The long, hard and somewhat disappointing basketball season has drawn to a sad but abrupt close. For boys and girls, the good and bad surfaced together—combining into two winning seasons. But were they really "winning" season? We’ll explore that aspect in this column.
After the 5 win 5 loss football season Coach Schwab made it publicly known that he did not consider a .500 winning percentage a "winning" campaign. Actually it wasn’t (when you take into consideration the two previous seasons resulted in playoff berths). There was certainly talent in quality, not in quanity. The same hypothesis must be a to basketball—both boys and girls.
The "quality" would have to include Lynora Braddock and Lorin George, These two contributed all that was expected of them. Their talents resulted in First Team All-District spots. Jesse Myles proved that he could show skills handling a spherical ball, and it was rewarded with a Second Team position. Lady Braves’ Stephanie Boulet and Marcella Elliot each received honorable mention berths to cap their fine season.
After these five who else? More than you would expect, that’s for sure. Several more players for Coach Gray Folse’s "Running Redskins" should have received more credit than they got. Amongst them were the other five seniors. Les Rhodes and Donald Tobias may have had chances for All-District recognition following record-breaking performances in their last two outing—but they didn’t get it. (This was due to the fact that George and Myles’ chances for All-District spots would have been jeopardized by two more nominees from HLB.) Curtis Brown, Wayne Ingram and Curtis Nickerson each must be commended on their fine individual performances in the South Terrebonne, first round Hahnville and Assumption games, Respectively.
Lisa Bergeron and Tina Dupre also must be congratulated for their fine play and immense senoir leadership that they displayed this season. Coach Adonis Toups was indeed lucky to lead such a hard-working group of young ladies.
Now, to the sap part. These twelve mentioned have played their last and I announced my last. I only hope that our leaving will also take a little out of you…
Although male atheletes tends to grab the attention, Teresa Barber has changed this around HLB.
This scholar-athelete has brought attention to the braves tennis program compiling a 4-2 record so far this year. Although tennis does occupy a good portion of Teresa’s time, she still maintains a 3.7 "A" average. Being a scholar-athelete, Teresa is a member of the National Honor Society and Who’s Who Among American High School students. Along with tennis, Teresa also enjoys water skiing and swimming. She also tutors for the Houma Research Foundation.
After graduation Teresa plans to attend Nicholls State University, to study Dental Hygeine. She also hopes to become a member of the tennis team while attending college.
The Physical Fitness meet was a big success. All the high schools and Jr. High Schools in Terrebonne Parish came to HLB for the Youth Physical Fitness meet sponsored by the Marine Corps.
Two teams from HLB, team A and Team B, participated in this meet. Team A which consisted of athletes were Bryan Benoit (captain), with the score of 362, Todd Bergeron 312, Lynn Cole 312, Duane Hebert 317, Randy Vergin 302 and Stanley Ward 269. Team A's total score was 1672.
Team B which consisted of the boys P. E. and were the highest of the two teams from HLB with a score of 1792. The team members were Tom Bergeron (captain) and the highest score overall with 432, Byrin Deroche 357, Geirge Johns 285, Darryl Short 322, David Thompson 327 and Leslie Bundy 315.
All participants received a certificate for their hard work.
A tremendous victory and a heartbreaking loss were the results of the HLB Basketball Braves’ last two outings of the season. The 81-56 triumph over Assumption took place on February 14, and the "the last Hurrah" 68-63 loss was to Hahnville on February 16.
Lorin George led the Braves in both contests with 20 and 17 points respectively. Les Rhodes also turned in two fine performances with 16 points and 10 assists against the Mustangs and 13 points and a school record of 13 assists in the Tiger contest, the last game of the season.
Basketballer Lorin George was chosen by the Louisiana Sportswriters Association for the All-State high school basketball team. Lorin received second-team honors.
Lorin is currently in nomination for All-American honors. He has already been informed that he has received at least honorable mention on the McDonald’s All-American team.
The HLB netters are currently setting a torrid pace in the parish.
The male netters opened with losses to South Terrebonne and Central Lafourche, but have come back to beat Terrebonne, South Lafourche, Vandebilt and Central Catholic. The Lady Braves bombed South Terrebonne, South Lafourche, Central Lafourche and Central Catholic, while dropping a loss to Vandebilt. The HLB tennis team will get back in action this coming week with a match at Berwick This Tuesday, and a following match against Luther at Legion on Thursday.
The HLB baseballers jumped off to a good start defeating Central of Baton Rouge on February 22, 10-8 and cross-town rival Vandebilt on the 24th, 13-8.
The two Braves victories were highlighted by three homeruns. Robert Hughes hit a homer in each of the 2 games including a 3-runs shot against Vandebilt, while Ralph Mitchell came through with the third slam against Vandy.
E. J. Cavalier picked up the pitching win over Central while Hughes chalked up a win with the Vandebilt victory.
