The Coushatta Post of Veterans of Foreign Wars recently recognized outstanding area students. The most recent group of Students of the Month attend Magnolia Bend Academy and Red River public schools.

Magnolia Bend Academy students recognized include Sophia Harris, a third grader, Senior Serenah Leach, Pre-K student Patyon Griffith, and Junior Landon Carney.

Red River Schools students include Autumn Bamburg from Red River Elementary, Brooklyn Beavers who attends Red River Academic Academy, Zachariah Smith from Red River Junior High, and Jazmin Thomas from Red River High.

Each student was presented a certificate marking the occasion and a gift card from Lott Oil/Chevron. The Student of the Month program recognizes outstanding students selected by their teachers based upon the student’s academic achievement and their positive contribution to their classmates and the community.

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles announced on social media that several OMV field offices will be open for appointments and walk-ins on April 12, and May 3 to upgrade a regular license to REAL ID. The closest offices that will be open near Coushatta are:
Alexandria
Monroe
Shreveport

Visit www.expresslane.org/appointments to schedule your appointment today!
Also, visit https://www.expresslane.org/REALID for a checklist of documents you’ll need to get a REAL ID.

By Steve Graf    

So many things impact our lives as individuals, but nothing more than hard work. Growing up as a kid on a ranch, I learned many of life’s lessons through the chores that had to be done. It wasn’t always something I enjoyed, but these were things that were necessary in order for our ranch to operate properly. 
 
First, let’s look at the ranch I grew up on, located about 10 miles east of Talco, Texas. My dad and his brother were partners of this property, known as Graf Brothers Ranch. My dad’s brother (Uncle Bill) lived in Ft. Worth and was the owner of a major trucking company, while my dad worked full time in the Talco oil field as the superintendent for Vick Well Service. 
 
Uncle Bill’s involvement with the ranch was mainly financial as Dad did 90 percet of the work that took place. On the ranch, we raised several breeds of cattle including Herford, Angus and Brahmas, and at one point we even ran a few Charolais. The ranch was known for producing high quality crossbred calves, all due to one awesome Angus bull by the name of “Doc.” 

Doc was a pure black Angus bull that became famous for the calves he produced, which landed him on the cover of Texas Farm Magazine. My dad truly loved this bull and had a special relationship with Doc, who was his favorite bull that we ever owned. 
 
A ranch requires a lot of work and there were many chores that had to be done, some I dreaded and others I looked forward to. But nothing was worse than what my dad called “picking up chunks.”
 
This was a job that took place anytime Dad decided to clear some of the timber on our property in order to create more pastureland. We owned a D8 Caterpillar dozer that was used exclusively for clearing property and building stock ponds. 
 
Once the timber was cut and piled up ready to burn, there were a lot of “chunks” of wood that had to be picked up by hand and placed in small piles, also to be burned. I do remember mutterig a few choice words every time I heard the call, “Pick up chunks.” It really was the worst job in the world!
 
One thing about working on a ranch — there was never a shortage of things to do. Whether it was building or mending fence, bailing hay, bush hogging, barn repairs, or doctoring cattle, there was plenty of work.
 
The greatest lesson I learned from growing up on the ranch was the importance of a strong work ethic. Our ranch was our family business and required plenty of attention. Being a teenager, a lot was expected of me by my dad when it came to getting things done, as he worked full-time in the oil field six days a week. Therefore, Sundays were always dedicated to any and all jobs needing to be done on the ranch. 
 
But this place was also my playground for hunting and fishing. It’s where my passion grew for both hunting and fishing as I spent hours upon hours fishing our stock ponds or hunting ducks and squirrels. 
 
Looking back at my time on the ranch rekindles some great memories. It helped shape me into the person I am today and motivated me to continue my education as Dad reminded me often that if I did not go to college, I would be working seven days a week on the ranch. That was something I DID NOT WANT! 
 
‘Til next time, enjoy every opportunity you get to wet a hook or enjoy the great outdoors and remember, it is always a great day when you get to go fishing, whether or not you catch fish. 

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

The Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival has announced its complete lineup for its 28th year which is going to be held on May 9-10 on the downtown riverbank in Natchitoches.

This year’s festival is headlined by multiplatinum-selling Country Music Superstar, Gretchen Wilson.

In fact, the festival has adopted one of Wilson’s many hit songs as its catch-phrase: “We’re Here for the Party…and the Music!”

Preceding Wilson on stage will be Memphis Funk and R&B pioneers, The Bar-Kays.

The music on the Main Stage begins at 1:00 p.m. with the popular Gerard Delafose and the Zydeco Gators, followed by Sonny Gullage and the Blues Groovers out of New Orleans and then Natchitoches’ own Country Music star and the festival emcee, Louisiana Music Hall of Famer, Trini Triggs.

At 5:15 p.m. the popular regional act that calls Natchitoches their home, Johnny Earthquake and The Moondogs, also inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame at last year’s festival, will present “Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulers! – a Tribute to the Music of Louisiana.” They will be followed by The Bar-Kays at 7 p.m., then Gretchen Wilson at 9 p.m.

The fun begins on Friday with “Tribute to Legends Night” featuring two amazing tribute acts, first at 7 p.m., Bad Medicine – A Tribute to Bon Jovi out of Atlanta, Georgia, followed by at 9 p.m., A Taylor Swift Tribute called “Lover: An Eras Tour Experience” which faithfully recreates a portion of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Concert.

There is plenty more music on Saturday with great bands appearing on both side stages.

Fleur De Lis Stage

12:00 – 1:00 Dead Reckoning String Band (Bluegrass /Roots). This Bluegrass/Roots group out of northeast Louisiana is making its first appearance at the festival and playing its unique brand of Bluegrass originals with their unique brand of Bluegrass originals along with their own interesting covers of some popular tunes. This is not to be missed.

1:10 – 2:10 The Amazing! Rhythm Disciples (Gospel/Inspirational/Country). This Natchitoches-based Gospel/Inspiration group will perform an eclectic blend of secular and traditional gospel music which will include some Rock & Roll, Country, Rhythm & Blues and Contemporary Christian songs. All of it, music with a message.

2:20 – 3:20 Jenny & Kelli (Harmonious Rock, Covers, & Originals). These popular Natchitoches songbirds play a rousing blend of songs that you know and love along with a few of their very own originals. Every song will feature their spectacular angelic harmonies.

3:30 – 4:30 50 Man Machine (Celtic/Americana). Perhaps the most eclectic, unusual and interesting group in the entire festival, 50 Man Machine’s set list includes Celtic, Scottish, and Rock & Roll music all rolled into one. Two things are for certain, you will be entertained by this group, led by Collier Hyams, and it will be the only group in the festival featuring bagpipes.

4:45 – 5:45 Becky Birdwell and the Shuffle Kings (Classic Rock/R&B/Country/Gospel). Becky and her family band has been a fixture at the festival for many years and play a crowd-pleasing mixture of classic rock, R&B, Country with some gospel thrown in.

6:00 – 7:00 Seth Wimberly Trio (Blues, R&B, and Rock) SW3, comes from Alexandria, Louisiana. They do a blend of popular songs, but always make sure their main focus is having fun. Be it blues, funk, rock, or jazz. SW3 will be sure to always deliver a good return on great times.

Roque House Stage

2:10 – 3:10 The Luke Brouillette Trio (Traditional and Modern Jazz). Led by guitarist Luke Brouillette, this trio which includes Sammy Nix on drums and Dion Pierre on bass will play through well-loved jazz standards featuring Swing, Latin, and Bebop. Listen and watch while these virtuosos perform some righteous jazz.

3:20 – 4:20 Cypress Brake (Rock and Country). This is one of central Louisiana’s hottest new groups who will be playing an interesting blend of classic and modern Country music along with some Classic Rock hits thrown in.

4:35 – 5:35 Zack George Band (90’s and 2000’s Covers). This four-piece Rock/Pop Cover Band from Natchitoches love to rock the 90’s and 2000’s radio hits and always has something for just about everyone. If Grunge, Pop, Punk, or any combination of the three are up your alley, you’ll love this band!

5:50 – 6:50 Deep Water Rehab – (Classic, Southern Rock, Country, Originals & Covers). This Winnfield-based band covering Classic & Southern Rock, Country, and even some R&B tunes. They’ll also be performing cuts from their album of original songs which recently dropped.

Second Line Roving Band: (Jazz/R&B). The band is the young Jazz/R&B Soldiers. This energetic group featuring brass and percussion will be bringing some New Orleans and Latin Jazz to you along with a taste of R&B thrown in. There will be second lining through the crowd throughout the day with their infectious and energetic music during intermissions. Feel free to wave you handkerchief and join in!

Advance tickets may be purchased at www.natchjazzfest.com

The Louisiana Department of Health announced Drew Maranto as the interim secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health, replacing Michael Harrington, who has retired. Governor Jeff Landry intends to name a permanent LDH secretary in the next few weeks.

Maranto currently serves as LDH’s undersecretary. He joined the Department in January 2024 as chief of staff and was promoted to undersecretary in June 2024.

Harrington joined the Department in January 2024 as undersecretary and was promoted to secretary in June 2024. As part of the overall plan, Harrington intended to work for the Department on a temporary basis and initially indicated he wanted to retire this year. The Governor selected Harrington for his numerous years of experience as a hospital executive. He has been an important part of the executive management team and has provided helpful guidance on numerous projects and several key initiatives.

“This has been in the works for some time, as Michael has made it clear from the beginning that he intended to step down in the spring,” said Governor Landry. “He joined during a busy period, and we deeply appreciate his service and willingness to come to Louisiana and work in one of the largest and most challenging departments. In the meantime, Drew Maranto will be interim secretary until a permanent replacement is announced.”

“Michael played an important role on the executive management team and brought vast experience to this Department. He helped establish new initiatives and his innovative ideas will leave a lasting impression,” said Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham. “It was a pleasure to serve with him and I appreciate his hard work.”

“LDH remains focused on implementing the Governor’s charge to improve health outcomes and move people from dependence to independence. I look forward to leading this great team as we serve the residents of Louisiana,” Interim Secretary Maranto said.

Louisiana Nursery Festival in Forest Hill is this weekend, March 21-23.

Clara Springs Fourth Friday Fish Fry is March 28 from 5-7pm. Open Door Baptist Church will host. The $15 dinner includes All You Can Eat fish, coleslaw, french fries, hushpuppies, pinto beans, lemon breadpudding, homemade ice cream and a drink. Kids (10-17) only $10. Kids 9 & under are FREE.

Liberty Baptist Church along with Davis Springs Southern Methodist Church will host 5th Sunday Singing March 30 at 6pm at 425 Liberty Church Road. Join in for song, food and fellowship. Everyone is invited.

Are you ready to elevate your backyard poultry game? NW Region Red River Research Station will host a Homesteader Series: Backyard Poultry & Egg Production workshop Saturday, April 12 from 9am until 1:30pm. During the comprehensive workshop, you’ll learn about nutrition and feeding, egg production, predator and flock security and selling meat and eggs from backyard flocks. RSVP to Donna Hayes at 318.408.0971 or email dhaynes@agcenter.edu

Sibley Lake has reopened. All launches are now open for use.

Robert B. Scott, Sr
February 20, 1932 – March 17, 2025
Funeral services will be held Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 2pm at Rockett Funeral Home in Ringgold.

The Louisiana Department of Education has announced the Semifinalists for Louisiana Teacher and Principal of the Year and the finalists for Early Childhood Teacher and Leader of the Year along with New Teacher of the Year on Tuesday.

“Louisiana’s educators play a vital role in shaping the future of students and our state,” said state education Superintendent Cade Brumley. “These outstanding teachers, principals, and early childhood leaders exemplify excellence in education and a deep commitment to student success. We are proud to celebrate their achievements.”

Red River Parish had two educators selected.

Toni Rodgers, Red River High School, is a semifinalist for Teacher of the Year.

Sharekia Winn, Red River Head Start, is a finalist for Early Childhood Teacher of the Year.

Finalists for Louisiana Teacher and Principal of the Year will be announced in May. Overall honorees will be announced for all teacher, principal, and leader awards in July at the 19th Annual Cecil. J. Picard Educator Excellence Gala.

Matt Vines

Eight Red River boys and four Red River girls were represented on the 3-2A All-District boys and girls basketball teams as voted on by the league’s coaches.

Senior Jayden Wells was named the boys district Most Valuable Player after leading the Bulldogs to a district title and eventually a Top 28 appearance.

Wells was joined on the first team by Jomello McDonald and Malique Smith.

Second-team members include Warren Bowman and Demarche Newton.

Jamarion Davis was selected to the district’s all-defensive team.

Coach Dadrian Harris was named the district’s Coach of the Year as the Bulldogs finished with a 26-6 record.

Landon Wilson and Collin Stafford were honorably mentioned.

The Lady Bulldogs garnered one first-teamer and three honorable mention selections for a team that finished with 11 wins.

Kaleah Crawford was picked for the first team while Tiyonna Drakes, Nevaeh Smith, Aniyah Jones were honorably mentioned.

The 4-H office has been smelling great with all the good dishes that these teams are cooking in preparation for their food challenge competition in March!

After being given a secret ingredient, teams prepare a dish and then give a presentation.

Red River High School will hold cheerleading and mascot tryouts March 25-27 from 4-6:30pm in the school gymnasium. 

Interested students should sign up on the bulletin board by the main office at the school. There is a $20 tryout fee.

The following outfits should be worn:
March 25-royal blue top with black shorts
March 26-white top with black shorts
March 27-royal blue top with black shorts

The bracket is out and the Northwestern State women’s basketball team travels to the state of Texas for its first WNIT appearance since 1999.

The Demons (16-15) opens its WNIT journey with a trip to Abilene Christian (20-12) to face the Wildcats on Thursday.

Tip-off is at 6 p.m.

The winner takes on Central Arkansas in the round of 32.

Northwestern State last played in the postseason in that 2015-16 season, a 69-54 loss at UL Lafayette in the Women’s Basketball Invitational, which eventually won the tournament.

The last time Northwestern State competed in the WNIT was in 1999 after a SLC regular season championship, as the Demons traveled to Arkansas.

This is the fifth trip to the WNIT for the Demons, as they are 6-4 in the previous four appearances.

This is the first meeting against Abilene since 2020, as the Wildcats won that one 84-69 when they were still in the Southland Conference.

It is the first meeting since the Wildcats left the SLC.

Abilene Christian has a 6-2 edge in the series and has won six games in a row, including a 4-0 mark in Abilene.

A search of the Louisiana Real Estate Commission website shows that the Broker License for Rodrick Terrell McIntosh has been suspended and the status indicates the License is Not Valid.

A search of the Broker Company section of the Louisiana Real Estate Commission website shows that the Broker Company License for Clear to Close Realty, LLC has been suspended and the status indicates the License is Not Valid.

• Each search was conducted on March 18, 2025 at the website: https://portal.lrec.gov/public/search

Louisiana is working to make good on its commitment to responsibly reduce the time students spend taking state tests. 

The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) announced changes to grade 3-8 social studies testing that will cut assessment time in half, while more closely aligning with the state’s more rigorous Freedom Framework standards.

“Count me in the number that believe Louisiana students spend too much time testing,” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “Assessments are vital to measure academic progress and guide instruction and policy decisions. We will continue to take a strategic approach to reduce testing time while maintaining high-quality assessments.”

Currently, Louisiana is one of only 13 states that require social studies assessments and the only state that mandates annual social studies testing for grades 3-8. Federal regulations do not require states to administer social studies assessments at any grade level.

Beginning with the 2027-28 school year, Louisiana will align social studies testing with the state’s new Freedom Framework standards. Instead of testing every year in grades 3-8, students will take social studies assessments in grades 3, 5, and 8. This change will cut total testing time in half—from 1,100 minutes to 550 minutes.

The Freedom Framework divides social studies instruction into three learning modules across grades K-8. Students in K-3 learn about the American story, grades 4-5 learn world history, and grades 6-8 learn Louisiana and American history. Under the revised testing schedule, assessments will align with the conclusion of each module. High school students will continue to take a civics assessment.

This reduction is in addition to an earlier one announced back in October.

At that time, Dr. Brumley announced a significant reduction in student testing time and committed to further reductions. That action resulted in a 20% reduction in testing time made to the grade 3-8 ELA and math LEAP assessments.

This latest round of reductions continues the department’s commitment to responsible testing adjustments.

Do you remember your old typewriter? Some of you wonder, what is that?

In ancient times our parents would send us to college with one of our High School graduation gifts, a typewriter. If your family was affluent the typewriter was electric. Can you visualize that typewriter? In the ears of your mind can you hear the bell? The bell would sound as you were approaching the margin of your paper. Do you remember how many spaces there are between the bell sounding and the margin? Anyway, you had a few more spaces before reaching the margin and then you couldn’t type on that line. You were forced to hit return or manually return the carrier to the beginning of the next line.

Typing today is much different. I only use the return (now known as “enter”) between paragraphs. The computer sets the margins and automatically sends the cursor to the next line for typing. There is no bell warning me that I am approaching the end of a line. I am not paying attention to the margin or where I am on the page, I don’t need to. The computer is taking care of that function for me.

I miss the bell warning me that I am approaching the margin. I miss the sound of typing in the office. Once in a church office, you could hear the typewriter, adding machine, and the mimeograph running. You knew work of the Kingdom was happening. Now all I hear is silence. I know the work is taking place, but you don’t hear it any longer.

There was a function of typewriters not found on computer keyboards. That key was labeled “margin release.” If you were one letter away from the end of a word, you could apply margin release, and the typewriter would continue typing past the margin. Since the margins were set mechanically, they could also be released mechanically. If you used the margin release key one line on the page would stand out. The reader of the paper would know you cheated at the margins.

Margin is what allows you to read this article. If the nice editors ignored the gutter in the middle and the margins on the sides, you would find this publication almost impossible to read. Margin, or white space, allows your eyes and brain to work in concert in this great exercise called reading. Your brain would not cooperate if the lines went to the edge of the screen. And if the words had no margins, called spaces, reading would take a great effort. The New Testament was written in a form called scriptio continua; there were no spaces between the words. Actually, there was no punctuation either. If you think understanding the Apostle Paul is difficult, try reading Ephesians without punctuation!

The margin release key is not found on a computer keyboard, but I’m wondering if you are using it too often in soul matters. Let’s try a margin test. When was the last time you took a day off? Describe the most beautiful sight experienced on your last vacation? How long since you have walked in the woods? What was the last book you read for pleasure? When was the last time you experienced joy?

Are you using that margin release key and filling your life and soul with too much stuff? Is your calendar full? Go ahead and look at it, when is the next “empty day?” Margin is that space for rest and restoration. Margin is where nothing is happening. All the “type A” people just cringed at the prospect of doing nothing!

I think margin is important because that is where God is. He is at the margins of society. He is at the margins of change. He is at the margins of our soul. God is at the margins, whispering to our hearts. He is asking us to go no further but to linger where we can experience Him. Margin allows life to be rich, full, and readable. Leave margin in your life, please. That spiritual margin allows space for God to lead you to what is next or linger with Him where you are.

We all need to backspace and create margin in our lives.

The DeSoto Parish Police Jury Office of Community Services announced the availability of funds dedicated to assisting eligible low-income households in Red River Parish. 

LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps households with their home energy expenses. The LIHEAP program may provide heating/cooling bill payment assistance, crisis bill payment assistance, and/or heating/cooling equipment repair/replacement assistance.

Applicants that are 60 years of age or older and/or disabled must  call 318-872-0880 on Friday, April 4 between 8-10am to be placed on the appointment list for LIHEAP Cooling funds. In order to be placed on the list MUST speak with someone from the LIHEAP office. Leaving a voicemail will not suffice. This time is designated to the priority group only and all other households will not be accepted. 

The general public must call between 10am-12pm to be placed on the upcoming LIHEAP appointment list. 

Household income determines the minimum requirements for energy assistance. Availability to LIHEAP is not guaranteed. There may be other eligibility requirements.

• Applicants must be responsible for the household energy bill.
• Applicant must have an active heating/cooling utility account
• Applicant may only receive one LIHEAP benefit each season.
  Heating:  November 15 – March 15
  Cooling:   April 1 – September 30
  Crisis: October 1 – September 30

2025 LIHEAP 60% ESTIMATED STATE MEDIAN INCOME LEVELS

Information needed to apply

• Utility Bills for Heating and Cooling no older than 30 days
• All check stubs from the previous 30 days for all household employment (additional requirements for self-employment and no-employment will apply)
• Proof of unearned income (Social Security, Unemployment Insurance, Retirement, Pension Funds, Disability, Rental Income, Regular Contributions, etc.)
• Disconnect or Pending Disconnection notice (if you received a shut-off notice from your energy company) (applicable to Crisis Assistance only)
• Proof of present address (rent receipt, lease or deed, etc.)
• Government-issued photo ID of the applicant and their Social Security card
• Proof of total members living in your household and their Social Security cards (exceptions may apply)
• Additional information may be required to determine your eligibility for energy assistance

Early voting for the March 29 elections continues through March 22.

The Town of Coushatta is accepting donations for the upcoming Community Easter Egg Hunt. Any donation is appreciated–money, candy, eggs. All proceeds will go to fund the event. Stay tuned for more updates. 

Theatre Louisiana Christian and Louisiana Christian University Music Department open the third and
final show of the 2024-2025 season Thursday evening with the hit musical “Little Women: the Broadway
Musical.” The production runs March 20-22 and 27-29 at 7pm with matinee performances March 22 and 29 at 2pm in the Martin Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $5 for LCU students, faculty, and staff; $15 for senior citizens and non-LCU students; and $20 for general admission. Groups of 12 or more can attend for $10 per person. Visit https://www.purplepass.com/tlclittlewomen to get your tickets.

The Department of Biology and Microbiology at Northwestern State University will sponsor a certification course in Level 1 Venomous Handling for the general public on May 24-25 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Room 122 of Bienvenu Hall. The course will be taught by the Rattlesnake Conservancy, a non-profit organization committed to the long-term preservation of imperiled rattlesnake species. The fee for the course is $349. This course is designed for a land manager, environmental consultant, first responder, homeowner, zookeeper, veterinary professional, biologist, herpetology enthusiast, photographer or anyone looking to learn how to safely handle venomous reptiles while receiving a professional certification. This two-day course combines classroom instruction in topics including native venomous snake species, ecology, snake anatomy and physiology, reproductive behavior, venom toxicology, emergency snakebite management, captive husbandry. and more. It will include hands on techniques like single hooking, double hooking, bagging and containing venomous snakes. These courses have been taught to thousands of students across the United States and set the industry standard in safe handling practices. For more information, go to https://www.savethebuzztails.org/events/level-1-venomous-handling-certification-course-northwestern-state-university-louisiana.

A drive in movie theater is set to open this summer in Monroe, 3034 Highway 80 East, about 2.5 miles past Millhaven Road. The outdoor theater will be named Bayou Drive-In and include two main screens that will be nearly 46 feet wide and 30 feet tall, plus a smaller screen that will be located near the back of the property. Moviegoers will have the option of purchasing food from the onsite concession stands or having the unique ability to bring in snacks of their own.

Fred Clinton McDowell
May 29, 1943 – December 9, 2024
Graveside services will be held in Springville Cemetery on Saturday, March 29, 2025

Matt Vines

COUSHATTA – The Red River boys basketball team is officially in “reload” mode, not “rebuild” mode.
Consecutive Top 28 appearances for the first time since then-Coushatta High went three straight times (1998-2000) means the Bulldogs are battle-tested.

While this year’s push for a state championship ultimately didn’t come to fruition with a second straight loss to Marksville, this time a 62-54 defeat in the semifinals, coach Dadrian Harris knows his program will be a fixture in state championship races to come.

“I firmly believe that the last past two years are merely the beginning of a new era,” said Harris, who completed his fourth season at the helm after serving as an assistant coach under Keith Johnson. “I no longer subscribe to the notion of rebuilding – instead, I advocate for a reload.

“We will diligently work, develop, and adapt as necessary to maintain our position at the pinnacle of success. I am filled with anticipation for the future that await us.”

Much like las year’s 2024 team that reached the state championship game, next year’s Red River squad does return the majority of its talent.

Seniors Jomello McDonald and Jayden Wells will certainly be missed, but this year’s team absorbed the loss of Christopher Gay and went on to have one of the best season’s in school history with a 26-6 record.

“Jayden and Jomello are two exceptional players who have consistently demonstrated remarkable growth both on and off the court,” Harris said. “Their dedication and commitment to the program have made them invaluable assets, and I’m incredibly proud of their achievements.

“Their names will forever be etched in the history of Red River basketball.”

McDonald scored 19 points, including starting a late flurry of offense after the Bulldogs suffered their worst shooting performance of the season (30 percent).

Red River couldn’t overcome its shooting from the field and the free-throw line (10-of-21), while Marksville made just enough big shots to pair with its excellent free-throw shooting (22-of-26).

“It took us the entire game to make shots,” Harris said. “Adjusting to the depth perception was challenging (in a coliseum as opposed to high school gyms), and our usual shots we had been taking all year simply didn’t fall.

“It’s always challenging to reflect on the 11 missed free throws that could have altered the game’s outcome. While making a few free throws might have enhanced our overall shooting, unfortunately that didn’t materialize.”

Marksville, who topped Red River in the 2024 state championship game for the program’s first-ever title, couldn’t repeat though.

The No. 4 seed Rams completed its blitz of the Division III Non-Select bracket with an 85-67 win against No. 3 Marksville on Saturday.

Fellow District 3-2A member Winnfield came the closest to knocking off the champs in a 61-56 quarterfinals loss.

Red River’s two paths to the Top 28 were certainly different as the No.13 seed Bulldogs almost became only the second double-digit seed to win a state title while knocking off two top-10 seeds on the road.
This year’s No. 2 seed Bulldogs didn’t have to leave Coushatta to make the Top 28 with a pair of home games, both double-digit wins.

Red River certainly appears to be destined for another Top 28 with eight rising seniors next year, all of whom have experienced two Top 28 trips.

Since 1998, Coushatta/Red River has made eight Top 28 trips with one title in 1999.

The Bulldogs will be determined to add to that total next season.

93.7 Kiss Country shared that Cindy Pickett was last week’s recipient of the Kiss Country Caught in the Act Award.

She was nominated by her friend, Stephanie Lefler.

Congrats Cindy!

Read the full story here.