News Summary

This year’s high school basketball season in Northwest Louisiana has been thrilling with six teams reaching the LHSAA semifinals. Although none secured a championship title, standout athletes have emerged, earning recognition on the 2025 Shreveport Times All-Area Boys Basketball Team. Teams like Minden, Red River, and Lincoln Prep have showcased immense talent and commitment. As the season wraps up, the resilience and achievements of these young athletes highlight a promising future for local basketball.

Northwest Louisiana High School Boys Basketball Teams Show Grit in LHSAA Semifinals

This year’s high school basketball season in Northwest Louisiana has been nothing short of thrilling! With six teams from eight surrounding parishes making it all the way to the LHSAA semifinals, hopes were high. However, despite their admirable efforts, none of the local teams snagged a championship title this time around. But let’s take a closer look at the teams left in the dust of the semifinals and celebrate the standout athletes who shone bright this season!

The Contenders

In a valiant display of teamwork and sportsmanship, local teams such as Minden, Red River, Lincoln Prep, Zwolle, Simsboro, and Gibsland-Coleman each reached the semifinals in various divisions. All these squads showcased their skills, determination, and competitive spirit on the court. Meanwhile, Ruston and Natchitoches Central also made impressive runs, reaching the quarterfinals in the highly competitive Non-Select Division I.

This division is known as one of the toughest in the state, so even making it that far is a testament to the hard work and dedication of these young athletes. Although they didn’t secure the ultimate glory this season, they’ve laid the groundwork for future successes and garnered a wealth of experience they can lean on moving forward.

Spotlight on Talent: The All-Area Team

As the season wraps up, it’s time to recognize the exceptional talent that has emerged from these teams. The athletes from the mentioned schools have been shining stars, earning spots on the 2025 Shreveport Times All-Area Boys Basketball Team. This elite group of players includes athletes from various parishes like Bienville, Claiborne, DeSoto, Lincoln, Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine, and Webster.

One of the standout players is a senior from Zwolle, who has made quite a name for himself this season. With a height of 6-foot-2, he averaged an impressive 26.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, 4 steals, and 3 assists per game! Not only was he named to the LHSAA Class B All-State first team, but he is also making a return to the All-Area team—a true testament to his talent and hard work.

Braden, a senior from Natchitoches Central, also turned heads with an average of 18 points and 6 assists while guiding his team to the LHSAA Non-Select Division I quarterfinals. Ruston’s towering sophomore player, standing at a remarkable 6-foot-8, boasted averages of 16.5 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists. His commendable performance earned him the title of Player of the Year on the LSWA All-State squad.

And there’s more! Another Ruston senior, who has also signed with an LSU football team, averaged 10.6 points, 3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists this season, making him a first-team All-Area returnee. Lincoln Prep’s junior, with an average of 19.8 points per game, also found his name on the prestigious All-State team in Class 1A.

Other Noteworthy Players

Don’t forget about Minden’s senior Morris, a powerhouse at 6-foot-4, who averaged 13.6 points, 8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.6 steals, and 1.1 blocks during the season. Homer’s senior Dunn also had an exciting run, averaging 18.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.2 steals. These athletes, along with Damarion McClendon (Doyline, Sr.), Jomello McDonald (Red River, Sr.), LaDaunte McCoy (Ringgold, Sr.), Ja’Dell Demery (Natchitoches Central, Jr.), Trumarion Smith (Simsboro, Sr.), Chase Meeking (Union Parish, Sr.), Nolan Loftin (Stanley, Sr.), and Rankin Alford (Florien, Sr.), helped bring excitement to the season and deserve recognition for their talents.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on this season, it’s important to celebrate not only the victories but also the resilience and spirit displayed by these young athletes. They have worked tirelessly, and this season has undoubtedly set the stage for even greater achievements in the future. Stay tuned for upcoming seasons filled with more exciting plays, remarkable triumphs, and a community that continues to rally behind their local teams!

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