The Louisiana Christian and Southwest-New Mexico men’s basketball teams were dialing long distance Saturday afternoon at H.O. West Fieldhouse and the Wildcats made more connections in an 85-78 Red River Athletic Conference victory.

The teams combined to hit 20 triples over 55 attempts as the Cats posted a season-high point total and on the heels of a win Thursday, built their first RRAC winning streak since the end of the 2022-23 regular season.

The Orange and Blue ended the afternoon by going 12-of-30 (40%) from deep, their fifth game with double-digit long balls so far, en route to a season-high field-goal percentage (52.5).

Devin Carter scored a season-best 30 points (sinking 10-for-16), including eight 3-pointers (8-of-13), most by a Wildcat in five seasons.

Joseph Holloway scored a season-most 15 points in 21 minutes as a reserve. Kevin Wiltz did a lot of work in a short period of time, pouring in 10 points in seven minutes off the bench.

Chukwuemeke Nwaoshai collected a season-best 13 rebounds for the Wildcats.

LCU improved to 5-9 overall, 4-6 in the RRAC. Southwest-New Mexico slipped to 7-6, 4-6.

The Wildcats are off for two weeks, until a Jan. 4 doubleheader in Tyler against Texas College. That starts three straight road games before a four-game homestand begins Jan. 16.

SOUTHWEST WOMEN 71, LCU 58:  A minus 14-turnover differential, 26 Wildcats miscues, spoiled chances for LCU despite another outstanding Princis Goff performance.

Goff had a career-best trio of swats to go along with her fifth double-double of the season, posting a contest-most 22 points which included three treys and 10 rebounds to give her a dozen career double-doubles.

Kylei Leblanc’s season/career best 14-rebound total led all players. McKayla Price scored 13 points for the Wildcats (3-9, 3-7 Red River) against the Mustangs (6-8, 2-8 Red River).

SAN ANTONIO – In an NAIA Top 20 showdown Saturday between Red River Athletic Conference contenders, the fifth-ranked LSUA men’s basketball team surged in the second half to take down No. 20 Our Lady of the Lake 85-71.

“This was a great team win,” LSUA coach Dimario Jackson said. “Shout out to our guys for being able to adjust in the second half. That’s our brand of basketball! It’s a great win going into the break.”

Kashie Natt led the Generals (13-1, 10-1 RRAC) with 28 points – 19 after halftime —  and 10 rebounds, netting his ninth double-double of the campaign. He added three assists and three steals.

Jordan Decuir (16, 10 in the second half) and TJ James (12) also recorded double figures  and James hauled in nine rebounds.

The Generals were down 39-38 at halftime, drawing it close on a Jakemin Abney 3-pointer at the buzzer. The Purple and Gold battled back from a 20-9 deficit seven minutes into the game.

Brayden Thompson scored the first four points of the second half, giving LSUA a 42-39 lead. A pair of free throws from Natt, a trey by EJ McQuillan, and a layup from Natt extended the Generals’  ahead 49-39, three-and-a-half minutes into the second half. The Purple and Gold’s largest lead, 83-65, came with just under two minutes to play on a layup from James.

LSUA opens 2025 on January 4 against LSU Shreveport in The Fort.

LSUA WOMEN 72, OUR LADY OF THE LAKE 56:  Dannah Martin-Hartwick scored 15 and dished five assists while Jewel Jones added 14 points Saturday as the visitors dominated the middle two quarters and cruised.

Amani Gray added 10 points for LSUA (11-4, 8-3 RRAC) and grabbed eight rebounds, equaled by Benedetta Peracchi.

The Generals outscored their hosts 37-20 combined in the second and third quarters to take control.

LSUA plays an exhibition game Dec. 30 at Louisiana Tech, then resumes RRAC action at home Jan. 4 against LSUS in a 1 o’clock doubleheader at the Fort.

The Alexandria Fire Department Training Academy graduated its most recent class on Thursday, Dec. 19. The Pineville Fire Department congratulated Class 24-08 graduates: FF Austin O’Neil, FF Quinten Philips, FF Carson Hinton, and FF Dakota Holmes. 

Arrests are accusations not convictions. 

December 19

Marquis Blade, 23, Alexandria — illegal possession stolen things, resisting, extradition, $4,500 bail;

Donald Cook, 34, Pineville — aggravated domestic abuse battery strangulation 4 counts, resisting 2 counts, theft, no headlight, off-road vehicle on public road, VIN altered or removed, burglary, unauthorized use motor vehicle, contempt, $37,700;

Lebaron Robinson, 44, Alexandria — aggravated robbery, aggravated resisting force or violence, aggravated battery on police officer 2 counts, aggravated public intimidation, suspension/revocation, no insurance, motor vehicle theft, burglary 2 counts, $75,200 bail;

Ronald Klein Jr., 33, Pineville — unauthorized use motor vehicle, $500 bail;

Hannah Morgan, 29, Ball — cruelty to juveniles 3 counts, criminal abandonment 3 counts, $4,500 bail;

Trevor Morgan, 30, Ball — cruelty to juveniles 3 counts, criminal abandonment 3 counts, $4,500 bail. 

This date: 18 arrests, 8 including one or more contempt counts and 14 with at least one prior. 

December 20

Thomas Gaspard, 26, Lecompte — aggravated assault home invasion, criminal damage, criminal trespass, $16,000 bail;

Russell Riggs, 42, Deville — fugitive, no bail set. 

This date: 12 arrests, 5 including one or more contempt counts and 5 with al east one prior. 

December 21

Weapons

Robert Bryant III, 21, Alexandria — illegal carrying 2 counts, illegal possession stolen firearm, motor vehicle theft, expired MVI, no driver’s license, counterfeit/forged monetary instrument, possession, $5,200 bail;

Other

Juliana Ainsworth, 28, Alexandria — unauthorized use motor vehicle, aggravated assault, $5,000 bail;

Christopher Barbat, 34, Pollock — domestic abuse battery serious injury, $10,000 bail;

Michael Dauzart Jr., 34, Alexandria  — aggravated assault, $2,500 bail;

Devin Roldan-Brossett, 32, Alexandria — motor vehicle theft, $2,500 bail. 

This date: 19 arrests, 5 including one or more contempt counts and 12 with at least one prior. 

Arrests are accusations not convictions.

December 19

Willie Delrie, 48, Colfax — possession 2 counts, pedestrian on highway or interstate, contempt 2 counts, $78,100 bail;

Justin Holmes, 33, Alexandria — possession with intent, criminal conspiracy, contraband penal facility, contempt, $75,500 bail.

The boil advisory for residents on Hwy 112 east of Paul Cemetery Rd. to the end of the line and residents on H Strange Rd. from Hwy 112 to 175 H Strange Rd. has been rescinded by the Department of Health.  

The garbage pickup for the holiday weeks has been changed from Wednesday to Thursday for Dec. 26 and Jan. 2, 2025. 12/26/24 and 1/02/25.

Town Hall will be closed from Dec. 23 through Dec. 25 and Dec. 31 through Jan. 1, 2025. 

The boil advisory issued Thursday, Dec. 19, for Vandenburg Drive area is now lifted. Repairs to a 2-inch water main made by COA personnel resulted in the need for a boil water advisory. The State of Louisiana has tested the water, and the results of the tests are clear, according to Superintendent of Water Operations, Barrett Dezendorf.

With the lifting of the boil advisory, the City of Alexandria now recommends that businesses and residences in the affected areas:

• Run cold-water faucets for one minute;
• Run drinking water fountains for one minute;
• Flush automatic icemakers (make three batches of ice and discard);
• Run water softeners through a regeneration cycle; and
• Run water coolers with direct water connections for five minutes.

For more information, contact Barrett Dezendorf 318-441-6215 or by email at barrett.dezendorf@cityofalex.com.

December 23 marks Festivus, the “holiday for the rest of us,” popularized by the sitcom Seinfeld. What began as a quirky fictional celebration has become a lighthearted cultural phenomenon.

Festivus traditions include the Airing of Grievances, where participants humorously share their complaints, and Feats of Strength, testing physical abilities in good fun. A bare aluminum pole replaces the traditional Christmas tree as a symbol of simplicity.

Despite its humor, Festivus resonates with people for its emphasis on togetherness and parodying the commercialization of the holidays. It’s a time to laugh, bond, and enjoy the unconventional spirit of the season.

By JIM BUTLER

District Attorney Phillip Terrell plans to take every step available and necessary to realize the execution of Darrell Robinson.

Louisiana has not carried out an involuntary execution since 2002 but Terrell noted at a media briefing Thursday that legislation this year has made capital punishment a much more likely event.

Robinson, convicted of the 1996 murder of three adults and an infant in the Poland community, has essentially exhausted his state appellate rights.

The Louisiana Supreme Court, in a relatively extraordinary action, granted a motion to rehear Robinson’s case in early summer this year after vacating his conviction in a January ruling.

On rehearing, four of the seven justices earlier this month reversed the January ruling, reinstating Robinson’s verdict and sentence.

The U.S. Supreme Court two decades ago declined to review the case.

Terrell was joined Thursday by Sheriff Mark Wood and retired Sheriff William Earl Hilton in condemning Robinson and applauding the court.

Hilton, sheriff for 20 years and in law enforcement 50, called the crime the most vicious he had encountered, saying he looks forward to the end of the execution.

“He done something that was unbelievable,” said Wood referring to the killings, which Terrell said were done because Robinson wanted to experience what it would be like to kill someone.

Wood and Hilton praised Terrell for his persistence in seeking and realizing reinstatement of the jury’s unanimous verdict.

The Robinson case and another Rapides capital case precede Terrell’s 10 years as DA. The late Charles Wagner was district attorney at the time.

Terrell’s late father, “Pete,” a retired state trooper, was Wagner’s chief investigator for some time.

The other capital case on Terrell’s plate is that of Larry Roy, who in 1993, a jury concluded, killed two people in Cheneyville and attempted to kill three others. He was convicted and sentenced to death in 1994.

Peabody Montessori Elementary School went into lockdown yesterday morning which was lifted a little later the same day. School administration in conjunction with local law enforcement initiated the lockdown protocol due to a high-speed chase in the area. 

Louisiana Christian made the most of its first weeknight doubleheader since last season in H.O. West Fieldhouse, with a couple of hard-fought Red River Athletic Conference basketball wins Thursday night over Paul Quinn.

The LCU teams are home again Saturday afternoon (1 p.m. women’s game, 3 p.m. men’s contest) against Southwestern (New Mexico) in their last action before 2025.

Until Saturday, LCU hadn’t played in H.O. West Fieldhouse since last February when a Xavier dunk brought down one of the goals. Home games in the meantime were played at area high schools and LSUA.

LSU WOMEN 54, PAUL QUINN 51:  Jakiya Thompson scored just one basket, but it was a big one. Her layup with 14 seconds left pushed the Wildcats on top to stay, 52-51, and two DaKayla Howard free throws with five seconds to go provided cushion. The visitors missed a tying 3-point try at the final buzzer.

Princes Goff led Louisiana Christian (3-8, 3-6 Red River) with 21 points and 11 rebounds, her fourth double-double of the season and 11^th in her career.  Two teammates, Kylei Leblanc and Deja Tanks, also collected 11 rebounds to help the winners own a 47-36 advantage on the glass.

Paul Quinn (6-6, 5-4 Red River) got a game-high 25 points by Canai McPherson. She and Goff were the only double-digit scorers.

The Wildcats survived five lead changes and three ties in the fourth quarter. After McPherson gave Paul Quinn its final lead with 41 seconds remaining, LCU called time out and patiently worked for the go-ahead basket, which came with three seconds left on the shot clock.

McPherson committed a turnover on the visitors’ next possession and Howard was fouled after getting the ball, giving her two free throws.

LCU MEN 75, PAUL QUINN 67:  Hot shooting and good defense after halftime carried the Wildcats, who sank 7 of 14 on 3-pointers while outscoring the visitors by 12 in the final 20 minutes.

Devin Carter led four double-digit scorers from LCU with 20 points, going 7-for-7 at the line. It was his third 20-point outing in the last four games.

Bryce Weinmunson contributed 15 points and had season-highs for rebounds (7), field goals (6), and assists (4), going 6-of-10 overall including 3-for-4 from distance and adding three steals.

Jon’Quarius McGhee added 12 points and Drew Tebbe scored 10 in the win.

Chukwuemeke Nwaoshai snatched a game-best 10 rebounds for the ‘Cats, 4-9 overall and 3-6 in the RRAC. Paul Quinn fell to 2-10, 2-7 despite 25 points by Norris Williams.

SAN ANTONIO — The No. 5-ranked LSUA men’s basketball team held off Texas A&M-San Antonio, 74-71, Thursday night with Kashie Natt’s late basket helping secure the Generals’ sixth consecutive victory.

Natt scored 19 for the Generals (12-1, 9-1 RRAC) and hauled in a team-high 11 rebounds for his eighth double-double of the season. His jump shot with 12 seconds remaining expanded a one-point lead, and the hosts missed a bid to tie.

Jakemin Abney and EJ McQuillan both tallied 12 points and McQuillan tallied a team-high four steals.

LSUA opened the game on an 8-0 run with a pair of threes from Natt and Abney, as well as a tip-in from Natt. The Generals reached their largest lead of the game at 30-13.

The Generals’ lead hovered near 10 points until a 10-0 run from the Jaguars brought the game level, 69-69, with 1:20 to go.

A free throw from McQuillan and jumper from Natt put the Generals ahead 72-69, then Natt scored again to rebuild the three-point edge.

A&M-SAN ANTONIO 76, LSUA WOMEN 69:  Thirty turnovers cratered LSUA’s bid for a road win.

Amani Gray, Jewel Jones and Benedetta Percchi led the Generals (10-4, 7-3 RRAC) with 15 points each and Dannah Martin-Hartwick recorded 14. Gray led the Purple and Gold with nine rebounds.

Despite shooting 50 percent from the floor in the first quarter, LSUA trailed 15-13. The Generals shot even better in the second quarter, knocking down 59 percent of their shots, but turnovers were problematic as LSUA went into halftime down 37-34.

The Jaguars extended their advantage to as many as 16 after halftime. A 13-2 run down the stretch put LSUA in position to survive. A jumper from Gray, a three from Jones, and a pair of free throws from Gray brought the Generals within two, 68-66, with 1:48 to play.

After back-to-back baskets from TAMUSA, a three-point play from Peracchi brought the Generals within one possession again, 72-69. The Jaguars tacked on four free throws, sealing the 76-69 victory.

LSUA plays another RRAC doubleheader Saturday in the Alamo City against Our Lady of the Lake with the women’s game starting the action at 1 o’clock.

The presidential search committee for Louisiana Christian University met as a group on Dec. 11 and narrowed the pool of candidates down to 5 finalists from a candidate pool of 9.

The committee will be conducting in-person interviews with each of the candidates in January with a goal of prayerfully determining the candidate they will present to the Board of Trustees at their regularly scheduled board meeting on Feb. 25, 2025.

As always, if any member of the community has any questions or concerns, they should reach out to the search committee email: psc@lcuniversity.edu. Anyone with interest in a phone conversation regarding the search can contact the chair of the committee, Dr. Tommy Kiker, through email or social media.

The search committee members are:

Dr. Tommy Kiker- Pastor at East Leesville Baptist Church, Current Trustee and PSC Chair

Dr. Justin Langford, Current Faculty Member, Alumnus

Dr. Natalie Maxey, Current Faculty Member

John Parker, Layman, Current Trustee, Alumnus

John Stagg, Layman, Current Trustee

Dr. Eddie Wren, Pastor at FBC, Zachary, current Trustee and former chair

The City of Pineville has announced that its office will be closed for Christmas on Wednesday, Dec. 25, and Thursday, Dec. 26. The office will also be closed for New Year’s Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. 

During the week of Christmas, the garbage route (for indoor garbage) will run normally for Monday and Tuesday; it will not run Wednesday; Thursday pick-up will occur on Friday; and Friday will run normally. 

During the week of Christmas, the trash route (for outdoor garbage) will run normally for Monday and Tuesday; Wednesday pick-up will occur on Monday; Thursday pick-up will occur on Tuesday; and Friday will run normally. 

During the week of New Year’s, the garbage route will run normally for Monday and Tuesday; Wednesday pick-up will occur on Tuesday; and Thursday and Friday will run normally. 

During the week of New Year’s, the trash route will run normally all days. 

On Go Caroling Day, December 20, voices fill neighborhoods and hearts with the sounds of classic holiday tunes. Caroling, which dates back to medieval Europe, was originally a pagan tradition of singing and dancing to mark the solstice. Over time, it evolved into a cherished part of Christmas festivities.

Caroling brings communities together, fostering connection and spreading cheer through song. From timeless hymns like “Silent Night” to playful tunes like “Jingle Bells,” the tradition transcends age and culture.

Whether you join a caroling group or sing along from your doorstep, the day is about sharing joy through music and the warmth of the holiday spirit.

Arrests are accusations not convictions.

December 18

Weapons

Patrick Cotton, 39, Pollock — felon possessing firearm 2 counts, aggravated assault on police officer 2 counts, felony flight 2 counts, resisting, criminal trespass, fugitive, parole violations, $651,500 bail;

Brandon Holloway, 53, Colfax — felon possessing firearm 2 counts, fugitive, $59,000 bail;

Other

Jaden Bell, 23, Natchitoches — disarming police officer, resisting, battery of dating partner criminal damage, no bail set;

Kyle Covey, 39, Williamstown, KY — battery on officer, resisting, disturbing peace, $1,750 bail;

Kevin Fisher, 51, Alexandria — aggravated assault home invasion, $75,000;

Daniel French, 23, Alexandria —aggravated assault, resisting, theft, $26,000 bail

Derrick Gorrell, 33, Alexandria — aggravated assault domestic abuse, contempt 2 counts, $6,000 bail;

Brittney Lachney, 37, Pineville — arson, burglary, contempt, $2,500 bail;

Denver Lee Sr., 38, Alexandria — fugitive, no bail set. 

This date: 19 arrests, 10 including one or more contempt counts and 15 with at least one prior. 

Arrests are accusations not convictions. 

December 18

Korda Madden, 28, Alexandria — possession with intent, paraphernalia, speeding, suspension/revocation, $3,200 bail;

Markas Mcmahan, 30, Pineville — possession 3 counts, pedestrian on highway or interstate, paraphernalia, contempt, $13,600 bail;

Jeffery Roberts, 39, Deville — possession 2 counts, contempt, $5,500 bail. 

Boyce will host two days of events for it annual Christmas celebration. The town invites everyone for family fun, music, and fellowship during the holidays. 

Festivities begin today, Dec. 20, with a holiday dance at 7:30pm at the Julius Patrick Civic Center. This event is free to senior citizens 55 years and older.

The celebrations will continue on Saturday with the Christmas parade beginning at 5pm. All bands, drill teams, floats, car clubs, motorcycles, food trucks, and vendors are welcome. Horses are welcome but must have bags. Line-up will begin at 4:15pm on Ulster Avenue and will proceed down Ulster Avenue to end at the Julius Patrick Civic Center. The Grand Marshall of the parade will be Mrs. Glenda Washington (owner of Kellie’s Sitting Service.

A fireworks display will follow immediately after the Christmas parade and can be viewed in the parking lot of the civic center. 

For more information, call 318-793-2175.

The Town of Ball expressed its gratitude to all the participants of its parade and home decoration efforts.  Here are the winners for 2024:

Parade Winners: Floats

1st Place: Walker Automotive Used Cars

2nd Place: Jena Choctaw Pines Casino

3rd Place: Tioga High School FFA

Parade Winners: Car/Truck/Other

1st Place: Stafford Dauzat

2nd Place: Oscar Coodie

3rd Place: South Customs Wheels & Tire

House Decoration Winners

1st Place: Josh White, 454 Burma Rd.

2nd Place: David Jones, 6650 Springhill Rd.

3rd Place: Tanya Lockey, 116 Oak Run Trail 

Alexandria Senior High School issued a reminder to everyone that construction began this week on the patio area outside of the school building, and this area currently is a restricted area. Students are not to enter this area. They are to enter and exit campus through the tennis courts. The entrance to the parking lot from Ola Street also remains closed because of the construction. School administration asks that all students enter the parking lot from Warren Avenue and that all parents drop off and pick up their students on the James Street side of the building.