By Shawn White
The Minden Crimson Tide (10-0) remained undefeated and the host team took the title with a 67-52 win over the Gibsland-Coleman Bulldogs (13-4). This was the third meeting of the season between the two powerhouse teams and the Crimson Tide posted a third double-digit margin of victory over the Bulldogs. The respect is there for the Bienville Parish team, though, and although their record is perfect right now Coach Brown still sees growth in the Minden team. “One, it’s always about growth,” said Coach Jacob Brown. “Every tournament we’ve been in is a bracket tournament and that’s what it’s like in the playoffs. It’s always that at the moment is the most important and with the power point system every game is important. Gibsland [-Coleman] is a very good ball team. Those kids compete. That’s the third time we’ve seen them this season. What it means for us is that we are taking the next step and you always want to put yourself in a position to win a championship if you can. It means our team is growing and coming together and we see things throughout the game that we need to improve on and just be in the moment. Ultimately, it means we are growing as a team.”
The Crimson Tide had three double-digit scorers in the finals. Cameron Parker led with 18 points. Jaiden Franklin and Darnell Morris each had 13.
Gibsland-Coleman was led by the duo Deavery Durham and Demarcus Durham with 21 points each.
Another Bienville Parish squad made an appearance in the girls finals as defending Nonselect Division IV state champion Arcadia Lady Hornets (12-3) took back-to-back Holiday Classic titles with a 46-24 over the Mansfield Lady Wolverines (8-8). The Lady Hornets (11-2) are currently the No. 1 team in the Non-Select Division IV Power Rankings.
DeAsia Alexander was the top scorer for the Lady Hornets netting 12. Rhyanna Abney added 11.
The Parkway Panthers (7-7) took the boys consolation finals with a 63-52 win over the Homer Pelicans (5-2). The Homer Lady Pels (6-5) took a thrilling double overtime in the girl’s consolation finals 70-69 win over the Gibsland-Coleman Lady Bulldogs (8-9).
The Crimson Tide will head over to Bossier Parish to compete in the Doc Edwards Memorial tournament and put the undefeated record on the line against Ruston on Thursday at 3 pm. The Lady Tigers will also be featured in the Doc Edwards Memorial and will face Hornbeck at 1:30 at Airline High School on Thursday.
Doc Edwards Recap
Boys
First Round
Arcadia 56, Lakeside 22
Northwood 47, Homer 44
Gibsland-Coleman 57, Lincoln Prep 54
Camden AR 64, Green Oaks 46
Quarterfinals-Championship
Minden 62, Jonesboro-Hodge 39
Arcadia 52, Northwood 34
Loyola 74, Parkway 60
Gibsland-Coleman 59, Camden AR 50
Quarterfinals -Consolation
Homer 56, Lakeside 44
Lincoln Prep 53, Green Oaks 40
Semifinals – Championship
Minden 58, Arcadia 47
Gibsland-Coleman 58, Loyola 39
Semifinals – Consolation
Homer 68, Jonesboro-Hodge 52
Parkway 56, Lincoln Prep 50
Finals – Championship
Minden 67, Gibsland-Coleman 52
Finals – Consolation
Parkway 63, Homer 52
Girls
First Round
Lakeside 42, Loyola 18
Mansfield 42, Homer 34
North Caddo 43, Green Oaks 40
Camden AR 74, Gibsland-Coleman 44
Quarterfinals – Championship
Minden 42, Jonesboro-Hodge 38
Arcadia 60, Simsboro 21
Mansfield 56, Lakeside 28
Camden AR 49, North Caddo 23
Quarterfinals – Consolation
Homer 48, Loyola 9
Gibsland-Coleman 46, Green Oaks 16
Semifinals – Championship
Arcadia 49, Camden AR 45
Mansfield 42, Minden 36
Semifinals – Consolation
Gibsland-Coleman 44, Simsboro 37
Homer 49, Jonesboro-Hodge 34
Finals – Consolation
Homer 70, Gibsland-Coleman 69 2OT
Finals – Championship
Arcadia 46, Mansfield 24
