Matt Vines

COUSHATTA – New year, new you?

That sentiment doesn’t apply to Red River boys basketball, but the Bulldogs could be turning the corner in the new year.

Red River (8-5), who is preparing itself for a third straight Top 28 appearance, is learning from its challenging early-season schedule.

The Bulldogs have won three of their last four games, including convincing wins against Class 5A Carencro (60-49) and Class 4A Southwood (66-37) on the road.

That Southwood win this past Saturday is Red River’s largest (by margin of victory) against a quality opponent this season.

Red River still has four games remaining before the District 3-2A schedule takes off Jan. 16 as its group of eight seniors strives to get another chance at a state title.

“Every year as a team, we face and overcome our strengths and weaknesses, which is an inherent aspect of the game,” said Red River coach Dadrian Harris. “Winning a state title is our top priority, but we can’t dwell on the future.

“Our focus remains on the current opponent. Our program is designed to maintain a high level of competition, and I firmly believe this isn’t our last chance to win a title, but we must seize the opportunity that presents itself this year when we make it.”

Those eight seniors are buoyed by guys like Warren Bowman, Malique Smith, Collin Stafford and Demarche Newton. Other key members include Tylan Beavers, Cameron Jones, Jamarion Davis and Carl Lewis.

This senior class was the backbone of the Top 28 appearances the past two seasons, and this year presents the last chance for this group to lift a trophy.

Red River did lose two important pieces from last year’s team – Jomello McDonald and Jayden Wells — but Harris said other players have taken up that leadership mantle.

Wells was a point guard with scoring ability while McDonald felt like the team’s heartbeat – the “dog” whenever Red River needed a little nasty.

“Replacing players like Jayden and Jomello is always challenging because they contributed significantly to the team’s success,” Harris said. “However we have some seniors who have taken on leadership roles with the same dog mentality as Jayden and Jomello.”

Smith has taken on a particularly unique role as a point guard who also plays in the post as Red River’s tallest player on a team that does lack interior size.

“Malique presents an incredibly challenging matchup for any team due to his exceptional skills and size,” Harris said. “Although he is primarily a point guard, he is compelled to play as a big for us because we lack the necessary size.

“Despite these challenges, he consistently makes significant sacrifices and prioritizes the team’s success above all else. He has been instrumental in carrying us through crucial moments. However, his potential remains untapped, which is even more scary for opponents.”

Red River is much more than just its seniors, as players like sophomore Lathyn Lewis and juniors Landon Wilson, Devin Metoyer and Damija Harris are key pieces.

“Lathyn has matured significantly, and he’s finally playing in a way that aligns with our team’s needs – he’s a true playmaker.” Harris said. “The other guys have also grown up immensely this summer, and they’re huge impact players.”

As a team, Red River will continue to explore its potential starting Tuesday at home against Class 5A Airline and Friday at Class 5A Evangel.

Dates with Union Parish and Class 1A power Lakeview loom before district play starts at Many on Jan. 16.
Red River is sitting at No. 2 in the latest Division III Non-Select power rankings with defending champion Marksville currently on top by more than three full points.

While these two teams may be on a collision course to see each other in the Top 28 or even perhaps the state title game, veteran programs like Madison Parish, Richwood, Donaldsonville and Avoyelles will certainly make their case in the playoffs.

“We’ve learned that we can’t take anyone lightly, and instead of relying on our name to carry the weight, we have to actually play the game,” Harris said. “I appreciate both the losses and the wins because there’s always something to learn from each experience.

“We’re still figuring things out as a coaching staff and team.”