Bearcat fans traveling to New Orleans are invited to a pregame community tailgate Saturday, Dec. 14, from 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. sponsored by Origin Bank to be held at the Opening Act at Champions Square by the Super Dome. Please see the flyer listed below for more information.
Stay tuned to the Lincoln Parish Journal for more information throughout the week on more important information regarding Ruston High’s upcoming championship matchup with Central on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 3:30 p.m.
For three straight playoff games, the Ruston Bearcats have faced an opponent that was more known for the offensive side of the football.
Zachary. Southside. Destrehan.
Three up. Three down. The Bearcats held those three teams to 35 total points in playoff victories.
However, Ruston will face a Central High School team Saturday in the Nonselect School Division I state title game that is more known for the defensive side of the line.
Central has advanced to the title game with victories over three Ouachita Parish teams: West Ouachita (45-20), West Monroe (21-7) and Neville (17-13).
The Wildcats (12-1) are spearheaded on the defensive side by fraternal twins DK and KD Mays. DK is a defensive lineman who has signed with the University of Houston while KD is a linebacker who has drawn interest from some smaller colleges.
KD has 30 tackles for loss and 11 sacks while DK has 25.5 tackles for loss and 8 sacks.
“They are very athletic on defense,” said writer Robin Fambrough, who covers high school sports for the Baton Rouge Advocate. “They have a bunch of athletic guys that they move in and out. Some of them you may see on offense too. What they do is based on speed. They are not big, big up front.
“They are multiple. They want to move DK Mays inside and outside. They don’t want people to know where he is coming from.”
As a whole, the Wildcats
“They are stacked defensively,” said Mario Jerez, who handles the play by play for Central for their home game streams. “They are multiple. You will see some 4-3, some 3-4. They just have stars at every level of the defense.
“DK and KD Mays have both been borderline unstoppable in the playoffs. Those guys are constantly wreaking havoc. Everybody contributes and everybody is good in their role, but the stars really eat. Both corners have been shut down. It’s a very complete defense.”
The Wildcats have held six opponents to single digits in points this year, including in a 21-7 win over West Monroe in the quarterfinals. Only four times (Lafayette Christian, Catholic, Liberty, Scotlandville) has Central’s defense allowed 20 or more points.
Former Louisiana Tech assistant coach Anthony Camp serves as the Central co-defensive coordinator. Camp played alongside Central head coach David Simoneaux Jr at Parkview Baptist.
Simoneaux is in his first year at Central and is leading his third different school (Catholic Pointe Coupee – 2019; Catholic-Baton Rouge 2021) in six years to the state title game.
In the 17-13 win over Neville last week in the semifinals, the Wildcats special teams also came up huge, including blocking two kicks (xp, FG). The blocked field goal with less than three minutes to play was returned 85 yards for the game-winning TD.
“The blocked field goal was not a fluke,” said Fambrough. “They put good athletes on special teams.”
Compared to some of Ruston’s playoff opponents, Central’s offensive numbers aren’t as eye-popping. The Wildcats average 27.2 points per game this season and are amassing around 230 total yards per contest (120 via pass; 110 via rush).
“They are very multiple, but pretty standard pro-style offense,” said Jerez. “They will run a lot of I-formation but will run some 12-type formations with multiple tight ends. You will see a lot of pistol sets with (quarterback) Jackson Fermin, who is a pretty big threat running or passing. But there are a lot of wrinkles in there.”
Fermin is a Nicholls State signee.
The Wildcats rushing attack took a hit before the season when Manny Williams – along with Fermin and wide receiver Kylen Thomas — was injured in a car wreck. Williams, who rushed for over 500 yards in the playoffs last season, sustained injuries that included a broken hip, broken jaw, lacerated liver, and concussion. He missed all of the regular season but returned the past two weeks for Central.
“They were all in a car heading to team dinner and were rear-ended by car going about 55 MPH,” said Fambrough. “It went off the road and rolled into a ditch. When you see pictures of the car, you don’t know how any of those three kids survived.”
Marvin Joseph, who also plays DB for the Wildcats, is the team’s leading rusher with 409 yards and 14 TDs while Fermin is second with 339 yards and nine rushing touchdowns. Williams has rushed for 77 yards and one score in his two games since returning.
“They have tried a lot of things with the running game this year,” said Jerez. “They just got Manny (Williams) back. He has been pretty effective. They have gotten a lot of contribution from Marvin Joseph … those two guys give them a really good one-two punch.
“Recently, they have started running Jackson Fermin a lot more too. He has been really effective in the run game. He broke a long run in the quarterfinal win over West Monroe. They have had to get creative with the running game at times, but getting Manny back is huge. It definitely gives them that dimension they have been missing all year.”
Fermin has passed for 1,550 yards and nine scores with eight interceptions.
Central is looking for its first state title since winning a Class 2A title in 1966.
A Texas man was arrested last week for allegedly committing sexual acts with a juvenile in Union Parish, according to the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Charles Stewart, 80, of Dallas, Texas, was booked in the Union Parish Detention Center on numerous counts including rape and crime against nature.
According to UPSO, the department was contacted in October by law enforcement investigators in Texas who were conducting a sex crimes investigation. Through their interviews, it was learned the victim, a 13-year-old girl, was sexually abused while in Bernice in Union Parish in 2020.
The alleged abuse occurred several times over a weeklong period. Detectives from UPSO’s Criminal Investigation Division then conducted a local investigation.
Stewart is charged with the following crimes:
Aggravated Crimes Against Nature
Felony Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile
Oral Sexual Battery (4 Counts)
Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile (5 Counts)
Sexual Battery (2 Counts)
Second Degree Rape (2 Counts)
Contributing to the Delinquency of Juveniles
Bail for Stewart was set at $1,085,000 by a Third District Court judge.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox.Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
A man and a woman were arrested by Ruston Police on December 4 after they caused allegedly caused a disturbance at a traffic crash scene.
Devon West, 21, of Ruston, and Niani McCoy, 28, of Grambling were arrested on South Monroe Street about 5:00 p.m. while officers were working a traffic crash scene. According to an officer’s report, the two were continuously aggressive toward the other driver, screaming profanities while standing in the roadway. The drivers had to be physically separated from one another.
McCoy and West were both arrested for disturbing the peace. West physically resisted being handcrafted, requiring two officers to take him into custody. West was found in possession of a jar of marijuana and was also charged with resisting an officer and possession of marijuana. His bail was set at $1,000.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox.Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
It was 2017 when I formally decided to embrace what I considered the early arrival of Christmas decorations, holiday movies and all things Yuletide instead of muttering “Bah humbug” when the lights began twinkling and Santa Claus took up residence next to the pumpkins. I even wrote a column about it back then.
In 2024, I’m still pondering the situation because the Christmas holiday season seems to creep into the calendar earlier and earlier each year. And I’m trying to stay true to my self-imposed pledge that one of our Southern A’Chord Chorus songs champions.
Yes, the carol “Christmas Is a Feeling” speaks of mistletoe, falling snow and candles burning bright; a baby in a manger on a cold winter’s night; glad noels, chiming bells and presents by the tree; the spirit of giving in you and in me. It talks of Christmas being a feeling that fills the air, of love and joy and laughter of people everywhere.
Then, at the song’s end, a question is posed: “If Christmas is a feeling bringing such good cheer, then why, oh, why don’t you and I try to make it last all year? Why can’t it last all year?”
As the cliche goes, that’s a good question.
It should last all year. Not just as a feel-good observance, but because it’s associated with the birth of the Savior of humankind. If that shouldn’t be celebrated all year, I don’t know what should be. Well, except for his death and resurrection.
Of course, no one really knows exactly when Jesus was born. It’s nice, however, for the world to slow down for a few weeks – or months – and actually recognize that he did come to earth with the grandest of missions ever. We should be thankful every single day of the year for that.
So today I’d like to look at some Christmas traditions that we hold dear – the ones described in “Christmas Is a Feeling” and others. Let’s delve into their origins and significance.
Christmas trees – Evergreen trees represent eternal life and God’s unchanging nature. The star atop the tree symbolizes the star over Bethlehem, and the tree’s triangular shape can denote the Holy Trinity.
Lights and candles – These bring to mind that Jesus is the Light of the World, who drives out darkness and sin.
Bells – Bells are associated with proclamation and celebration, indicating the announcement of Christ’s birth.
Gifts – Holiday presents echo the gifts of the Magi (gold, frankincense and myrrh) and God’s ultimate gift of his Son. They are an expression of love, mirroring God’s love for us.
Candy canes: The shape represents a shepherd’s staff, reflecting Jesus as the Good Shepherd. The colors have meaning, too: white, for the purity and sinlessness of Christ; red, for his blood shed for humanity.
Wreaths – The circular shape suggests God’s infinite love and the eternal nature of life. An evergreen wreath connotes eternal life through Christ.
Holly and ivy – Holly’s sharp leaves characterize the crown of thorns; ivy’s red berries, the blood of Christ.
Poinsettias – This flower’s star-shaped leaves are said to resemble the Star of Bethlehem.
Snow – Its whiteness designates purity and cleansing, affirming Isaiah 1:18: “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”
The Yule log – This tradition represents Christ as the light in the darkness, carried over from old European customs.
The colors red and green – Red symbolizes Christ’s blood shed for redemption; green, eternal life and renewal in Christ.
Other traditional images that are always near at Christmas come straight from scripture, such as the manager, angels, shepherds and the Wise Men.
So, next year when the Christmas lights begin to glow in October, perhaps we can view these as reminders, not nuisances. They prompt us to carry the spirit of Christmas – love, joy and reflection on Christ’s birth – into every season. After all, as the song reminds us, the message of Christmas isn’t bound by a calendar. It’s a feeling, a truth and a gift meant to last all year.
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Sallie Rose Hollis lives in Ruston and retired from Louisiana Tech as an associate professor of journalism and the assistant director of the News Bureau. She can be contacted at sallierose@mail.com.
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Cannon Robbins and Jake Terry combined for 54 points to lead Cedar Creek to a 63-53 win over Family Community Christian Monday night.
The Cougars (5-1) duo hit nine three-pointers (Robbins – 6, Terry – 3) and helped Creek build a 32-17 halftime lead and never look back.
Robbins netted 12 points in the opening quarter as the Cougars built a 17-8 lead and then Terry scored eight in the second stanza as the advantage ballooned to 15 points at the half.
Robbins then hit a trifecta of three-pointers in the third quarter en route to 11 points while Terry led Creek with eight points in the fourth period.
Drew Carroll led Family Community Christian (2-6) with 15 points.
The Cougars will return to action Thursday when they host Simsboro at 7:45 p.m. in the first day of the Neill Kilgore Memorial Tournament.
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Cedar Creek Scoring: FG(3FG)-FT-TP
Cameron Temple 1-1-3; Cannon Robbins 11(6)-2-30; Landon Hall 0-2-2; Jack Bell 2-0-4; Jake Terry 7(3)-7-24. Totals 21(9)-12-63
Louisiana Tech Tennis head coach Amy Sargeant announced Monday the 2025 spring schedule for the Bulldogs, a slate that features 13 matches to be played at the LA Tech Tennis Complex.
The 25-match schedule is also highlighted by six games against top-75 ranked opponents from last season as well as five games against Conference USA opponents, the most since 2021.
For the eighth straight season, LA Tech will open play at the Hurricane Invite in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The two-day event will feature matchups against Arkansas State, Wyoming, and host Tulsa on Jan. 11-12.
The Bulldogs will next have their home opener on Jan. 25, a doubleheader versus Southern Arkansas and Louisiana Christian followed by a trip to Kentucky where they will face Murray State, Southeast Missouri, and Austin Peay in neutral site matches on three consecutive days.
LA Tech will then have a four-match home stand in the month of February versus North Texas, ULM, Northwestern State, and Grambling State.
Next up for the Bulldogs will be a trip through the state of Texas, starting with a visit to Houston to face UNLV (March 1) and Rice (March 2). LA Tech will also take on Abilene Christian on March 8 and Tarleton State on March 9 in road matchups.
Seven of the last nine spring matches will take place at the LA Tech Tennis Complex, including five against CUSA opponents – New Mexico State (March 21), Sam Houston (March 22), Kennesaw State (April 4), Liberty (April 11), and the regular season finale versus UTEP (April 13). The other two home matches will come against Wichita State and Grambling State.
Sandwiched in between the home matches will be a trip to New Orleans to take on Memphis and Tulane.
The 2025 CUSA Tennis Championship will be hosted by Liberty in Lynchburg, Virginia on April 16-19.
Graveside services for Dr Paul Nolen Hale, Jr. PH. D, P.E., age 83, of Ruston, LA, will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at Wesley Chapel Cemetery in Ruston, LA. with Rev Dana Thrash officiating.
Paul was born in Galveston, TX, on December 5, 1941, and went to his heavenly home on December 7, 2024. He was a member of Trinity Methodist Church. Paul was also a professor and Department Head of Engineering at LA Tech. and a member of ABET, Biomedical Engineering Society, American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, Order of Engineer of La, Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board, and was Professor Emeritus at La Tech University. He was President of Wesley Chapel Water District, was on the North LA Rehab Hospital Advisory Committee, Advisory Committee for Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce and Bossier City Chamber of Commerce and Auxiliary North La Medical Center.
He was preceded in death by his Grandpa and Grandma Wentzel of Texas; his father and mother in law Roligh Andrews, and Cascele Hinton; father and mother, Jim and Margret Carroll, Jr.; uncles and aunts, Walter and Bonnie Feigle and Albert and Charlotte Wentzel; father, Paul Nolen Hale , Sr.; and brother in law Woody Allen.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife Frances Hale of Ruston, daughter Tammy Hale Coberly and husband Scott of Flower Mound, TX, son Eric T. Hale of Baton Rouge, LA; grandchildren Leah Coberly, Spencer Coberly, Lydia Coberly , Katy Coberly, Sean Coberly, Abbey Coberly; sister, Susan Carroll; niece Andrea Rhodes, 3 grand-nieces; 1 great-grandniece; cousins, Margaret and Larry Williams, A.G. and Deb Wentzel; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, family and friends.
Honorary pallbearers are Scott Coberly and AG Wentzel.
Patrick “Pat” Lloyd Cone December 7, 1953 – December 3, 2024 Visitation: Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Ruston, Tuesday, December 10, 2024, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Service: Temple Baptist Church Chapel, Wednesday, December 11, 2024, 1:00 pm
Luther Ceasar Steverson Sunday 04/27/1941 — Thursday 11/28/2024 Visitation: Friday 12/13/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Funeral Service: Saturday 12/14/2024 11:00am at King’s Funeral Home Interment: Saturday 12/14/2024 Following Service, New Prosperity Cemetery, Clay
Lisa Renee Archie Thursday 07/31/1969 — Sunday 12/01/2024 Visitation: Friday 12/13/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Celebration of Life: Saturday 12/14/2024 2:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Interment: Saturday 12/14/2024 Following Service, Hopewell Cemetery, Dubach
CA No. 1 (ACT No. 405, 2024 – SB 177) — Provides relative to the investigative authority and membership of the judiciary commission (Allows the supreme court to sanction a judge upon an investigation by the judiciary commission, and provide that the recommended sanction shall be instituted by the judiciary commission or by a majority of the supreme court, and to provide for the appointment of five members of the judiciary commission)
YES: 176,809 NO: 155,231
CA No. 2 (ACT No. 406, 2024 – HB 48) — Provides relative to the timing of consideration and required information of appropriations bills (Requires that the legislature wait for at least forty-eight hours prior to concurring in a conference committee report or amendments to a bill appropriating money)
YES: 219,040 NO: 112,922
CA No. 3 (ACT No. 407, 2024 – HB 49) — Allows the legislature to extend a regular session for a limited time period for a specific purpose (Allows the legislature to extend a regular session in increments of two days up to a maximum of six days if necessary to pass a bill appropriating money)
YES: 191,671 NO: 140,432
CA No. 4 (ACT No. 409, 2024 – SB 119) — Provides relative to the administration of tax sales of immovable property (Eliminates mandatory tax sales for nonpayment of property taxes and require the legislature to provide for such procedures by law; to limit the amount of penalty and interest on delinquent property taxes; and to provide for the postponement of property tax payments under certain circumstances)
YES: 180,808 NO: 150,392
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An Arcadia man was arrested by Grambling Police last week in connection with his alleged involvement in a kidnapping and armed robbery.
Demetrin Jenkins, 18, was spotted by a GPD officer on patrol on November 29 and arrested on warrants charging him with armed robbery, aggravated kidnapping, and false imprisonment. The warrants pertained to an incident reported to GPD on November 22.
Grambling Police said a woman reported Jenkins picked her up to take her to a beauty salon appointment but instead robbed her and threatened to shoot her. She said Jenkins asked for money, took her cell phone, and sent himself several hundred dollars of the victim’s money over an app.
The victim never saw a gun, but he threatened to shoot her, and she feared for her life, she said, because she had seen social media posts showing Jenkins with a gun.
The woman said that after the incident, Jenkins took her back to her residence. Based on GPD’s investigation, the arrest warrants were obtained and officers had been searching for Jenkins.
Jenkins’s vehicle was searched at the time of his arrest, yielding a bag of about nine grams of suspected marijuana, a Percocet tablet and a Xanax tablet. Also seized were a Chime credit card and several cell phones believed to be evidence in the incident.
In addition to the three warrants, Jenkins was booked for possession of Percocet, possession of Xanax, and possession of marijuana. He is also being held for Arcadia Police which has three charges against him. His bail on the warrants and drug charges totals $161,000.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox.Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
A Farmerville man reportedly fleeing Union Parish deputies died in a crash Saturday night when he collided with another vehicle on La. Highway 33 in front of D’arbonne Woods Charter School.
According to Louisiana State Police, deputies of the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a 2016 Nissan Frontier driven by Ernest Mitchell, 62, for a traffic violation shortly before 8:00 a.m. Saturday night. Mitchell fled and refused to stop.
Lincoln Parish Sheriff Stephen Williams said LPSO deputies became involved briefly when the pursuit came into Lincoln but then went back north on La. 33 into Union.
While Mitchell was northbound on La. 33, a 2019 Toyota Tacoma was traveling south. For reasons still under investigation, Mitchell attempted to make a right turn onto La. Highway 15 at the same time the Toyota was turning left onto La. 15. As a result, Mitchell’s Nissan struck the Toyota.
LSP said Mitchell, who was unrestrained, was ejected from the truck. He was transported to a local hospital where he later died.
The driver of the Toyota, who was properly restrained, received injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The Union Parish Sheriff’s Office requested Louisiana State Police investigate the fatal crash. Routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. The incident remains under investigation by LSP.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox.Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
Each Monday and Friday, the Lincoln Parish Journal will post a list of non-for-profit upcoming events happening in the parish. If you would like to add your event to this list or advertise your for-profit events, please email us at lpjnewsla@gmail.com.
Monday, Dec. 9 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome 6 p.m.: Toastmasters International meeting (Louisiana Center for the Blind, 101 South Trenton Street) 6-9 p.m.: Creative Meetups (Creatives at Work, 301 N. Trenton)
Wednesday, Dec. 11 7-8 a.m.: Veterans Coffee Club (PJ’s Coffee) 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
Thursday, Dec. 12 9:30 a.m.: Piney Hills Quilt Guild (Grace Methodist Church) 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall) 5:30-10 p.m.: Lincoln Parish Light Up The Pines (Lincoln Parish Park)
Friday, Dec. 13 5:30-10 p.m.: Lincoln Parish Light Up The Pines (Lincoln Parish Park) 6 p.m.: Line Dancing (Lincoln Parish Library) 6:30 p.m.: LA Tech men’s basketball game
Saturday, Dec. 14 8:30-11:30 a.m.: Hazardous Waste Material Collection and Recycling (2609 Farmerville St.) 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market Noon to 2 p.m.: Pictures with Santa (Lincoln Parish Library) Noon to 2 p.m.: Community meeting for the animals (Lincoln Parish Library, Events Center) 5:30-10 p.m.: Lincoln Parish Light Up The Pines (Lincoln Parish Park)
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox.Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
Ruston High alum and renowned artist Reggie McLeroy is selling his latest design as shirts in honor of the Bearcats making their march to the Superdome for the third season in a row.
As a professional artist with a decades-long portfolio, McLeroy has partnered once again with Tommy Cline of Tommy’s Tees in Ruston to sell shirts with the design seen below (without watermarks) titled “Back to the Dome Again”.
T-Shirts will be available for purchase Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 10 a.m., and are priced at $20 for youth and adult small through XL, $22 for XXL, and $24 for XXXL.
Sweatshirts will be available for purchase on Wednesday, Dec. 11, in the evening and are priced at $30 for youth and adult small through XL, $32 for XXL, and $34 for XXXL.
A Ruston graduate of 1980, McLeroy has designed multiple shirts, posters and other art media, including a 1990 National Championship poster for the Bearcats and the print “Season of Greatness” to commemorate the 2023 State Championship.
Shirts are available at Tommy’s Tees for purchase at 2305 S Service Rd West in Ruston. More information can be found at 318.255.2907.
A proceed of the profits will go to advance Ruston High School’s football program.
A Ruston man was arrested on December 4 after he allegedly entered a store parking lot at a high rate of speed, causing damage to some shopping carts and a fence before leaving the scene.
Letreal Carodine, 43, was arrested for hit-and-run driving and careless operation of a vehicle after he was located not far from the Dollar General store on U. S.167 in Ruston.
An officer who responded to the store reviewed videos showing a blue Chevrolet Malibu crash into several shopping carts, causing the carts to be pushed into a fence causing damage. The vehicle then drove out of the parking lot and into the lot of a nearby gas station.
Officers located Carodine, the driver. He said he was traveling north on U.S. 167 and then entered the Dollar General parking lot when his brakes stopped working and he could not control his vehicle. Police saw disabling damage to the front passenger side tire and minor damage to the car’s front bumper and passenger side mirror.
Caroline was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center with bail set at $1,000.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox.Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
Caroline James and the Lady Cougars will place twice in the upcoming Neill Kilgore Memorial Tournament. (Photo by Darrell James)
by Malcolm Butler
Cedar Creek’s boys and girls varsity teams will play host to the annual Neill Kilgore Memorial Basketball Tournament later this week at The Brickhouse.
The tournament will run Thursday through Saturday.
The girls side will feature seven teams and consist of a total of seven games while the boys event will feature seven teams and also consist of seven games.
On the girls side, the teams include Cedar Creek, Haughton, Quitman, Saline, Simsboro, Summerfield, West Monroe. On the boys side, the teams include Cedar Creek, Haughton, Quitman, Saline, Simsboro, Summerfield, and West Ouachita.
Kaden Cooper flushes home two of his 11 points in the Bulldogs win over ULL. (Photo by Josh McDaniel)
Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications
Louisiana Tech got back into the win column on Sunday by defeating rival UL-Lafayette, 69-58, inside the Cajundome.
Turnovers were an issue again for LA Tech (8-2), especially in the first half when the Bulldogs coughed it up 10 times leading to a tie ball game at halftime. However, fewer turnovers and better defense in the second half helped the ‘Dogs hand ULL (1-8) its seventh straight loss.
Four of those turnovers by the Bulldogs came on the first five possessions. However, six straight points by Daniel Batcho and a stepback three-pointer by Amaree Abram resulted in a 7-0 run and an early 9-6 lead.
ULL’s Kentrell Garnett got hot right after that, draining four straight triples to put the Cajuns back in front. Meanwhile, the home team would score 16 points off turnovers in the first stanza, including back-to-back buckets to force a timeout by head coach Talvin Hester as the ‘Dogs found themselves down five with five minutes left before halftime.
Bench scoring got the visitors back into it, ending the half with a second-chance layup by Will Allen and a three-pointer from the top of the arc by AJ Bates to help make it a 34-34 tie going into the locker room.
“I thought AJ was unbelievable,” said Hester. “Another guy stepped up. Devin Ree could not go in the second half so we were shorthanded with seven guys. AJ stepped and played big. Not only did he come out and solidify us, he did not turn the ball over. You have to be proud of your freshman playing like that.
“Will Allen was great as well. He was rebounding the ball like crazy. It was a total team effort. We had some really good spurts in the second half where we really guarded.”
LA Tech did not allow a made field goal in that five-minute stretch after the Hester timeout. That stout defense would carry over to the second half as the Bulldogs allowed the Ragin’ Cajuns to score just six points through 10 minutes of play. The result was a 46-40 advantage for the ‘Dogs.
The Cajuns hung around, down just two possessions with 3:50 to play. But, Amaree Abram made a teardrop floater in the lane and later drilled a late shot clock three-pointer for the dagger.
LA Tech was 14-of-26 from the field in the second half while ULL managed to make just nine of its 25 attempts. The Bulldogs would shoot 52.9 percent for the game with four players in double figures, led by Batcho who had a double-double with 19 points and 11 boards. Abram added 12, Kaden Cooper tallied 11 and eight boards, and Sean Newman Jr. recorded 10 points and seven assists.
The team owned the paint, scoring 42 points in the area while also outrebounding the Ragin’ Cajuns, 36-22.
“I was really pleased with the rebounding,” said Hester. “Especially without Devin Ree, we were even smaller. We had our guys pulling down two or three, helping us out. There was an emphasis on our guys rebounding. I challenged the team at halftime to play some defense.”
Garnett for UL-Lafayette was the only Cajun to score in double figures with 23 points.
RUSTON — Louisiana Tech started slow but used a 17-0 run to pull away from Alcorn State midway through the second quarter to come away with a 79-45 win on Saturday afternoon in the Thomas Assembly Center.
Jordan Marshall finished with 16 points and 12 rebounds for her third double-double to lead five Lady Techsters (5-3) in double figures. Robyn Lee added 13 and seven with five assists, while Jianna Morris had 13 points. Paris Bradley had her second straight double-figure game with 11, adding five boards, five assists, and two blocks. Averi Aaron finished with 10 points and five rebounds in her home debut.
“We had a solid effort from our group today and saw some good progress and carry over from some areas we’ve been working on in practice,” Lady Techster head coach Brooke Stoehr said. “The leadership of Robyn this week in practice was tremendous. She really set the tone with her voice and effort. We got stops that led to transition and were able to get some good looks with our ball movement. When we get to correct spots, move the ball and make the easy pass offense becomes much more easy for us. Jianna and Paris pushed the ball up the floor quickly and set the tone for us with their tempo. We got solid production on the boards and in the paint and knocked down our free throws. I am proud of our group’s effort today and seeing them take another step forward.”
Alcorn (2-7) took the lead on the game’s first possession. LA Tech turned it over on their first three possessions but held the Lady Braves scoreless for the next three minutes. Tech finally got on the board with a layup by Bradley at the eight-minute mark.
Autumn Smith stole the ball and gave it to Morris on the fastbreak to give the Lady Techsters the lead. From there, the teams would trade buckets before the teams would combine to miss the next eight shots.
Alcorn would cut it down to one with 2:24 to play in the first before a pair of Isla Airey free throws and a Lee layup gave LA Tech a 15-10 lead.
Louisiana Tech extended their run to 17-0 through the first five minutes of the second stanza. Aaron contributed five points, including her first 3-pointer during that stretch. A Marshall steal led to a fastbreak for Lee to force Alcorn to use a timeout and cap off the run.
The Lady Braves would hit three 3’s to end the half on a 13-5 spurt to cut it to 33-23 at the break. Tech would get a 10-0 run towards the end of the third to extend the lead to 21 after three. They would push it to 28 over the middle portion of the fourth with a 16-2 run before finishing with a 9-0 run to end the game.
Louisiana Tech shot 23-56 from the field for 41 percent, including 7-18 from deep and 26-32 from the charity stripe.
Alcorn finished 19-65 for 29 percent and just 4-18 from long range. The Lady Braves came into the game averaging 20 free throw attempts per game but were held to just nine and only converted three. Maya Claytor and Sharmayne Finley each had nine points to lead Alcorn. Destiny Brown added eight points, eight rebounds, and five blocks.
In a tough matchup on Sunday, Grambling State (2-7) fell to No. 5 Louisiana State University 100-54 at the Brookshire Arena. Despite their efforts, the Tigers faced challenges against a dominant LSU team.
Grambling struggled offensively, shooting 29.4% from the field and 23.5% from beyond the arc. LSU (11-0), on the other hand, hit 48.7% of their shots, including 80.8% from the free-throw line. Aneesa Morrow led LSU with a double-double of 26 points and 16 rebounds.
Rebounding was a decisive factor, with LSU outrebounding Grambling 64-30, including a commanding 27-14 edge in offensive boards. LSU also controlled the paint, outscoring Grambling 58-28 down low.
Grambling’s Halima Salat stood out with 12 points off the bench, while Kahia Warmsley added eight points and six rebounds to go along with three assists.
Grambling State will face Louisville on Thursday, December 12, at 7 p.m. at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky.
Funeral services for Betty Joyce Coleman Joynor, age 81 of Ruston, LA, were held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, December 7, 2024 at Cathedral of Praise Worship Center in Ruston with Rev. Bo Nicholson officiating. Burial followed in the Mt. Zion Cemetery in Vernon, LA under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.
Betty was born in Jonesboro, Louisiana on August 14, 1943. Betty parted from this life on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 into the arms of her heavenly father and her beloved husband, E.L. Joynor.
After Betty graduated from Jonesboro Hodge High School, she went to work at the papermill. After her bag machine caught on fire she promptly quit her job. A short time later, her best friend fixed her up on a blind date with a handsome young country boy from Vernon, Louisiana, named E. L. Joynor. The date was to the Louisiana State Fair where they found love on the midway. They were married on October 27, 1962.
After marriage, E.L. moved Betty from the city to the quiet country life in Vernon. She occupied her time by learning to cook and sew. Things were not quiet long, in August of 1963, Mike was born. Mike was followed by Gary in 1967 and Christy in 1969. She settled into her role as a homemaker and never worked outside the home.
Betty was an excellent hostess and anyone who entered the home was offered something to eat. She was very well known for her tea cakes, cold oven pound cake, divinity, and homemade biscuits. She loved to sew designer fashions for Barbie. Each gown was hand beaded in sequins and pearls. She sold many dresses on E-bay for $300.00 a dress.
Betty was an avid bible reader and attended church regularly as long as she was able to go to church.
After the children grew up and got married, she begged for grandchildren. When the grandchildren came along, she became “Granny”. It was a role she treasured. She enjoyed going to the grandchildren’s ball games and FFA events.
In March of 2016, the world stopped turning when Betty suffered a hemorrhagic stroke in the middle of the night. The stroke affected her right side and left her unable to walk or use her right side. She remained bed bound until she was given her wings. Through it all she maintained her sweet spirit and was Granny to all who helped take care of her.
Betty will forever be missed by the family left to cherish her memory. She is survived by her sons, Mike Joynor and Gary Joynor and his wife Sandy; daughter, Christy Joynor Walker and husband Leo, “adopted” daughter, Deana Thomas; her grandsons, Brandon Joynor and his wife Elizabeth, Nicholas Walker and his wife, Heather, Alexander Walker and his wife, Haley, her granddaughter, Katelyn Rasmussen and husband Brandon; her great-grandsons, Mason Rasmussen, Jackson Walker, Caden Joynor and coming soon Wyatt Walker.
Also left behind, are her sisters, Alice Lee and husband Jeff, Karen Jordan and her husband, Randy and Leann Pearson; along with a host of nieces and nephews.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, E.L. Joynor, and her parents Jesse and Julie Mae Coleman.
The family at this time extends our deepest thanks and heartful appreciation to the extended family also left to remember Betty. They are the caregivers who came day in and day out seven days a week which allowed Betty to remain at home. They include: Haley Walker, Heather Roberts, Deana Thomas, Korri Moore, Heather Walker, Ginny Williams, and Courtney Delaney. The road was not always smooth but we walked it together.
Our family also extends deep gratitude to Shane McVay and his staff at the Green Clinic in Hodge, Mitchell’s Pharmacy and Allegiance Hospice Care of Northeast Louisiana with a special mention of Nurse Kim and Nurse Sonia.
To our work families, friends, and neighbors . . . sometimes we needed a shoulder to lean on or someone just to listen and you all helped meet our needs.
Finally, we thank Bro. Bo Nicholson and the church family for their prayers, and we thank our heavenly father for taking Betty home peacefully, where she is now made new.
“For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1.
Funeral services for Patrick “Pat” Lloyd Cone, 70, of Choudrant, LA, will be held at 1:00 PM, Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at Temple Baptist Church Chapel. Interment will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Choudrant, LA, under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes. Officiating the services will be Dr Reggie Bridges, Rev. Dale Oden, and Rev. Brad Jones. A visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel in Ruston, LA.
Pat was born on December 7, 1953, in Shreveport, LA, and passed away on December 3, 2024, after a brief illness. Pat from a young age exuberated a passion for life and his family. After graduating from high school, Pat followed in his father’s footsteps attending Texas A&M University where he was a member of the “Fightin Texas Aggie Band”. Texas A&M was one of Pat’s first passions that started during his first days on campus and carried on for the remainder of his life. After attending Texas A&M, Pat proudly served in the United States Navy. One of his great joys every year was marching in the procession of Veterans during the Freedom Fest at Temple Baptist Church.
Pat was an entrepreneur for most of his adult life with two career adventures he was most proud of, Timber Management and raising Brahman Cows. Pat was fortunate to travel often and saw many different parts of the world, however, he often said his favorite place in the world was his farm in Jackson Parish where he raised Brahman Cows. For over 20 years Pat worked to become one of the top Brahman Breeders in Louisiana. This is when he often traveled throughout the United States and abroad working with fellow breeders to help grow the breed. There was never a young breeder that he would not volunteer to give advice to or a junior showman that he wouldn’t assist with helping show their animal.
Pat was also very passionate about his faith in Jesus Christ. He often enjoyed sharing his love for Christ with his family, friend, and his fellow church members at Temple Baptist Church.
Pat is preceded in death by his loving wife of 40 years, Zilla Doughty Cone; his loving son Jamison Steven Cone; and his parents Robert Lloyd and Willa Lee Bennett Cone.
Left to cherish his memory are his children Patrick Lloyd Cone II, Robert Cone and wife Ashley, and Samantha Cone; sister, Sheila Gilmore and husband Tommy of Poth, TX, brother, Michael Cone and wife Cheryl of Easton, MD., as well as many nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.
Serving as pallbearers are Bob Davis, Mark Tedeton, Kip Franklin, Steve Brister, and Larry Brister. Honorary pallbearers are Bruce Carter, Ben Gullatt, Don Hogan, Tommy Gilmore, Keith Hammons, and Dr Mark Murphy.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the War Veterans Home, and the staff at St Francis Medical Center.
Dorothy Wisterman March 13, 1938 – December 4, 2024 Visitation: LifeChurch.LA, Monday, December 9, 2024, 10:00 am – 11:00 am Service: LifeChurch.LA, Monday, December 9, 2024, 11:00 am Cemetery: Kilpatrick’s Memorial Garden, Monday, December 9, 2024
Patrick “Pat” Lloyd Cone December 7, 1953 – December 3, 2024 Visitation: Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Ruston, Tuesday, December 10, 2024, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Service: Temple Baptist Church Chapel, Wednesday, December 11, 2024, 1:00 pm
Luther Ceasar Steverson Sunday 04/27/1941 — Thursday 11/28/2024 Visitation: Friday 12/13/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Funeral Service: Saturday 12/14/2024 11:00am at King’s Funeral Home Interment: Saturday 12/14/2024 Following Service, New Prosperity Cemetery, Clay
Lisa Renee Archie Thursday 07/31/1969 — Sunday 12/01/2024 Visitation: Friday 12/13/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Celebration of Life: Saturday 12/14/2024 2:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Interment: Saturday 12/14/2024 Following Service, Hopewell Cemetery, Dubach
