With the girls in their playoff swing, it is that time for the boys to join them.

With two more days to go in the regular season, playoff spots are still up for grabs for some Rapides Parish teams, while others continue to jockey for positioning.

Once again, we delve into the top storylines from this past week with the Rapides Parish Hoops Report.

Trojans win District 2-5A, get revenge in Red River Rivalry series

Call it the perfect storm of a week for Alexandria Senior High’s basketball team.

There had been some hiccups as the season drew to a close, but the Trojans got a pair of big wins against Ouachita and Pineville this week to not only win their first boys district title in 30 years, but to likely solidify a first-round bye in the Division I playoffs.

Last Friday, ASH defeated the Lions 53-51 as seniors Chavez Whitehead and Jaylin Johnson scored 17 points each to lead the way. However, it was the duo’s defense on the last two Lion possessions that earned the victory.

Fast forward four days later and Johnson’s brother, Jordyn, erupted for 25 points in the 72-49 win over the Rebels.

Jordyn, who missed the first game between the two teams in Pineville, admittedly had extra motivation.

Best wins of the week

I will expand more about this in my first-round girls roundup, but the best girls win of the week will go to Tioga snapping an 18-year drought without a playoff win.

In their first playoff game since 2020 and their first home playoff game since 2011, the No. 9 Lady Indians coasted past No. 24 Bonnabel, 57-23, in the first round of the Division I playoffs.

With the Trojans winning their first district title in 30 years qualifying as a top boys win, I will give a shout out to Plainview topping Fairview last Friday to win District 5-C.

Putting the cherry on top of a beautiful senior night, team assistant Lakota Johnson was honored during the festivities with his fellow seniors. Johnson, who uses a mobile wheelchair to get around because of being in a car accident in 2022, also made a shot before the game and was celebrated by his teammates.

That is what sports is all about, folks.

Most anticipated games this weekend

In a bit of a different twist this week since girls basketball is in the playoffs and boys basketball is winding things down, I will talk about some of the boys games this weekend with major playoff implications and compelling battles.

Archbishop Rummel at ASH (tonight): As I am writing this article, the Trojans will have a first round bye and a top eight seed after getting the much-needed extra power point for winning District 2-5A. This will be a good litmus test for the playoffs.

Buckeye at Vidalia (tonight): Since winning their first 25 games, the Panthers have hit a lull with a 2-3 mark near the season’s end. A win at Vidalia can stabilize things as Buckeye should earn a first-round bye.

Simpson at Glenmora (tonight): It is a must-win for the Wildcats, who are looking to lock up one of the final spots in Division III select.

Rapides at Bunkie (tonight): Rivals and old district foes take on each other as both teams are currently playing some of their best ball.

Archbishop Rummel at Pineville (Saturday): The Raiders stay in Cenla and go across the river to take on Pineville the following day. Like I said about the Trojans, this will be a good test for the Rebels as well and there is a chance these two can have a return match in the regional round.

Avoyelles Charter at Peabody (Saturday): Yes, the Hall of Fame Game is an exhibition of sorts but there is always a lot of pride on the line. The Warhorses welcome the defending Division V select champions in a playoff tune-up for both teams.

A former sports reporter for The Town Talk in Alexandria and the Natchitoches Times in Natchitoches, LaMar Gafford has covered the sports scene in Central Louisiana for the last 10 years. Along with contributing a weekly basketball column for the Rapides Parish Journal, the 2023 recipient of the LHSAA’s Prep Journalism award and eight-time LSWA award winner writes about Cenla sports for his website CenlaPreps.com. You can contact LaMar by e-mail at lamargafford@gmail.com or on Twitter/X @lamargafford.

By JIM BUTLER

The inaugural induction dinner for the Bolton High Hall of Fame is nearing a sellout.

Alumni association officials say remaining available seats for the March 15 event are going fast. Ticket information is at BoltonAlumni.org.

Eight persons – James A. Bolen Jr., Edwin J. Caplan, Catherine D. Kimball, Nancy L. Monroe, Warren R. Morris, Thomas O. Ryder, John W. “Jock Scott II (posthumous) and Charles S. Weems III – are to be inducted.

In addition to the Friday night activity, there will be special activities on the Alumni-Community Weekend.

Bear Bash Dash, a 5K and 1-mile fun run will begin Saturday at 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. respectively at the school. (See accompanying graphic for more.) At 10 Saturday morning, a tour of Bolton Academy will be conducted by Jennifer Scott, its new principal.

On Saturday evening and again Sunday afternoon, the Bolton Conservatory will present School of Rock. Ticket sales have not yet opened.

Louisiana Christian University has received a Miltary Friendly® school designation from the Viqtory organization.

Viqtory uses public data and survey responses to award the Military Friendly® designation. The schools chosen will be recognized in the May 2024 G.I. Jobs magazine.

“The university offers several academic programs designed to enable military veterans to achieve a Bachelor of Applied Science or Project Management Certificate online,” said LCU President Dr. Rick Brewer. “Veterans will discover the outstanding professors of LCU who provide academic excellence built on a faith-based platform.”

Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Viqtory with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in higher education, according to Viqtory’s website. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey responses and government/agency public data sources within a logic-based assessment that measures an institution’s ability to meet thresholds for retention, graduation, job placement, repayment, persistence, and loan default rates for all students, and most specifically, for student veterans.

Having a Military Friendly® designation means veterans have better outcomes at an institution, and Viqtory prides itself on setting a standard for organizations to achieve this. By promoting these schools, Viqtory believes it is positively reinforcing investment into the lives of American veterans.

“That’s good for veterans, good for the organizations and good for America,” according to its website. “Military Friendly® is the standard that measures an organization’s commitment, effort and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community.” 

Former professional baseball players David and Jason Benham will be the speakers for the 2024 Dr. Maggie Martin Marketplace Leadership Summit on April 25.

The Benham Brothers are nationally acclaimed Christian entrepreneurs and best-selling authors who have started dozens of businesses and hosted a reality show on HGTV. According to their website, the show was canceled when activists pressured the network to fire them over their commitment to their Christian faith. 

Choosing Christ over television fame, they have appeared on news programs on several major networks encouraging people to stand for what they believe, whatever the cost. 

“The Benham Brothers’ story is one that weaves through the Fair Grounds Field in Shreveport, Louisiana to a thriving real estate empire that includes multiple companies across most of the states in the country,” said Dean of the Young School of Business Kenny Holt. “Their story will inspire all current and prospective entrepreneurs in Central Louisiana and shows how you can be true to your Christian beliefs and still be very successful.”

Today, the brothers run an online coaching series called Expert Ownership, where they train people how to serve God, thrive in business, and live a life of impact.

“We are pleased to host the Second Annual Dr. Maggie Martin Marketplace Leadership Summit at Louisiana Christian University,” said LCU President Dr. Rick Brewer. “ Indeed, the community service and philanthropic leadership of Dr. Maggie Martin and the ‘spirit’ Johnny Martin brought to his longtime leadership role with RoyOMartin are exemplified by the nationally recognized thought leaders this summit offers. Attendees will be inspired and challenged to continue providing transformational leadership in their individual places of service.”

The MMLS was established through a general donation by Natalie and Darryl Monroe as an annual spring event for business and industry leaders in Central Louisiana who live out 

faith in their workplaces. It was named in honor of Natalie’s mother, an outstanding community volunteer and philanthropist. 

The event will be held in the Granberry Conference Center beginning at 11:30 a.m. Pre-registration is required. To register visit the link to the  Leadership Summit on the LCU website.

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

February 8

Mack Davis Jr., 61, Alexandria — OWI 1st, battery of dating partner, aggravated assault with firearm, felony flight, driving under suspension/revocation, taillight must be red, 10:57 p.m., $11,950 bail.

February 12

Dakota Gaspard, 22, Deville — OWI, open container, brake lamp required, no headlight, $2,300 bail.

February 14

Danny Bush Jr., 23, Deville — OWI 2nd, careless operation, 12:15 p.m., $1,600 bail;

Jacob Gagnard, 20, Alexandria — OWI 1st, criminal damage, reckless operation, hit & run no injury, 6:50 p.m., $2,500 bail (charged OWI 2, September 2023).

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

February 14

Blake Bordelon, 34, Marksville — violation of protective order 9 counts, unlawful telephone/telecommunications language/harassing, $9,000 bail;

Anthony Henderson, 52, Ball — aggravated assault, resisting, disturbing the peace, $1,250 bail;

Nicholas Lacombe, 34, Alexandria — terrorizing, firearm possession by convicted felon, obstruction-evidence tampering, $25,000;

Hisham Shaham, 49, Alexandria — aggravated assault with firearm, obstruction-evidence tampering, fugitive, $2,000.

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

February 14

Hector Gomez, 21, Atlanta, GA — possession with intent 2 counts, paraphernalia, improper driving on left, $3,100 bail;

Heather Lewis, 43, Ball — possession, paraphernalia, criminal damage, criminal trespass, $4,000 bail;

Dacorian Miles Sr., 24, Alexandria — possession, paraphernalia, resisting, contempt 3 counts, $14,000 bail;

Randall Perry, 42, Alexandria — possession, theft 5 counts, resisting officer by force or violence, $36,500 bail;

Johnathan Turner, 36, Alexandria — possession 2 counts, obstruction-evidence tampering, contempt 2 counts, $16,000.

Planned Rapides Parish school lunch menus are subject to change.

Monday, February 19

Salisbury steak w/gravy
Fluffy white rice
Seasoned green beans
Buttered roll
Pineapple tidbits
Milk

Tuesday, February 20

Soft tacos
Ranch-style beans
Shredded cheese
Shredded lettuce
Diced tomatoes
Mandarin oranges
Milk

Wednesday, February 21

Breaded chicken strips
Cheese potatoes
Steamed broccoli
Buttered roll
Orange wedges
Milk

Thursday, February 22

Ham or turkey & cheese sandwich
Doritos
Baby carrots w/Ranch
Banana/strawberry cup
Milk

Friday, February 23

Oven-fried catfish
French fries w/ketchup
Coleslaw
Jalapeño cornbread
Fruit cup
Milk

By JIM BUTLER

Rachal Wise, 36, may now hold a Rapides penal system record.

The Boyce woman is in lockup after her arrest Tuesday, with bond set at $100,009,999.

That’s not a typo. As of Wednesday evening she, surprise, had not posted the one hundred million nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine dollars, cash or bond.

Wise is accused of taking contraband into or out of a penal facility.

She also has six contempt of court counts, the origins of which are unspecified.

Perhaps Wise just ran into a frustrated duty judge.

By JIM BUTLER

The last time the parish hosted Robert Drakes III, 20, it was because he was allegedly waving firearms, including a machine gun, on a parking lot off Enterprise Road.

He and a 15-year-old were accused of videotaping their tough-guy act, recording it for reasons never disclosed.

This time around, four months later, Drakes is accused of a Monday night armed robbery.

His bail is set at $150,000.

Drakes in the alleged October incident was charged with contributing, possessing stolen firearms, illegally handling machine gun, terrorizing and being a fugitive.

That bail was set at $9,000, which he posted four days later.

The juvenile was charged on the gun counts and with resisting and entered the juvenile justice system.

By JIM BUTLER

The Alexandria City Council will hold a 5 p.m. public hearing Tuesday on a proposed ordinance to adjust green fees and other charges at Links on the Bayou.

Cynical duffers say “adjust” is most-often government-speak for increase though they would have to go to City Hall to get the details regarding the city golf course.

The Council will hold hearings on several other proposed ordinances the same evening. They include:

Amending the operating and capital budgets for the current fiscal year; Simplifying, reducing and eliminating building permitting fees, inspection fees and trade licensing fees;

Authorizing a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Rick Loggins to assist, advise and provide support for city offices, including finance, utilities administration division, info systems; Authorizing PSA with Captivate Minds Marketing for multimedia and related services.

The amount of services anticipated and the contract rates were not specified in notice of the proposed ordinances.

State law limits PSA’s value at more than $50,000 to specific services, doctors, lawyers, etc.

A PSA differs from a Request For Proposals, in which an agency asks any parties interested to respond.

And PSAs and RFPs have differing applications and ceilings under law.

Opinion/By JEANNI RITCHIE

After a couple of private messages checking on me this morning after I alluded to some man vs. man conflict on my social media page, I began wondering if protecting one’s loved ones in silence outweighed the public good of open dialogue.

Who told us to sit down and shut up? Better yet, why did we listen?

I’ve been talking to people privately for years about workplace stress, aging parents, severe illness, financial difficulties, addiction, caregiving, bereaved parenthood, young motherhood, childhood difficulties, and mental health to name a few. There are internal conflicts, workplace issues, and difficult family dynamics.

Our stories aren’t new nor are they unique. We all have tales; a friend put in perspective succinctly for me last week.

“Ah, parenting grown children. No one prepares you for that.”

He simplified something that had tormented my mind for weeks. Why didn’t I open up sooner?

It’s not one-sided; my children have valid concerns. A middle-aged mother living a midlife gap year without abandon can be jarring.

But dialogue is necessary.

We talk in private. We run into each other in person and we connect online. Some are old friends, some new. I’ve talked to forever friends and former neighbors, exes and former enemies, and new acquaintances and former students. I’ve met strangers in stores and in online support groups with shared interests like dementia caregiving or book lovers. There might’ve been a Swiftie group or two. Or seven.

We share our hopes, our fears, our struggles, our strife. People are relieved to find out they aren’t alone; their relief etched in their faces in person and their emojis online.

We don’t need answers or advice. We just need to know someone understands.

In the South we don’t need someone taking sides. Unless we are moms with daughters. Then there are two rules:

1. Always take mom’s side in a conflict with her daughter

2. Never try to co-chair the prosecution

Healthy relationships begin with open communication. Somewhere between silence and Springer is a good place to start.

Jeanni Ritchie is a journalist and mom to four grown children, one son and three daughters.

Opinion/By JEANNI RITCHIE

The No. 1 movie in the nation didn’t initially look like something I’d enjoy. I’d seen the trailer twice. Sometime before I saw it a third time I’d lightened up and understood the creative intent. The fact that it was in its second week at the top made it must-see.

The timing was symbolic. I’d just embarked on my second act writing full-time. Bryce Dallas Howard’s Elly was a novelist with anxiety issues. The camaraderie I felt with her character was needed. A writer’s life is solitude. Connecting to a character for a couple of hours is a healthy alternative to frequent isolation.

It was a hard-fought attempt; the GPX projector malfunctioned and the next standard showing wasn’t for another hour. I waited, the excitement of my availability to be flexible superseding my frustration at the delay. I was on assignment; I would accomplish my mission.

At some point it was going around the theater that a movie critic was in attendance. That wasn’t entirely accurate. I offer perspective, not criticism, and my desire is to promote the arts and mental positivity. They are often intertwined. If you are looking for negativity you won’t find it here. Like pizza, there are no bad movies. Just ones I won’t rewatch.

The plot was interesting and the characterization was relatable. Ellie’s desire to seek reassurance while becoming untethered from those she loved was palpable. I knew her fire and her fear. I was rooting for her because I knew by the time the credits rolled, she’d find resolution and I’d move a step closer in my own wellness journey.

The four young men also in the theater for the show were not managing mental health or deep diving into character complexities. Their reasoning for choosing Argylle was much simpler.

“Dua Lipa.”

Jeanni Ritchie is a movie-loving journalist, promoting positive mental health through the arts.

Opinon/By JEANNIE RITCHIE

Students were out of school Monday and Tuesday for Mardi Gras break. The weather had turned colder so there wasn’t a lot of outside movement in Rapides Parish. I was disappointed; I was on a search for a playdate disguised as journalism.

I covered a cheer clinic but only got about five minutes of play time myself during the session break. I was determined to use that stunt stand to stick the lib the other girls had just taught me.

I had a hard time finding someone else to play with after that. I went by parks and the zoo. Nobody was moving around much, young or old. Unseasonably warm February days had spoiled us; the cold sending most people back indoors.

I did find some new friends at the local theater. Rylee and Braylen were going to see Aquaman with their parents.

Explaining my predicament of being all laced up with nowhere to play, I asked what they’d been doing all day.

Rylee: Nothing at all.

Braylen: I played with toys.

Me: That’s it?

Both: Yeah.

Me: There were no screens or anything?

Rylee: (animated) Oh there were screens. (Her hands gesture dramatically.) So many screens.

I love her; my grown friends laugh at my dramatizations. It was nice to hang with someone equally enthusiastic. Laughing I bid them farewell as we hurried to catch the beginnings of our films.

I reached out to mom friends online for my story.

“Hey! What are y’all doing with your kids over break?”

One answer was relatable and real. “Answering the phone at work every five minutes bc the (older) one is watching the (younger) one and they can’t stop fighting.”

I laughed and asked for permission to quote her. It’s the norm in Rapides Parish; parents rely on older siblings to care for younger ones. This is why the district switched the school start times between the elementary and the high schools a couple of decades ago. Parents needed the older siblings to get home first.

My kids were all close in age so they usually had the same start times. But that didn’t stop the demotion derby style conflicts on teacher work days when they were left home alone.

Holidays can provide added stress for parents, regardless of situation. I have no solution other than to remind parents their pugilistic children won’t be young forever and to just enjoy them because, like the Trace Adkins song, one day You’re Gonna Miss This!

Pictured above: Rylee Robinson, 9, and brother Braylen, 8, enjoy a family outing over Mardi Gras break  

Jeanni Ritchie is a former educator and frequent referee of four children and eleven grandchildren.

Here’s hoping your deer season was as successful as you hoped it would be. If you have been sitting down to meals of chicken-fried backstrap steaks or a tasty roast or found your breakfast of eggs tasting especially good with rounds or links of venison sausage on the side, you have for sure been successful.

If you’re anxiously waiting for a call from the taxidermist telling you the mount of your trophy is ready for pickup and hanging on the wall, pat yourself on the back; it’s been a good year for you.

You may be having withdrawal symptoms now that season is over and you really wish you get to spend just one more frosty morning in a deer stand. You’re not alone in this. Scores of hunters feel the same way.

What can deer hunters do as a form of recovery to help you get over your addiction to chasing deer? Here’s a suggestion – head for your woods and begin looking for shed antlers of the big buck you hunted all season but never showed up. Now that antlers are beginning to drop, the next several weeks offer the opportunity to locate sheds before the mice and squirrels begin gnawing on them.

Here’s what happens in the world of the deer. Buck deer drop their antlers in late winter or early spring. Soon after losing their headgear, they start growing a new set of antlers they’ll have until this time next year. This new set begins as fuzzy knobs growing on the pedicles which are located on the buck’s head between his eyes and ears. The newly formed antlers are soft and subject to damage and for this reason, bucks are shy and reclusive; they’re protective of this new growth.

A couple of months before shedding antlers, bucks use them to hook and thrash bushes, brush and small saplings and to fight other bucks to establish dominance. Bushes and bucks are in no danger of being gored and thrashed in spring and summer because he is protecting his newly forming soft antlers.

Velvet is described as “vascular skin that supplies oxygen and nutrients to the growing bone.” This amazing material causes the antler it covers to grow at an amazing rate. In fact, deer antlers grow faster than any other mammal bone. This fast rate of growth actually is a handicap to a buck because of the incredible nutritional demand on deer to re-grow antlers annually.

Once the antlers achieve their full potential for the year, usually by mid-September in our part of the world, the velvet has served its purpose and as it dries and is rubbed off on bushes by the buck, the antler bone actually dies and here’s something I read that gave me pause. What deer hunters see when that big buck comes slipping by the stand is an animal sporting a head full of dead bone.

Where should you look for the best chance to find shed antlers? If you planted a food plot prior to deer season, searching the plot or trails leading to the plot can often result in a bit of good luck when you find tines sticking up out of the grass.

Another good place to look is where a trail crosses a low fence or stream small enough for the buck to jump across. Antlers can sometimes be jarred loose when the buck lands on the other side of the fence or stream.

So for folks puzzled about deer antlers, maybe this bit of information will answer your questions.

There is a measure of excitement to hold in your hands the head gear of a big buck that will whet your appetite for what he’ll look like once hunting seasons roll around again this coming fall.

The entire process of bucks growing velvet covered delicate antlers to them becoming hardened and eventually being shed just to do it all again every year is one of nature’s most amazing and fascinating feats.

Contact Glynn at glynnharris37@gmail.com

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

February 13

Robert Drakes III, 20, Alexandria — armed robbery, $150,000 bail;

Joseph Goodwin, 53, Alexandria — arson 2 counts, injury by arson 2 counts, $60,000 bail;

Joemarko James, 38, Alexandria — obstruction tampering with evidence, firearm possession by convicted felon, $150,000 bail;

Rachal Wise, 36, Boyce — contraband in/out penal facility, contempt 6 counts, $100,009,999 bail.

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

February 13

Dexter King, 42, Alexandria — possession with intent 2 counts, possession 2 counts, illegal possession stolen firearm, firearm with drugs, firearm possession by convicted felon, contempt, $245,000 bail.

Strawberry Almond Bread.  That drizzle.  That almond flavor.  Those strawberries.  This is just begging you to make it for Valentine’s Day!  The good news is that you probably have all of these ingredients – just pick up some fresh strawberries!  This recipe is one of my favorites to gift in small paper loaf pans as gifts for Valentine’s Day.  Everyone absolutely loves this.  Enjoy!

Bread:

•  3/4 cup sugar

•  1/2 cup milk

•  1/2 cup vegetable oil

•  1 egg

•  2 teaspoons almond extract

•  2 cups flour

•  1 teaspoon baking powder

•  1 teaspoon baking soda

•  1/2 teaspoon salt

•  2 cups diced strawberries tossed into 2 tablespoons of flour

Glaze:

•  2 cups powdered sugar

•  2-3 tablespoons melted butter (more is always better!)

•  1/2 cup finely diced strawberries

•  1/2 teaspoon almond extract

•  2 tablespoons heavy cream

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a bowl whisk sugar, milk, oil, egg and almond extract.  In another bowl whisk remaining dry ingredients.  Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients.  Add strawberries.  Pour into greased loaf pan and bake 50-55 minutes.  Let cool completely.

To make the glaze:  Whisk all ingredients except strawberries together.  Add strawberries.  Cut into the bread like you are slicing it but do not cut all the way through.  Pour glaze over, allowing glaze to drizzle into partial cuts.  Then fully slice to serve!

Ashley Madden Rowton is a wife, mom and published cookbook author who lives in Minden, La.