Cooper ready for new era of Ruston basketball

By Kyle Roberts

RUSTON, La. — Toughness. Competitiveness. Structure.

These are but a few of the ingredients it takes to win a state title in any sport. And for new Ruston High basketball coach LaShanda Cooper, these are the essential building blocks for laying a championship foundation for a program.

That, along with learning how to handle adversity the right way, which the Lady Bearcats will have to do against a difficult slate of teams, both in and out of District 2-5A, including defending state champion Wossman High School.

“When you see our schedule this year, you’ll look at it and think that I’m crazy,” Cooper said, laughing. “Most new coaches coming in would probably think to put easy games on here. But I don’t want to give my kids a false sense of hope. I’m not afraid to get punched in the mouth, because with every loss, there’s a lesson. I know what I want this team to eventually become. So in order to become that team, we have to play those teams that have already arrived.”

Having already won two state titles at Northwood Lena in Central Louisiana, Cooper was named the newest head coach for the Lady Bearcats this past May, following Meredith Graf, who saw multiple postseason appearances in her tenure. Last season, Graf was named District 2-5A Coach of the Year after running the table in district play and leading the Lady Bearcats to the quarterfinals of the playoffs.

Given the success that Graf and others had laid before, Cooper believes that Ruston has the ingredients to one day hang its own banners and finally bringing a state title to Ruston in girls’ basketball.

“There’s been some talented players coming through this school over the years,” Cooper said. “I walked in the gym and looked up at the banners and thought “You’ve got to be kidding, right?” That has given me motivation to build this program.”

As far as assistant coaches go, Cooper’s brings her husband Darius Cooper, Shayla O’Neal and Petula Hill from last year’s staff, where they all plan to lean into a defensive-heavy team identity.

“Offenses come and go, but defense– it takes heart to play defense,” Cooper said. “Of course, everyone wants to run fast and do everything they can with the ball in their hand. But my biggest thing is what you do when it’s not in your hand. I want to build a defensive culture here.

“Offensively, we’re going to push the ball up the floor. I don’t like guards that walk the ball, and I don’t like a slow game. I want to take the thinking out, so I love transition and quickness. And then, we’ll hop back into a defensive pressing set constantly.”

Key returners for Cooper will be seniors Kiersynce McNeal, Ella Kate Jones, Jasmine Summerford and Samiya Lewis, though Cooper noted that McNeal and Jones are both currently recovering from injuries. And one of the biggest challenges Cooper faces is replacing the scoring from now-graduated guard Jaliyah McWain, who averaged 13 points and six rebounds a game last season for the Lady Bearcats.

“Jaliyah is one-of-a-kind,” Cooper said. “She was a very special kid. As far as trying to find someone to take that role upon herself, we’ll really be looking for Kiersynce to step up and make some noise for us this year. We’re pushing her to step out of her shell and become a leader. A lot of times kids don’t want to be leaders because they’re worried about not wanting their friend to be mad — all those things. But when you can truly find a leader that can step up and can hold people accountable, that’s a gift. So we’re trying to push her in that direction.”

Cooper was quick to point out that junior guard Journi Douglas will also be contributor one the season gets going — most likely at point guard — and noted Summerford’s approach to the team.

“Journi has gone from not getting a lot of varsity minutes to possibly our point guard,” Cooper said. “That transition is going to make her grow up fast. Jasmine is also bringing a lot of energy to this team.”

Junior forward Courtney Harris is also going to be moving into the rotation shortly after volleyball season wraps up.

“She a good inside presence,” Cooper said. “The transition (from volleyball to basketball) is difficult, but we’re looking for her to step up and maker her presence known in the post-position.”

With a championship history come championship aspirations for a proven talent in Cooper. Even so, she is maintaining a steady focus on how to build a program for the long haul, with her first regular season matchup just days away.

“I truly believe we’re headed in the right direction,” Cooper said. “The girls have really been working hard. And everyone (in Ruston) has welcomed us with open arms. I love the support and the way other programs support each other. I’m loving all the unity, and the transition has been good.”

Ruston’s first varsity game will be on the road against Benton High on Monday, Nov. 18.

See below for roster and 2024-25 schedule.

Varsity Roster