Red River learning lessons against tough December slate
For a Red River team that expects to contend for a Division III Non-Select state championship after reaching the title game this past season, the Bulldogs loaded up their December plate with a host of programs that routinely appear in the Top 28 themselves.

Red River has been battle-tested these past few wins, slugging out wins against Bossier and Natchitoches Central while falling at Ruston and Alexandria Senior High, the latter of which occurred Saturday night in a 65-47 decision.

But wins and losses aren’t the primary metric for an 8-3 Red River bunch that’s developing a deep bench to go along with many of its returners from that state runner-up team this past season.

Coach Dadrian Harris prioritized putting his players in playoff-type atmospheres against competition that’s used to playing deep in the playoffs.

Bossier and ASH each reached the quarterfinals in their respective decisions while Ruston and Natchitoches Central advanced to the Top 28 in Division I Non-Select.

Red River went into an NCHS squad that played for a state title this past season and snatched a 55-49 win two days before Christmas, and two days after a tough road trip to Ruston (62-47 loss).

“NCHS was a big win as far as power potions, but we went in with the expectation to win just like any other game,” Harris said. “NCHS is a very scrappy and tough team, especially in their gym, but I knew if we survived their adrenaline rush punch, we’d win.

“It was the playoff atmosphere we needed to experience early. We executed much better against NCHS than we did against Ruston two days prior when we weren’t able to answer their run in the second half. I think the NCHS and Red River is becoming a fun rivalry for the community and both programs … and I think we might need a bigger venue in the future.”

Since Harris took over the Red River program, the Bulldogs are 2-2 against the Chiefs from neighboring Natchitoches Parish.

Red River didn’t have all the answers against ASH on Saturday, but it’s another experience that will prepare the Bulldogs for another run at a title.

The high-level competition doesn’t stop with trips to Gibsland-Coleman (Division V semifinalist) on Monday and Lakeview (Division IV runner-up) on Saturday.

Red River Girls
The Red River girls (6-7) will attempt to snap a three-game skid with Monday’s trip to Gibsland-Coleman.

After a 4-1 start, Red River has dropped six of its last eight contests.

Riverdale Boys
The Riverdale boys (1-5) aim to reverse their fortunes as they get back to action Monday at home against River Oaks.

Riverdale begins district play Friday at Briarfield Academy.

Riverdale Girls
The Riverdale girls (13-5) will come out of the holidays the same they went in – against River Oaks.

The Lady Rebels topped River Oaks, 55-33, on Dec. 21 before welcoming the Lady Mustangs for home game Monday.

Riverdale begins district play against Briarfield Academy (8-1) on Friday that will go a long way in determining who the best MAIS team in Louisiana may be.