 1-4A on fire with the way she broke on to the scene. Her 22 points and 6 assists per game helped lead the Lady Raiders to a top eight finish in Division I Select and a quarterfinal appearance in the playoffs. She may be small in stature, but her big game makes her first-team worthy.

Graham is joined on the first team by fellow 1-4A foe Carlisa Mitchell of Northwood. The recent Jefferson College signee averaged 17 points this season while dishing out 8 assists per game. She also led the Lady Falcons to a playoff berth this season in Division I Select.

Rounding out the All-Metro first team was Benton double-double machine Marissa Schoth. Her 16.6 points per game and 11.5 rebounds were one reason why Benton made it to the second round of the Division I Non-Select playoffs.

Coach of the year Gloria Williams led a Lady Panthers team that was on a mission to win a state title, and that is exactly what they did. Besides winning the title, Williams led Parkway to a 30-1 record during the season. Last year, Williams stated that the best was yet to come. Indeed, it was.

The SBJ All-Metro first and second teams were chosen in close consultation with local observers and coaches. Our “Best of the Rest” were chosen on the same accord with consideration for All-Metro second team at minimum. 

2022-2023 SBJ GIRLS’ ALL-METRO TEAM

FIRST TEAM 

Mikaylah Williams (6-1), Parkway, Sr.

Chloe Larry (5-6), Parkway, Jr.

Kyndal Graham (5-4), Huntington, Fr.

Carlisa Mithell (5-5), Northwood, Sr.

Marissa Schoth (5-9), Benton, Sr.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Mikaylah Williams, Parkway

COACH OF THE YEAR – Gloria Williams, Parkway

SECOND TEAM 

Sara White (6-1), Haughton, Sr.

Jamar’i Bell (5-9), Huntington, So.

Ty’Lissa Henderson (6-0), Parkway, Sr.

Asia Foster (5-3), BTW, Sr.

Morgan Young (5-10), Byrd, Sr.

BEST OF THE REST 

Zanyah Lefear, Huntington, Jr.

Skylar Branch, Haughton, Fr.

Janiya Vanderpool, Byrd, Sr.

Younique Jackson, BTW, Jr.

Emma Sipes, Loyola, Sr.