Matt Vines

EAST POINT – Twenty games in a row.

That’s the winning streak that the Riverdale girls basketball team takes into the MAIS postseason, which begins Wednesday in the Class 2A South Regional Basketball Tournament at Wilkinson County Christian Academy.

The Lady Rebels (27-5) earned a No. 1 seed by winning their district and will face No. 4 seed Tallulah Academy at 4 p.m.

Riverdale shouldn’t be pushed in the regional opener, but the Lady Rebels haven’t really been pushed in a relatively tough district of their own.

Just one district game was close – a three-point win against Claiborne Academy.

Riverdale made sure that didn’t happen again when the teams met Friday in the district finale as the Lady Rebels pounced in a 61-30 road win.

“A lot of it is focus – we were more focused,” said Riverdale coach Trey Pittman. “We’re a guard-oriented team, but our bigs stepped up Friday night. We won the rebounding battle 37-14, and we didn’t give up an offensive rebound all night.

“When the girls realized that Claiborne Academy could play with us after the first game, they were locked in. Claiborne Academy has one really good player, and our guards did a really good job on her.”
That focus will surely be present in the playoffs.

The top four teams advance to the Class 2A state tournament, so a first-round win punches a team’s ticket to the next tournament.

But Riverdale wants to win another region title and is laser-focused on making the overall state tournament this year after falling one game short a year ago against Delta Academy in the Class 2A semifinals.

“Our dreams of a state championship are over at that point,” Pittman said. “We talk about that loss all the time, and we use it to motivate us.

“We know once you get to the playoffs, anything can go wrong. Whether that’s injuries or illness (Riverdale had an illness sweep through the team in the playoffs last year).”

This year’s team is certainly battle-tested, loading up on larger schools in the non-district slate.

Riverdale took their lumps with a 7-5 start, but the Lady Rebels started their winning streak against Delta Academy in a 66-34 route on Dec. 13.

A starting lineup tweak in which Hannah Huddleston shifted to the interior and freshman guard Kaleigh Pickett moved into the starting rotation.

Pickett’s shooting ability opens the floor for super point guard Mary Claire Jones, who is comfortable scoring off the bounce, shooting, or distributing to teammates.

“We’ve got five girls who are capable of scoring 20 points on any given night,” Pittman said. “Kaleigh’s shooting ability means that defenses can’t pack it in to stop Mary Claire.

“We did experience some adversity early on this season, but it was great to face those types of teams early on in the schedule. It’s intense basketball, and we’re used to that.”

Assuming Riverdale disposes of Tallulah Academy on Wednesday, another date with Claiborne Academy could be in the cards if the No. 3 seed Rebels skirt past No. 2 seed Tensas Academy.

Perhaps No. 2 seed Briarfield Academy, another Riverdale district opponent, awaits Riverdale in the finals should the Red River Parish continue its winning ways.

And there’s nothing to suggest otherwise.

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office Impact Detail consisting of members from the NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau, Natchitoches Drug Enforcement Unit and Criminal Investigations Bureau arrested a Coushatta man on Friday afternoon, wanted for Attempted 2nd Degree Murder in connection with a recent shooting in Red River Parish according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.

On Friday afternoon, January 31, 2025 at approximately 5:00pm, Deputies assigned to the NPSO Impact Detail were patrolling on La. Hwy 6 East near Payne Sub-Division in Natchitoches when they stopped a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck for a traffic violation.

Deputies say while speaking to the three occupants of the vehicle, they suspected criminal activity.

Deputies identified the occupants which included 22-year-old Kalion D. Moore of Coushatta, La.

A NCIC and local warrants check revealed Moore was wanted by the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office for Attempted 2nd Degree Murder and Criminal Trespassing in connection with the recent shooting of a Red River Parish man.

During the arrest, deputies seized evidence that may assist Red River detectives in their investigation.

Moore was transported and booked into LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center charged with Attempted 2nd Degree Murder, and Criminal Trespassing pending his release to Red River Parish deputies.

Deputies say as the detail progressed throughout the evening, one other arrest was made for Simple Possession of Marijuana and a Failure to Appear warrant.

Matt Vines

EAST POINT – 15-8 lead at the end of the first quarter.

That’s what the scoreboard read when Riverdale played at district champion Claiborne Academy in Friday’s season-finale.

Claiborne did recover and pull away from Riverdale in a 55-35 victory, but for at least one quarter, Riverdale controlled the game against one of the best MAIS Class 2A teams.

That’s what first-year head coach Ty Jones wants his Rebels (10-20) to tap into as the Class 2A South Regional gets underway Wednesday.

It’s part of a young Riverdale squad that’s vastly improved from the beginning of the season, not unlike last year’s team that made noise at the state tournament.

“There are really good stretches where they look like a team that can compete for great things,” said Jones, an all-state performer in his own right at Riverdale just a few years ago. “We’ve improved in a lot of different ways, including our individual skillsets just in the course of this season.

“We understand each other better and what each other’s strengths are. They are a tight-knit group that plays for each other.”

The No. 3 seed Rebels will face No. 2 Mt. Salus in the first round Wednesday at 5:15 p.m. at Wilkinson County Christian Academy.

Riverdale can punch its ticket to the Class 2A state tournament with a win as the top four region teams advance.

“The keys against Mt. Salus are the same for us as other opponents – we have to guard because it’s what we do well,” Jones said. “Obviously there are certain ways to guard different teams, and we’ll make adjustments accordingly, but in a playoff game like this that’s several hours away, you can’t always expect your offense to travel with you.

“You have to get stops and finish off defensive possessions.”

Defense has been Riverdale’s strength this season as the young group has learned the finer points of the game.

There are guys who contributed to last year’s playoff run in which Riverdale pushed eventual region champion Claiborne Academy in a six-point loss before advancing to the Class 2A state tournament, losing to No. 1 seed Lee Academy on a buzzer beater and to another No. 1 seed Woodlawn Prep by five points.

“I think it definitely does help,” Jones said of the playoff experience. “The guys and I know this is not some regular season game.

“The intensity will be turned up with both teams’ seasons on the line. Being in that spot before just helps prepare you that much more.

Jones was on the bench as coach Trey Pittman’s assistant, and while this season is his first as a head coach, he’s learned plenty of lessons along the way as well.

“I have learned that creating a bond with the kids and getting them to trust in what you say is just as important if not more than the basketball stuff,” Jones said. “I’ve learned just as much from these guys as they have from me.

“I hope in the final games of this year and the years to come, I never stop wanting to grow and learn as a coach.”

FOR SALE: 2020 Brookstone Fifth Wheel by Coachmen

36 feet with three slide-outs

One owner, excellent condition, never been smoked in, no pets

The bedroom includes a king bed (new Purple mattress) slide-out, a large front wardrobe, plus a washer and dryer.

The Rear Living area has theater seating directly across from the entertainment center/fireplace. Additional seating is provided by the 78″ tri-fold hide-a-bed sofa and free-standing dining table and chairs. 

The kitchen includes a pantry closet, a full-size residential refrigerator, a kitchen island, and solid surface countertops.

The bathroom houses a shower with a seat and sliding glass doors.

It also has 6-point electric auto-leveling, four Solid Step entry steps, and an electric awning with LED lights.

Asking $45,000

For questions or information, contact Trina at 318-402-6771.

Magnolia Bend Academy Coushatta attended the Louisiana State Beta Convention in Lafayette, where they actively competed in a variety of competitions.

According to social media reports, Louisiana is recognized for having the largest Senior State Beta Convention in the country with over 7,000 Louisiana Betas participating in the three-day event.

Those attending/competing from MBA:
Roman Armstrong-Academics Poetry
Hunter Guice-Speech Division I
Tye Weems-Club Trading Pin
Cassie Davis-Visual Arts Division I Drawing
Ava Feazel-Visual Arts Division I Digital Art
Kensley Mudge-Accessorized Design
Layla Feazel-Visual Arts Division II Woodworking
Chassidy Powell-Visual Arts Division II Jewelry
Corley Davis-Visual Arts Divisoon II Color Photography
Kayslyn Hall-Visual Arts Division II Black & White Photography
Also in attendance: Jasper Ammons & Colby Broadway

The land of north Louisiana is described as rolling hills, alluvial plains, and forests. I ride the route between Ruston and Gibsland almost daily. I estimate that I have driven 72,000 miles coming to work and going home over my time at Trinity Methodist Church. I very much enjoyed the drive on I-20. In that drive I experience rolling hills, alluvial plains, and forests.

Of late, DOTD has a project on I-20 from Tarbutton Road to the Bienville Parish line. That is approximately eleven miles. Since early in the fall of last year contractors have been clearing the right of way on both sides of the Interstate. They have also removed the trees from the median of the Interstate.

They are efficient and organized when it comes to tree removal. The trees have been ground up. On colder mornings, the mounds of wood chips and mulch appear to be smoking. Or as we used to say, “they can see their breath.” By the afternoon, those mounds of wood chips were hauled off. I wonder what those wood products will become.

Over the course of these months my driving has changed.

The woods were growing remarkably close to the edge of the Interstate. There were multiple trees, that if blown over, would have landed on the roadway. I know it was done for safety. But it has changed my view of the drive. I can see fields not previously seen. I can see cars headed in the opposite direction. I can see the road ahead and how it curves. Strangely the drive seems more spacious. Once the grass grows this spring, it will be a more pleasant drive.

It is also the time of year that I have started trimming things in the yard getting ready for spring. The rose bushes will be introduced to my trimming shears this week. I’m not going to talk about murdering crape myrtles, but you do it if that is your thing.

There are cases where growing things need to be trimmed back or cut down! The resulting margin allows the plants to grow more fully or the driver to experience new vistas. For you overworked workaholics out there, I’m talking about creating a margin in your life. I’m hinting about taking a day off, getting some rest, cutting back, or going on vacation. For some of you I’m suggesting driving to work another way. You need to see different roads.

If you cut back and trim away some of the stuff you are busy about, you might discover some of the beauty and blessing that God has created for you.

You have noticed that even Jesus needed to get away from the crowds and spend time being with God. If he did it, why do we have such a tough time trying it?

Speaker Mike Johnson is encouraging all Louisiana high school students with a passion for art, photography, or design to participate in the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. The annual competition showcases students’ artwork in our nation’s capital. 

The Congressional Art Competition is a nationwide, visual art contest for high school students, where one piece of artwork from each congressional district is chosen by a panel of judges to be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building. The winning artist will be recognized at an award ceremony in Washington, D.C., during the summer of 2025. The second and third place selections will be proudly displayed in Speaker Johnson’s congressional offices. All selected winners will be honored at an award reception in Louisiana’s 4th Congressional District office. Participating students must live in Speaker Johnson’s 4th Congressional District.

This year’s theme, “The Spirit of Louisiana,” encourages participants to celebrate Louisiana’s history, heritage, and people. 

RULES AND GUIDELINES

Artwork entered in the contest may be up to 26 inches by 26 inches, up to 4 inches in depth, and not weigh more than 15 pounds. If your artwork is selected as the winning piece, it must arrive framed and must still measure no larger than the above maximum dimensions.

Acceptable mediums: 

• Paintings – including oil, acrylics, and watercolor
• Drawings – including pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, and markers (It is recommended that charcoal and pastel drawings be fixed.)
• Collages – must be two dimensional
• Prints – including lithographs, silkscreen, and block prints
• Mixed Media – use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.
• Computer-generated art
• Photography

FORMS FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS
Congressional Art Competition Rules and Regulations

Congressional Art Competition Student Submission Form

DEADLINE
April 17, 2025

CONTACT
For more information, visit Speaker Johnson’s website or contact the Bossier City Office at 318-840-0309.

MBA Elementary & Junior Beta students are holding a Bake Sale fundraiser Saturday, Feb 8 from 10am – 2pm at A+ Donuts to raise money for 20 students to attend State Beta Convention this month. All proceeds will go towards the trip.

Send a free Valentine e-card to St. Jude kids. Choose a patient art-inspired card, and then select a pre-written message, or write your own message. Create it here.

Northwestern State’s online Master of Science in Nursing and Nurse Practitioner programs have been ranked #1 in Louisiana by RegisteredNursing.org. With expert faculty, diverse program options, and a commitment to excellence, NSU prepares nurses to become top-tier healthcare providers. From advanced practice to national board certification, NSU graduates are ready to lead in the field.

According to social media, Apple and SpaceX have teamed up to make iPhones work anywhere using Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service. With the release of iOS 18.3, iPhones now support Starlink’s direct-to-cell coverage, allowing users to send SMS messages via satellite, even in areas without traditional cellular service. This collaboration, involving Apple, SpaceX, and T-Mobile, aims to ensure that iPhone users stay connected globally. Initially, the service is available to a select group of T-Mobile users in a beta program, with plans to expand to other carriers and regions in the future.

A line dancing class will be offered by Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic Learning and Global Education starting Tuesday, Feb. 18. The class will be taught on Tuesdays from 5:30-7pm through April 1 in Room 127of the Health and Human Performance Building. The fee is $65. Line dancing is a way to exercise your body and mind by dancing to lively, upbeat music. It is a fun way to dance socially without a dance partner. Dancing styles covered in this class will include country-western, zydeco and hip-hop. No dance experience is required. Attire for the class is casual with soft soled shoes required. For more information or to register for classes, go to checkout.nsula.edu or call (800) 376-2422 or (318) 357-6355.

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The Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) recently held its annual Principals’ Convention.

Patrick Lindsey, Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Red River High School, left Baton Rouge with some new hardware.

The Louisiana High School Athletic Directors Association selected him as the 2024-2025 Athletic Director of the Year for District V. District V is the largest in the state and includes 31 parishes across northern Louisiana. All schools in District V voted on AD of the Year.

Lindsey was nominated by Anthony Tisdale, Caddo Parish Public Schools Director of Athletics.
Before coming to Red River, Lindsey worked in Caddo, where he served as athletic director, Head Girls’ Basketball Coach, and administrator at several schools.

Tisdale shared that he nominated Lindsey because of his great work in Caddo, which he is continuing to do in Red River. He also praised Lindsey for his immaculate paperwork and organized record-keeping.

Lindsey shared, “I am so blessed, honored, and humbled to win such an award as Athletic Director of the Year for District V, the largest district in the State of Louisiana. It could not have come at a better time than now when I work for the BEST school board in the state and the BEST Superintendent, Mrs. Alison Strong. I would like to thank Mr. Picou and Mrs. McDonald for having faith and confidence in me and allowing me to oversee our second-to-none Athletic Department. In the infamous words of the Great John Thompson, the former Head Coach of the Georgetown Hoyas, I came here as a shadow, so I want my works to speak for me!”

Red River High students were excited, but not surprised, to hear about Lindsey’s selection. Rihanna Wilson shared, “Mr. Lindsey has a great, strong personality, and he understands his students very well.”

Shamiya Henderson added, “His leadership inspires students and staff to strive for excellence every day.”

“He is a peacemaker. His dedication and wisdom create a supportive and welcoming environment. We deeply appreciate his positive influence!” said Fa’Dasia Demery

Other convention news includes several proposals that member school principals voted on.
One of the hot topics was allowing student-athletes to transfer schools once without having to sit out or lose eligibility. A whopping 273-66 vote rejected the proposal.

Another stemmed from this past football season, when a school filed a lawsuit against the LHSAA, almost delaying the start of the playoffs. The proposal was approved by a 180-159 margin. Beginning with the 2025-2026 season, schools filing lawsuits against the LHSAA may not participate in postseason play or be placed on the bracket in the sport being litigated. Schools could also be slapped with a possible two-year suspension. Any school that legally challenges a ruling must first remove itself from LHSAA membership.

Member principals also passed a proposal stipulating that any legal action must be filed in the 19th Judicial District Court in East Baton Rouge Parish, where the LHSAA office is located.

In other proposals, principals voted to delay the start of baseball season (taking effect in 2028), which in turn extends it to later in May or possibly early June to stagger the time between basketball season and baseball season.

Approved by unanimous vote, 202-0, was a golf proposal (taking effect in 2026) aligning district, regional, and state scoring. Players will now pick up their ball after their ninth stroke and take a ten on the scorecard for that hole.

Principals voted to adjust the playoff bracket sizes for Class B and Class C in basketball, baseball, and softball. Class B brackets will have 20 playoff teams in all three sports, while Class C schools will have 20 playoff teams for baseball and softball and 16 teams for basketball.

Eddie Bonine, LHSAA Executive Director, shared that 22 proposals passed, 12 of which came from the LHSAA Executive Committee. See the press conference here.

Qualifying for the Mar 29, 2025 election has ended. The only race contested on the ballot will be School Board District 6 member.

In that race, Richard Logan will face Reginald Prelow.

The candidates for other offices up for election are uncontested. Jason Briggs is uncontested for Mayor of Hall Summit and Amelia Dyer for Alderman.

The office of Chief of Police for Hall Summit had no one qualify.

Early Saturday mornings are usually reserved for taking the dreaded ACT for students, but these students took a Saturday to prepare for the test.

These students spent five hours reviewing test-taking strategies, planning study habits, and analyzing ACT questions.

Additionally, they studied vocabulary and learned how to stay focused when taking a four-hour test.

The ACT will be given to students at Riverdale in March.

Facebook’s Birthday is tomorrow February 4. Facebook launched in 2004 by Mark Zukerberg, a student at Harvard University.

The app was initially used by Harvard students who wanted to create a social media presence with photos and posts. Its reliability and its widespread reach caused the app to soar. Soon after its initial success, other prestigious schools like Yale and Stanford were also allowed to join.

By June 2004, Facebook hosted around 25,0000 students from various schools. The success of Facebook prompted MasterCard to pay Facebook for exposure. It was the start of the age of social media advertisements.

By the end of 2006, Facebook had six million active monthly users and became open to anyone over 13 years old. In February 2012, Facebook went public and raised $16 billion.

Facebook is, to date, the most popular social media network with nearly three billion users.

It is the main reason most of our friends know about our birthday. It’s time we return the favor and celebrate the birthday of our favorite social network.

5 Facts About Facebook That Will Interest You
1. The third most popular site
    Facebook is the third most popular site globally, just behind Google and Youtube.

2. Facebook’s I.P.O. was higher than Google’s I.P.O.
    Google raised $1.9 billion when it went public, whereas Facebook raised $16 billion.

3. 71% of Americans use Facebook
    Only 23% of Americans use Twitter, whereas 71% use Facebook.

4. 250 Billion photos
    People upload 350 million photos to Facebook daily, which is equivalent to 250 billion photos.

5. India and Facebook
    India currently has around 260 million users, which is the highest number of active Facebook users 
    globally.

Source: nationaltoday.com

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announced a project to repair a section of Youree Drive in Shreveport made possible by the additional $7.5 million received by each DOTD region appropriated by the state legislature during fiscal year 2024-2025.

The $3.8 million project will provide full-depth patching, milling and an asphalt overlay on Youree Drive from Stoner Avenue to Southfield Road, approximately 3 miles of improvements along this busy residential and commercial corridor of Shreveport.

Work is anticipated to begin Monday, February 3, 2025 with the full-depth patching phase of work on the south end of the project near Southfield Road, progressing northward. This will require intermittent lane closures, though as much effort as possible will be made to minimize any inconvenience to the traveling public.

Full-depth patching addresses damaged sections of roadway down to the base to strengthen these sections, and is then followed by milling (removal of old asphalt) and replacement of new layers of asphalt.

Once patching is complete, the contractor will begin milling off the old layers of asphalt, which will also require intermittent lane closures, though special consideration will be given to high volume traffic times such as school drop-off and pick-up along this route.

Notifications will be issued during other interruptions to traffic flow, such as work being conducted at major intersections, via the MyDOTD system.

The entire project is anticipated to be complete in late June 2025, with progress dependent on weather conditions and other factors that can impact construction timelines.

Safety reminder:

DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment. Remember to leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Area residents should exercise caution when driving, walking, or biking near an active construction zone.

Additional information:

Call 511, visit www.511la.org, or download the Louisiana 511 mobile app for additional travel information. Out-of-state travelers may call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website at www.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MyDOTD, or by visiting the DOTD Facebook and X (Twitter) pages.

First-year head coach Jenny Fuller has been named to a short list as one of the best new hires in the country.

The new Northwestern State skipper was named the 10th best coaching hire according to D1softball.com across all Division I programs this past summer. The 2024 coaching carousel saw 50 programs changing hands at the top, including five Power 4 schools.

“I am honored to be included on a list like this, especially when there were so many hires made across the country,” Fuller said. “We’ve worked hard in our career for these kinds of chances and are thankful to all the people that have been a part of that success. Thank you to (NSU Athletic Director) Kevin Bostian for giving Brad (Fuller) and I this opportunity here at NSU. I just want to do what I can to live up to this honor, get this program back on track and do a lot of great things here.”

Fuller was named the 13th head softball coach at NSU on July 24, 2024.

She spent the past three seasons at Pittsburg State where she won more than 100 games, produced four all-Americans, six academic all-Americans, seven all-region players and 18 all-conference players during her tenure.

During the 2024 season, the Gorillas claimed a share of the MIAA regular season crown for just the second time in program history, and set a program record with 53 wins, including an impressive 23-3 mark in conference play. Fuller and her staff, that includes her husband Brad, were named the MIAA Coach of the Year following the historic season.

Prior to her time at Pitt State, Fuller spent three seasons at Northern State in Aberdeen, S.D., where in 2020, the Wolves won their first 10 games of the season and had a program-best 15-4 record before the season was canceled due to COVID-19.

In her first head coaching position, a NAIA-member Cardinal Stritch in Milwaukee, she complied a 59-36 record in two seasons including a 30-13 mark in year one.

Through nine seasons as a collegiate head coach, Fuller has compiled a 249-171 (.593) overall record.

Fuller and the Demons open the 2025 season on Feb. 7 at the South Alabama Invitational.

LifeShare Blood Center is kicking off the Mardi Gras season by encouraging you to join the Krewe of Life and give life to the fullest! Donate at the Shreveport, Bossier City, or Texarkana donor center on February 6th or 7th and receive a Lilah’s Bakery king cake plus a limited-edition Mardi Gras donor t-shirt.

“Every two seconds someone needs blood. In fact, nearly 30,000 units of whole blood and red blood cells are transfused each day in the U.S. Our donors allow others to live life to the fullest with each donation they make, and that is definitely worth celebrating,” says Mandi Johnson, Director of Community Engagement.

LifeShare is honored to partner with Lilah’s Bakery and other businesses who are committed to strengthening the community’s blood supply.

King cakes will be available in-center only at all LifeShare donor centers Thursday, February 6th & Friday, February 7th. The centers will have extended hours during the promotion period to allow everyone to take advantage of this exclusive offer. For complete promotion details, visit www.lifeshare.org/promos. Appointments are encouraged, but not required. To schedule a donation appointment, visit: www.lifeshare.org/give or call 800.256.5433.

Winter is sticking around for six more weeks according to Punxsutawney Phil!

Magnolia Bend Academy’s Food Drive service project continues until Feb 26. The school is collecting canned and non perishable food items for the hungry. Contact the school for more information.

Southern University School of Nursing (SUSON) was named the Best Nursing School in the U.S. by Nurse.org, marking a historic achievement for the institution. This recognition highlights the school’s dedication to nursing excellence and follows the admission of the largest class of Black male nurses in its history. The award also acknowledges SUSON’s efforts in diversifying the nursing field, exemplified by a recent grant to increase minority nurse researchers.

Riverdale Academy will host their annual Spring Thaw Saturday, March 29. Activities include a golf tournament, skeet shoot, crawfish boil, and live auction. 

Marvine Arnold McAlexander
November 8, 1935 – January 31, 2025
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 11am at Fairview Baptist Church.

March 29, 2025, is election day for Red River Parish. Several elected offices are on the ballot.

First is the District 6 seat for the Red River Parish School Board. Valerie Cox vacated this seat on December 31 and will be filled by a special election.

The village of Hall Summit has three offices available. On the ballot are Mayor, Chief of Police, and Alderman.

The qualifying period for candidates closes today at 4:30 for all of these offices.

A list of all qualified candidates will be published in the RRPJ Monday morning.

Other election information includes:

• The deadline to register to vote in person, by mail, or at the OMV Office is February 26.
• The deadline to register to vote through the GeauxVote Online Registration System is March 8.
• Early voting is from March 15-22 (excluding Sunday, March 16) from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• The deadline to request an absentee ballot is March 25 by 4:30 p.m. (other than military and overseas voters). You can request an absentee ballot online through our Voter Portal or in writing through your Registrar of Voters Office.
• The deadline for a registrar of voters to receive a voted absentee ballot (other than military and overseas voters) is March 28 by 4:30 p.m.
• On election day, the polls are open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

Matt Vines

It’s been a minute since the Riverdale girls or the Red River boys basketball teams have tasted defeat.

The Lady Rebels (26-5) racked up 19 straight wins dating back to a Dec. 10 loss to Riverfield Academy (40-22 defeat).

Dec. 10 is also the last time the Bulldogs (18-3) lost, coming in 63-52 fashion to Captain Shreve.

The Bulldogs will get a rematch with Captain Shreve tonight, this time in Coushatta.

In Riverdale’s winning streak, only two games have been decided by 10 points or less.

The Lady Rebels will face the team that played them closest in the winning streak, heading to Claiborne Academy, a team they edged 41-38 on Jan. 13.

Red River has blasted their way to a 4-0 district record in 3-2A, which includes wins against Many, Mansfield, Winnfield and Lakeside. Winnfield did present a challenge in a 70-63 Red River win on Jan. 24.

The Bulldogs are also cruising at the top of the Division III Non-Select power rankings as the Bulldogs have more than 1.5-point lead over No. 2 Madison.

Riverdale has rolled through the rest of its district schedule, winning every other contest by at least 35 points.

The Lady Rebels have also graced the top spot of the MAIS Class 2A coaches poll this season and will be a serious contender for a state title once the playoffs start this coming week.

Riverdale boys
Tonight’s trip to Claiborne Academy also represents the regular season finale for the Riverdale boys.

The Rebels (10-19) are trying to log a district win to help their playoff chances, but they’ll need to reverse a trend in which Claiborne won the earlier meeting, 67-39.

Red River girls
Red River sits in a three-way tie for first place in District 3-2A after the first wave of games are complete.

The Lady Bulldogs knocked off Many to open district play but fell to Mansfield before breezing through Winnfield and Lakeside.

Red River (10-12) has won four of its last five contests after snapping a seven-game losing streak.

Many felled Mansfield this week to create the three-way tie.

The Lady Bulldogs step out of district play to face Class 5A Captain Shreve, which won the first meeting, 78-39.

Red River continues to teeter on the line to host a first-round playoff game, sitting at No. 16 in Division III Non-Select.