The boys and girls basketball teams have completed their seasons in recent days. Although neither team brought home the state championship, there is plenty to celebrate in their play this season. Both coaches and their principal are speaking out on the great season they had. And great times ahead.
The Red River Principal, J C Dickey said the Bulldogs suffered “two heartbreaking games in a row.”
On Friday the boys were eliminated from the playoffs by Port Allen. The day before, on Thursday, the girls lost by one point to North Caddo in the semi-final game played in Alexandria.
Dickey posted, “I cannot say enough about this group of girls and coaches. They had an amazing season with ups and downs. In this game of basketball sometimes you can leave it all on the court and still come up short.” North Caddo dogged the lady dogs all season. Thursday night in the semi-final game the Lady Bulldogs came to play and jumped out to an early lead. However a heartbreaking shot in the final season secured a 1-point win for North Caddo.
It was Déjà vu all over again Friday night. The Bulldogs took an early lead, but the Port Allen Eagles would not go away. They hung on and took a three point lead. Final score Port Allen 62 and Red River 59.
So the season is over. But a lot more is ahead. Before the season started senior Mae Mae Hollman signed with the University of Louisiana Lafayette. She showed all season why ULL had confidence enough to sign her early. And there are several schools interested in other players.
On top of that, neither team was heavy with graduating seniors. So both will be back next year with experience and skills. North Caddo and Port Allen cannot make that claim. Both will be hurt by graduation. Principal Dickey spoke of the character of the players, their dedication to academics and to the sport. He added, “They represent what it truly means to be a Red River Bulldog.”
