Matt Vines

COUSHATTA – Red River coach Dadrian Harris liked his team’s confidence and mentality entering the Division III Non-Select playoffs, and the Bulldogs more than lived up to that expectation Friday.
The No. 6 seed Bulldogs clobbered No. 27 Crowley in an 88-48 victory, the largest of the first round in this bracket.

Red River (22-10) moved the ball well and knocked down open shots while relying on a suffocating defense to create issues for Crowley (10-19) all night.

“I believe we are in the right place as a team,” Harris said. “I never want to reach a peak too early and then stagnate when it truly matters.

“Therefore, we simply strive to accumulate days, enhance every practice, and improve every game.”

Red River advances to the second round where they’ll host No. 11 Green Oaks on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.
The Giants (14-14) escaped No. 22 Many in a 58-53 overtime win in the first round.

The Bulldogs topped Green Oaks, 57-47, earlier this year in the Huntington High tournament.

Red River is attempting to make its third straight trip to the Top 28, although the Bulldogs’ path has been different the past two years.

In 2024, No. 13 seed Red River knocked off three top-eight teams away from home (two on the road and one on a neutral court in the semifinals) to reach the state title game.

The 2025 road came through Coushatta as Red River won three home games to reach the Top 28.

Red River sought out tough competition in the regular season with games against the likes of Bossier, Wossman, Calvary Baptist and Ruston.

Those games plus Red River’s previous playoff experience should pay dividends.

“We don’t shy away from stiff competition,” Harris said. “The team’s focus has improved with each game, preparing them from the challenges we may face in the playoffs.

“Every game, we strive to learn and improve as better players and coaches by competing against elite teams.”

While Red River remains the only District 3-2A team left standing, the district did perform admirably in the first round.

Many lost in overtime, No. 24 Mansfield pushed No. 9 Avoyelles (70-67 win) to the brink, and No. 28 Winnfield hung around at No. 5 Mamou (68-50).