Matt Vines

COUSHATTA – Intensity with discipline.

When the Red River girls basketball team ratchets up its defensive pressure and plays with discipline, the Lady Bulldogs have shown to be formidable.

They’ll need those attributes when No. 18 Red River (11-16) heads down to No. 15 Marksville (12-15) in the first round of the Division III Non-Select playoffs on Thursday at 6 p.m.

“The key for us will be staying disciplined on both ends of the floor,” said Kim Burton, who is in her fourth season at the helm after replacing longtime coach Jamie Antilley, whom Burton played under at Red River. “Defensively, we have to communicate well, limit second-chance points, and control the tempo,
“Offensively, we have to overemphasize taking care of the ball, and knock down open shots when we get them. Rebounding and staying out of foul trouble is going to be huge for us.”

The Lady Bulldogs have been in line for a home playoff game for much of the season, but a late four-game losing streak pushed Red River out of the top 16 and down to No. 18.

Two of those losses came to No. 14 Many and No. 28 Winnfield, teams that Red River had beaten in the first round of district play.

But when Red River is locked in, like they were in a competitive 34-30 loss to No. 9 seed Mansfield, the Lady Bulldogs can compete with the best in the division.

“We showed that in wins against Many and Winnfield and that close loss to district champion Mansfield,” Burton said. “When we’re at our best, we’re playing with energy, sharing the basketball, and staying aggressive on defense.

“Our girls never back down, and when we trust each other and stay focused, we’re a tough team to beat.”
That trust has been developed between Burton and her three-member senior class – Areonia Banks, Angel Lemons and Tiyonna Drakes, two of which have been with Burton from the beginning.

“We have a junior that’s been here as long as I have as well and is a key contributor, too,” Burton said.

“Over the last few games, they’ve all made significant contributions, including an impressive performance on Senior Night in a win against Lakeside.

“Our sophomore is young but deep, bringing relentless determination every time they step on the court. Our freshmen are still learning, but when their numbers are called, they rise to the challenge without hesitation.”

Red River is looking for its first playoff win since 2021, but the program is in its best position to do so this year after missing the postseason in 2022 and 2024 with a No. 28 seed and a first-round loss in 2023.

Marksville also had a late-season slide as they lost four of their last five contests. But they are no strangers to competition in a district with Jena and Buckeye.

Red River will want to lean on its strengths as they attempt to engineer a playoff road victory.

“Our defense and intensity is our biggest strengths,” Burton said. “When we’re at our best, we’re creating turnovers, pushing the pace, and making things difficult for our opponents.

“We pride ourselves on playing hard every possession and being relentless on both ends of the floor.”