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.

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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.

 

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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 

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By Kyle Roberts

RUSTON, La. — Domination. Total and complete domination.

Ruston High showed no mercy Friday night to a Destrehan program that had ended its postseason in four of the last seven seasons by a final score of 44-7 in front of a near-capacity home crowd and Cat Box in freezing temperatures.

“Destrehan is a very good football team, and nobody needs to lose track of that,” Ruston High head coach Jerrod Baugh said. “I just think our kids got out there and they were ready to play. We’ve got so many guys that have been around for the previous two runs to the state championship, and I think the motivation that they gained out of who they were playing tonight led into that. I heard some of the kids talking about getting it back for some groups that had been through here before that hadn’t beaten (Destrehan). It’s a tough program to play, and it’s a program that when I took over, you compare yourself to.”

A nearly flawless scoring first half start with a nine-yard touchdown run by senior running back Dylone Brooks with 7:24 to go in the first quarter to give Ruston a 7-0 lead. Destrehan’s opening drive of the night ended with an interception by Bearcat senior cornerback Trindon Moore at Ruston’s 44-yard line.

“They had been moving the ball a little bit on us and having some success,” Baugh said. “That was a very big play by Trindon, just at the right time. And then it went just like it did last week — we were able to get up a couple of scores, which always changes up what somebody is trying to do offensively. (His interception) was big for us for sure on that drive.”

The Bearcats then marched down the field and scored on a 16-yard touchdown pass from Ruston senior quarterback Josh Brantley to senior wide receiver Joran Parker, who was wide open in the back corner of the red zone to give Ruston a 14-0 lead

The Wildcats’ next drive of the night ended in a turnover on downs on a fourth-and-six in Ruston territory following a huge tackle on the previous play by sophomore cornerback Jayden Anding on Destrehan junior wideout Phillip Wright III.

“(Both Trindon and Jayden) are first year starters, and they’ve played a bunch of games now,” Baugh said. “It’s not like they’re brand new guys coming in anymore. The experience that they got against the quality of teams we’ve played is a very big deal. And when you’ve been getting that experience, you’re able to make plays like that whenever the time comes late in teh season.”

Brooks then took a 44-yard run into the end zone on the ensuing Bearcat possession for a 21-0 lead.

The Ruston defense, stingy for the first two quarters, held the Wildcats to a three-and-out on the ensuing drive and were able to march the ball down the field to set senior kicker Jack Elliott up for a 23-yard field goal to put the Bearcats up 24-0 before halftime.

After kicking off the start the second half, Ruston was able to recover a fumble on the return, leading to a 21-yard touchdown reception by junior fullback Lander Smith with 11:43 to go in the third quarter for a 31-0 lead.

Destrehan drove the ball down the field and got into the red zone for the only time of the night, only to turn it over on downs on 4th-and-goal from the 14 yard line.

Brantley run in a quarterback keeper from 28-yards out on the ensuing drive with 0:53 to play in the third for a 38-0 lead.

On the Wildcats’ next drive, senior lineman Keegan Goldsmith would recover a strip sack fumble by senior linebacker Zander Hayes for Ruston and return it to the Destrehan 15-yard line. Sophomore quarterback Sam Hartwell would get a seven-yard touchdown run with 8:42 left to play to put Ruston up 44-0 and start a running clock situation for the remainder of the game.

Destrehan would finally get on the scoreboard late in the ballgame on a 33-yard touchdown run by wide receiver Phillip Wright, III, for a 44-7 score.

Ruston’s offense amassed 356 yards of total offense against 245 for Destrehan. Brantley finished with two throwing touchdowns while rushing for another score. Brooks led all rushers on the night with 108 yards and two touchdowns.

Ruston will play the No. 4 Central Wildcats on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 3:30 p.m. for the Division I, Non-Select state championship in the Super Dome in New Orleans. And for the seniors on this team, it will be a chance to cap off sensational Bearcat careers.

“It’s pretty special,” Baugh said. “You look at the previous two senior classes — all of them in their own right accomplished a lot of things. And these guys are no different than that. I think they set out to do something that’s never been done here at Ruston, which is hard to do. You look at all the football games and state championships and runner-ups, all of those things. There’s really not a lot of things that you can look at that haven’t been done here. (Going to three straight title games) is something that hasn’t been done. And they take that as a challenge.

“It’s a pretty special group, and another one of those groups that I’ve had my hands on since they were in the sixth grade. It will be hard to watch those guys go. But nights like tonight and then next Saturday afternoon — having an opportunity where you’re in control of when your season is finished is the best way to feel. You’ll always want to win the last ball game.”

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by Malcolm Butler

“It doesn’t make me any damn difference who we play.”

That was Ruston High coach Jerrod Baugh’s response when Kyle Roberts and Nick Brown told him that the Bearcats would be facing Central (Baton Rouge) next Saturday in the Nonselect School Division I state title game.

Straight and to the point. One of the many endearing qualities about Baugh.

Baugh simply meant by his answer that he was thrilled his Ruston team was heading back south for a third straight year and would have an opportunity to defend their title. 

And you can’t blame him for feeling that way after he watched the 3rd seeded Bearcats undress the 10th seeded Destrehan WiIdcats by a score of 44-7 Friday night at Hoss Garrett Stadium.

Ruston brought its A-game in all three phases from the opening kickoff.

And a Destrehan team that had won eight straight games, including outscoring its three playoff opponents by a combined total of 162-74, had no answer for it.

Coming off its 2023 state title game win over Zachary, Ruston had high hopes of possibly making it back to the Caesar’s Superdome this year. And the Bearcats came out of the gate strong, handling a tough non-district schedule on its way to a 5-0 start.

But that’s when these Bearcats showed a chink in their proverbial armor, barely escaping with a one-point win over Ouachita and then losing one score games to talented Neville and Alexandria teams. And not to take anything away from the Lions, Tigers or Trojans, but Ruston was far from stellar in any of those three contests — for whatever reason.

The A-game was nowhere to be found during that stretch.

I wrote after the 63-17 win over Stephensville (Texas) that I thought this Ruston team was poised for another state title. Three weeks later, I was starting to wonder if they would even earn a top four seed. I had thought — and hoped for their sake — that it was just a matter of a mid-season “slump” and that the real Bearcats would wake back up.

They did. And the A-game has returned.

Ruston has won five straight since a loss at ASH on October 25, outscoring its foes by an eye-popping total of 220-35 along the way. Their defense made me a believer in a 36-0 shutout at West Monroe in the regular season finale. And they have only gotten stronger in the postseason.

Bottom line is when Ruston brings its A-game, I believe these Bearcats are unbeatable.

But that doesn’t mean anyone can crown them state champions yet as Ruston will face another Wildcats squad in a week. Baugh admitted he didn’t know much about Central, but he and his coaching staff began the process of finding out more pretty soon after the final horn sounded Friday night. That I am sure.

Central is a member of District 4-5A. It’s lone loss this year came against Catholic (Baton Rouge). They have already defeated three teams from Ouachita Parish on their way to the state title game, besting West Ouachita (45-20, West Monroe (21-7) and Neville (17-13).

Baugh and the Bearcats won’t take them lightly, not with a second straight state championship ring on the line.

If Ruston packs its A-game and carries it down to New Orleans next Saturday, I believe they will be toting another trophy back to the northern part of the state.

The Ruston offense is clicking on all cylinders. The defense has hit its stride late in the year. And the Bearcat special teams are solid.

In fact, I would argue this year’s version of the Bearcats may just be a little better than last years … something I never thought I would say after what Ruston lost to graduation.

However, none of that will matter to the Ruston players and coaches and fans if they fall short of their goal of repeating as state champions.

They will have that chance next Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in the Caesar’s Superdome.

My advice? Don’t forget that A-game, Ruston.

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By T. Scott Boatright

It couldn’t have been scripted any better if it was a movie.

Ruston’s 44-7 semifinal Division I Select School playoff win Friday night at L.J. “Hoss” Garrett Stadium was an outstanding 3D performance — defense, drives, and Dylone — that helped the Bearcats get the “monkey” known as Destrehan off their backs.

Destrehan defeated the Bearcats 17-10 in the 2022 state title game and 24-10 in the 2021 semifinals.

But this time Ruston finally came out on the top, with the Bearcats defense playing a big role as they won the turnover battle 3-0, recovering two fumbles and making an interception that help them build a 14-0 advantage in the opening stanza as Trindon Moore snagged a Destrehan pass to set RHS up at its own 45.

Quarterback Josh Brantley guided the Bearcats to paydirt on a six-play drive that culminated with his 26-yard scoring scamper.

“They had some tempo early trying to go fast and Trindon just made a big — a great play right there,” said RHS defensive coordinator Kyle Williams. “Trindon has gotten better and better through the course of the season. I had a conversation with him the other day because he’s been practicing extremely well.

“He’s continued to show up and make plays in crucial situations and been grinding it out. He’s been a heckuva player for us and made a great play to swing the momentum right there.”

That kind of play was needed for the Bearcats’ defense after they lost LSU signee Aiden Anding right off the bat. Anding didn’t return and was in street clothes by game’s end.

“To have our young guys come in and not miss a beat was really special in a situation like that,” Williams said. “We coach Aiden the same way we coach the freshmen, so the younger guys are expected to perform and get after it. They’re held accountable so when a situation like that arises, it’s not a freak out.

“Darius (Woods) has done a great job, Terry Lewis has done a fantastic job over the course of the year, so I’m really, really happy and proud of them.”

While admitting he wanted the shutout, that didn’t stop Williams from playing his backups and allowing Destrehan to get their lone score shortly before the final horn sounded.

“Getting our young guys in there, getting our freshman linebacker in there, and getting some guys who have played great for the program some rest was important, because we work them really hard.

“But we just don’t play games where we’re not challenged, so blowouts are few and far between and we usually have to keep those guys in there, so having the opportunity to get the young guys in there late — the touchdown to me was inconsequential.”

Williams said he was proud of the way his team faced the quick tempo the Wildcats played with for much of the contest.

“We saw that they did that periodically, so we knew they might do that,” Williams said. “We’ve seen pretty much every type of offense we could imagine, so I don’t think anything would necessarily catch us crazy off guard. But you still have to go out and execute and perform and our guys did that tonight.”

Senior defensive lineman Payton Bell was one of the defensive Bearcats who executed well throughout the game.

“We just stayed focused and stuck to the game plan — knowing where you’re supposed to be and trusting everyone around you,” Bell said. “And it worked well. Hopefully we can do it again next week.”

Bell said finally getting a win over a team like Destrehan, which the Bearcats haven’t done, including in the 2022 state championship game, was something the team not only wanted, but needed.

“It feels amazing,” Bell said. “My freshman and sophomore year we played against them and suffered some hard losses. But I think that this senior group had a lot of built up anger against them and I think we let that all out tonight.

“But we have one more game left and hope we can finish it out with a win.”

Defensive drive wasn’t the only thing fueling the Bearcats.

Ruston’s offense stuck to old-fashioned, Chick Childress era smashmouth football, grinding out yardage on the ground and chewing time off the clock from start to finish, including the game’s opening drive when they the Bearcats marched 65 yards on 11 plays, culminated with Dylone Brooks’ eight-yard scoring scamper at the 7:24 mark of the opening stanza.

“We told the offensive line on Monday that if we could run behind them and move the ball, we were going to stay behind them and keep on doing it,” said RHS offensive coordinator Earl Griffin. “We know all about Destrehan and had revenge on our mind.

“The offensive line worked hard all week and came out here and took care of business and controlled the line of scrimmage. That’s all we needed.”

Griffin admitted defeating Destrehan was something he needed as much as his players did.

“We haven’t beaten them going back to 2013,” Griffin said. “I’ll admit we secretly wanted those guys to win at Airline last week so we could get a chance at them here in Ruston. The team executed what they needed to do, and off to New Orleans we go.”

Brooks played a big role in Ruston’s win, leading the Bearcats with 108 rushing yards on nine carries and scoring two touchdowns, the second of which which was a 47-yarded that culminated with him launching himself at about the 4-yard line and grabbed air horizontally, stretching the ball over the left pylon for the score that put Ruston up 21-0 with 5:50 remaining in the first half.

“Dylone has always been on the verge of breaking out, but every now and then he kind of second guesses himself. But he came to practice on Monday with the mindset that he wasn’t going to be stopped and that carried on over into tonight.”

Brooks said only one thought was flashing through his head as he broke open and raced to paydirt.

“I was just looking at that pylon,” Brooks said. “I knew that I had just had to focus on that pylon, because if I got there that would be a touchdown.”

Brooks said that while the Bearcats did get frustrated with their district season losses to Alexandria and Neville, their focus was strong in the playoff with only one singular thought.

“We had to get back to the Dome — that would make those losses not matter anymore,” Brooks said. “We weren’t supposed to lose those games and we shouldn’t have. We were just unfocused. That cost us those two games.

“So in the playoffs, we knew we had to start focused and stay that way until we lift the championship trophy in the Superdome.”

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by Malcolm Butler

Cougars 59, Jonesboro 43

Cannon Robbins scored 27 points and Jake Terry added 15 to lead Cedar Creek (4-1) to a 59-43 win over Jonesboro Hodge Friday night at the Quitman Tournament.

The Cougars rebounded from a heartbreaking 1-point loss to Haughton Thursday night and did so in impressive fashion.

Robbins made five of the Cougars seven three-pointers, including three in an opening quarter that saw him score 11 points to lead Creek to a 17-16 lead. Both teams netted 11 points in the second quarter as the Cougars maintained their one-point advantage at halftime.

The second half saw Creek clamp down defensively, holding the Tigers to just 16 total points over the final 16 minutes of action.

Robbins scored nine points in a third stanza that saw Cedar Creek outscore Jonesboro 13-7. Robbins and Terry then combined for 13 points in the fourth quarter as the Cougars pulled away for the 16-point win.

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Cedar Creek Scoring: FG (3FG)-FT-TP

Cameron Temple 2(1)-0-5; Cannon Robbins 8(5)-6-27; Brett Bell 1-0-2; Landon Hall 2-0-4; Jack Bell 3-0-6; Jake Terry 7(1)-0-15. Totals: 23(7)-6-59

Score by Quarter

Cedar Creek 17-11-13-18=59

Jonesboro 16-11-7-9=43

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Haughton 61, Lady Cougars 49

Avery Ryan and Taylor Martinez combined for 23 points but it wasn’t enough as Cedar Creek fell 61-49 to Class 5A Haughton Friday night at the Quitman Tournament.

One night after knocking off 4A Northwood, the Lady Cougars (5-2) had hopes of pulling a second straight upset.

However, the undefeated Buccaneers (8-0) proved to be too much.

Shaniya Perkins scored 23 points and Skylar Branch added 22 points to lift Haughton to its eighth straight win to open the season.

Branch netted 14 points in the opening quarter as Haughton raced out to a 22-10 advantage as Mallory Smith and Avery Ryan totaled all the points for the Lady Cougars.

Creek connected on three of its nine three-pointers during the second quarter — one each by Mary Grace Hawkins, Caroline James and Taylor Martinez — as the Lady Cougars trailed 35-21 at halftime.

Ryan scored eight of Creek’s 10 points in the third quarter and Martinez totaled seven of the Cougars 18 points in the final stanza.

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Cedar Creek Scoring: FG(3FG)-FT-TP

Alivia Lee 3(1)-0-7; Mary Grace Hawkins 2(2)-0-6; Caroline James 2(1)-0-5; Mallory Smith 2(2)-2-8; Taylor Martinez 4(3)-0-11; Avery Ryan 5-2-12. Totals: 18(9)-4=49

Score by Quarters

Cedar Creek 10-11-10-18=49

Haughton 22-13-11-15=61

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Courtesy of LA Tech Sports Information

 RUSTON — Louisiana Tech will look to end a two-game losing streak when they take on Alcorn State at 3 p.m. CT on Saturday inside the Thomas Assembly Center on ESPN+ and Sports Talk 97.7 FM.

Louisiana Tech was within three at 20-17 at the seven-minute mark of the second quarter against Baylor before the Bears went on a 22-4 run to end the half and take control of the game before going on to win 98-54.

Paris Bradley led the way with her second double-figure scoring game at 15 points. For the season, Bradley averages 8.3 points and 1.7 assists per game while shooting 33.9 percent. She is one of two Lady Techsters to have an assist in all seven games this season and one of five to average over 1.0 a game.

Jordan Marshall earned her second Conference USA Freshman of the Week honor after posting 14 points and seven rebounds against Baylor. She continues to lead the team and ranks seventh in CUSA at 14.4 points per game while also leading the team and conference with 9.4 boards, ranking 47th in the nation.

The other Tech player with an assist in every game is Jianna Morris. Morris has multiple assists in three straight games. She averages 11.6 points, 3.3 boards, 1.6 assists, and 1.4 steals a game. She currently leads the league with 53 free throw attempts and 41 made free throws on the season, both rank inside the top 30 in the country.

As a team, LA Tech gets to the free throw line 23.29 times a game, which ranks ninth in the country. They also rank in the top 50 with 14.57 free throws made (42nd) and 3-point defense at 25.0 percent (34th).

Alcorn comes into the contest after beating Arkansas Baptist 71-47 on Monday night. Four Lady Braves finished in double figures, led by Arene Iyekekpolor with 14 points. Destiny Brown had a double-double off the bench with 13 points and 12 rebounds.

The Lady Braves get to the free throw line and offensive glass at a high rate. They attempt 19.88 free throws per game, which ranks 68th in the country. Their 14.8 offensive rebounds a game ranks 50th in the nation.

Brown leads Alcorn with 11.3 points, 8.0 boards, 1.9 assists, and 1.8 blocks per game. She has two double-doubles on the season with a 20-point and 14-board performance against Nicholls. She has recorded five double-figure scoring games, including the last three.

Zy’Nyia White, Sharmanye Finley, and Nakia Cheatman are other contributors on the offensive side. White averages 9.9 points, Finley is at 8.6, and Cheatman is at 7.8 and 8.2 rebounds.

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Meet our sweet girl, Blessing!!!

Blessing and her puppies were rescued from Marion where they were being kick at and burned with cigarettes by tenants at an apartment building. Blessing is only about 2 years old and is learning to play like any other spoiled dog.

She is so gentle, sweet, and would be great with any family. She is up to date on vacs and will be spayed soon. Blessing is so grateful for love and has the most soulful eyes. Please come meet Blessing this week!

Please email 4pawsruston@gmail.com if interested in adopting.

*4 Paws will also host Santa Paws in the Park today from 12 p.m. – 2p.m.

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By Wesley Harris

World War II inflicted a heavy toll on the Louisiana Tech family when it responded in force to the call of duty after the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941.

Many Tech students learned of the deadly attack as they ate in the Toliver Dining Hall that Sunday. Virgil Orr, a student waiting on tables at the time and later Tech’s vice-president, emotionally shared that moment with me.

“Students laid down their utensils, got up quietly, and headed out,” Orr said, “and made arrangements to get home to their local recruiting stations and sign up to fight. There was fierce determination on their faces.”

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It was “all hands on deck” as alumni and students joined up and the college pitched in to battle the assault on democracy. Tech gave up typewriters sorely needed by the military. Precious resources were conserved, even to the point of foregoing the printing of a yearbook. An officer training program for Naval and Marine officers took over much of the campus.

But the greatest sacrifice would be in the form of Bulldog lives lost in the South Pacific, in France, and in the skies over Germany.

Even before the war ended, the Tech Class of 1944 began raising funds for a memorial honoring former students killed in the conflict. Recognizing no small acknowledgement of the war’s impact on Tech would suffice—especially with the large group of students who did not return home—by 1946 the effort expanded. Supporters proposed some future building to be constructed on campus be designated as a memorial to these young Bulldogs who died defending America.

A planned new gymnasium was chosen to serve as the memorial. When Memorial Gymnasium was dedicated on January 14, 1953, a large bronze plaque bearing the names of the 122 former students killed in the war was unveiled.

Over the years, the plaque suffered from decades of grime and oxidation, leaving it so black it was nearly unreadable in its high position above the ticket booth in the gym lobby. After construction of the Thomas Assembly Center moved basketball out of the gym, rarely did anyone have a reason to see the lobby’s memorial plaque. In fact, most students who have used the facility over the past 65 years did so unaware of the plaque or why the building was called Memorial Gymnasium.

In 2013, the plaque was removed and restored as part of renovations to the basketball court to honor former Tech coach Scotty Robertson. The weight of the massive bronze panel delayed reinstallation to a place more suitable than the rarely used lobby. Additional support beams had to be added to a wall to permit remounting the plaque.

Now overlooking the basketball court where it will visible to most who use the building, the panel has returned as a memory of the sacrifice necessary at times to defend freedom.

Among the heroes it lists is Lieutenant Gerald McCallum, the first Louisiana Tech student to die in World War II. McCallum was a Marine pilot assigned to a squadron engaged in a desperate struggle to stop the Japanese onslaught advancing on Australia. During an aerial battle with the Japanese early in the war, McCallum led his vastly outnumbered fighter force into the face of the enemy. His bravery and leadership led to the posthumous award of the Distinguished Service Cross, a decoration for valor second only to the Medal of Honor.

The plaque includes the name of Navy Ensign Alva Nethken, the son of a Tech engineering professor. Alva joined his two brothers and a sister in the service but never came home. Killed when the U.S.S. Houston was attacked by the Japanese in the Java Sea, Alva remains with his ship in the deep waters off the coast of Indonesia.

A Bulldog sophomore when the war broke out, Crit Rogers joined up and completed flight training. Rogers had just landed on an aircraft carrier near Okinawa when another landing plane crashed into him. He died just three months before the end of the war at age 22.

Halfway around the world, Lieutenant James Breathwit fought in some of the most brutal ground battles of the European theater with the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne. After surviving the Army’s first ever airborne military offensive by parachuting into Sicily and then fighting up the Italian boot to Naples, Breathwit was killed on December 14, 1943. He rests in peace in the military cemetery in Lazio, Italy.

These are just four of the 122 Louisiana Tech students who gave their lives for their country. They did not hesitate, most dropping out of school to join up to do what had to be done. May the plaque that bears their names always remind us of their sacrifice.

Saturday, December 7 is the 83rd anniversary of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and America’s entrance into World War II.

 

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.

Funeral services for Dorothy Wisterman, 86, will be held on Monday, December 9, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Life Church.LA.  Officiating will be Rev. Chris Witt.   Interment will follow at Kilpatrick Memorial Gardens under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes of Ruston.    A visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:00 am at Life Church.LA.  

Dorothy was born on March 13, 1938, and went to her heavenly home on December 4, 2024.  She was a member of Life Church.LA. in Ruston, LA.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jack Wisterman, her son Joseph Wisterman, her parents James and Ina Massey Booty, 1 brother and 8 sisters.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, sons Jesse Wisterman of Choudrant, LA, and Steve Wisterman of Seattle, WA, daughters Kim Wisterman Phelps of Las Vegas, NV, and Rebekah Wisterman Durham of Prairieville, LA, and daughter-in-law Sharon Wisterman of Houston, TX; 5 grandchildren, Luke Wisterman, Jillian Cannon, Graham Phelps, Sarah Wisterman, Hannah Wisterman; and one great grandchild Ronan Cannon; and sister Dora Jane Sales of Dallas, TX. 

Pallbearers will be Matt Wisterman, Terry Wisterman, Luke Wisterman, Kenneth Dean, Graham Phelps, and John Cannon.

The family ask that memorials be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Online condolences may be extended to the family at http://www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com 

 

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By Kyle Roberts

RUSTON, La. — For the third straight season, No. 3 Ruston High (10-2) will be hosting a semifinal playoff game at Hoss Garrett Stadium.

And with a win, the Bearcats could punch their third straight ticket to the Super Dome to play in a state championship game.

But in the way? No. 10 Destrehan, a team that Ruston has seen in nearly each playoff series since 2020 — and it’s been the Wildcats that have been the victors each time, including in the 2022 LHSAA State Championship game by a final score of 17-10.

”We’ve had some close games with them,” Ruston High head coach Jerrod Baugh said. “We’ve been on the back end each time, but it’s not like they’ve ‘boat-raced’ us or that we didn’t have an opportunity in those games to win. I think we haven’t played particularly well in some of those games for one reason or another. And some of it’s due to how good of a team they are.

”You go back and look at the state championship game from two years ago, it was the first time our kids have played in a setting like that. We had a lot of false starts at the very beginning of the game and never got in tune offensively in particular. I think it’s good that we’re playing them at home. Our kids should be comfortable, and there’s no reason at all for our kids to come out here and not be ready to play.”

Destrehan finished 7-3 during the regular season while winning their last four consecutive games leading into the playoffs. Sophomore running back Malachi Dabney has led the running game through the playoffs for the Wildcats, amassing 600 yards and 11 touchdowns in their three playoff wins. Dabney took over earlier in the year at tailback for injured Shane Ward.

”The thing that jumps out to me watching video of them, most of the time they’re faster than the other team,” Baugh said. “Coach (Marcus) Scott does a wonderful job getting them ready to play. They’ve got really good football players, and they’re always prepared and ready to play. Their speed-game is always at the top level.”

Baugh said the ‘Cats overall had a great week of practice and that from an injury perspective, Ruston should be good to go tonight, including senior running back Jordan Hayes, who went out with an ankle injury last week against Southside after the game was well out-of-hand.

”Nobody has missed any reps (this week), so that’s always good,” Baugh said. “And they seem to be running around better than what they did last week.”

Temperatures will also be near- or sub-freezing around kickoff tonight, but for Baugh and the Bearcats, nothing changes from a preparation perspective.

”It was cold last Friday, so I don’t think we’re going to do anything differently,” Baugh said. “We had a couple of heaters on our side, and the skill guys will have some hand warmers — stuff like that. But I mean, there’s no way to really run away from it. At the end of the day, (the weather) is a distraction that you have to bypass in order to win a ballgame. We still need to execute.”

The game will be a black-out, so fans are encouraged to wear anything black.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on Q94.1 FM and streamed on BearcatNationNetwork.com for free.

Tickets will be $17 for reserved seats and $15 for general admission and can only be purchased through the GoFAN app.

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.

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by Hanna Singh

Ruston boasts a thriving historic Downtown unlike any other, blending beloved historic buildings with celebrated new businesses.

Each year, the heart of Downtown Ruston is celebrated in an honorary breakfast sponsored by Experience Ruston, where the prestigious Main Street Awards are presented to local business owners who make Ruston’s Downtown shine.

The 2024 Main Street Awards recognized four passionate and hardworking business owners for their contributions to the community. Heath and Lisa Hightower of Sundown Tavern received the Historic Preservation Award for their dedication to preserving Ruston’s character. The Downtown Difference Maker Award was presented to Cyndy Drewry of Cotton Top Print Shop, while Jayne Jenkins and the team at Board & Bottle earned the New Business of the Year Award. Patricia Willis and The Children’s Shoppe were honored as the Main Street Business of the Year.

Owner of Board & Bottle, Jayne Jenkins, expressed her gratitude for the support she’s received from the Ruston community and city.

“I’m just so incredibly proud of what we have achieved so far, and to be a part of the amazing community of Downtown Ruston,” Jenkins said. “I’ve had so many challenges navigating through an entirely new business, but I’ve been met with nothing but encouragement and support from the community, the city, my staff, friends and family. I’m incredibly humbled and thankful.”

Owner of Cotton Top Print Shop, Cyndy Drewry, encouraged others to visit Downtown Ruston and experience all that the small businesses have to offer.

“Anyone who knows me knows that I love working in Downtown Ruston. It is a neighborhood of businesses that only want each other to do well,” Drewry said. “Our downtown is beautiful, and we have out of town visitors just about every day to see it. If you haven’t been here lately, it’s time to walk through and see what you’re missing, then get some delicious food and drinks and relax. Ruston is a destination now, so come downtown and see why.”

With Ruston’s ever-growing Downtown area, the college town is becoming quite the destination for travelers. Ruston is the perfect small-town vibe with big-town energy for those wanting to shop, stroll and discover local restaurants. Visitors can experience the love and charm of shopping and dining at locally owned businesses, while still finding an array of unique treasures to take home and delicious culinary delights to enjoy.

Main Street Director and Community Coordinator, Amy Stegall, described the role that local business owners play in shaping the vibrant culture of Ruston’s Downtown.

“The Downtown Ruston Awards honor the incredible merchants who serve as the backbone of our community. Their unwavering dedication goes beyond supporting our local economy, it enriches the very spirit of Ruston,” Stegall said “These are the people who champion our local teams, greet visitors with warmth, and help make Ruston the unique and beloved place we all cherish. Simply put, we are better because they are here.”

The Downtown Ruston Awards not only celebrate the dedication and hard work of the local business owners but also highlights the unique and spirited culture of Ruston. The preservation of the cherished history of Downtown in collaboration with the strong innovation of new businesses allow Ruston to continue to grow and thrive. The businesses and individuals who received the Main Street Awards exemplify the heart of what makes this community so special.

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Delta Broadband, founded in 2013 by Brent Causey, has recently rebranded to Coretechs and will be hosting an open house today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 115 E. Mississippi Avenue in Downtown Ruston. Food will be provided and the public is invited. The ribbon cutting will be at noon.

Delta Broadband (now rebranded as Coretechs) was established to bring reliable internet and digital phone service to the businesses of North Louisiana. In 2020, Delta deployed a residential fixed wireless network to help bring reliable internet connectivity to rural parts of Lincoln Parish during the COVD pandemic.

As of January 2024, Delta sold the residential internet portion of their business and is focused 100% of their efforts on helping small businesses with their cyber security, Managed IT Services, and business internet connectivity.

Most recently, Delta acquired a managed IT provider in Baton Rouge and expanded their footprint even further into South Louisiana. Looking forward to 2025 Delta Broadband (now rebranded as Coretechs) provides premier cyber security and IT services to companies in East Texas, South Arkansas, and throughout the state of Louisiana.

Brent believes that Coretechs “non geek”  personal approach to technology helps set them apart. With the recent acquisition of the Baton Rouge provider, Coretechs now employs 10 technical resources and serves customers in the healthcare, financial, construction, engineering, and service industries. Coretechs is proud to call Ruston their home and is excited for the future!

This is an advertorial

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Courtesy of GSU Communications

 In October, Grambling State University (GSU) recognized its second class of Distinguished 10 alumni honorees, a distinction presented to alumni who have demonstrated excellence in their occupational fields and communities.

Recently, one of those honorees joined her husband in recognizing what being a Grambling State graduate means to them by establishing a $20,000 endowment in their name.

Dr. Cynthia Jackson-Hammond and her husband Dr. James Hammond, both former educators, established the endowment to help GSU students follow in their footsteps toward a brighter future.

“We began our career as educators,” Cynthia Jackson-Hammond said. “We have been teachers, school directors, Superintendents of school systems, higher education faculty, administrators, and a college president (she served as president at Central State University from 2012-20). We offer our resources to an aspiring educator.”

“There is no more important job other than that of an educator. Our future depends on the education profession to prepare children to be responsible citizens and contributors to the public good.”

She said it was important for her and her husband to give back to the university that fostered their success in life.

“Grambling State University is a premier institution that has always been committed to thousands who needed an opportunity to grow, develop, and progress,” Cynthia Jackson-Hammond said. “Grambling State University gave that opportunity to my parents, Milton and Irene Jackson, my sister, Marva Rae McHenry, my brother, Michael V. Jackson and to both of us. Countless family members have attended this phenomenal space and achieved unimaginable levels of success internationally, nationally and within their respective communities.”

“With the success that we have achieved, we have a responsibility to support the many students that have the drive and commitment to be the best that they can be! It is our responsibility to give back and uplift.”

Jackson-Hammond said she hopes the gift presented to GSU will encourage others to join in on the support she and her husband are giving to the university.

“Grambling State University alumni are ardent supporters … but I implore alumni to ask, ‘Can I do more?’ We would encourage you to think about the year that you graduated and give that amount each year,” she said. “For instance, if you graduated in 1980, then begin by contributing $1,980 annually. Be a part of supporting the next generation of Gramblinites. They will make all of us proud!”

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Courtesy of LA Tech University Communications

Louisiana Tech University is announcing Warren Ward as chief executive officer of the Louisiana Tech Applied Research Corporation (LTARC) and executive director of the Louisiana Tech Research Institute (LTRI).

Ward will lead LTARC’s mission to foster strategic partnerships between the University and federal, state, and private entities, with a focus on defense and national security. Ward will also oversee classified research and training at LTRI’s National Cyber Research Park facility.

“Warren is the ideal leader to assume these responsibilities at LTARC and LTRI,” Louisiana Tech President Jim Henderson said. “His considerable experience and unique skillset will help move the University’s specialized research capabilities to the forefront of the nation’s most pressing national security challenges.”

Ward brings more than three decades of distinguished military and civilian leadership experience, specializing in national security, strategic planning, and research innovation.

“I am honored to serve Louisiana Tech, the institution which launched my professional career. I find providing research opportunities for students and mentoring them through my own life lens very rewarding,” Ward said. “I am committed to building relationships with Air Force Global Strike Command and other U.S. defense agencies and industry partners to ensure the continued sovereignty of our nation while simultaneously growing the knowledge-based workforce in our region.”

Ward has most recently served as LTRI’s chief of staff and operations director, where he helped strengthen Louisiana Tech’s ties with defense and industry leaders. His extensive military career includes service as a B-52 and T-38 pilot, commander of a USAF basic training squadron, and leadership roles at Headquarters Eighth Air Force and Air Force Global Strike Command. He also completed the USAF National Laboratory Technical Fellowship Program at Argonne National Laboratory near Chicago.

“Warren Ward is an American hero, an experienced leader, and a decorated member of the Louisiana Tech family,” said Dr. Davy Norris, senior VP for Advancement and Innovation. “To the role of LTARC CEO, he brings character, vision, and an unwavering commitment to our nation’s security. I couldn’t be more excited to have him on our team.”

Ward graduated from Louisiana Tech in 1985 with a degree in electrical engineering and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the USAF. He also earned a master’s degree in systems technology from Louisiana State University-Shreveport in 1992, and he holds multiple graduate certificates in nuclear weapons policy and related fields.

“Warren brings an incredible amount of energy and expertise to our organization,” LTARC Board Chairman Bobby Cockrell said. “We pride ourselves on solving problems for the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and other related agencies. Warren’s experience will further our contributions to research and professional development at both classified and unclassified levels.”

Throughout his career, Ward has been recognized with numerous honors, including being inducted into the Arkansas Military Veteran’s Hall of Fame and sharing the General Omar Bradley Spirit of Independence Award with the other veterans of Operation Senior Surprise, the opening B-52 strike during Operation Desert Storm. He is also a prolific public speaker and writer, known for his contributions on military history, leadership, and patriotism.

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On Thursday, December 5, 2024, shortly after 10:00 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop F began investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash on Louisiana Highway 183 north of Louisiana Highway 134. The crash claimed the life of 29-year-old Damieon Akins of Houston, Texas.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Akins was driving a 2002 GMC Denali east on Louisiana Highway 183 at a high rate of speed. For reasons still under investigation, the GMC traveled off the right side of the road and overturned.

Akins, who was unrestrained, was pronounced dead at the scene. Routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Speed decreases reaction time, increases stopping distance, increases the chance of losing control, and reduces the effectiveness of seatbelts during a crash. Following speed limits and developing responsible driving habits is important to ensure the safety and well-being of all road users.

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This week in Lincoln Parish Schools

The Lincoln Parish Journal is providing our local schools with an opportunity to submit nuggets from what’s going on at their respective schools in order to get more information out on their students, faculty and staff. The information below comes directly from those schools. Any school wishing to provide content each week can email to flynnhl@warhawks.ulm.edu

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High Schools

Ruston High School

It’s a busy week in Bearcat Nation! Tonight (12/06), the Ruston High Bearcats will take on the Destrehan Wildcats for the playoff semi-finals in Hoss Garrett Stadium; kickoff is at 7 pm!

Monday (12/09), the Freshman and JV basketball teams will travel to play against Parkway High School at 5:30 pm!

Tuesday (12/10) the Varsity basketball team will take on Arcadia at home at 6:00 pm, and the Freshman and JV basketball teams will travel to play Parkview, Arkansas at 6:00! 

Also on Tuesday, the boy’s soccer team will play West Monroe at home (Varsity at 5:30 pm and JV at 7:15 pm) and the girls soccer team will travel to Sterlington, to play at 5:30 pm!

On Wednesday (12/11), the Freshman and JV basketball teams will travel to play Ouachita at 5:30!

On Thursday (12/12), the boys Varsity soccer team and the girl’s soccer team will travel to North DeSoto (girls at 5:30 pm, boys Varsity at 7:15 pm)!

The teacher of the week is Ms. Murphy! Ms. Murphy has been teaching for 22 years, this being her 2nd year at RHS. She teaches choir and piano and heads our choir program! Thank you for all you do, Ms. Murphy!

Elementary Schools

Glenview

Glen View Elementary will host the First Grade Christmas Lunch on Thursday, December 19th. All first-grade students are allowed to bring two guests. The times are listed below:

11:00 – Homerooms – Brasuell, Brunson, Nix, L Smith, and Taylor

11:45 – Homerooms – Cobbs, Davidson, Hall, Nolan

We want to invite our friends, families, and community members to our Christmas Programs. The times and dates are listed below:

Kindergarten – December 17th, at 8:30

First Grade – December 18th, at 1:00

Second Grade – December 17th, at 10:00

Hillcrest

In November we hosted our first Hillcrest Fall Fest. Students and their families had a blast playing carnival games and winning prizes.  It was great to see so many families participating in this fun event!

Popcorn and a Movie: Students who met the positive behavior goal for November were rewarded with popcorn and a movie. Thank you to Ascent of Monroe for donating bottled water for this event!

Hillcrest Hall of Fame students for November/December:

Kindergarten: Vivian Bishop, Marvin Francisco, Leson Williams, Julie Garcia, Kingsley Dooley, Aubree Miller, Bella Gouedy, Khloe Robinson, Le’Gend Woods, and Sydney Prophit

First Grade: Charity Boney, Rory Roberts, Ery’Necia Newsome, Wyatt Davis, Emily Sanchez, Khaza Lane, Liam Cripps, Marley Elliott, Neveah Humphrey, and Layla Nute

Second Grade: Abdiel Bueso, Amaria Ross, Jordyn Duck, Calvin Banks, Tiana Womack, Bentley Harrison, Alice Ambrose, Drake Russell, Lea Victoria, Jacob Hammons, Izabella Frost, and Magnolia Key

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19-year-old booked on second DWI

A Denham Springs man was booked on his second underage DWI charge Sunday after he was stopped by a state trooper in Ruston.

Braxton H. Moss, 19, was stopped on West Mississippi Avenue just after midnight December 1 for making several turns without signaling. The trooper noticed indications of intoxication and administered field sobriety tests.

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According to the trooper’s report, Moss performed poorly on the sobriety tests and smelled strongly of an alcoholic beverage. He was arrested and administered a breath test at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center. The test indicated a blood alcohol concentration of .119g%, over double the legal limit for drivers under 21.

Moss was booked for second offense DWI, no turn signal, and open container. Bail was set at $2,500.

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.

Women arrested after police investigate car

A Florida woman and an Arkansas woman were arrested last Sunday morning after Ruston Police found drug paraphernalia in their car which was blocking a street.

Serena Scott, 39, of Tampa, Florida, and Linnie George, 26, of North Little Rock, Ark., were arrested for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia after officers responded to a call of a stalled vehicle on Woodward Avenue at U.S. 167.

A caller reported two women were in a stalled vehicle at the intersection and one had run inside a nearby convenience store. Scott was located in the store and appeared to be impaired. She said she had “smoked some tune” with the driver who she did not know in a parking lot at an unknown location.

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Scott said she asked the driver to take her home. When the driver parked at the red light, Scott said she threw items out of the vehicle and ran inside the store because she was scared.

Other officers found George asleep at the wheel with the vehicle in drive and her foot on the brake. A search of the vehicle located a box containing a glass smoking pipe containing suspected methamphetamine.

George was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and obstructing public passages. Her bail was set at $7,500.

Scott was booked for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia and littering. Bail was set at $7,500.

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.

by Malcolm Butler

Cedar Creek jumped out to a double digit lead, survived a furious Northwood rally behind torrid three-point shooting, and then came up with a late run to down the Falcons 55-53 Thursday night in the first day of the Quitman Tournament.

In the waning moments of a tie game, the Lady Cougars forced a miss by Northwood and senior Mallory Smith took an outlet pass up the court, racing to the basket for the go-ahead bucket with just eight seconds to play.

Northwood (3-5) got off a final desperation three from 35 feet that hit off the front of the rim, sending the Lady Cougars to the victory. It was one of the few three-pointers the Falcons missed on the night.

“On the film we watched on them, I was concerned about them getting to the rim and breaking our defense down,” said Creek head coach Katie Hall. “I wanted to play a zone and see if they could shoot from the outside … and obviously we found out tonight they can shoot from the outside. They hit a lot of three-pointers, but they are just so good at getting to the basket.”

The Lady Cougars (5-1) came out of the gates strong, igniting for 26 first quarter points and taking a 15-point advantage (26-11) at the end of the first period.

Hall’s team then pushed the advantage out to 31-14 on an Alivia Lee driving layup with 7:02 to play in the second quarter.

“I think our defense, our press, was effective tonight and it energized us offensively,” said Hall. “Before the game started, I was nervous. We were pretty chill. It was good to watch the ball go through the basket. It is exciting when that happens.”

Down 17 and looking for a spark, Northwood turned to the perimeter. The Falcons began raining down three-pointers as Makayla Rogers hit four of her six trifectas in the second quarter, helping Northwood close the deficit down to 37-30 at the half.

Creek appeared to regain the momentum early in the third quarter on a Lee three-pointer and a Mary Grace Hawkins midrange jumper that pushed the score to 42-30.

Leading 44-33 after an Avery Ryan bucket with just over five minutes to play in the quarter, the Lady Cougars went ice cold. Northwood closed the quarter on a 15-0 run and took a 48-44 lead into the final eight minutes of action.

Northwood took its largest lead of the game at 53-48 with four minutes to play before the Lady Cougars clamped down defensively, holding the Falcons scoreless the rest of the way.

“This game will be a great reminder as we go through the season that we can do hard things,” said Hall. “I was glad we showed some grit and some determination down the stretch. There were parts of the game where I didn’t think we were being tough enough. I was proud of our team for showing that type of grit.

“We had to keep changing up defenses down the stretch. We went man because they were starting to stall. They missed some shots and we were able to get some rebounds. We were tired. They were tired. I think we wore them down, and I think that was a big factor late in the game.”

Junior Taylor Martinez was the epitome of that grit in the fourth quarter, scoring nine straight points for the Lady Cougars to keep Creek within striking range. Martinez scored on a drive down the lane to make the score 53-50 with 3:40 to play and then knocked down a 15-footer with 2:20 to play.

Her free throw with exactly 60 seconds to play tied the game at 53-53, setting up the final dramatic ending.

“She wanted the ball,” said Hall. “She has the grit. She has the mentality to never never quit. I think our team followed her lead. She made some big buckets. She was very vocal. I couldn’t be more proud of her.”

The game saw just six free throws shot between the two teams.

Martinez led the Lady Cougars with 16 points while Smith added 12 and Lee finished with 10.

Rogers led Northwood with 21.

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Cedar Creek Scoring: FG(3FG)-FT-TP

Mary Grace Hawkins 3-0-6; Caroline James 1-0-2; Alivia Lee 4(2)-0-10; Taylor Martinez 7(1)-1-16; Avery Ryan 4-1-9; Mallory Smith 5(2)-0-12. Totals: 24(5)-2-55

Score by Quarters

Cedar Creek 26-11-7-11=55

Northwood 11-19-18-5=53

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By Kyle Roberts

EL DORADO, Ark. — It’s been all road games for the Ruston High Bearcats (0-4) to start the season, but Bearcat Assistant Coach Corey Deans is only looking at the positives for a battled-tested Ruston team that is still early in the season.

“These kids are getting quality game time experience,” Deans said following Ruston’s 62-52 loss to El Dorado High School. “They’re playing out-of-state games and against tough teams that are state championship caliber teams. So I’m still excited. The more we’re getting beat up right now, the more we’re learning and the better we’ll be down the road.”

The Bearcats took a 25-22 lead into the halftime locker room against the Wildcats Thursday before getting outscored 40-27 in the second half. Deans said that a large part was El Dorado’s adjustments on defense to press Ruston was a major factor in the loss.

“We had a lead going into half time, but they started pressing us in the second half, and I think we ran out of gas again,” Deans said. “We had three guys who scored in double-figures, and we tried to press in the fourth quarter, but we had no legs at that point. Guys were cramping, and they just went by some of our young guys.

“We still need to learn how to close out quarters,” Deans said. “I don’t think we did a good job on getting back and running our sets. I used all my time outs — I didn’t have any to take home with me. We were rushing and taking quick shots, and then we were back on defense again.” 

Sophomore Keshun Malcolm again led Ruston in scoring with 21 points before fouling out in the fourth quarter. Juniors Mason Delaney and Zaterrion Sutton both finished with 14 points apiece on the night. 

Malcolm scored eight of Ruston’s first quarter points, while Delaney scored nine through the first half. Sutton scored the majority of his points in the second half with nine. Malcolm then went on to score 16 second-half points, hitting two threes in the fourth quarter.

Malcolm and Sutton hit all five of Ruston’s three-pointers between the two of them.

The Wildcats’ D. Mitchell and C. Williams both scored 14 points to lead El Dorado.

Ruston returns to action on Tuesday, Dec. 10, by traveling Parkview High School in Little Rock, Ark.

Bearcat Scoring FG(3FG)-FT-TP
Zaterrion Sutton 6(2) = 14
Jackson Murry
Eric Lewis
Branson Perry
Jasen Morgan 1 – 1-1 = 3
Keshun Malcolm 8(3) 2-3 = 21
C.J. Malone
Cam Tims
Mason Delaney 6 – 2-2 = 14
Xaiden Wilson
Phillip Ingram

Score by quarter
Ruston 15 + 10 + 12 + 15 = 52
El Dorado 12 + 10 + 19 + 21 = 62

 

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