Each Monday and Friday, the Lincoln Parish Journal will post a list of non-for-profit upcoming events happening in the parish. If you would like to add your event to this list or advertise your for-profit events, please email us at lpjnewsla@gmail.com.
As LPJ will not publish on Friday, we are publishing Weekend Events today instead of Friday. Weekly events will resume as normal on Monday.
Wednesday, Nov. 27 7-8 a.m.: Veterans Coffee Club (PJ’s Coffee) 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
Thursday, Nov. 28 Thanksgiving
Friday, Nov. 29 7 p.m.: RHS playoff game
Saturday, Nov. 30 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market 10:30 a.m.: LA Tech men’s basketball 3 p.m.: LA Tech football
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.
Mallory Smith scored nine points to help lead Creek to a win over Bastrop. (Photo by Darrell Smith)
by Malcolm Butler
Cedar Creek picked up a big win in girls hoops on Tuesday as the Lady Cougars downed Bastrop 35-22 at the Sterlington Shootout.
It was a win over a Rams team that posted a 32-3 record last season.
For the second straight game, the Lady Cougars got off to a slow start offensively but were able to keep the Lady Rams at bay.
Creek (3-1) led 7-2 after the first quarter and held a 10-8 advantage at the half.
“We were sluggish and slow to start with morning tip time,” said Creek head coach Katie Hall. “We were playing less than 24 hours after last night’s game. The biggest thing is we are still trying to figure out each other with Avery Ryan on the court.
“We struggled to score. We turned it over a little too much and had some ill-advised passes at times.”
The third quarter was the decisive stretch for Cedar Creek as the Lady Cougars outscored Bastrop 15-0 to take a 25-8 lead into the final stanza.
“In the second half we started playing better together and we scored some points in transition,” said Hall. “It was a low scoring game, but we found a way to win.”
Ryan scored six points in the third quarter and Mallory Smith added four to lead the Lady Cougars.
“It’s just about us getting used to playing with Avery,” said Hall. “It’s a different feel. We are looking inside and trying to feed the post. We are going to have to get better at that.”
Mary Grace Hawkins led Creek with 13 points while Smith added nine and Ryan added eight in the victory.
Hall gave credit to her team’s defense although said they still have a ways to go.
“Bastrop didn’t score a lot of points, but we have to be more disciplined on defense,” said Hall. “We have to stay in stance and not get front cut. It’s early and we will continue to get better.
“This is still November. We aren’t supposed to be hitting on all cylinders right now. We just have to get acclimated.”
The Lady Cougars will break for Thanksgiving before resuming action Monday at Beekman Charter.
NATCHITOCHES, La. — A stingy defense from H.L. Bourgeios (1-2) in the fourth quarter helped the Braves get a 49-45 win over the Ruston High Bearcats (0-2) on the second night of the City of Lights Classic hosted by Natchitoches Central.
The Bearcats had a 37-31 lead heading into the fourth quarter before Bourgeios poured on 18 points to get to the final 49-45 score. Sophomore Keshun Malcolm, who scored 23 points the night before, picked up two quick fouls in the final few minutes of the ball game. Ruston led by as many as 12 points in the stanza before Bourgeios made its rally.
“I thought we had the game won,” Ruston High assistant coach Corey Deans said. “I thought about taking Malcolm out of the game for a minute or two, but he only had three fouls. He picked up two in a minute — two tough fouls on box-outs that usually don’t get called in a game that was physical like this one.
“We played well overall. They trapped us early and we found ways to break the press. Our defense was solid until we got into foul trouble — we had to switch to zone. I thought we had done enough to win the game.”
Malcolm put up another impressive offensive performance Tuesday, scoring 17 points for the Bearcats with six field goals while going 4-of-6 from the free throw line. Ruston High senior C.J. Malone added 10 points for the ‘Cats, as well.
“Malone has been really shooting the ball well early in this season,” Deans said. “He’s been a good senior for us trying to lead us a little bit and talking. He mixes it up and does what we need him to do.”
Ruston will be on the road to take on the Richwood Rams tonight at 7:30 p.m. for the third game in three nights. Last season, Richwood made it to the semifinals of the LHSAA Boys’ Marsh Madness in Division III, Non-Select. Deans said that playing a tough opponent for a third night in a row is by design to get the team battle-tested early this season before some of the remaining varsity members join after football season.
“Coach (Marcus) Jackson, myself and the rest of the staff — we’ve never been ones to wait on the football guys to start playing,” Deans said. “These guys we have now need some experience. The more we play these tough teams, the better off we’ll be.”
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.
Sean Newman Jr. scored 12 points and registered eight assists to lead Tech to a 65-62 win over Richmond. (Photo by Kane McGuire)
by Malcolm Butler
Louisiana Tech hit three free throws in the final 2.4 seconds to propel the Bulldogs to a 65-62 win over defending Atlantic 10 champion Richmond Tuesday at Hertz Arena in Estero, Florida.
With the game tied at 62-62, a missed jumper in the lane by Amaree Abram led to a whistle and hurt feelings.
A loose ball foul was called against the Spiders, sending Daniel Batcho to the free throw line where the preseason Conference USA Player of the Year hit 1-of-2 to give the Bulldogs the lead.
Following a timeout by the Spiders, Richmond head coach Chris Mooney was hit with a technical foul, sending Abram to the line where he made both free throws.
A last second desperation heave by Richmond was well off the mark as the Bulldogs won for a sixth straight time to open the season.
“At the end of the day, everybody that is here is tired,” said head coach Talvin Hester. “Everybody is fatigued. But at the end of the day, it is about who wants to be here the most. We are trying to do something special.
“Richmond is one of the best coached teams. We just had to come out and play. We started the first and second half good, which gave us confidence. The team was resilient and kept fighting.”
For the second day in a row, the Bulldogs jumped out to a good start, building a 24-16 lead with seven minutes to play in the first half. However, just like in Monday’s overtime win over SIU, Tech went cold heading into the locker room.
Richmond (3-4) outscored Tech 19-3 over the final seven minutes of the first half to take a 35-27 advantage into halftime.
“They never stop moving,” said Hester in regards to the Spiders offense. “I told our team (at halftime) we had to be locked in and stay in a stance. They pass the ball well, cut immediately, keep the big moving. We just did not want to get back cut.”
Tech came out for the second half and responded. The Bulldogs tied the score at 45-45 on a dunk by Will Allen with 12:44 to play in the game and then took their first lead since the first half on free throws by Kaden Cooper less than a minute later.
“Will Allen came in and was unbelievable defensively for us,” said Hester. “He was active and a huge reason for our win.”
The Bulldogs continued their momentum and a dunk by Daniel Batcho and layup by Cooper gave Tech its biggest lead of the contest at 60-51 with 6:58 to play in the game.
However, that would be the last field goal Tech would make as the Spiders climbed back into the game. Delonnie Hunt, who led all scorers with 26 points, tied the game at 62-62 with 1:32 to play setting up the dramatic ending.
Cooper led Tech with 16 points and nine rebounds while Batcho added 13 points. Abram and Newman scored 12 points each, while Devin Ree scored nine points and grabbed nine rebounds.
“Devin was active on the glass with nine rebounds,” said Hester. “He hit timely shots. If he can play like that consistently, he can really help this team. It gives us an added dimension with his length. We still need to be a better offensive rebounding team and ironically that is what won us the game at the end.”
Tech will face Eastern Kentucky at 11 a.m. today. The game can be heard on 107.5 FM with the pregame show starting at 10:30 a.m.
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 Marshall Vernon Hough, Jr., age 74 of Saline, LA, will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, November 30, 2024 at the Magnolia Baptist Church in Saline with Bro. Stan Foster and Bro. Tommy Inman officiating. Burial will follow in the Magnolia Cemetery in Saline under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA. Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 PM, Friday, November 29, 2024 at Magnolia Baptist Church.
Marshall Vernon Hough, Jr. was born on August 5, 1950, in Homer, LA to Marshall and Cloteal Hough. He was received by his Heavenly Father on November 24, 2024 at 74 years of age. Vernon passed away after a 13-year long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Vernon was a family man that loved spending time with his family. Many summer days he could be found grilling hamburgers and pulling his kids, nieces and nephews, and family friends behind the ski boat on a tube, kneeboard, or skis.
He also enjoyed fishing, hunting with deer dogs, attending Northwestern State basketball games, rodeos, and attending any and all of his kids’ activities. He was an exercise enthusiast that lifted weights and jogged the roads of his neighborhood well into his sixties. He also enjoyed his part time business as a photographer where he took countless people’s graduation, prom, family, and wedding pictures.
He was a devout Christian man that was baptized at Magnolia Baptist Church on September 6, 1959. He was a lifelong member of Magnolia where he was ordained as the youngest deacon in the history of the church on January 17, 1972. He served in many different roles including the church treasurer for 30 plus years.
Vernon loved and cared for his “Little Girl” (wife Cheryl) more than anything else here on this earth. He was extremely proud of his children, their spouses, and especially his grandchildren who he spent all his time with after retirement.
Vernon graduated from Saline High School as Valedictorian of his class in 1968. He went on to attend Northwestern State University where he graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology with a minor in Health Science and Physical Education with honors in 1972. He then earned his Master’s of Education in 1979, and continued on to finish his plus 30.
Mr. Hough, as he was known by countless students, taught high school Physics, Chemistry, Physical Science, and Biology at Castor High School to generations of students for 40 years. He was proud to have taught them more than science. He was a great example to his students on how to be patriotic and Godly citizens. He was assistant principal for many years and helped with several different extracurricular activities over the years but was best known for his work on the Tigers’ yearbook.
Vernon served in the Louisiana Army National Guard for 9 years. He was an extremely patriotic man, even till the end of life, standing in his living room for the National Anthem or any patriotic song when being played on the T.V.
He is preceded in death by his parents, an unborn child, father-in-law Don Crume, brother-in-law Byron Crume and wife Mary, brother-in-law Kevin Crume, and nephew Logan Crume. He is survived by the love of his life of 38 years wife Cheryl Hough, son Shelby Hough of Saline, son Colby Hough and wife Melissa of Saline, Gillian Norred and husband Jacob of Quitman, mother-in-law Charlotte Crume, sister Marilyn Johnson and husband Leslie, sister Nena Madden, brother Tony Hough and wife Ann, brother David Hough, sister-in-law Jenny Crume, his seven grandchildren Shepard Norred (11), Maddox Hough (11), Asher Norred (10), Jaylee Hough (9), Levi Norred (8), Mattie Anne Hough (2), Judah Norred (10 months), and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
Serving as pallbearers will be Jared Madden, Jeffery Johnson, Tucker Madden, Chase Green, James Love, and Rand Knotts. Honorary pallbearers are Joe Ellis, Greg Swanson, and Jerry Morgan.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Hough House at Castor High School. To leave an online memorial message for the family, please visit http://www.owensmemorialfuneral home.com
Lincoln Parish remains an A school district following the release of this years School Performance Scores with a 2024 SPS of 92.9, as Ruston High, Choudrant High and A.E. Phillips Lab all earning A rankings at each respective school.
Lincoln Parish’s 92.9 is 0.5 lower than 2023 but still an A grade overall.
“We’re proud of the work that our faculty, students, and parents have all done along with our administrators,” Lincoln Parish School Board Superintendent Ricky Durrett said. “We did drop half a point, but we’re pleased to still be ranked eighth in the state.”
Ruston High (107.5) and Dubach School (76.2) both improved by over two points compared to last year, while Choudrant (107.5) remained fairly steady with a 0.1 improvement.
“Our largest school in the district continues to grow and does great,” Durrett said of Ruston High. “And it’s great to see Dubach continue to grow from where they were three to five years ago — they were a D school and now they’re up to a B for two years in a row and maintaining that. I’m really proud of both other them.
“And for Choudrant to remain an A school and move slightly up after adding sixth grade to the high school — it’s a great accomplishment for the faculty, staff, students and community.”
Choudrant Elementary, Simsboro School and Hillcrest Elementary all retained their B status from last year.
Ruston High, Dubach School, Ruston Elementary, Choudrant High, A.E. Phillips and Hillcrest Elementary all earned 2024 Top Gains Honorees for their progress index.
Ruston High, Choudrant High and A.E. Phillips all earned 2024 Opportunity Honorees for outperforming the 90th percentile with economically disadvantaged students. Ruston High also earned the opportunity honoree designation for outperforming the 90th percentile for students with disabilities.
While no Lincoln Parish School was graded lower than a C, Durrett acknowledged the school board will continue to assess for ways to improve scores for all schools.
“We’ve actively looked at the reason why we’ve dipped slightly in areas and will continue to implement tiered interventions to make sure students are given every opportunity to master objectives (some examples include Lexia, high dosage tutoring with teachers and On Your Mark, math high dosage tutoring with Imagine learning and Zearn),” Durrett said. “District and school-based instructional teams will continue to monitor and adjust support to address student weaknesses.”
Below are the scores for all schools graded in the parish along with their point changes from 2023 to 2024.
2024 SPS
Change
2023 SPS
Lincoln Parish
92.9 (A)
-0.5
93.4
Ruston High
107.5 (A)
+2.8
104.7
Dubach School
78.7 (B)
+2.5
76.2
Choudrant High
107.5 (A)
+0.1
107.4
Ruston Elementary
74.8 (C)
-0.9
75.7
Choudrant Elementary
88.1 (B)
-1.0
89.1
Simsboro High School
87.7 (B)
-1.6
89.3
Ruston Junior High
71.4 (C)
-1.9
73.3
A.E. Phillips
117.8 (A)
-2.1
119.9
Hillcrest Elementary
75.9 (B)
-3.6
79.5
I.A. Lewis
60.3 (C)
-4.2
64.5
Glen View Elementary
71.2 (C)
-5.6
76.8
Cypress Springs Elementary
69.7 (C)
-6.2
75.9
Cedar Creek and Lincoln Preparatory School were not included in this data and are graded separately by their own criteria.
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.
The National Science Foundation has awarded a group of physics faculty at Louisiana Tech University’s College of Engineering and Science (COES) a grant to collaborate with other U.S. and international groups to design, build, and commission parity-violating electron scattering experiments at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab) in Newport News, Virginia.
The funding will support the work and research of six undergraduate students and three graduate students under the direction of Dr. Rakitha Beminiwattha, principal investigator of the grant.
“The functions of this project are fundamental in nature within nuclear physics on how particles interact with electron beams and have modern day applications in detecting uranium, cancer treatment, and Homeland Security,” said Beminiwattha.
The grant will enable the design and development of two charge particle detection systems, the design of an electron detector for a polarimeter, the design of radiation shielding measures, and the development of theoretical interpretations of electron scattering experiments. In addition, the group will finish publishing the results from a prior electron scattering experiment at the Jefferson Lab.
COES Dean Collin Wick is especially excited, as this significant investment is a testament to the caliber of faculty and staff in the physics program.
“Louisiana Tech has a long history of some of the most outstanding physics research in the region, with the nuclear physics group playing a major part,” Wick said. “This is a great benefit for students in Louisiana who are interested in experiential learning supported by world-renowned faculty.”
Lincoln Parish has announced their 2024-25 Principals of the Year.
The recipients are Chris Jones from Choudrant High School, and Mandy Brown from Ruston Elementary. These two hardworking principals have dedicated their time and efforts to making a positive impact at their schools.
Jones, who originally earned a degree in business, began his career in the private sector while coaching baseball and football as a side passion. After feeling a calling from God to do something different with his life, he realized that coaching and teaching was all he really ever wanted to do. This led him to leave the private sector and accept a position teaching science at Calhoun Middle School.
While teaching, Jones earned his alternative teaching certification and spent the next decade in the classroom. His leadership journey began when he became an assistant principal under Tony Antley, a role he cites as one of the highlights of his career. After eight years in that position, Antley retired, and Jones worked briefly under Dana Talley before being named principal of Choudrant High School.
Looking back on his career, Jones expresses gratitude for the opportunity to be in his current position and described why he truly enjoys his career.
“I love my school. My own children have been through CHS, we love our community, and when I think back to the decision I made almost 20 years ago, to leave something comfortable behind to take a chance, it is humbling how much God has blessed me,” Jones said. “My favorite thing about my job is the kids. I love being around them and I love seeing them develop and become successful.
“I love serving students, investing time in students, and I love building relationships with families. Successful schools are filled with people that love kids. I think the biggest factor for any teacher, coach or administrator to be successful is first, loving students. You can teach people how to follow curriculum and you can teach people content knowledge, but you can’t make people love teenagers.”
In Brown’s case, teaching was something she pursued from the beginning of her career. Majoring in elementary education, she began her career as a student teacher at Simsboro Elementary, where she taught for two years. Brown then spent a decade at Hillcrest Elementary before moving to Ruston Elementary, where she taught for two additional years.
In 2017, Brown was promoted to coordinating teacher at Ruston Elementary, where her leadership qualities earned her the role of principal. Reflecting on her impact, Brown described the opportunities that she and her staff have worked on to enrich the lives of their students.
“Investing in children’s lives is a contribution that cannot be measured financially. Just as coaches face pressure to win, principals face pressure on improvement in test scores, I am proud of the improvement and growth we have shown but our students at RES are more than a number,” Brown said. “As their principal, I want them to have opportunities that improve their quality of life and school experiences.
“With our dedicated faculty and staff, we have been able to not only improve our daily classroom instruction but offer so many extracurricular opportunities as well. These clubs and activities allow our students to grow in all areas. We could not do this without our dedicated teachers assuming more roles outside of the classroom.”
The years of continued dedication and love for their positions make Jones and Brown worthy recipients of their “Principals of the Year” titles. As leaders with extensive backgrounds in education and a deep passion for helping students succeed, Jones and Brown have gone beyond their administrative duties, creating schools where students are empowered to achieve their goals. These inspiring leaders in education have made an important impact in the lives of many students, parents, and staff in the Lincoln Parish Community.
A Ruston man was arrested last Sunday after a traffic stop led to a search that yielded drugs and a stolen pistol.
Juakese Kentrell Lowe, 38, was arrested about 2 a.m. Nov. 17 after he was stopped for improper lane usage on West Barnett Springs Avenue in Ruston.
A Lincoln Parish deputy noticed a strong odor of air purifier or perfume coming from the vehicle and that Lowe had just lit a cigarette. Suspecting those odors were being used to mask drug odors, Lowe was directed to exit the vehicle. As Lowe got out, the deputy saw a bottle of codeine cough syrup, a Schedule IV controlled substance, between the driver’s seat and the console.
A search of the vehicle located several bags of marijuana and tablets of hydrocodone and acetaminophen and a Glock .40 pistol. A record check indicated the pistol was stolen in Lincoln Parish.
Lowe said he bought the pistol for $200 from a friend but could not provide a name.
Lowe was arrested and booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of hydrocodone/acetaminophen with intent to distribute, possession of codeine, possession of drug paraphernalia, illegal possession of a stolen firearm, and illegal carrying of a firearm during commission of a drug felony.
Lowe’s bail was set at $52,500.
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.
Bigger question. Are you ready to win $200 in cash … with the potential to make it $400 if you are perfect on the week (including predicting the No. 1 tiebreaker exactly right).
The Lincoln Parish Journal is proud to host the Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by Northern Louisiana Medical Center and Johnson Physical Therapy.
If you live in the deep south, you know College Football is King!
Readers are eligible to participate and each week one lucky winner will go home with a $200 cash prize (maybe $400). Each week the winner will be the participant with the best record out of the predetermined 15 college football games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two of our weekly contests).
Only one entry per participant will be accepted each week.
The Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by Northern Louisiana Medical Center and Johnson Physical Therapy will be conducted for 14 regular season weeks of the college season starting with this week’s games.
There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to SUBSCRIBE to the Lincoln Parish Journal where it will come to your inbox every weekday morning at 6:55 a.m. It takes 20-30 seconds to sign up and not much longer than that to make your picks.
All contest decisions by LPJ management are final. Weekly winners will be notified Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run in the following week’s LPJ.
Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the Journal, if you’re not already signed up for the easily-navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. daily e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could collect $200 each week!
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Ruston Police arrested a local man last Sunday after he allegedly injured his girlfriend in an altercation.
Marquize Jackson, 22, was arrested for domestic abuse battery on Nov. 17.
Officers responded to a West Mississippi Avenue apartment where the victim said Jackson had hit her. A laceration was found on the woman’s right hand. She said she accused Jackson of infidelity and he chased her around her vehicle and prevented her from entering the car.
The woman said Jackson hit her and in a struggle held her down so she could not get away.
Jackson had left the scene before officers arrived and the victim was transported to the Northern Louisiana Medical Center for treatment.
Grambling Police found Jackson at a residence in Grambling. He was taken into custody by RPD and booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center.
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.
NATCHITOCHES, La. — Twenty-three points from Bearcat sophomore Keshun Malcolm would not be enough Monday night as the Ruston High Bearcats (0-1) fell to the Bossier High Bearkats (1-1) by a final score of 64-37 on the first night of the City of Lights Thanksgiving Classic held in Natchitoches, La.
“We knew we were up against a perrennial powerhouse school, and that got all of their guys — none of them are playing football,” Ruston High assistant coach Corey Deans said. “We knew it would be tense. We were right there in the first quarter, and conditioning-wise, we just wore down. Fatigue was a factor.”
Malcolm scored seven of Ruston’s 13 points in the first quarter and totaled 13 in the second half. For the night, Malcolm knocked down five three-pointers.
Ruston trailed 15-13 after the first quarter, but the Bearkats outscored Ruston 20-8 in the second quarter to lead 35-21 at the half. The Bearcats would struggle to get back into the contest after only scoring 16 points in the second half.
“I thought he played well,” Deans said of Malcolm. “But I think we played well as a unit. Our offense was good, and our defense was okay. We just have to do a better job of rebounding and getting back in transition and stopping easy buckets. Even we lost by almost 30, I thought was executed well.”
The Bearcats return to action tonight to take on H.L. Bourgeois for the second night of the classic in Natchitoches, La.
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.
Mary Grace Hawkins scored eight points in Creek’s loss at Sterlington. (Photo by Darrell James)
by Malcolm Butler
Cedar Creek dropped its first game of the season Monday night, falling 46-32 at Sterlington.
After surrendering 20 points in the opening quarter, the Lady Cougars defense stiffened over the final three quarters, allowing the Panthers only 26 points the rest of the way. However, Creek never found an offensive rhythm.
“We struggled offensively putting the ball in the hole in the first half,” said head coach Katie Hall. “We did switch to a zone in the second half that helped with the momentum. We just had such a tough time scoring for much of the night.”
Junior Avery Ryan, a transfer from Benton who was ruled eligible by the LHSAA late last week, led the Lady Cougars in her debut with nine points despite battling foul trouble for much of the night and eventually fouling out.
“I saw a kid who has missed playing,” said Hall in regards to Ryan. “She loves it, and she was glad to be back out there. She had all the emotions tonight and was go happy to be out there. Her teammates were happy for her.
“She got into foul trouble early and that hurt us. I think we were ahead in the first quarter when I had to pull her out. It will take her a few games to get game acclimated.”
Sophomore Mary Grace Hawkins added eight points, including a pair of three-pointers.
Sterlington lost to 5A foes Ouachita (40-29) and Neville (34-24) in its first two games of the season. The Lady Cougars will face Bastrop today at 11 a.m. at Sterlington.
“I love playing these types of games, especially against a team like Sterlington,” said Hall. “They showed us a lot of toughness. We have to learn to match that toughness. They got to every 50-50 ball and they outrebounded us. These games gave us a marker of where we are and where we need to be.”
The release of the movie “Wicked” in the United States last week is good enough cause as any to reflect on the 1939 masterpiece “The Wizard of Oz,” which is my favorite movie ever.
Because of my love for the film, during the past 21 years since “Wicked” opened on Broadway, I have studiously disregarded anything about it except, obviously, the song “Defying Gravity.” It’s been hard to avoid that melodic anthem – and I do appreciate it.
But you see, I feel about “Wicked” as I do about “Scarlett,” the sequel to “Gone With the Wind” that came out in 1991, written by a completely different person than the original author, in a completely different time period. I was afraid “Scarlett” would undercut many of the things about GWTW that I appreciated – and there are many (even though I now realize that some things in the film are problematic – but that’s another story).
Yes, I love “The Wizard of Oz” so much that I couldn’t chance anything possibly impacting my view of it in a negative way. I was leery of the unknown. In fact, I had almost forgotten that “Wicked” was even based on Oz.
Until Sunday, when our minister’s sermon centered on the 1939 classic, with a brief mention of “Wicked.” Once more, I feel the need to share the main points with you. A summation: Whatever the main characters in TWoO needed, the church needs as well.
– The Tin Man needed to find a heart. He didn’t think he could be a real man until then.
The church needs a heart, too. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples” – John 13:34-35. What’s more, we need to love God above all – although we sometimes don’t. We need to fall in love with Christ.
In the end, of course, it turns out that the Tin Man had a heart all along; he just didn’t know it.
– The Scarecrow needed to have a brain. But like the Tin Man, he actually possessed what he had longed for all along; he just needed something to help him recognize it. That happened when he got his diploma and immediately began quoting a complex mathematical formula.
So how can we increase our own brainpower in regard to spiritual matters? “Study to show yourself approved by God, a workman who need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” – II Timothy 2:15. One of the main ways that faith grows is studying scripture, so let’s not ever stop studying God’s word. Let’s involve ourselves in the word of God – and use our brains. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” – Romans 10:17.
– The Cowardly Lion needed courage. As with the other two, he actually already had it; he just needed to be recognized for it – and that came with the presentation of his medal for bravery.
“For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and self-control” – II Timothy 1:7. Wow. Naturally, I had heard this verse before, but Sunday it sank in more deeply. I put a star by it in my notebook. Then I drew a circle around the star. Repeat: God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and self-control.
Realize that if you’re afraid, it’s not coming from God. Think of those people in the Bible who exhibited courage – starting with Jesus, and then Peter (after his denial), Paul (admitting he had been disastrously wrong), Nicodemus (before the Sanhedrin), Joseph of Arimathea (asking for the body of Jesus) and many more.
They had courage, and we can as well. But only because God gives it to us. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” – Romans 8:31
Now, back to our movie characters. All three had to work together to get down the Yellow Brick Road, by using an oil can, adding more stuffing and being dragged reluctantly. And Dorothy had to follow the Yellow Brick Road along with them to get home.
As for us, we’ve got to follow Christ to get home. When we’re scared, when we get the stuffing beat out of us, we in the church can hold hands – and we can make it down the path. God promises to take his children home. He promises them a crown of life … “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
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Sallie Rose Hollis lives in Ruston and retired from Louisiana Tech as an associate professor of journalism and the assistant director of the News Bureau. She can be contacted at sallierose@mail.com.
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Al Green scored a team-high 19 points to help Louisiana Tech to an 85-79 overtime win over Southern Illinois. (photo by Kane McGuire)
by Malcolm Butler
For the first 35 minutes of action, Daniel Batcho had a game to forget.
However, the preseason Conference USA Player of the Year came to life down the stretch and into overtime, helping Louisiana Tech to an 85-79 win over Southern Illinois Monday afternoon at Hertz Arena in Estero, Florida.
Batcho, who entered the game ranked No. 1 in the country in field goal percentage at 90 percent, missed eight of his first nine shots against the Salukis.
And with just seven minutes to play in regulation, Batch and the Bulldogs (5-0) trailed 59-48 and were in jeopardy of picking up their first loss of the young season.
“With about eight minutes to go in the game all we talked about was toughness,” said Tech head coach Talvin Hester. “I felt like Southern Illinois was being tougher than us. I challenged our guys to be tougher down the stretch, get loose balls, have great positioning, and finishing plays. I felt like we did a great job of that.”
Tech cut the Salukis lead to 66-62 with 3 minutes to play before Al Green, who scored a game-high 19 points, drained a three-pointer to close the gap to one. However, Southern Illinois scored four straight to take a 70-65 advantage with 90 seconds remaining.
That’s when Batcho went to work.
An offensive rebound and follow away jumper in the lane while being fouled close the deficit to 70-68 after Batcho connected on the free throw.
Batcho then corralled a defensive rebound off a missed Salukis three-pointer and then tied the game at 70-70 on a layup off an assist from Sean Newman Jr. with 47 seconds to play.
“The saving grace was he shot great from the free throw line,” said Hester in regards to Batcho’s struggles from the field for most of the game. “Late in the game we had a Daniel Batcho sighting. He started taking control of the game along with Sean. When they started doing that, it opened things up for guys like Al [Green] and others to be who they are.”
Both teams had multiple opportunities to take the lead in the final 45 seconds, but neither could find the bottom of the net as the game went into overtime.
Batcho picked up where he left off as Tech forced a turnover and Batcho converted another conventional three-point play to give Tech a 73-70 lead.
Kaden Cooper, who finished with 18 points, 12 rebounds, four steals and two blocks, then upped the advantage to 75-70 on a layup off another Salukis turnover.
Newman did his part in the extra period, hitting a jumper in the lane with 2:34 to play and then hitting a driving layup with 1:10 remaining to keep SIU at arm’s length.
Following an SIU three-pointer with 31 seconds left that closed the Tech lead to 81-79, Newman calmly sank two free throws with 15 seconds left to push it back to a four-point lead.
Green hit two free throws with less than a second to play for the final margin of victory.
“We can score the ball,” said Hester. “I feel like sometimes we relax on defense because we can score it. We went on a drought there in the first half that was concerning. We had some sightings those of players who stepped up for us.”
After scoring only two points in the first half, Amaree Abram totaled 18 points and six steals for Tech as the Bulldogs saw five players reach double figures.
Tech connected on 26-of-30 free throws in the win and recorded 14 steals.
“I am happy for us to win a game like this, a tough game that goes to overtime,” said Hester. “We had the right mindset going into overtime, getting to play five more minutes, and we took advantage of it.”
Tech returns to the court today at 2 p.m. CT to face Richmond.
The Ruston High School Lady Bearcats fell 34-29 to Peabody Monday night in the first night of the CENLA Clash.
The Lady Bearcats trailed 19-7 after the first half but outscored Peabody 22-15 in the second half to make it a close final.
“We are a growing team with a lot of young talent,” Ruston High head coach LaShanda Cooper said. “We still have a lot of work to do but we do have a lot of potential. We had some crucial turnovers and missed several scoring opportunities that cost us the game.”
Ruston High sophomore Gioia Tatum led the Lady Bearcats with nine points on the day.
Prior to Monday, Ruston split two games last week at the Battle on the Hardwood Classic, falling to Natchitoches Central 56-20 and then bouncing back to beat Warren Easton 51-36.
“This week presented numerous challenges, but also valuable lessons,” Cooper said. “It highlighted areas where we still need to grow and where we’ve made progress. Moving forward, we’re excited to continue strengthening the trust and chemistry within our program.”
Against Warren Easton, sophomore Angelica Green finished with 21 points, while senior Samiya Lewis finished with 11. Freshman Adriana Robinson tagged 10 points on the night, as well.
Junior Journi Douglas led Ruston with six points against Natchitoches Central.
Ruston will be back in action today against Opelousas for the second day of the CENLA Clash.
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Louisiana Tech student-athletes opened the 2024-25 academic year by registering a 3.224 grade point average, the best GPA for the fall quarter term on record.
Eleven of the 14 LA Tech rosters recorded a GPA of at least 3.00, led by the women’s cross country program which had a 3.662 GPA. Meanwhile, the golf program earned their highest ever term GPA on record of 3.530 while men’s and women’s track and field had term GPAs that ranked in the top three among their programs.
A total of 218 Bulldogs and Lady Techsters achieved the AD Honor Roll (term GPA of 3.00 and above) with 149 of those earning academic honors. A total of 92 student-athletes made the Dean’s List (3.5-3.85 GPA) and 57 made the President’s List (3.85+ GPA).
There were 14 student-athletes who earned degrees this fall including J’Dan Burnett (Football), Demarcus Griffin-Taylor (Football), Landon Nelson (Football), Gabe Pugh (Football), Isaiah Mcelvane (Football), Tal Faingezicht (Soccer), Tomoyo Kuroyanagi (Soccer), Kalli Matlock (Soccer), Lena Radler (Soccer), Neomy Cockett (Men’s Track and Field), McKenzie Johnson (Volleyball), Alex Singleton (Volleyball), Meghan Scharpenberg (Volleyball), and Valentina Vasquez (Tennis).
The following is a list of student-athletes (69) who earned a perfect 4.00 GPA for the fall quarter:
BASEBALL – Michael Ballard, Thaxton Berch, Garrison Berkley, Slade Netterville, Jake Smith
MEN’S BASKETBALL – Will Jeffress
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL – Jordan Marshall, Jianna Morris, Mackenzie Wurm
FOOTBALL – Jacob Bradford, Eli Finley, Jayden Gray, CJ Harris, Daniel Keys, Kenyatta McNeese, James Predtechenskis, Gabe Pugh, Judd Rouyea, Jack Turner, Mason Welch
GOLF – Isaac Adams, Gray Kingrea, Niilo Maki-Petaja, Jake Plumb, Grant Smith
SOCCER – Mary Helen Burford, Taylor Cassidy, Maeva Costenaro, Lydia Daniels, Madita Ehrig, Laerke Holst, Emma Jones, Kalli Matlock, Annie Meador, Sarah Melen, Jordan Porter, Lena Radler, Kyra Taylor
VOLLEYBALL – Jailen Hurley, Grace Luevanos, Charlize Williams
The Grambling State University men’s basketball team once again put up a valiant effort against Power Four opponent but came up just short, falling to the University of Southern California 80-69 at the Galen Center on Sunday night.
The loss dropped GSU to 1-4 while USC improved to 5-1.
Senior guard Kintavious Dozier led three Tigers in double-figures, scoring 17 points on 5-of-9 shooting, including going 2-of-3 from behind the arc. He also had four steals and two rebounds.
Mikale Stevenson notched a double-double, scoring 14 points and dishing 10 assists. He also grabbed three rebounds and made three steals.
Antwan Burnett added 13 points, four boards, two assists and a block.
The first half was a back-and-forth affair with neither team being able to pull away from the other.
USC grabbed a quick 6-0 lead before Stevenson sparked an 8-0 run for GSU with a 3-pointer, giving the Tigers an 8-6 lead with 16:41 on the clock.
Both teams traded jabs throughout the rest of period. With Tigers trailing 37-36 with six seconds left in the half, Stevenson swiped the ball from Southern Cal’s Saint Thomas, finding Burnett in transition for dunk as time expired to give GSU a 38-37 advantage heading into the locker room.
With 17:27 remaining in the second half, Grambling State trailed USC 44-43.
Three straight buckets by Stevenson gave the Tigers a 49-44 advantage with 15:29 left.
Southern Cal looked as if it would run away with the game after using a 21-4 run over the next five minutes to craft a 65-53 lead.
However, Grambling State continued to fight back. The Tigers used a 9-1 run, punctuated by a deep 3-point from Louis Hutchinson to make it a 66-62 game with 7:08 to play. With USC leading 68-64 with 4:36 to go, P.J. Eason’s dunk pulled GSU with two points.
However, that was as close as the Tigers could get to the Trojans, as USC closed the game on a 12-3 run.
Both teams efficient shooting the ball. Grambling State shot 45.5 percent from the field (25-of-55). The Tigers were 7-of-22 from three-point range (31.8 percent) and 12-of-14 from the free throw line (85.7 percent).
USC connected on 50.0 percent from the floor (25-of-50) and shot 33.3 percent from long range (7-of-21). The Trojans were 23-of-33 (69.7 percent) from the charity stripe.
Southern Cal’s bench played a huge role in the game, outscoring GSU’s bench 41-14.
Louisiana Tech’s forward Isla Airey was named Conference USA Freshman of the Week for her performances against Mississippi Valley and Southeastern, the league announced on Monday.
Airey has made a significant impact for the Lady Techsters this season, coming off the bench.
Against Mississippi Valley, the Australian recorded her second double-double of the season with 12 points and 11 rebounds, adding five blocks and three steals. She followed that up with six points, eight boards, two blocks, and two assists against Southeastern.
For the season, Airey ranks first in CUSA and 20th in the country with 14 total blocks. She also ranks third in the league and 33rd nationally with 2.33 blocks per game. Her 46 rebounds are fourth in the conference, and her 7.7 boards a game ranks fifth.
She is fourth on the team with 7.8 points per game and second with 7.7 boards a contest.
Funeral services for Stanley H. Neal will be held 11:00 A.M., Saturday, November 30, 2024, at Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel in Ruston, LA. Pastor Brady Boyd, his son-in-law, will officiate the service. A burial will follow with military honors at Kilpatrick Memorial Gardens in Ruston, LA under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes in Ruston, LA.
Stanley was born July 8, 1942, in Winchester, MA and passed away at his home in Ruston, LA with his family by his side on November 22, 2024. He served in the United States Army from 1962 until 1965 as a combat Medical Specialist stationed in Germany. He returned to live in Ruston and joined the Ruston Police Department as a patrol officer, retiring February 1, 1990, as a Captain after 23 years of service. After, also serving in the National Guard, Stanley retired as Senior Master Sergeant in the Air Force Reserves following service in England during Desert Storm. He proudly served the United States Military for over 26 years.
Following retirement from the Ruston Police Department, Stanley went to work at Lincoln General Hospital/ Northern Louisiana Medical Center as the Risk Manager and Director of Safety for 16 years before he retired completely. However, he continued his dedication to serve others as part of the Auxiliary Team at Northern Louisiana Medical Center as President and for the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Citizen Observer Patrol (SCOP). Stanley was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and was a man of strong faith who read his bible daily.
Stanley loved to be outdoors working in the yard, washing vehicles, and fishing with his grandchildren. He also had a love for reading, watching westerns and detective shows. He was a number one fan supporting his grandchildren in their sports and activities; but most importantly, he was the best daddy and hero to his two girls.
Stanley was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon Howard and Grace Eleanor Oicles Neal.
Stanley is survived by his loving wife, Nadine Alexander Neal of 57 years; daughters, Pam Neal Boyd (Brady) of Colorado Springs, CO; and Erica Neal Norris (Brandon) of Ruston, LA; grandchildren, Abram Neal Boyd, Callie Grace Boyd, Christian Lane Norris, Connor Neal Norris; siblings, David Allan Neal (Pat) of Calhoun, LA; Nancy Neal Campbell (Pete) of Richmond, TX; Garry Neal (Terri) of Fayetteville, AR; and Linda Neal Pate (Don) of Richmond, TX; along with other family and friends.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the extraordinary care of the doctors, nurses, and staff of Ruston Regional Specialty Hospital, Louisiana Hospice and Palliative Care, and Michael McDonald, person caregiver and family friend.
