gotchanewsdaily.com 
What can you say about a basketball tournament that brings 40 teams from across the state together?
A lot actually … probably more than this space allows.
There are thoughts about the LHSAA Boys Basketball tournament I want to focus on. Along with a few other items.
Let’s start with the boys tourney and parity. Yes … there is some and it appears to trending, if you will.
Regardless of what the matchups are, a few blowout wins do happen at state tournaments. Other than Lacassine’s 77-61 victory over Avoyelles Charter in the Class B boys final, the next largest margin of victory in Friday’s finals was four points.
Here’s more food for thought. Louisiana is without a doubt a football state. But high school basketball here is pretty darn good too. Give credit where credit is due.
The only thing lacking is the statewide worship/destination status that state basketball tourneys in states receive. That happens in Kentucky and Indiana, the area where I grew up.
Of course, I do not expect that status to change because in Louisiana we are unapologetically who we are. Football is king.
However, a couple of key factors do need to change as we approach future seasons.
One is our approach to success and where championships belong in the hierarchy of not just high school sports, but all sports. Expectations need to be taken down several notches.
The notion that a team or an athlete fails unless they win a championship is not only unrealistic, it is also unhealthy. Thankfully, most coaches know this, but not all. The same can be said for fans and parents.
Many factors go into an athlete or a team winning a championship. Stories about unbeaten teams and individuals that did not “win the big one” are part of the fabric of sports on all levels.
Cinderella winners, buzzer beaters, fluke plays, performances for the ages and a rare bad night are ways we explain what happens when top teams do not win.
And there’s one more thing. As Southern Lab coach Harold Boudreaux noted after the Kittens lost to Hamilton Christian on Friday, “it just wasn’t our time.”
The outcome of one game or one meet should never negate a stellar season.
With the exception of rare NIL deals, high school athletes do not receive compensation. It remains among the purest levels of competition we have left. It should be cherished and not dismissed by a single event.
Fan conduct also must be addressed. Venues like Burton Coliseum here in Lake Charles and SLU’s University Center in Hammond, site of last week’s LHSAA girls tourney, are built in a way that does not allow fan access to the court.
Putting fans a safe distance away from the court is a good thing for players, coaches and officials. And yes, for the fans too. This not just about basketball. There are issues with other sports too.
Schools should post a code of conduct for fans at the gate for every sporting event. Purchasing a ticket gives fans admission to the game, not a blank check to abuse opposing players, coaches or officials.
With all that said, the 2025 LHSAA basketball postseason has been among the best I can recall even though there won’t be a record haul of championship trophies in the Baton Rouge area.
Plenty of life lessons, successes and memories were made. Which sets a clear path forward to 2025-26.
Losing a legend
The death of legendary Haynesville High football coach Alton “Red” Franklin at the age of 89 last weekend is a significant loss for Louisiana’s high school football community
Franklin won 11 LHSAA titles in 35 seasons ay Haynesville and retired with a record of 366-76-8.
Few coaches epitomized small-town Louisiana football like Franklin did. His son, David, carries on the legacy as HHS’ coach.
