A Winnfield woman arrested in Ruston for criminal mischief saw her charges escalate after she attacked the staff in the Lincoln Parish Detention Center.
Shonna A. Jones, 39, faces eight charges related to her conduct at the detention center after her arrest for filing a false police report.
The Ruston Police Department first encountered Jones after receiving a report of a kidnapping of a mother and son Feb. 27. An officer spotted the alleged suspect vehicle, a church van, and stopped it in the 100 block of West California Avenue. The driver identified himself as a pastor giving the woman and her son inside a ride to the church to receive some assistance.
The pastor said he knew the woman, Shonna Jones, and that she was experiencing withdrawals from drug abuse.
Jones told police she and her son had been kidnapped. Since Jones was exhibiting concerning behavior, Ruston Ambulance Service responded to the scene to evaluate Jones, who became more belligerent. After questioning the son and the pastor’s wife, police determined that no kidnapping had occurred, and Jones was arrested for criminal mischief by filing a false report.
At the detention center, Jones attacked a deputy and had to be restrained. When she kicked another deputy, a Taser was displayed, and she became compliant but later took an aggressive stance and struck a deputy. The Taser was deployed so Jones could be restrained. She was additionally charged with three counts of resisting an officer, battery of a police officer, and battery of a correctional facility employee.
Later in the morning, Jones was being escorted by detention center staff from one cell location to another within the facility. Jones suddenly ran away from the deputies, intentionally departing from the designated area, running into an area of the facility she was not authorized to enter. After a brief chase, deputies regained contact with Jones and attempted to restrain her. According to a deputy’s report, she violently resisted and refused to follow commands, using her hand to grab and claw at a deputy’s throat and neck, causing abrasions.
Jones was additionally charged with simple escape, battery of a police officer, and resisting an officer. Bail for all the charges was set at $62,500.
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.
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Our daughter, Hope, graduated this past quarter from Louisiana Tech. As part of that process, I thought about what commencement message I would share with her. It’s a life lesson message wrapped around a family 5K run when we were living in the Memphis area.
As we walked to the starting line with hundreds of other runners, I asked what our plans were for the race. Hope just looked at me and said, “Win.” I overheard some guys talking about a long steep hill during mile two and thought we needed a real plan and not just an aspirational goal.
As the race started, Hope and I ran together for the first mile. Pam was behind us, running at her pace, taking in all the house designs, and counting the circle driveways in the neighborhoods we ran through. At the one-mile mark, Hope decided our pace was too slow and sped up leaving me behind.
Sure enough, about halfway into mile two, I came to a fork in the road and was guided to stay to the left up a long, steep hill. It was a huge challenge as the hill seemed to just go on forever. Many runners were walking as the hill got the best of them. I finally made it to the top, and the course leveled out and then started a steady downhill descent.
As I rounded a curve with about a quarter of a mile to go, I could see Hope off to my left walking and visibly upset. I stopped running and went over to check on her.
I explained to Hope that we aren’t going back up the hill, but rather we are now going to veer to the right toward the finish line. When she realized the new direction, she immediately took off and left me again.
The moment Hope realized that she didn’t have to run up that hill again, she immediately transferred energy to her legs and began running at a fast pace again. The energy was there all the time. Her mind had shut her body down because of the negative thoughts.
Life Lesson: We all need a plan.
It’s fine to have aspirational goals to accomplish but without a plan, those goals are just dreams. I see this approach all too often and not just with individuals. Organizations are very adept in talking about what they want to achieve, accomplish, or acquire, but very few know “why”, and many have no idea “how”.
The plan doesn’t have to be completely figured out, but you need to identify the next steps to execute.
Life Lesson: There are times in life that we need to sacrifice our goals for others
It’s so easy to get caught up in pursuing our goals, seeking our own desires in life, and missing the people and needs right in front of us. If you want to experience a momentary sense of accomplishment, achieve a personal goal. If you want to experience lasting fulfillment, help someone else achieve their goal!
Life Lesson: Don’t be defeated by the past
Hope saw that long, steep hill that caused her so much pain and couldn’t get her focus off it. She had already run it but was so fixated on having to do it again that she failed to see the proper course in front of her. Her past was defeating her future.
We need to learn from the past and be stronger because of what we have overcome, but not let past failures, struggles, or tough times defeat the future before us. We all need to keep our heads up and look optimistically toward the future based on what we have overcome.
Life Lesson: Don’t listen to every thought
Not every thought that enters our mind is true. Two of my favorite chapters in the New Testament are Romans 12 and Philippians 4. They both talk about the importance of renewing our mind, thinking about positive thoughts, and training our mind to focus above our circumstances. Be careful what you choose to believe! I have found it helpful to talk to myself but not to listen to myself.
Life Lesson: Just keep moving; the finish line may be closer than you think
When Hope had stopped and essentially gave up looking up that hill, she was about a quarter mile from the finish line but didn’t know it. We could hear the music at the finish line, but she wasn’t listening.
Regardless of the challenge you are facing, the key is to just keep taking the next step. You never know how close you are to resolving the matter. Just keep reaching out to heal that relationship. Keep writing, reading, working out, going to work, practicing, and selling. You never know when that next attempt will be the breakthrough you are looking for in your pursuits!
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I wish to quote the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland, to wit:
“I’m late, I’m late for A very important date. No time to say hello, good-bye, I’m late, I’m late, I’m late I’m late and when I wave, I lose the time I save. My fuzzy ears and whiskers Took me too much time to shave. I run and then I hop, hop, hop, I wish that I could fly. There’s danger if I dare to Stop and here’s a reason why: I’m over-due, I’m in a rabbit stew. Can’t even say good-bye, Hello, I’m late, I’m late, I’m late.”
I started this article on Monday early, and I have run out of time. I’m late, I’m late for this very important deadline. So here are my thoughts for this week. Or you can quit now and enjoy the deep thoughts of the White Rabbit.
In the story we call the Prodigal Son, which is recorded in Luke 15. The wayward son returns. He is a broken failure. He has been living large in a foreign country. Kid comes home broken. Dad welcomes him back with open arms.
Allow Dr. Luke to finish the story, “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.”
I want you to ponder the shoes.
The shoes on his feet made the journey to the far country an easy walk for the Prodigal. It is one thing to walk away from dad bare-footed; it is another to put shoes on your feet as you are abandoning the faith and love of your Father. If you are going to keep the boy at home now that he has returned, don’t give him back the shoes! He might leave again. Keep him bare-footed and on the farm.
God’s love does not operate like that.
The shoes symbolize freedom. God’s grace is so amazing that when sinners come back to God, they are granted freedom. Wasn’t it freedom that got them into trouble in the first place?
You are now introduced to the paradox of grace.
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Louisiana Tech wraps up the regular season with two home games this week, starting tonight against New Mexico State inside the Thomas Assembly Center on Karl Malone Court.
Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. and the game can be heard on 107.5 FM and seen on ESPN+.
LA Tech (19-10, 8-8) had arguably its best game of the season this past Saturday, overpowering Sam Houston in a 90-66 victory in Huntsville. After dropping their first five conference road games, the Bulldogs have won three of the last four. It was the fourth largest margin of victory by the ‘Dogs in a CUSA road game and was the biggest home loss for the Bearkats since 1994.
New Mexico State (16-13, 9-7) has been hot and cold this season. The Aggie started off Conference USA very hot, winning their first four league games which was part of a 7-game winning streak. Following the conference wins right out of the game, NM State had a stretch of losing six of its next seven games.
However, the Aggies have found success again by winning four of their last five including a 65-47 victory against WKU this past Saturday. It was the fewest points allowed by NM State this season, holding the Hilltoppers to just 26.9 percent shooting from the field. With two league games left, the Aggies find themselves alone in fourth in the CUSA standings with a 9-7 mark.
LA Tech trails in the all-time series versus New Mexico State, 17-6. The Aggies have dominated the series, winning 16 of the first 20 matchups before the Bulldogs swept the series last season. NM State won for the 17th time in the series back on Jan. 4 in Las Cruces, handing LA Tech its biggest CUSA loss in program history.
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Lady Techsters at NMSU
Louisiana Tech starts the final road trip of the regular season when the Lady Techsters travel to New Mexico State tonight. The game will tip off at 7 p.m. CT in the Pan American Center on ESPN+.
It can also be heard on 97.7 FM.
Louisiana Tech (14-13, 7-9) out the home schedule with a dominating 76-55 win over Sam Houston. Paris Bradley had a masterful performance with 25 points, five rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Jianna Morris contributed 20 points to give the Lady Techsters two players to score 20+ points for the first time since 2023. Robyn Lee had 12 points and seven boards, while Jordan Marshall had a double-double with 11 and 10.
New Mexico State (15-14, 8-8) is coming off two road losses to Middle Tennessee and Western Kentucky. The Aggies rely heavily on Molly Kaiser, who was held to just 10 points in the two games.
Kaiser has been one of the top scorers in the country at 20.3 points a game. The grad student shoots 47.7 percent from the field, 35.3 from behind the arc, and 82.0 from the free throw line. She has scored double figures in 26 games this season, with 15 games of 20+ and five games of over 30 points. Kaiser also leads NM State with 2.3 assists per game and is second with 1.8 steals.
LA Tech leads the all-time series 18-5, including a win at home over the Aggies earlier this season.
The Bulldogs handled business again Wednesday night by taking down the Nicholls Colonels, 10-0, for a second-straight seven-inning run-rule shutout.
Tech defeated the Colonels 19-0 in seven innings on Tuesday night.
It was the first time the Bulldogs recorded consecutive shutouts since shutting out Army and Creighton on March 1 and 2 during the 2024 season. It is the first time shutting out the same opponent in consecutive games since the ‘Dogs did it against Tulane on March 19 and March 20 during the 2021 season.
“29-0 these last two nights is a good recipe for winning, and it comes at a much-needed time,” said head coach Lane Burroughs. “We’ve been scuffling a little bit-we talked about it last night, talked about it with our team the other day that this is nothing new to us. It seems like every year we’ve been 6-5, 5-4 or whatever [to start the season], and we needed these two wins. Double midweeks are tough.”
Luke Nichols shined again on the home mound in his start, tossing five scoreless innings allowing just one walk and two hits with a pair of strikeouts. His performance was the third time since arriving to Ruston that he threw at least five innings with no runs allowed.
Tech jumped to a 2-0 lead in the opening frame after Sebastian Mexico opened up with a two-run base hit with the bases loaded. The Bulldogs then exploded for six runs in the second. After Trey Hawsey drew a walk to lead off the inning, Will Safford reached on a fielder’s choice before the Nicholls shortstop overthrew his second baseman to attempt the force out on Hawsey. The ball went wide and allowed the runners to advance to second and third with no outs.
Cade Patterson drove in both of those runs on a base hit up the middle before a bunt single by Garrison Berkley and a walk by Colton Coates loaded the bases for Tech yet again. Zeb Ruddell then delivered a pair of runs on a base hit before Safford drew a bases-loaded walk to make it an 8-0 game.
Safford extended the advantage to nine runs after a groundout in the fourth before Coates walked it off and secured the run-rule victory in the seventh.
Landon Fontenot recorded his first collegiate appearance and strikeout after relieving Nichols in the sixth inning.
The Bulldogs close out their nine-game homestand with a three-game weekend series against South Alabama, with the series opener slated for a 4 p.m. CT first pitch on Friday, March 7 at the Love Shack.
Services for Edgar Allen Tuten will be held at 2:30 pm on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Trinity Methodist Church in Ruston. Visitation will be prior to the service from 1:00 P.M. to 2:30 P.M. at Trinity Methodist Church. Interment will be a private family burial.
Edgar Allen Tuten was born on September 15, 1944, in Brenham, Texas, to Mildred and Joe Tuten and was welcomed into his heavenly home on March 2, 2025. Allen was born loving all things outdoors and working with his hands. If you gave him a hammer and a saw, he would start creating. Digging in the dirt was also a passion whether he was looking for arrow heads or planting over 15,000 daffodils at his home. He could expertly identify every tree and plant he saw in his yard and beyond. He had many awards, accomplishments, and successes, but he was best known to all for having a gentle, kind and servant’s heart. He lived his life putting God first, his wife MaryBelle second, followed by his family, friends, and his community. Allen graduated from Ruston High School and attended Louisiana Tech University where he earned a BA degree in Business and a MA degree in Business Administration as well as completing a Hospital Administration Development Program from the University of Alabama, Birmingham. Allen worked his way up from Switch Board operator to CEO of Lincoln General Hospital, retiring in 2001. He was a member of the Louisiana Hospital Association Board of Directors for ten years serving as Board Chairman for one year. He earned Diplomat status in the American College of Hospital Executives. Upon retirement he worked as a part time consultant and staff member for Reeves Memorial Medical Center, and in 2013 celebrated 50 years in the health care field.
Allen Tuten touched the lives of many people locally, nationally, and internationally as a humanitarian volunteer and healthcare professional. This was not a one-time project, but a lifetime legacy of service to others. He gave of himself, his time, and his resources, and enjoyed mentoring both adults and youth to do the same. He had a strong desire to foster these traits in others and modeled a servant heart that he felt was important to our society. Allen’s service and career found its base in Ruston, the community he loved, and from that base his benevolent impact spread to touch all ages, races, and many nationalities throughout the world.
Allen began developing those traits that would lead to a life of humanitarian service as a teenager. He was a leader in his school, church, and Boy Scouts, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. As an adult he organized the first Medical Explorer post for high school students. He also taught outdoor camping skills for his daughters’ Brownie and Girl Scout troops.
Allen’s church was always a priority in his life. He taught fifth grade boys’ Sunday School for two years followed by 25 years as an adult Sunday School teacher. He served as chairman of the Administrative Board, chairman of the Pastor Parish Relations Committee, devotional leader for a Wednesday night study group, an adult leader and teacher of Weekend of the Cross for 18 years, organized the wheelchair ramp construction ministry and completed 14 ramps, led children’s sermons, served as a lay pastor, and volunteered wherever needed.
Through his church and Louisiana Volunteers in Mission, Allen participated in or led nearly 50 construction missions around the world. He is most noted for projects in small rural churches in Alaska. In June of 2013 he completed his 26th trip to Alaska to perform volunteer work. Other mission sites included South Louisiana, Arkansas, North Carolina, the Navajo Nation, England, the jungle of Peru, Costa Rica, Honduras, Panama, Venezuela, India, and the Marshall Islands. Each mission trip project was at his own expense and before retirement he used his vacation time to participate.
In retirement, Allen was certified as an early responder and joined the Red Cross in 2000, responding most often in Louisiana, but spent 2 weeks in New York following Superstorm Sandy. He helped Trinity United Methodist establish a Red Cross Shelter after Hurricanes Ike, Katrina and Gustav. Trinity continues to be an emergency shelter site today.
Allen also has a strong legacy of service to the Ruston Community. He was a member of the Ruston Rotary Club for 50 years. He served as president for 2 different terms and wrote and secured the grant funds to start a backpack program for food insecure students that continues today. He was recognized by Rotary International as a Paul Harris Fellow. A proud graduate of Ruston High School, he has led efforts to strengthen and sustain the Ruston High School Alumni Association and was currently serving as president of the association. Allen was elected to the Lincoln Parish School Board at the age of 30, serving a total of 7 terms in 26 years including multiple terms as Vice President and President. Another gift of his talents to the Ruston community was his active involvement in set construction and theater productions with Ruston Community Theatre. He even performed in four productions earning a “Rustony” Award for best actor in a minor role in 2009.
Allen served on the Boards of the Ruston Lincon Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln Bank, Louisiana Tech Wesley Foundation, Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home, Mount Sequoyah Retreat Center, Lincoln Parish Wildlife Federation, and North Central Louisiana Habitat for Humanity where he recruited over 350 volunteers and supervised hands-on construction. Allen wrote a weekly column for the Ruston Daily Leader entitled, “Sportsman’s Paradise” for three years.
Other special interests of Allen included competing in triathlons, playing co-ed volleyball, making his famous “Grandaddy’s bread,” raising chickens, hunting, and catching his limit of fish.
Honors and Awards: 1974 Ruston Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Young Man (state finalist), Grand Prize Winner of the Peach Festival Cookery Contest, 2007 Rotary “Service Above Self Award”, 2011 Ruston Lincoln Chamber of Commerce “Bill Best” Humanitarian Award, 2013 Ruston High School Distinguished Alumni Award, and December 4, 2024 was proclaimed Allen Tuten Day by the mayor as a result of his significant commitment to civic engagement and volunteerism in the City of Ruston.
The legacy he was most proud of was the family that he created with his high school sweetheart, MaryBelle. They spent 58 adventurous years making memories and enjoying spending time together. They visited all 50 states, more than 60 countries, and six different continents during their marriage.
They treasured their time spent cheering their family on as they achieved success in school, sports, theater, church, community leadership, and their professional careers. Grandaddy was quick to let you know that he was proud of you, and he loved you. He leaves them with lots of special memories and a wide range of furniture projects and other woodcrafts that fill their homes and hearts.
He is survived by his wife MaryBelle Kirkland Tuten; daughters Maribel Tuten Childress and husband Dan, Bella Vista, AR; Maradith Allyn Tuten Boone and husband Dr. Ryan Boone, Baton Rouge, LA.; and his bonus daughter Kim Mulkey. Grandchildren: Marybelle Christine Beaulieu (Gardner) Fayetteville, AR; Christian Childress, Sachse, TX; Jon Childress and Aaron Childress, Bella Vista, AR; Caroline Boone, Ella Boone and Hattie Boone, Baton Rouge; his first Beaulieu great-grandchild expected this fall. His mother Mildred Tuten; brother Jim Tuten and wife Linda; brother-in-law Neill and Barbara Kirkland; and a supporting group of nieces and nephews and a host of loving friends.
He is preceded in death by his father Joseph Daniel Tuten, father and mother-in-law Dr. Neill S. Kirkland and Mary Belle Taylor Kirkland Holstead and brother, Billy Joe Tuten.
Pallbearers: Harry Fristo, Mickey Mays, Aaron Childress, Christian Childress, Jon Childress, Gardner Beaulieu, R. Neill Kirkland, and Jon Kirkland. Honorary Pallbearers: Ruston High School Class of 1963 Lunch Bunch and Soul Food Life Group.
In memory of Allen Tuten, memorials may be made to Ruston High School Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, PO Box 1694, Ruston, LA 71273; Lincoln Health Foundation (payable to) Lincoln Parish Schools Backpack Program (memo line), PO Box 2635, Ruston, LA 71273-2635; and Louisiana Tech University Foundation, Tuten Endowment Scholarship (memo line), PO Box 1190, Ruston, LA 71273.
Funeral services for Roy Wall, 93 of Ruston, LA, will be held Friday March 7, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel in Ruston, LA. A Visitation will be prior to the service from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at Kilpatrick Funeral Home. Officiating the service will be Dr. Reggie Bridges and Rev. Dale Oden.
Roy served his country in the United States Army. He was a Forestry Technician for International Paper where he retired with over 42 years of service. Roy was very involved in the lives of his children as they grew up. He was a Little League Baseball Coach for many years. Roy also served as a Scout Master where he was very involved and influential in the lives of these young scouts. He took them camping and they also served as ushers for the many of the SEC football games. Roy also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and was a seasoned artist where he excelled in sand art. Roy and Betty were long time members of Temple Baptist Church in Ruston.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents James Marion and Claire Carter Wall, and his son Donald Robert Wall.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 70 years, Betty Wall; sons Rance Roy Wall and wife Deborah Williams, Royce Womble Wall; grandchildren Erin McCarthy, Brian M. Wall and wife Katlyn, Conner M. Wall and wife Amber, and Andrew Roy; great grandchildren Meghan Elizabeth, Scott, and Ivan; brother William G. Wall, and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.
Graveside service for Julia Gale McCallister will be held at the New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery in Choudrant, LA, at 11:00 AM on March 8th. Judy will be laid to rest near her mother and sister.
It is with heavy hearts, we announce the passing of a cherished mother, grandmother, and friend, who left this world peacefully on February 27, 2025, at the age of 82. Julia was born on February 9, 1943, in Ruston, Louisiana, and her journey through life brought her to Doyline, where she built a home filled with love and warmth.
She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Laurie Ann Deaton, who holds a special place in our memories. Julia is survived by two loving sons, Larry Douglas Burnett and William Todd Burnett, who carry forward her spirit.
As a proud grandmother, Julia embraced her role with joy, often recounting stories and sharing laughter with her three grandchildren: Kyle Turner, Cooper Burnett, and Reece Burnett. Her heart only grew fonder as she delighted in the lives of her three great-grandchildren, Landon, Makenzye, and Kayley Turner, who brought her so much joy and happiness.
Julia dedicated 35 years of her life to her work at Walmart in Minden, Louisiana, where she became familiar to many in the community, known for her kind smile and helpful nature. She built lifelong friendships during her years of service, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she met.
As we gather to honor her memory, we find comfort in the lives she touched, the stories she shared, and the love she spread so freely. Judy’s spirit has left an indelible mark on all that knew her, and though she is no longer with us, she will live on in our hearts. Mom will be profoundly missed, but her love and legacy will always remain alive within us.
Flowers can be sent to Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston, LA.
Roy Wall March 27, 1931 – March 3, 2025 Visitation: Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Ruston, Friday, March 7, 2025, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Service: Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Ruston, Friday, March 7, 2025, 2:00 pm
Dr. Charles Lawrence Neal January 7, 1943 – March 3, 2025 Visitation: Temple Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, Thursday, March 6, 2025, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm Service: Temple Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, Friday, March 7, 2025, 10:00 am
Allen Tuten September 15, 1944 – March 2, 2025 Visitation: Trinity Methodist Church, Thursday, March 6, 2025, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Service:Trinity Methodist Church, Thursday, March 6, 2025, 2:30 pm
Nancy L. Brown June 28, 1949 – March 4, 2025 Services pending
Tony Lamar Billberry December 18, 1954 – March 5, 2025 Services pending
Cedar Creek celebrates just moments after defeating JS Clark Academy to advance to the Select School Division IV title game. (photo by Josh McDaniel)
by Malcolm Butler
It was a fitting end.
Caroline James’ conventional three-point play with 1.4 seconds to play lifted No. 2 seed Cedar Creek to a 47-44 win over No. 3 seed JS Clark Academy at University Center Wednesday afternoon.
With the Lady Cougars season on the line trailing 44-41 in the final two minutes, Creek head coach Katie Hall had a message for her team.
“I kept telling them to get this one stop, get this one rebound,” said Hall. “Keep doing your thing. Don’t hang your head. Persevere through it. I just felt like they knew it. I knew it. It was just something we all knew. It was an exciting game.”
It worked.
Avery Ryan, who finished with 15 points and a career-high 19 rebounds, hit a layup with one minute to play to close the deficit to 44-43. After a turnover by JS Clark on the ensuing possession, Ryan drew a foul after pulling down an offensive rebound and sank 1-of-2 free throws with 27 seconds to play to tie the game at 44-44.
“We knew it was going to be a tough game, and we were going to have to battle,” said Ryan. “But we trust each other. No matter what we always stay together.”
The Bulldogs called a timeout with 22 seconds to play to set up the final possession.
It didn’t work.
A missed shot with 15 seconds to play found the hands of Ryan — her 19th board — who made an outlet pass to junior point guard Taylor Martinez. Instead of calling a timeout, Hall allowed her team to work in transition.
Martinez, who was hounded for much of the game by the JS Clark guards, drove into the lane, found James under the basket who then kissed it off the glass while drawing a foul.
The assist by Martinez on the game-winning play highlighted a game that saw her under heavy pressure for all 32 minutes.
“If you are a point guard, you are going to have turnovers,” said Ryan. “Turnovers are a part of the game. her making that last pass … we all trusted (Taylor). We all trusted her this game. We all trusted each other. If someone wasn’t going to do it, someone else was going to do it. We just trust each other.”
James, who ended with eight points and four rebounds, calmly sank the free throw to push the lead to 47-44. The Bulldogs then inbounded the ball and never got off a desperation heave before the final horn sounded, sending the Lady Cougars into a celebration at half court.
“I think we have gotten to this point by trusting our teammates,” said Hall. “I think it came through at the end. We shared the ball. There were a lot of turnovers. A lot of unforced turnovers, but we are resilient. We didn’t hang our heads or let it bog us down.”
Creek (29-3), which will play in the state title game for only the second time since joining the LHSAA ranks, got off to a strong start.
With both teams utilizing a full-court press, Cedar Creek was able to get some open look in transition as the Lady Cougars built a 12-6 lead when Ryan hit a shot off the glass with 2:27 to play in the opening quarter. It forced the Bulldogs into burning their second timeout of the first six minutes of play.
“I really wasn’t sure how (our press would be) on a large court,” said Hall. “Could we sustain it for a whole game? How would they handle it? It gave us a few possessions early, and I was like, ‘hmm? Maybe we stick with this.’
“And the girls were loving it. They were wanting it too. I’m glad they had enough gas in their tank to sustain it, and then be able to persevere in the fourth quarter.”
After JS Clark phenom point guard Taylor Barnaba converted a conventional three-point play with 49 seconds to play in the first quarter to close the deficit to 12-11, Cedar Creek scored the final five points on a three-pointer by Mallory Smith and a short corner jumper by Martinez.
Creek led 19-15 early in the second quarter when sophomore guard Mary Grace Hawkins provided a spark off the bench. Hawkins converted a three-point play and then on Creek’s next possession, drove through the lane and scored to up the lead to 24-15.
Ryan then scored five points over the next 30 seconds as Creek led 29-17 midway through the second quarter.
“Did you see her run the court,” said Hall when asked about Ryan’s performance. “Did you see her block that shot and run into the cameraman? These are things that she can do to change a game. In the paint she bothers a lot of shots. The way she runs the floor is phenomenal. She is fun to watch when she does that.”
Down 12, JS Clark finished the half strong. The Bulldogs used an 11-0 run over the final four minutes as Tristanie Albert scored seven of the points. Creek led just 29-28 at the break.
The third quarter was back and forth as the two teams exchanged leads.
Barnaba, who scored nine points in the opening quarter, was held in check the rest of the night as James shadowed the jitterbug point guard from one end of the court to the other.
Hall credited James for limiting the Bulldogs marquee scorer.
“Caroline James,” said Hall. “She is a force to be reckoned with when she gets her engine going. (Slowing her down) was our emphasis all week. We felt like it was a big key to this game. Caroline was up for the job, and I thought she did a great job.”
Trailing 37-36 entering the final eight minutes of play, Cedar Creek continued to utilize its full-court press and kept JS Clark quiet on the offensive end.
Lee scored four quick points early in the fourth quarter to give the Lady Cougars a 40-37 lead with just over six minutes to play. But then Creek went cold, not scoring another point until Hawkins hit 1-of-3- free throws with 2:15 to play to close the deficit to 42-41.
The Bulldogs then answered with a bucket with 1:45 to play to up the advantage to 44-41, setting up the dramatic ending.
Hall pointed to wins over Arcadia and Hamilton Christian late in the season, plus games against higher classification teams in November and December, in preparing her team for the close contest.
“(Those games) were so big,” said Hall. “I even go back to games against Airline and Benton. I can say, ‘Hey, remember when?’ We did those things. We did our things. We continue to prove to each other and to ourselves and to our community that we are good.”
“Beating a good team gives us a lot of confidence that we can compete with good teams, and that we are a good team,” said Lee, who ended with 10 points and 12 rebounds.
Creek outrebounded JS Clark 46-33 which allowed the Lady Cougars to overcome 23 turnovers which led to 19 points by the Bulldogs.
“That’s a great team,” said Hall. “I felt like we needed to play our best to beat them.”
Cedar Creek will now face No. 1 seed Southern Lab Saturday at 12 p.m. with a state title on the line. Southern Lab defeated OCS 68-16 in the second semifinal game of the day.
(LPSB honored Ruston High National Merit Finalists and their families)
By Kyle Roberts
RUSTON, La. — The Lincoln Parish School Board met for its March 2025 gathering to honor Ruston High School’s National Merit Finalists and set a week in April to honor support personnel in the parish among other items.
The meeting was opened up with the RHS National Merit Finalists in Anhaar Wasi, Cedric Serio, Lydia Watts and Carter Tims, who were presented with plaques for there accomplishments.
“We definitely wanted to congratulate our national merit finalists,” Lincoln Parish School Board Superintendent Ricky Durrett said. “Becoming a national merit finalist takes hard work on the part of the student, teachers, schools, and great support from their parents. We appreciate the job everybody does with the students and congratulations on a great honor.”
Lincoln Parish Schools Auxiliary Supervisor Ricky Edmiston the proposed a resolution to designate April 22-25, 2025, as Support Personnel Week. The vote was passed.
“Each year, we recognize the importance of support personnel in our district,” Edmiston said. “This would include school bus operators, food service employees, custodians, secretaries, clerical personnel, teacher aides, bus aides, maintenance technicians, paraprofessionals, and others that are vital to the efficient operation of our school system.”
Durrett, too, agreed that support personnel are essential and deserve to have a week of recognition.
“We always want to say a big thank you to our support personnel,” Durrett said. “These are some of the first people that our kids see every morning coming to school and are the people who do so much behind the scenes to make the day go at our schools so the kids can learn in the classroom.”
The board also approved a policy revision regarding wearable technology (i.e., smart watches) capable of sending or receiving text messages and other notifications during instructional time. Students will not be allowed to wear or utilize the watches during instructional time but can keep them in their backpacks as long as they are turned off.
See below for additional information about the Nation Merit Scholarship Program.
Steps in the 2025 Competition
Over 1.3 million juniors in about 21,000 high schools entered the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. The number of Semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors.
To become a Finalist, the Semifinalist and a high school official must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the Semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. A Semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT® or ACT® scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test.
From over 16,000 Semifinalists, more than 15,000 are expected to advance to the Finalist level, and in February they will be notified of this designation. All National Merit Scholarship winners will be selected from this group of Finalists. Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference.
National Merit Scholarships
Three types of National Merit Scholarships will be offered in the spring of 2025. Every Finalist will compete for one of 2,500 National Merit® $2500 Scholarships that will be awarded on a state-representational basis. About 770 corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards will be provided by approximately 130 corporations and business organizations for Finalists who meet their specified criteria, such as children of the grantor’s employees or residents of communities where sponsor plants or offices are located. In addition, about 150 colleges and universities are expected to finance some 3,600 college-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards for Finalists who will attend the sponsor institution.
National Merit Scholarship winners of 2025 will be announced in four nationwide news releases beginning in April and concluding in July. These scholarship recipients will join more than 382,000 other distinguished young people who have earned the Merit Scholar title.
Renaming of Huckleberry Trails Park and appointing a new member of the Planning and Zoning Commission were key orders of business as the Ruston City Council held its March meeting Monday evening at City Hall.
The 23-acre park on Magnolia Drive, adjacent to Cypress Springs Elementary School is now known as Huckleberry Trails Marie Riggs Park in honor of the former Ruston City Councilwoman who spearheaded the creation of the park.
“(Current District 5 Councilman) Bruce Siegmund made the suggestion and I thought it was a great one,” said Mayor Ronny Walker. “Marie Riggs absolutely loved Ruston and her district, which was the Cypress Springs area. So we’re just trying to honor her for all of her hard work over the years. She was around for the start of projects that are getting done now, like the new fire station being built now.
Riggs served as Ruston’s District 5 City Council representative from January of 2003 to December of 2014.
“I told her that I appreciate all of the hard work she did in making sure that park got put there,” Siegmund said. “I enjoy the park. I like to walk on the trails that are there. A lot of other people do, too. It’s just a blessing to have it there and without her, we wouldn’t have it, so I hope this is something that honors her legacy for quite some time.”
The Council also appointed Doug Postel to the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission.
“All of us know Doug well and Julie Mays has resigned, so we’re asking Doug to come on and fill that spot,” Walker said.
Ruston’s City Council also approved a resolution authorizing the city to accept South Monroe Street, West Texas Avenue, West Louisiana Avenue and Oil Mill Street.
“This is procedural for the (Louisiana Department of Development and Transportation),” said city Public Works Director John Freeman. “The city had entered into a build grant with the Department of Transportation to fund and construct this. Amethyst was awarded the low bid to construct these streets and we’re driving on them today.
“So we need this final piece of paper to accept it and promote it to the next level.”
Ruston’s Board of Aldermen also approved a resolution authorizing the city to enter into an Agreement with the state DOTD for improvements at the Ruston Regional Airport/ for taxi lane extension and apron extension.
Freeman said the airport is 100% funded by federal and state monies.
Also approved was an ordinance amending Chapter 29 of the Code of Ordinances for the city of Ruston by changing certain Zoning District Boundaries provided for therein for approval of a preliminary plate for the Russ Town Crossing.
The move rezones the 9.65-acre Russ Town Crossing property from B-4, Highway Business District; and B-3, General Business District to PUD, Planned Unit Development for a proposed new townhouse development (114 townhouses in 30 buildings) off Tech Drive.
Ruston’s City Council also approved an ordinance adopting amendments for the period of Oct. 1, 2023 through Sept. 30, 2024 to the annual Budget and Revenues for the Fiscal Year Oct. 1, 2023 through Sept. 20, 2024 for the city of Ruston.
The City Council also introduced a pair of potential zoning ordinances that will likely be discussed and voted on during its April meeting.
A Ruston man was arrested last Monday after he was stopped by a Louisiana state trooper for not wearing a seatbelt and a subsequent search located marijuana.
Ja’laen R. Bonner, 22, was stopped on South Vernon Street about 3:30 p.m. Feb. 24. While speaking to Bonner, the trooper detected the odor of marijuana coming from Thomas and his vehicle. When asked if he had any marijuana in the vehicle, Thomas stated he did.
During a search of the vehicle, the trooper located a plastic bag containing approximately 5 grams of suspected marijuana in the center console. An additional 47 grams of marijuana was found concealed in a cereal box hidden underneath the backseat of the vehicle. The marijuana in the cereal box was divided into two bags. The box also contained empty clear plastic bags and a digital scale used in drug trafficking. Bonner claimed ownership of the marijuana.
The trooper found a large sum of currency in his Bonner’s pants pocket.
Bonner was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, expired inspection sticker, expired license plate, and no seatbelt. His bail was set at $5,000.
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.
Cedar Creek’s DECA chapter once again demonstrated excellence at the Louisiana DECA State Career Development Conference in Baton Rouge on February 23.
At the conference, 40 students competed against around 500 from other schools over a two-day period. Despite the large competition, Cedar Creek earned a number of student awards along with several outstanding club achievements for their hard work and professionalism.
The Louisiana DECA program focuses on preparing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs by offering community-oriented, professional, and academic focused opportunities for students. Their mission states that “DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.”
Hope Merchant, Cedar Creek’s Director of Development and DECA sponsor, expressed her pride in the students’ commitment.
“It is such a blessing to be able to work with such a wonderful group of young adults,” said Merchant. “Their hard work and dedication are unmatched. Being able to celebrate their accomplishments at the state conference year after year is so rewarding for me as a sponsor, and I am beyond proud of all of them.”
Of the 40 competitors from Cedar Creek, 24 students earned finalist spots, with 10 qualifying for the International Career Development Conference this April. To compete, students had to either take a test and present a role-play scenario to a judge or develop an extensive 20-page business plan or marketing campaign to be presented.
Their teamwork and dedication were recognized with multiple chapter achievements, including the Outstanding Chapter Award. They also received the Outstanding Advisor Award, which was presented to sponsors, Hope Merchant and Caty Simmons. Cedar Creek’s DECA chapter made an enormous philanthropic impact, raising more money for the DECA’s national philanthropy, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, than any other chapter in Louisiana.
The students who earned finalist spots in their categories include:
Finalists (Top 6):
Rosemary Sewell and Taylor Basham – Business Law and Ethics Team Decision Making
Britton Bennett, Emma Phillips, and Ruybe Ann Walsworth – Integrated Marketing Campaign
Allie Jones and Ella Eagles – Entrepreneurship Start-Up Business Plan
James Myers – Personal Financial Literacy Event
Katherine Worthey – Apparel and Accessories Marketing
Triston Floyd – Automotive Services
Zoey Venters – Food Marketing
Aubrey Singleton – Food Marketing
Carter Lewis – Principles of Entrepreneurship
Anderson Godlewski and Carter Lewis – Virtual Business Challenge – Hotel
Finalists and ICDC Qualifiers (Top 3):
Amelia Reynolds – 1st Place, Business Operations Research Event
Anna Grace Johnson, Zoey Venters, and Mada Kneeland – 2nd Place, Community Giving Project
Anderson Godlewski and Audrey Barron – 2nd Place, Integrated Marketing Campaign
Julianne Bush – 2nd Place, Professional Selling Event
Rex Freling – 2nd Place, Marketing Communications
Nolan Martin – 1st Place, Quick Serve Restaurant Marketing
Jillian Ramsey – 3rd Place, Restaurant and Food Service Marketing
Anna Grace Johnson – 2nd Place, Retail Marketing
Test Competency Award Recipients:
Rex Freling
Carter Lewis
Nolan Martin
Aubrey Singleton
The national finalists will prepare to compete at the International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Florida this April.
A taste of Louisiana’s finest crawfish is right under the giant Chevron sign on Tech Drive right here in Ruston. Packed with signature seasoning and classic Louisiana flavor, U-PAK-IT’s Tech Drive Crawfish is sure to please everyone, thanks in large part to the cook Jacob Habetz, who has spent over 19 years perfecting his recipe.
At Tech Drive Crawfish, we’re all about quality and consistency. With years of experience, a perfected seasoning blend, and a dedication to freshness, Keith Brasuell, Habetz, and the rest of the team take pride in serving the best crawfish in town.
“It takes a true crawfish lover to be passionate about the process,” Habetz said. “I love crawfish and it’s always been my favorite food. I grew up in the crawfish industry – my parents had crawfish ponds since the early 90’s as a side hustle that eventually turned into a career when my dad started hauling crawfish commercially in 2000. What keeps me passionate about crawfish is all the awesome customers I have and the great people in Ruston who rely on us daily during the season.”
Come to Tech Drive Crawfish today for the highest-rated crawfish in Ruston!
A Ruston man was arrested last Monday on drug and traffic charges after he was stopped by a Lincoln Parish deputy.
Nicholas T. Stringfellow, 30, was stopped for an expired license plate just after midnight on February 24. A record check also showed the vehicle was not insured.
The odor of marijuana was detected by the deputy when he spoke to Stringfellow. A small amount of suspected marijuana was located in the driver‘s door pocket and in the ashtray of the center console. An unlabeled bottle containing two tablets of oxycodone with acetaminophen was also found in the console.
Stringfellow was arrested and his vehicle was towed due to no insurance and no vehicle registration. While he was being booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center, Stringfellow said he was not prescribed any medication, further indicating the oxycodone was not possessed by legal means. He was booked for possession of a Schedule II controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, expired inspection, sticker, open alcohol container in vehicle, expired vehicle registration, and no liability insurance. His 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.
Cedar Creek is one win away from playing for a state title in girls basketball.
The Lady Cougars departed Ruston Tuesday morning, heading to Hammond where the No. 2 seed will face the No. 3 seed JS Clark Academy. Tipoff at University Center on the campus of Southeastern Louisiana is set for 1 p.m. today.
Head coach Katie Hall and Co. put their 16-game winning streak on the line. The Lady Cougars (28-3) advanced to the Sweet 16 by virtue of a 59-24 win over St. Frederick and a 47-28 win over Hamilton Christian.
The Lady Cougars have recorded some impressive wins this year, including victories over two teams who have already advanced to their state title game in Arcadia (NonSelect DIV) and Summerfield (Class C). However, Hall said JS Clark provides one of the biggest challenges to date.
“They have a dynamic point guard (in Taylor Barnaba) that is a lefty that will be tough to guard,” said Hall. “We have to try to contain her from getting loose. She can shoot. She can dish. She can get to the paint. She has a really great all around game. We haven’t faced a point guard of this caliber this year.
“They have solid post players on the inside. The have a shooter on the outside. They are a really good team. We wouldn’t expect anything less.”
JS Clark Academy (24-8), located in Opelousas, advanced to Hammond by defeating Westminster Christian (68-27) and Ascension Catholic (64-36). The Bulldogs have won nine straight since losing back-to-back games to Class 5A Walker and Parkway, the top two ranked teams in NonSelect Division I.
For much of the season, Cedar Creek has had an advantage on the inside with junior Avery Ryan. The 6-foot-2-inch Ryan possesses brute strength and the ability to score, rebound and defend at a high level, a combination that has given the Lady Cougars the advantage in most of their outings.
“I like how we match up inside, but we have to be able to block out,” said Hall. “We have gotten away with having some sloppy, undisciplined habits when it comes to blocking out and we have to do a better job with that. They are athletic and they will crash the boards. We can’t just try to outjump them.”
The Lady Cougars have practiced the last few days in college arenas in order to prepare for the bigger court they will face at Southeastern, using both Louisiana Tech and Grambling State’s facilities. Hall said she isn’t 100 percent what her team will see defensively against JS Clark Academy, but feels they should be ready for a variety of looks.
“They are going to press full-court, 2-2-1,” said Hall. “They are going to play man. And they will play some zone. We have seen it all this year so our girls shouldn’t be surprised. They should be confident knowing we’ve seen it and can handle it.”
The winner of the contest will face the winner of No. 1 seed Southern Lab vs. No. 5 seed Ouachita Christian, a game that will tip at 2:45 p.m.
Pictured are Choudrant Coach Ryan Smith (left) and Simsboro coach Adam Wodach meeting up after Monday’s game. (Photo by T. Scott Boatright)
By T. Scott Boatright
SIMSBORO — Sometimes an athletic team simply comes out firing on all cylinders.
It’s even better when they’re doing so in the midst of a playoff run.
Consider the Simsboro High School boys basketball team stands primed after rolling to a 75-37 win over Lincoln Parish rival Choudrant in second-round action of the Class B Boys Basketball Playoffs inside the SHS Gym.
The fourth-seeded Tigers checked all the boxes a winning team needs in their methodical win over the 13th-seeded Aggies.
An offensive juggernaut that can score from any spot on the floor at any time? Check.
And a smothering pressure defense forcing numerous turnovers converted into offensive scores? Check again.
OK. How about a spectacular play that ignites the crowd and starts an early celebration? Check that box off, too.
The Tigers had it all during Tuesday’s win over Choudrant, with Jalen Outley’s thunderous dunk with time winding down in the third quarter starting an eight-minute celebration for Simsboro throughout the fourth quarter thanks to a running clock.
It’s no surprise that Ahmad Smith led the Tigers in scoring with 18 points. Simsboro has multiple players capable of pouring in plenty of points on any given night.
But it was the pure power Outley used to slam the ball through the rim into the nets that brought a crowd that was already standing room only to its feet.
“We’ve been trying to get him to do that all season,” SHS coach Adam Wodach said of Outley’s dunk. “And wow, he did it tonight.
“That surprised me. He probably surprised himself. Seeing the crowd respond and explode because of it was amazing. It was what high school playoff basketball is all about. That was a good win, a big win against a good basketball team, and everyone on the bench got to play in it.
Simsboro opened the game on an 8-0 run that included a Jakelab Modest layup off a pass from point guard Trumarion “Man-Man” Smith, a running jumper by the “Man-Man” himself, a Justin Prudhomme arching jumper from inside the key and a “Man-Man” layup off a near full-court assist from Modest.
Choudrant’s first score came on a Benton Case jump at the 5:08 mark of the opening stanza as the Tigers 14-4 to close out the period from there.
And the Tigers closed out the second quarter with a “Man-Man” layup off a pass from Jeremiah Levingston with 9.6 seconds on the clock that gave Simsboro a 41-15 halftime advantage.
They extended their lead to 64-28 as Outley closed out the third quarter with his slam to remember.
The loss didn’t stop Aggies coach Ryan Smith from feeling strong about his team’s future.
“I’m just so proud of the progress this team made since the start of the season into the playoffs,” the CHS coach said. “We started the season pretty bad, so for them just to get us into the playoffs says a lot about the future. But I do feel bad for our three seniors (Logan Batterton, Tucker Batterton and Braden Soto).
“This team had to face some adversity before coming over here. And they fought from start to finish against a very good team. This isn’t the ending we wanted. But there’s also some excitement in the way we finished this season and the fact that with so many players coming back should mean bigger and better things for us next season.”
Jackson Ambrose led the Aggies with 10 points on the night while Tucker Batterton added nine.
Modest added 18 points for the Tigers while Outley chipped in with 12, Justin Terrel totaled 10 and “Man-Man” hit for eight.
“One game at a time,” Wodach said. “That’s all we’re thinking about. All we’re focusing on.
“Because none of it matters if we don’t earn our ultimate goal. Tonight was a good step. But we’re not done yet. Not even close to done.”
Next up for Simsboro will be a home game against fifth-seeded Hicks (a 64-55 winner over 12th-seeded Doyline on Monday night) in a game expected to be played on Friday.
Cannon Robbins scored 14 points to help the Cougars defeat Vermilion Catholic 57-48 Tuesday night. (Photo by Darrell James)
by Malcolm Butler
Down 23 points late in the third quarter on the road against No. 5 seed Vermilion Catholic, things looked pretty bleak for No. 12 seed Cedar Creek.
Evidently, the Cougars (15-9) had the Screaming Eagles right where they wanted them.
Behind 28 points from Jake Terry and 14 points from Cannon Robbins, Cedar Creek outscored Vermillion Catholic by 32 points the rest of the way in winning 57-48 and advancing to the quarterfinals.
Creek will travel to face No. 4 seed Hamilton Christian Friday for a 6:30 p.m. tipoff with a chance to advance to Marsh Madness in Lake Charles on the line.
“I think the message was we feel like we should win this game,” said Cedar Creek head coach Lance Waldron. “We have to go and take it. That’s what we did. The players really stepped up. They showed grit and determination.
“We just started playing. We started playing together and passing the ball. We started finding the open man. We were playing harder on defense to make things happen.”
Trailing 36-13 about midway through the third quarter, the Cougars began to turn up the heat on both ends of the floor.
After scoring just 11 points in the first two quarters (Creek trailed 22-11 at the half) and being outscored 14-2 to start the third quarter, the Cougars turned to the one-two punch of Terry and Robbins.
Terry, who broke his hand in the Cougars second round win over Westminster Christian on Friday, and Robbins, who missed the last month of the season after breaking both elbows and undergoing surgery, combined to score 36 points in the second half.
“Cannon played periodically throughout the game” said Waldron about the senior guard. “We changed his style of play to try to play a little bit safer. We would put him in a couple of minutes at a time. It worked. We were successful with it. We were able to get him out out on the floor, and he contributed a lot.
“And Jake really was the catalyst for us. He led the comeback. He had 28 points. He played his tail off for us.”
Creek began its comeback over the final half of the third quarter, pulling to within 42-34 at the start of the final stanza. It was a total 180 from the opening two quarters, especially offensively.
“The first half we turned the ball over,” said Waldron. “We were nervous. We had that long bus ride. We couldn’t make our shots. I felt like we got some pretty good looks, but we just couldn’t score.”
With new life and an opportunity to pull off the road upset, the Cougars dominated the Screaming Eagles over the final eight minutes, outscoring Vermilion Catholic 23-6. Robbins scored 10 points, Terry added nine and Brett Bell chipped in with four as Creek rallied despite its injuries.
“We even had to pull Luke out,” said Waldron. “He busted his knee. He is okay. It was more of a bruise from taking a charge. We just had people step up. Cameron Temple defense was great tonight. He did a fabulous job. Defensively he was tough out there.”
Although Waldron credited mixing up some defenses in the final 12 minutes of play, he said it ultimately was about his players desire to continue playing.
“We did some different things defensively,” he said. “We did do some things throughout the second half. That made a difference. But overall, it was the attitude and the fight. We were highly motivated, and refused to quit. We just refused to lose. We showed toughness fighting through the injuries.”
Jyren Bevard led Vermilion Catholic (14-4) with 13 points while Cole Albert scored 10 points.
RUSTON, La. — Coming off a dominant performance last week over Destrehan, No. 6 Ruston High (18-5) kept the intensity up for a blow out win Tuesday night at home over No. 11 South Lafourche (21-6) by a final score of 78-54 in front of a packed house in the Ruston Main Gym.
“I really feel like we defended well for about three quarters,” Ruston High acting-head coach Corey Deans said. “We gave up some shots in the fourth quarter, but the kids are having fun and playing loose and confident. I hope we can keep our intensity going. The guys have had a couple of really good, even great practices. The kids are really buying into what we’re trying to do, and they know that defense comes first.”
Ruston jumped out to a 6-0 lead early before South Lafourche picked up its first basket at the 5:45 mark of the first quarter. Ruston would then go on a 7-0 run over the next two minutes with baskets from Hudson and Malcolm, followed by a three-pointer from junior Zaterrion Sutton after a blocked shot by Hudson. With the Bearcats ahead 13-2, South Lafourche took a timeout to quell the run with 3:10 to play in the first quarter.
Ruston would get three more dunks for the remainder of the period — two by Hudson (including an alley-oop from Sutton) and one from junior Mason Delaney. The Tarps would score seven more points in the first, and Ruston led 19-9 going into the second quarter.
Senior C.J. Malone opened the second quarter with a three-pointer for the Bearcats to extend the lead to 22-9. After a pair of Tarp free throws, senior Joran Parker added another three-pointer with 5:54 to go in the half for a 25-11 lead. Sutton added another three-pointer shortly and put Ruston up 28-11.
Senior Fabian Stringfellow came off the bench shortly after and scored five quick Ruston points, putting Ruston up 33-13. Ruston would outscore South Lafourche 10-8 for the remainder of the second quarter and led 43-21 at the half with baskets from Parker, Malone, Hudson and two more from Stringfellow.
In the third quarter, senior Aidan Anding threw an alley-oop slam down with 7:20 on the clock to answer a made basket by South Lafourche. Hudson followed with a dunk shortly after, and Sutton got a layup on the next possession to go up 49-23. Senior Joran Parker added a three-pointer with 3:30 to go in the third, and Malcolm added another bucket for a 54-25 lead.
After a made free throw by Stringfellow, Bearcat senior Zheric Hill would knock down three three-pointers over the next four minutes of game time into the fourth quarter, putting Ruston up 66-32 with 7:05 to play.
At the 4:06 mark of the fourth, Deans subbed out the starters and seniors for some of the younger players to get playing time. Sophomore Braylon Knox would get five points, as did sophomore Jackson Murry.
Deans said he was particularly pleased with how both Stringfellow and Hill played coming off the bench and combining for 19 points.
“I look at those guys as our sixth and seventh starters,” Deans said. “They understand the assignment, and they are very confident. Whenever I get the chance to put them on the court, I know they’re going to play extremely hard on defense. Fabo (Stringfellow) is getting his confidence on offense and getting comfortable learning the set. He’s putting his head down and making plays happen.”
Sutton and Parker both led Ruston with 11 points apiece, while Stringfellow and Hudson both had 10 points. Hudson added nine rebounds, as well.
Ruston Hill will play the winner of the matchup between No. 3 Denham Springs and No. 14 Westgate.
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.
Late one ordinary Tuesday afternoon in 523 B.C., Ugh Jones walked into his home after finishing his shift on the increasingly popular Wheel Ride at One Flag over Mesopotamia and, for no real reason at all, opened a drawer in his kitchen and flicked a paper clip in there.
Later that evening Ugh’s wife, Hilda Flatfoot-Jones, hung some pictures and then, for no rea reason at all, took the mini hammer and put it in the same drawer in the kitchen where Ugh had flicked the paper clip.
And in a nutshell, that’s how it started. That scenario centuries ago, harmless and innocent, led to The Drawer In The Kitchen becoming the melting pot of the American home.
You’re in the attic and need a flashlight.
You go to The Drawer In The Kitchen.
You’re making the grocery list and need an ink pen.
You go to The Drawer In The Kitchen.
You’re at your laptop and need some Scotch tape, a pencil, some batteries.
You go to The Drawer In The Kitchen.
Normally, flathead screwdrivers and old grocery lists make strange bedfellows. But the American home has evolved in such a way that these items, along with old birthday-party photographs, new shoestrings, picture-hanging hooks, extension cords, and note pads wind up in the same drawer.
Husband, yelling from den: “HONEY, DO WE HAVE SOME MORE BATTERIES FOR THE REMOTE CONTROL?”
Wife, yelling from bathroom, where she is being held hostage by mascara and a curling iron: “LOOK IN THE DRAWER IN THE KITCHEN!”
Sometimes, The Drawer is right by the drawer with the forks and spoons and knives. Other times, it’s close to where the microwave sits. It might be Where The Landline Used To Be, which made it easy to find a pen and scratch paper for taking messages, back when that was A Thing.
Phones on walls are in history’s dustbin, and no one takes messages anymore because everyone has a phone and receives text messages, eliminating the middle man.
But one thing remains: The Kitchen Drawer. It might be different places, but it is almost always, almost ALWAYS, in the kitchen. This is unexplainable, like some people’s love for Brussels sprouts or reality television.
When you ask someone in your family where the thumbtacks are, instead of saying, “They’re probably in The Drawer In The Kitchen,” they are just as likely to say, “They’re probably in The Drawer,” and you instinctively know which drawer they’re talking about.
It’s as if there is a big Stuff-Attracting Magnet in that drawer that simply pulls odds-and-ends throughout the house and into it.
I needed some glue this week, so I went to The Drawer. I found two pair of scissors, Vaseline, various coupons, some picture negatives, a wooden nickel, a plastic pig, a 2014 magnet calendar, three pair of sunglasses, a package of Toy Story tissue paper, a small but entire wall clock, a ruler, a domino, straight pins, nails, a Happy Meal toy, two baseballs, some cookie cutters, a piece of rope, several greeting cards, a green Starburst, lip gloss, a Magic Marker, instructions for both the microwave and the icebox, thread, an oatmeal cookie, a wrench, an empty ring box, some sort of toilet implement, and more than $3 in change.
In other words, I found everything but a cure for the common cold and the Holy Grail …
And the glue.
Contact Teddy atteddy@latech.edu
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.
From the day I started playing sports on a competitive level, I’ve always heard the expression, “Competition makes you better.” Is this fact or fiction, and can we prove this theory? Today we’ll break down this concept and determine for ourselves if this is true.
Growing up in East Texas, our community had a summer program called “Park Recreation” that was headed up by a former high school coach by the name of Sam Parker. The concept of this half-day program for ages 8-12 was to create competition through different types of physical games like tug of war, piggyback fights, and capture the flag. Then halfway through the morning after a short donut shop break, we would divide up and play a baseball game until noon.
This program was all about competition and instilling toughness. Yes, there were many days when boys went home with shirts half torn and a bloody lip, but the games were fun! Many times, you would have to compete with guys older than yourself, which makes you better.
This in my opinion is what made me better as an athlete — playing guys older than myself. These games brought out the competitive fire to show all your peers that you were tough and hated losing. It showed no matter who you were up against, you never gave up. It taught you how to compete!
Bass fishing, like other competitive sports, is no different. As far as I’m concerned, there are only two ways you can really get better as an angler. One is to fish and compete against guys better than yourself. Or two, spend as much time as possible on the water learning new techniques.
My philosophy has always been to learn as much as I can from every person I get in the boat with. No matter how good you think you are, there’s always room to improve. Over the years fishing with others, I’ve picked up a lot of information ranging from new techniques to organizing tips.
Obviously, you’re not always going to learn something from every single angler you fish with. But it’s important to keep an open mind to the idea of learning something new. You must leave your ego on the bank in order to become a better angler.
One thing that I have learned about the sport of bass fishing is that you never stop learning, even if you’ve been doing it for 30 years. It’s an ever-evolving sport as new technology and innovation continue to develop every year.
To answer the question, “Does competition really make us better?” The answer is a definite yes, but only if you’re willing to be open minded and are looking to get better. So, no matter the sport, competition makes us better.
‘Til next time, keep your hooks wet and your gun powder dry. Enjoy your time on the water and make every cast count.
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