by Malcolm Butler
Two of the top Class A teams in the state of Louisiana square off tonight when the Cedar Creek Lady Cougars host the Arcadia Lady Hornets at The Brickhouse.
Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.
Cedar Creek (24-3, 5-0) is currently ranked No. 3 in the Select School Division IV power ratings while Arcadia (24-3, 5-0) is currently ranked No. 1 in the Non-Select School Division IV power ratings.
The winner will capture the District 1-1A title as they prepare to both head into the LHSAA playoffs later this month.
“I feel like it’s where preparation meets opportunity (tonight),” said head coach Katie Hall. “I feel like we should be a confident team because of the preparation we have put in since last April. It’s just an opportunity for us to play in a great game. I think it will be a great atmosphere.”
Although Hall and the Lady Cougars know the importance of tonight’s match-up, they also know it’s not do or die.
“This is why they want to play basketball,” said Hall. “If I can’t get the ready for that then I don’t know what to tell them. I think we will be ready.
“But at the same time it’s not a win or go home type of situation. I feel like both teams have put themselves in great positions for the playoffs to be able to most likely get a bye in the first round and host home games. This game is not the measuring stick of whether this season has been successful. It’s just another opportunity.”
Cedar Creek junior Avery Ryan said she feels her team is ready for the challenge.
“Our mindset is just play our game,” said Ryan. “Push the ball. Play good defense. Defense will be key tonight and rebounding.
“Honestly, I’m not concerned (about the fact we haven’t played a close game recently). I know our team. We don’t give up easily. We won’t back down from a challenge. We have a great mindset.”
Neither Cedar Creek nor Arcadia have had much competition since the calendar turned to 2025. Since the start of the new year, the Lady Cougars have played just one game decided by less than 20 points (a 44-32 win at Summerfield).
The same can be said for Arcadia. The Lady Hornets have only played one game decided by less than 16 points (a 31-27 win over Class 5A Haughton).
Arcadia has won its five district games by scores of 86-9 over Haynesville, 58-29 over Plain Dealing, 52-18 over Glenbrook, 55-17 over Jonesboro-Hodge and 51-4 over Ringgold. Cedar Creek has won its five district games by scores of 53-13 over Glenbrook, 69-16 over Ringgold, 60-37 over Plain Dealing, 60-8 over Haynesville and 50-11 over Lincoln Prep.
Hall knows in order to win the Lady Cougars will have to handle Arcadia’s athleticism and slow down the one-two punch of Ari Williams and DeAsia Alexander.
“Arcadia has two really outstanding players and a strong overall team,” said Hall. “We need to be able to slow them down. They are athletic. They are quick. Their defense may bother us a little bit. We need to take care of the basketball. That and keeping them off the offensive glass are the two keys for us.
“I feel like Alexander is next level. She is 5-11 and has guard-like tendencies. Williams can handle the ball really well, and she is really quick.”
Both teams also have marquee wis over larger classification schools this year. Creek has wins over West Monroe, Bastrop, Northwood, Benton and West Ouachita (twice), while Arcadia has wins over Haughton, Ruston, and Ouachita.
Arcadia’s three losses have come against Parkway, Huntington, and Captain Shreve – teams that are a combined 59-16 this year. Cedar Creek’s three setbacks are against Haughton, Airline and Sterlington — teams that are a combined 61-16.
The game is 24-Carat Cougar Night as Cedar Creek fans are encouraged to wear gold for the games.
Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Admission is $10. Prepurchase your tickets HERE or tickets can be purchased at the door with a credit card (NO CASH accepted).
JV boys play at 5 p.m. and varsity boys will follow the varsity girls game.
