As of now. Or, I wish I knew.
Those are the standard answers to any question about upcoming activities for miles around, and they certainly apply to sports schedules.
It’s not just the uncertainty of when games will be played. Coaches have only their most hopeful intentions when it comes to conducting their next practices.
With the LHSAA state girls basketball playoffs scheduled to begin later this week, the very real possibility exists that teams will play their most important games yet without having practiced since last week.
For boys teams, pardon the expression, everything is on ice, but there’s not as much urgency. The state playoffs aren’t scheduled to start until later next week, when no snow, ice storms or hurricanes are approaching. “I wish I knew” is the stock answer to projecting when practice resumes, let alone about next week’s schedule. Nobody has hope for any boys action this week.
Here’s what is known: Saturday is the target to begin playoff action involving parish girls teams. As of now ….
Ruston, seeded ninth in Class 5A, will host No. 24 Sulphur at 3 Saturday.
Cedar Creek, No. 3 in Division IV, will be at home, on a day and time to be determined, against No. 14 Vermilion Catholic.
Lincoln Prep, 12th in Class A, hosts No 21 Centerville on Saturday at a time to be determined.
Choudrant, No. 12 in Class B, is at home against 21st-ranked Monterey at 2 Saturday.
Simsboro, 17th in Class B, heads down the road to No. 16 Castor for a 2 p.m. tip.
Possibly. Pending consequences of the next 36-48 hours. It’s all Etch-a-Sketch at this point.
While on standby, Lady Bearcats coach Meredith Graf knows her District 2-5A champs aren’t alone. They’re not completely idled, either, thanks to technology.
“We have been unable to practice and haven’t been able to do anything since our game last Friday,” she said. “It’s a difficult situation for the state with the playoffs starting, and everyone is pretty much in the same boat and will have to make the most of it.
“My girls have done that, and have been given film to watch in preparation. At this point, we hope we will be able to have one practice before playing.”
This week is a test of fortitude, and Graf believes her 21-7 squad has plenty in stock.
“Our team has faced several challenges, and challengers, throughout the course of the year that I believe have helped us grow and take shape into who we are now. Every game from here on out will be a test of all the things we have worked on internally and in execution. I believe my young ladies are going to give their absolute best during this postseason, and that’s all any coach can ask for.”
Photo: Coach Meredith Graf – Ruston HS credit