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2-21-12
No. 2 Lions cruise past Jesuit, 89-49
Junior guard Chris Sumbler made six of Ouachita's 12 3-pointers as the Lions used some hot outside shooting and tough pressure defense to overwhelm Jesuit 89-49 Tuesday night at Ouachita in a Class 5A first-round playoff game.

The victory advances No. 2 seed Ouachita to a second-round game against No. 18 Bonnabel, a 57-34 winner over No. 15 Lafayette. The game will be played Friday at Bonnabel at a time yet to be determined.

Sumbler made 4-of-6 3-pointers after the intermission as the Lions turned a 14-point halftime lead into huge lead. Ouachita outscored the Blue Jays 25-16 in the third quarter and started the fourth quarter with a 13-1 run to take a 76-41 lead. The Lions went on to outscore Jesuit 26-9 in the final period.

Jimari Jones added 12 points for the Lions on four 3-pointers. Cameron Sims, Trey Winn, and Willie Wyatt added nine points each for Ouachita, which improved to 25-7.

Jesuit jumped out to a quick 6-1 lead in the game, but went on a 25-5 run to lead 26-11 after one period. Jesuit outscored the Lions 13-12 in the second period before the Lions powered past the Blue Jays.

Brett Spansel scored 12 points to lead Jesuit.

1-17-12
Ouachita stops NCHS to stay unbeaten in district
The Ouachita Lions withstood a second-half rally by Natchitoches-Central on Tuesday at The Madhouse as the Lions defeated the Chiefs 79-72 in District 2-5A play. The win improved Ouachita to 18-6 overall and 2-0 in district.

Ouachita used a 24-12 advantage in the second quarter to take a 41-26 halftime lead. Ouachita increased the lead to 53-34 late in the third quarter before Natchitoches took advantage of several Ouachita turnovers to whittle the deficit to four points with six minutes to play. Ouachita, however, pushed the lead back to double digits and turned aside the late surge.

Chris Sumbler led the Lions with 24 points, including 5-of-10 shots from 3-point range. Josh Harris had a double-double with 12 points and 12 assists, and he also chipped in six steals. Cameron Sims had 13 points and nine rebounds, and Sam Williams contributed eight points and 10 rebounds.

1-13-12
Lions upend Rebels again to open 2-5A play with a win
Ouachita let an 11-point halftime lead slip away and found itself trailing by four points with four minutes to play Friday night in the District 2-5A opener at West Monroe. But the the Lions got back on track to close the game out with a 16-1 run for a 56-45 win over the Rebels.

The win was the third for the Lions over the Rebels in the past two weeks. Ouachita defeated West Monroe in the championship games of the West Monroe Classic and Ouachita's Don Redden Memorial Classic.

Ouachita (17-6, 1-0 in District 2-5A) looked like it might have an easier time with the Rebels this time around when the Lions jumped out to a 17-10 lead after one quarter and a 28-17 lead at halftime. But the Rebels took advantage of several Ouachita turnovers in the third quarter to outscore the Lions 20-8 in the period and take a 37-36 lead into the final quarter.

Ouachita took a 40-39 lead in the final quarter, but a 5-0 Rebel run gave West Monroe a 44-40 lead halfway through the period. The Lions cut the deficit to two before Chris Sumbler nailed a 3-pointer to give Ouachita a 45-44 lead and get the Lions rolling again. The Lions pushed the lead to 51-45 over the next 1:30 as Dearius Rollins scored a rebound bucket after a missed free throw, Josh Harris nailed a jumper, and Sam Williams scored on a putback. Ouachita made 3-of-6 free throws down the stretch and Harris made a layup late to clcose out the strong finish.

Harris and Sumbler led Ouachita with 16 points apiece.

The Lions will be back in action Tuesday night as they travel to take on Natchitoches-Central in district play. Tipoff is scheduled for approximately 7:30 p.m.

12-30-11
Ouachita rejects West Monroe's title bid
Thursday's championship game in the West Monroe Holiday Classic was a typical hard-fought matchup between district rivals Ouachita and West Monroe that literally came down to the last shot.

Ouachita's Jimari Jones made 1-of-2 free throws with four seconds to play to give the Lions a three-point lead and to give the Rebels one last shot. Toney Foster took the ball quickly down the floor, but Ouachita's Dearius Rollins blocked Foster's 3-point shot as time expired to seal a 71-68 Ouachita win.

Chris Sumbler scored 22 points for Ouachita to lead all scorers. Rollins recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Cameron Sims also had a double-double with 10 points and 10 boards. Willie Wyatt chipped in 12 points for the Lions, who improved to 12-5.

Ouachita trailed 31-28 at halftime, but the Lions made a big push in the third quarter to tae a lead they would never give up.

12-28-11
Lions down Loyola to reach tourney title game
Sophomore Cameron Sims notched 15 points, 11 rebounds, and five blocked shots Wednesday night to help lead Ouachita to a 66-55 victory over Loyola in the semifinals of the West Monroe Holiday Tournament. Ouachita advances to the tourney championship game against host West Monroe on Thursday at 8:30 p.m.

Willie Wyatt also scored 15 points for the Lions, who improved to 11-5 on the season. Josh Harris added 12 points for Ouachita.

12-27-11
Ouachita cruises to tourney win over Germantown
Ouachita went on a run late in the first quarter and the Lions never looked back as they knocked off Germantown (Tenn.) 86-62 on the second day of play in the West Monroe Holiday Tournament. Chris Sumbler led the way for the Lions with 20 points.

Ouachita turned a 12-10 deficit into a 19-12 led at the end of the first quarter. The Lions, who improved to 10-5, then outscored the red Devils 22-10 in the second quarter to take a 41-22 halftime lead. The Lions kept up the pace in the third quarter, outscoring Germantown 26-16 to put the game out of reach at the end of three periods.

Trey Winn added 11 points and Fred Hardmon 10 for Ouachita, which defeated Wossman 66-61 Monday in its first game of the tournament. Tuesday's win advanced Ouachita to a Wednesday game against Loyola. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m.

12-16-11
Lions knock off Carroll in Ruston Shootout, 49-40
The Ouachita Lions boys basketball team avenged one of its earlier losses with a 49-40 victory over the Carroll Bulldogs on Friday night in the Ruston Shootout.

Ouachita, which lost to Carroll 60-57 in the Richwood Tripleheader, took care of the Bulldogs this time around thanks to some clutch shooting in the fourth quarter with four 3-pointers. The final two long-range shots sealed the win. The Lions led just 43-40 before Josh Harris nailed a 3-pointer to push the lead to six. Chris Sumbler, who led the Lions with 11 points, made another three to increase the advantage to nine.

Trey Winn had 11 rebounds and Dearius Rollins 10 boards to help the Ouachita cause.

The victory is the fourth in a row for the Lions, who improve to 6-3. uachita will be back in action Saturday at Ruston with a 5 p.m. game agaimnst Loreauville.

11-29-11
Hot-handed Lions run past Fair Park, 85-39
It rained 3s in The Madhouse on Tuesday night, and Fair Park was swept away in the offensive deluge as Ouachita rolled to an 85-39 victory in the 2011-12 home opener.

Ouachita made 12 3-pointers in its quick-strike offense as the Lions (1-2) jumped on Fair Park early and often. Chris Sumbler, Willie Wyatt, and Jimari Jones each made four 3s for Ouachita. Wyatt led the Lions with 16 points, and Sumbler and Jones added 14 points apiece. Cameron Sims rounded out the double-digit scoring with 12 points.

Ouachita started the game with an 18-2 run and never looked back. The Lions led 26-5 after one quarter and 45-15 at halftime. The Lions, who substituted liberally throughout the game, came out strong after the half to outscore the Indians 32-11 in the third quarter, taking a 77-26 lead into the final period.

Wyatt scored 11 of his 16 points in the first half. Kwame Fletcher also scored 7 of his 9 points in the first half.

6-25-11
Jones returns to lead Ouachita boys basketball
A familiar face returns to the bench for the tradition-rich Ouachita Parish High School program with the return of Casey Jones as the head coach of the Lions, Ouachita Principal Todd Guice announced today.

The hire is pending final approval by the Ouachita Parish School Board.

Jones, who was head coach of the Lions for nine seasons, returns to Ouachita following a one-year stint as boys basketball head coach at Longview (Texas) High School. He will lead a staff that includes Associate Head Coach Michael Armand, and assistant coaches Jo Jones and Mario Smith.

УWe are extremely excited to re-form one of the most successful coaching staffs in the state over the last 10 years,ТТ Guice said. УThis restructuring of our boys basketball coaching staff was met with open arms by our entire existing staff without any reservations. Our entire staff is committed to the success of Ouachita basketball. There are not too many times in this business when you can reassemble a formula that has won nearly 300 games over a nine-year period under the leadership and guidance of Casey Jones and Mike Armand.ТТ

Jones compiled an overall record of 281-67 (.807 winning percentage) during his nine seasons as head coach. That nine-year run included nine district championships, two Top 28 appearances, and the 2009 Class 5A state championship, the lone boys basketball title in school history. The Lions won a school-record 39 wins in 2009 with just four losses and finished 30-7 in 2010.

УCasey Jones has an incredible record of success on the floor and leadership off of the floor,ТТ Guice said. УHe is not only a super basketball coach, he is a tremendous mentor and example to young men.ТТ

His return to Ouachita is about more than XТs and OТs on the court. Jones said that family played a major role in his decision to return to Ouachita. He and his wife have family in Monroe, and one of his brothers passed away recently

УMy return to Monroe is kind of bittersweet because on one hand I lost someone that I love recently, but on the other hand my wife and I will be close to family which is so important to us,ТТ Jones said. УObviously, I needed to be near my mom at this present time and my Ouachita family reached out and embraced my return to a place where we had so much success. From top to bottom they made it difficult not to come home. If anyone had a problem with me coming to Ouachita, I would not be there. That stems from the relationships that were fostered with me being there 16 years.

УThis past year in Longview was great. The Lobo family is a close-knit group of people, and they take their sports seriously. I learned a lot there as I was forced out of my comfort zone, but there's no place like home.ТТ

Jones, who was also a Ouachita assistant for seven years before taking over as head coach, continued his winning ways in one year at Longview. The Lobos, who were 11-18 and missed the playoffs in Class 4A before Jones took over, were 20-10 this past season and qualified for the playoffs after a move up to 5A with few returning players.

УWe had a good year winning 20 games and making the playoffs with the players we had coming back, moving up in class, and putting in a new system,ТТ Jones said.

Jones guided Ouachita to repeated success and a strong tradition on the court through a commitment to hard work and tough defense. He said those will remain focal points of Ouachita basketball. Ouachita had a young squad in 2010-11 that included nine sophomores. Eleven of the 13 varsity players are expected back from a team that finished 13-16.

УMost of the players were freshmen and sophomores when I left, and I'm looking forward to working with them on and off the court,ТТ Jones said.

2-18-11
Ouachita grabs road win at West Monroe
The Ouachita boys basketballl capped the regular season with a solid win over an old rival Friday night. Ouachita used a big second-quarter surge to turn the District 2-5A game in its favor as the Lions won 65-55 on the road at West Monroe.

The victory improves the Lions to 13-16 overall and 2-4 in district play. Ouachita will find out Sunday if it qualifies for the 32-team Class 5A state playoff field.

Ouachita trailed West Monroe 13-11 after one quarter, but the Lions overpowered the Rebels 20-6 in the second period to take a 31-19 halftime lead. West Monroe challenged the Lions several times in the second half, but Ouachita turned away each rally attempt to close out the Rebels.

Sophomore Dearius Rollins scored 16 points to lead the Lions. Ouachita sophomore post player Trey Winn recorded his first career double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Sophomores Josh Harris and Chris Sumbler also scored 11 points apiece.

2-12-11
Lions notch first District 2-5A victory
Sophomore guard Chris Sumbler scored 23 points and pulled down eight rebounds Friday nioght to lead the Ouachita Lions to a District 2-5A basketball win at Pineville. The victory improved Ouachita's record to 12-15 overall and 1-3 in 2-5A.

Josh Harris added 15 points and seven rebounds, and Cedric Treadway chipped in 10 points for the Lions.
Ouachita led 25-23 at hafltime and broke open a close game with 30points in the fourth quarter.

Ouachita will play its last regular-season home game Tuesday against Natchitoches starting at 7 p. . The Lions will close out the regular season next Friday with a 7 p.m. district game at West Monroe.

2-8-11
Lions lose heartbreaker to Rebels, 55-53
West Monroe scored the last basket in a see-saw battle with Ouachita on Tuesday night as the Rebels scored with 0.2 seconds to play to grab a 55-53 District 2-5A win at The Mad House.

Ouachita led three times in the final two minutes and inbounded the ball with 21.9 seconds left in the game with the score tied at 53-all. The Lions set up for a potential game-winning shot, but the Lions turned the ball over on a traveling call with 13 seconds remaining. The Rebels drove the length of the court and scored with 0.2 remaining.

Ouachita had one last chance, but a shot just inside the half-court line bounced off the backboard.

Sophomore post player Trey Winn scored 16 points to lead Ouachita (11-15 overall and 0-3 in District 2-5A). Senior guard Cedric Treadway added 14 points for the Lions.

Ouachita will try to bounce back on Friday as the Lions travel to play Pineville in a district game.

2-5-11
Lions drop 2-5A opener on the road
The Ouachita boys basketball team came up a little short in its District 2-5A opener Saturday as the Lions lost at Natchitoches, 76-71. The loss dropped the Lions to 12-14 overall and 0-1 in district play.

Ouachita will be back on the court Monday as the Lions play at home against Pineville at 7:30 p.,m. The Lions will also be at home Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. against West Monroe.

1-22-11
Lions can't catch up to Airline, 78-65
Airline jumped out to an 11-point lead after one quarter, and Ouachita could never quite catch up as the visiting Vikings topped the Lions 78-65 Friday night at The Mad House.

Airline led 22-11 after the first quarter, but Ouachita (11-12) rallied to cut the deficit to 43-39 at halftime. Airline pushed the lead back to 10 points after three quarters, and the Lions could never cut the deficit to less than eight points after that point.

Chris Williams scored 23 points to lead Ouachita. Chris Sumbler added 16 points, and Cedric Treadway chipped in 11. Josh Hagins scored 22 points for Airline.

Ouachita will take a break from the court next week before tipping off District 2-5A action at home Tuesday, February 1, against Pineville. Tip-off for that game is scheduled for approximately 7:30 p.m. following the Pineville-Ouachita varsity girls game.

1-18-11
Treadway leads Lions past Byrd, 68-59
Senior guard Cedric Treadway scored 16 points Tuesday night to lead Ouachita to a 68-59 road win over the Byrd Yellow Jackets in Shreveport. Treadway's night included a hot hand from outside as he made five 3-pointers.

Khris Little added 14 points and Diquan Wilson had nine points for Ouachita, which improved to 11-11. Quanerick Milton led Byrd with 25 points.

Ouachita will return to action Friday at The Mad House as the Lions face Airline. Tip-off is scheduled for approximately 7:30 p.m. following a 6 p. m. game between the Airline and Ouachita girls teams.

1-14-11
Peabody knocks off Ouachita, 71-62
Ouachita held its own with perennial power Peabody over the last three quarters Friday night, but a big first quarter helped propel the visiting Warhorses to a 71-62 victory over the Lions at The Mad House.

Peabody, which improved to 20-3, outscored Ouachita 20-9 in the first quarter. The Lions (10-11) played Peabody even in both the second and third quarters and outscored the visitors 26-24 in the final period, but the early deficit was too much to overcome. A big advantage at the free-throw line also helped Peabody, which made 24-of-29 foul shots compared to 3-of-9 for Ouachita.

Cedric Treadway led Ouachita with 20 points and Chris Williams added 12. Point guard Dee Wagner led Peabody with 30 points.

Ouachita's next game is sscheduled for Tuesday night at Byrd. Tip-oo is scheduled for approximately 7:30 p.m.

12-28-10
Ouachita handles Jonesboro-Hodge, 62-50
Ryan Gix recorded a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Ouachita Lions to a 62-50 victory over Jonesboro-Hodge on Monday on the first day of play in the West Monroe Classic. Chris Williams had 13 points and Khris Little added 12 for the Lions (6-9).

Ouachita will play again Tuesday at 8 p.m. against either Carroll or Junction City.

12-23-10
Ouachita gets road win over Rayville
Cedric Treadway scored 18 points to lead Ouachita to a 67-64 win over Rayville on Thursday night at Rayville. The win improved the Lions to 5-9 on the season.

Ryan Gix and Khris Little scored 14 poins apiece for Ouachita, and Sam Williams chipped in nine points. Dearius Rollins ld the Lions on the boards with 12 rebounds.

12-15-10
Lions roll to home victory over Wossman, 71-45
The Ouachita boys basketball team jumped back on the winning track Tuesday night with a 71-45 home win over the Wossman Wildcats. The victory improved the Lions to 4-6 on the season.

Cedric Treadway had the hot hand for Ouachita as the senior guard made three 3-pointers on his way to a game-high 20 points. Sophomore Chris Sumbler also made three treys and finished with 12 points. Josh Harris added nine points and Dearius Rollins chipped in eight. Sam Williams led the Lions on the boards with 11 rebounds.

Ouachita led 34-23 at halftime and broke the game open with a 25-4 advantage in the third quarter.

Th Lions will be back in action Thursday and Saturday in the Theodis Lee Tournament at Carroll. Ouachita will play Richwood on Thursday and Carroll on Saturday.

12-3-10
Ouachita puts the clamps on Sulphur, 39-25
A stingy defensive performance and a double-double from Ryan Gix led the Ouachita Lions to a 39-25 victory over Sulphur on Friday night in the LaGrange Invitational in Lake Charles.

Ouachita held Sulphur to single-digit scoring in each of the firs three quarters as the Lions led 23-10 at halftime. Gix scored 10 points and pulled down 11 rebounds for his second consecutive double-double. Gix also had 26 points and 11 rebounds Thursday night in a 64-60 loss to Washington-Marion.

Ouachita will wrap up play in the LaGrange Invitational on Saturday. The Lions (2-4) are scheduled to play LaGrange at 1:30 p.m.

11-23-10
Lions upend Wossman for first victory, 57-50
The Ouachita boys basketball team made the short trip to Wossman Tuesday night, and the Lions returned home with a 57-50 win over the Wildcats. The victory is the firt for the Lions in the 2010-2011 season and the first for Michael Armand as head coach of the Lions.

Cedric Treadway scored 22 points and Dearius Rollins added 10 for the Lions (1-1).

Ouachita opened the season at home Monday with a 67-60 loss to Richwood. Ryan Gix led Ouachita with 35 points and 18 rebounds. Treadway had 11 points against the Rams.

The Lions will be back in action Wednesday as they play Carroll in the Richwood Tripleheader. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

5-11-10
Landers signs scholarship with John Wood CC
Ouachita All-State guard Antonio Landers made a move Tuesday to continue his basketball career on the next level. Landers signed a scholarship with John Wood Community College during an afternoon ceremony in the Slusher Lobby of the Ouachita gym.

The 6-2 guard will take his versatile game to "Ouachita North'' as he joins two former teammates at the Quincy, Illinois, school. Landers will reuinte with Mike Shaw and Henry Sidney, who play for the Trail Blazers and were starters on the 2009 Ouachita state championship team with Landers.

Landers said the familiarity factor played a role in his decision. He also plans to share an apartment with Sidney and Shaw.

"I wanted to go somewhere far, and at John ?Wood it's far, but I have two people I played with already there, so I thought it would be good to go to John Wood,'' Landers said.

Landers played in the post as a sophomore and junior at Ouachita, but he witched to guard his senior season. Landers, who averaged 21.8 points and 11.6 rebounds per game as a senior, said he will play the two guard at John Wood. Landers said he know he has to work hard on his ball-handling skills and outside shooting, particularly beyond 15 feet.

Landers also liked one more thing about John Wood -- the style of play.

"They stress defense and play tough defense, and I told them I am from Ouachita and that's what we're built on.''

Landers joins a program that finished 16-15 in 2009-10 and reached the Region XXIV semifinals.

4-30-10
Landers takes top honors at basketball banquet
Senior guard Antonio Landers received the top boys basketball award at Tuesday's Ouachita Basketball Banquet in the school's Mane Center. Landers, who averaged 21.8 points and 11.6 rebounds per game this past season, was named the 2009-10 Most Valuable Player.

Landers also received the team's Defensive Award and received honors for District 2-5A Most Valuable Player, first team All-Northeast Louisiana, and first team Class 5A All-State.,

Other awards presented to the varsity players were as follows:
Offensive Award -- Cedric Treadway
Rebound Award -- Ryan Gix
Hustle Award -- Toney Collins
Scholastic Award -- Jarvis Carter
Casey Jones Newcomer Award -- Chris Sumbler
Coach's Award -- Eric Anderson
Assist Award -- Dee Leonard
Most Improved Award -- Chris Williams

4-20-10
Landers named to All-Northeast team
Senior guard Antonio Landers added one more accolade to his high school basketball resume with his selection for The News-Star newspaper's All-Northeast Louisiana Boys Basketball team.

Landers, who was named the District 2-5A and first team Class 5A All-State this past season, was one of five players from the region named to the All-Northeast first team. He is joined on the 5A/4A first team by West Monroe's Cory Lacy, Franklin Parish's Brandon Sims, and Wossman's Jonathan Ross and Miguel Gipson. Ouachita juniors Ryan Gix and Cedric Treadway were selected to the second team.

The 6-2 Landers averaged 21.6 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.4 steals, and 3.1 assists per game during his senior season. He helped the defending state champions to a 30-7 record, a 10th consecutive district title, and the second round of the state playoffs.

4-15-10
Armand named new Ouachita boys basketball coach
Longtime Ouachita Parish High School assistant basketball coach Michael Armand has been named the new head coach for the Lions basketball program, Ouachita Principal Todd Guice announced at a Thursday afternoon press conference.

Armand, who was introduced in the Slusher Lobby of the Ouachita gym, replaces Casey Jones, who left Ouachita on April 1 to become the head basketball coach at Longview (Texas) High School.

Armand has served as an assistant basketball coach at Ouachita for 11 seasons, helping Ouachita win 10 district titles and the 2009 state championship during that time. He spent the last nine seasons as the top assistant to Jones, who compiled a 281-67 record over those nine years.

Guice said that ArmandТs experience with the Ouachita program and his contributions to OuachitaТs success over the years made him the right choice to lead the Lions.

"Coach Armand's familiarity with our program was a huge factor in our decision,ТТ Guice said. УHe understands what we expect from our coaches and players on and off of the floor."

During his nine seasons as the top assistant at Ouachita, the Lions won one state title, finished as state runner-up once, and advanced to the state quarterfinals five other times.

"We look forward to the continued success of Ouachita Lions basketball under the leadership of Mike Armand and his staff,ТТ Guice said.

Armand is proud of what the Ouachita program has accomplished and is eager to move the program forward to even more success.

УI am really looking forward to the opportunity to take over the program,ТТ Armand said. УI have been a big part of this program for a long time and fully understand what it takes to be successful. I have been very lucky in the fact that I have worked with some great coaches and school administrators during my entire career thus far. The skills that I have learned from them will be a great asset to me in continuing the great success of this program.

УI have two great assistants in place right now that have also been a huge part of this Ouachita basketball family, and they too know what kind of commitment it takes to maintain the excellence of this program.ТТ

Armand, a 1995 graduate of the University of Louisiana at Monroe, began his coaching career in 1995 at Monticello High School, where he served as the head boys basketball coach and head track coach. In four seasons of basketball at Monticello, Armand was named district Coach of the Year twice

At Ouachita, Armand served as the freshman boys coach and an assistant varsity coach from 1999-2001. Armand was the junior varsity coach and top varsity assistant at Ouachita from 2001-2010.

УWe got a good man,ТТ Ouachita Athletics Director Fred McHenry said. УWeТve had a lot of talent and MikeТs been around Ц itТs like playing with the house money. HeТs been around eleven years as a teacher and a coach, and he knows Ouachita. With that combination, we canТt go wrong. I know him and trust him, and may God bless him and his family as he continues his role at Ouachita High School.ТТ

McHenry said a lot of thought and collaboration went into the decision to select Armand as the head coach.

УThe administration was good in naming him as the new head coach,ТТ McHenry said. УIt was a joint effort by the administration. This administration works well together and is organized, and we owe the organization to our superintendent, Bob Webber.ТТ

3-28-10
Antonio Landers named to Class 5A All-State team
Antonio Landers began the 2009-2010 basketball season with a lot of pressure. The senior was the lone returning starter fromOuachita's 2009 Class 5A state championship and the only player back from the top nine on that squad. He was also making the transition from post player to guard.

Landers responded to the challenge. He averaged 21.6 points and 11.6 rebounds per game to lead a young Lion team to a 30-7 record, the District 2-5A title, and the second round of the state playoffs. His performance earned him the 2-5A MVP, and this weekend he wasd named to the Louisiana Sports Writers Association Class 5A All-State Team. Landers, who was honorable mention All-State as a junior, made the first team this season.

The lanky, 6-2 Landers displayed his versatility throughout his senior season. In addition to leading Ouachita in points and ranking second on the team in rebounds, he led the team with 3.4 steals per game and was second with 3.1 assists. Season highlights included recording a triple-double -- 30 points, 12 steals, and 11 rebounds -- against Byrd, scoring a career-high 33 points twice, and producing a highlight reel of dunks throughout the season.

3-1-10
Ouachita to play for spot in 5A quarterfinals
Ouachita will play its final home game of the season in The Madhouse on Tuesday night. The Lions will try their best to make sure it is not the last game of the season.

Defending Class 5A champion Ouachita (30-6) will play host to St. Thomas More (23-13) on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in a second-round 5A playoff game. The winner will advance to the quarterfinals and move one step closer to the Top 28 State Tournament.

Both teams advanced to the second rounds with relatively easy wins and in somewhat similar fashion. No. 3 seed Ouachita ousted No. 30 Byrd 76-48 Friday, holding point guard and leader Raymon Iverson to two points on two free throws. No. 14 seed St. Thomas More defeated No. 19 Destrehan 61-49, holding DestrehanТs guard that averaged 20 points per game to no points.

Senior Antonio Landers had another big game in FridayТs win over Byrd. Landers, who recorded a triple-double in a regular-season win over Byrd, had 20 points, 10 rebounds, and seven steals in the playoff win. Ouachita also made nine 3-pointerds against the Yellow Jackets, four by freshman Chris Sumbler and three by junior Cedric Treadway.

Landers averages 21.6 points, 11.4 rebounds, 3.4 steals, and 3.o assists per game to lead the Lions. Treadway averages 13.9 points and 4.4 rebounds for Ouachita, and junior Ryan Gix averages 10.8 points and 13.7 rebounds.

Ouachita will try to advance to at least the state quarterfinals for the seventh time in the last eight years. The Lions will also aim to extend their homecourt winning streak to 33 games. Ouachita has not lost at home since the quarterfinals in 2008.

Xavier Blackburn leads St. Thomas More. The 6-4 senior averages 17.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. Will Norman, a 6-5 senior, averages 10.9 points for the Cougars, and 6-6 junior Evan Tatford averages 8.6 points and 7.9 rebounds.

The winner of the Ouachita-St. Thomas More game will face the winner of the Jesuit vs. Catholic-Baton Rouge game. If Ouachita wins, the Lions will have to travel for the quarterfinal game.

2-26-10
Ouachita bombs Byrd in first-round romp, 76-48
Defending Class 5A state champion Ouachita opened the 2010 playoffs in impressive style Friday night as the Lions soared past Byrd 76-48 at The Mad House. Antonio Landers led Ouachita with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and seven steals.

The victory advances Ouachita (30-6) to a regional round game against St. Thomas More, which beat Destrehan 61-49. The second-round game will be at Ouachita on Tuesday night at a time yet to be determined.

Friday's game was a rematch of a regular-season game played last month, which Ouachita won 71-48. Byrd coach Mike Guess said in a newspaper article earlier in the week that the Yellow Jackets did not have top player Raymon Iverson for that game. Iverson's presence made no difference as the Ouachita defense held the senior point guard to just two points on two free throws.

Byrd had no answer for Ouachita's speed. The Lions forced 23 Byrd turnovers, which helped lead to many fast-break opportunities and outside shots. Ouachita made nine 3-pointers in the game, including four by freshman Chris Sumbler and three by junior Cedric Treadway.

Ouachita began this game similar to the big win over Byrd last month. The Lions jumped out to a 21-10 lead after one quarter and increased the advantage to 41-17 at halftime. Ouachita outscored Byrd 28-15 in the third quarter to put away the Yellow Jackets.

Sumbler finished with 12 points for the Lions, including three 3-pointers in the runaway third quarter. Treadway added 11 points, and Ryan Gix had a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. eremy McLemore led Byrd (20-16) with 20 points, and Chris Semien added 11.

2-25-09
Ouachita hopes to make another playoff run
The Ouachita boys basketball team put together a special season in 2008-2009. The Lions notched a school-best 39-4 record on their way to the Class 5A state championship, the first boys basketball title in school history. Now it is time for the stretch run of their title defense.

Ouachita will begin the 2010 playoffs at home Friday night. The No. 3 seed Lions will play host to No. 30 seed Byrd. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. at The Mad House.

This season has also been special, especially considering the team's major overhaul. The Lions graduated eight seniors and four starters from last year?s championship team, returning only starting forward Antonio Landers for his senior season. Gone were two Division I signees and two junior college signees. Then in late May, sophomore De'varia Sanders -- already tabbed the starting point guard -- was killed in a car-pedestrian accident. Ouachita had many question marks as the 2009-2010 season approached.

The Lions have answered the questions in emphatic style. The Lions are 29-6 overall, won the district title for the 10th consecutive year and 14th time in 15 years, and earned the No. 3 seed in the 5A playoffs. Head coach Casey Jones and his staff did not rebuild -- they reloaded.

Landers, who moved from forward to guard, leads this edition of the Lions. He leads the team in scoring with 21.6 points per game. He also averages 11.4 rebounds, 3.4 steals, and 3.0 assists. The rest of the cast is dominated by underclassmen.

"The best thing about this team is the other guys have stepped up and helped Landers,'' Jones said. "They have come together and worked hard.''

Junior Ryan Gix as played a big role in the post. He averages 10.8 points and 13.7 rebounds per game. Junior guard Cedric Treadway is second in scoring with 13.6 points per game and is the top 3-point shooter, making 85-of-235 shots from behind the arc.

Other key contributors for the Lions include junior guard Dee Leonard (7.0 points, 4.7 assists), sophomore post player Sam Williams (2.7 points, 4.1 rebounds), sophomore guard Chris Williams (1.2 points, 1.9 assists), and freshman guard Chris Sumbler (2.5 points).

Ouachita's attempt to make a run at another title begins with a Byrd team that the Lions defeated 71-48 at Ouachita on January 19. Byrd, however, was missing senior point guard Raymon Iverson.

"We're facing a dangerous team,'' Jones said. "They didn?t have their point guard last time we played them. We can't get overconfident and have to come out and play well.''

Byrd, which did not qualify for the playoffs this season, is 20-15 and finished third in District 1-5A.

GAME NOTES:
-- Ouachita has won 31 consecutive games at home. The last home loss was in the 2008 state quarterfinals against H.L. Bourgeois.
-- Friday's game will be broadcast in the Monroe area on K-Buck 92.3-FM. The broadcast will also be available on the Internet ? go to monroeradio.com and click on the K-Buck link.
-- Ouachita has won three games and 14 of its last 15. The lone loss came at West Monroe, the No. 8 seed in the 5A playoffs.
-- Casey Jones is in his ninth season as the Ouachita head coach. He has an overall record of 280-66, a .809 winning percentage.
-- Ouachita has reached at least the quarterfinals of the playoffs in six of the past seven years. Ouachita was the Class 5A runner-up in 2006.

2-19-10
Lions reject Rebels to win District 2-5A title
The last time Ouachita and West Monroe met on the basketball court, West Monroe pulled off a big win on its home court to force a tie atop the District 2-5A boys basketball standings. Friday night's rematch was at the Mad House at Ouachita and a different story.

Ouachita protected its home turf for the 31st consecutive time as the Lions beat the Rebels 53-46 to capture the 2-5A title. It is the 10th consecutive season Ouachita has finished as district champion and 14th time in the last 15 years. Ouachita, which was ranked No. 3 in the last Louisiana High School Athletic Association state power rankings, will find out Tuesday which team they will host next Friday to start the playoffs.

Ouachita (29-6, 5-1 in 2-5A) and West Monroe were tied at 20 at halftime, but the Lions surged into the lead with a 21-7 advantage in the fourth quarter. An Antonio Landers three-point play to start the third quarter and a Ryan Gix dunk after a West Monroe basket helped spark the third quarter advantage for Ouachita. However, West Monroe charged back to in the fourth quarter to cut the lead to as few as four points, but Ouachita held off the comeback attempt to secure the district championship.

Cedric Treadway led Ouachita with 17 points, including three 3-pointers. Treadway had seven of his points in the second quarter to help the Lions rally to tie the score at halftime. Landers added 14 points, and Gix had 10.

Damarcus Bowie had 15 points for West Monroe, which finished second in 2-5A with a 4-2 district mark. JT McFarland added 11 points for the Rebels, and Tony Foster chipped in 10. West Monroe leading scorer Corey Lacy was held scorless through the first three quarters and finished the game with just seven points.

NOTEBOOK: Friday night was Senior Night for Ouachita. Seniors Toney Collins, Jarvis Carter, Jonathan Manning, Erick Anderson, and Landers were honored, along with their parents.

2-16-10
Ouachita tops Natchitoches to improve to 4-1 in district
Ouachita made its last regular-season road trip a successful one Tuesday night as the Lions defeated Natchitoches-Central 71-66 in a District 2-5A game. The win improves Ouachita's record to 28-6 overall and 4-1 in district.

Antonio Landers led defending Class 5A state champion Ouachita effort with 18 points to help the Lions notch their 13th win in their last 14 games. Cedric Treadway added 13 points, and Ryan Gix had 10.

Ouachita will close out the regular season Friday night at home against district and parish rival West Monroe, which entered Tuesday night's game against Pineville tied for first place with Ouachita. The Lions will look to avange a 61-46 loss at West Monroe last week. Tip-off for Friday's game is scheduled for 7 p.m., and admission is $6.

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