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It was another stellar year for high school sports in Northeast Louisiana as multiple programs came away with LHSAA championships.
Now it's time for you, the Monroe News-Star readers, vote for the team of the year for the 2025-26 season.
Below is a poll containing the nominees for team of the year and a brief summary of their contributions. The poll closes at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 19.
LHSAA softball: How the Monroe area excelled during the championships in Sulphur
The Cougars clinched their first Division IV championship since 2013 and had two golfers (rising senior Alex Roebuck and rising sophomore Jase Martin) with top-five finishes.
The Cougars clinched their second title in three seasons and had four individual champions (Wyatt Gremillion, Carter Lewis, Logan Amidon and Blake Robinson). Four more Creek lifters (Asa Singleton, Eddie Henry, Kaden Williams and Chandler Bullock) placed inside the top-five of their weight classes.
The Lady Cougars also won their second title in three seasons and had five individual champions (Joanie Cannon, Marley Jinks, Catherine Williams, Gia Garlington and Kate Harris). Six more Creek lifters (Aubrey Singleton, Juliette Sewell, Jillian Ramsey, Lexie Vance, Kenna Williams and Ainsley Dement) placed inside the top-six of their weight classes.
The Class C No. 3 Crusaders defeated No. 1 Maurepas 8-0 to clinch their eighth overall title and first since 2022. Rising seniors Parker Bearden and Truett Hoston, as well as rising juniors Rylan Davis and Cade Wallace, were among the key contributors in Claiborne Christian's latest championship season. Davis pitched a one-hit shutout with three walks and nine strikeouts against Maurepas while Bearden and Hoston each had two hits.
The Lady Wolves clinched their third title in five seasons and had individual champions in the first four weight classes: Kasyn Kelly, Karsyn Kelly, Bella Richardson and Lylah Jones. Jones, a graduating senior, broke three meet records in D-IV's 123-pound class while fellow Woods graduate Brilee Smith broke four records at 185. The Lady Wolves also had two LHSAA runners-up in Brylie Garris (105) and Lola Kate Scallan (165).
The D-IV select No. 1 Panthers defeated No. 6 Southern Lab 69-42 to clinch its eighth overall championship and first since 1992. Rising junior Jabari Livingston was one of the state's top players and scored 28 points against the Kittens; Trey Spann and Zion Hicks also played key roles during the championship season. Lincoln Prep won 27 of its final 28 games in order to win state.
The D-IV nonselect No. 3 Dragons clinched their first LHSAA title since 2013 following their 11-7 victory against No. 1 Welsh. Reggie and Rodrick Roberson and rising juniors Colby Casey and Nolan Gandy all had multi-hit outings against the Greyhounds; Carson Mooney and Blake Pierce were also key contributors throughout the spring. Mangham coach and 2015 graduate Ridge Heisler is now an LHSAA champion as a player and skipper.
The D-IV nonselect No. 2 Lady Tigers ended No. 1 LaSalle's bid in winning back-to-back championships following an 8-0 victory in the finals. Oak Grove had multiple star players on the diamond this spring, from rising junior Kinley Cox (3-for-4, double, 10 strikeouts in the circle against LaSalle) to rising senior and LSU women's basketball commit Caroline Bradley (.419 average, 13 home runs, 34 RBIs). Oak Grove clinched its first LHSAA title since 2019.
The D-I nonselect No. 14 Lions had a special fall by defeating No. 1 Ruston 21-20 to clinch its first LHSAA title since 1989. All of Ouachita's postseason victories in 2025 was decided by one possession; it defeated the other top-three seeds, No. 3 Destrehan and No. 2 Neville, in the regionals and semifinals, respectively. The Lions graduated multiple players heading to D-I programs, including Dylan Berymon (Nebraska) and Wydell Clark Jr. (Southern).
The D-IV select No. 5 Eagles clinched their 11th overall championship after defeating No. 2 Covenant Christian 4-0. Reed Smalling, Ridge Coats and Will Raymond combined for six of OCS' nine hits in the top of the order while rising junior Ethan Higgins yielded six hits, two walks and two strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings and Luke Vidrine hit a double and drove in two runs. Rising senior Clark Brown picked up the save with a strikeout to secure the championship.
The Wolverines clinched back-to-back Class B titles and took home individual championships in six events (Nathan Harvey in 300-meter hurdles, Gage Horton in 400-meter dash and 1,600-meter run, 4x200- and 4x400-meter relays, Asher Shultz in javelin). Horton, who was Class B's Outstanding Performer, also finished LHSAA runner-up in the 800-meter run in his final track meet for Quitman.
The Lady Wolverines clinched the Class B title as rising senior Kaleigh King took home individual titles in two events (300-meter hurdles and pole vault) and finished runner-up in the 100-meter hurdles. Quitman placed inside the top-five at state in five more events (Megan Kelley in 800, 4x100 relay, 4x200 relay, 4x400 relay, Kaleigh Webb in discus).
The No. 2 Lady Wolverines completed the four-peat after defeating No. 4 Anacoco 7-5 in the Class B finals. Quitman will graduate one player from the latest championship season in Maggie Guyotte, a Louisiana Tech signee and All-NELA Player of the Year. The Lady Wolverines' upcoming junior class was just as special throughout the spring with Brenna Lamkin, Hallie Kate Pullig and Briley Bowers as key players.
The Bearcats clinched the D-II title after finishing runner-up the previous season and had individual champions in three events (John Hoover in 100 butterfly and breaststroke, 400 freestyle relay). Hoover, a rising junior, set the D-II record in the 100 butterfly with a preliminary time of 49.32 seconds and anchored the 400 free relay.
The Lady Warriors clinched the D-IV title in narrow fashion following runner-up finishes over the past two seasons. St. Fred's scored eight points to secure the title while runners-up Holy Savior Menard and Vermilion Catholic tied with 7.5 points.
The D-III nonselect No. 2 Panthers defeated No. 1 Jena 34-20 to clinch back-to-back championships and their fourth title overall. Another key moment during the fall for Sterlington was its 63-24 semifinal victory against St. James, the same opponent it faced in the 2024 championship. The Panthers graduated reigning LSWA Mr. Football and Harding signee Tre Burch but return rising seniors J-Rob Breen, TJ Burch, Devyn Downs and Xavier Stromile.
The D-III nonselect No. 5 Lady Panthers defeated No. 2 Kaplan 5-4 and completed a comeback to clinch their second championship in three seasons. Among Sterlington's biggest plays of the year was a three-run home run from rising sophomore Neely Kilpatrick against the Lady Pirates. The Lady Panthers graduated Jaleeyah Alford, Sullivan Cannon and Tori Kelley but have many key returners from rising sophomore Ansley Johnson to rising senior Austin Carter.
The Rebels clinched their 22nd overall title and had four individual champions in ULM football signee Christian Ponti, Troy Smith, Jason Sanchez and Damien Sanders. Smith became the state’s newest composite record holder in the 242-pound class after pulling 680 pounds on deadlift. West Monroe had an LHSAA runner-up in rising senior Alex Folmar (148) and five more top-five placers (Brycen Federico, Drew Wilhite, Eli Hampton, Jayden Clay and Cameron Ross).
The D-II nonselect No. 4 Lady Wildcats completed a five-peat following their 50-39 championship victory against No. 2 LaGrange. Rising junior Heaven Weeks and rising senior Makaiya Johnson both recorded double-doubles in the finals; Weeks was named Most Outstanding Player with 26 points, 16 rebounds, an assist, four steals and a block. Wossman coach Otis Robinson Jr. has led the program to championships in all five of his seasons so far.
This article originally appeared on Monroe News-Star: Vote now Monroe News-Star team of the year for the 2025-26 season
Continue reading...
Now it's time for you, the Monroe News-Star readers, vote for the team of the year for the 2025-26 season.
Below is a poll containing the nominees for team of the year and a brief summary of their contributions. The poll closes at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 19.
LHSAA softball: How the Monroe area excelled during the championships in Sulphur
Cedar Creek boys golf
The Cougars clinched their first Division IV championship since 2013 and had two golfers (rising senior Alex Roebuck and rising sophomore Jase Martin) with top-five finishes.
Cedar Creek boys powerlifting
The Cougars clinched their second title in three seasons and had four individual champions (Wyatt Gremillion, Carter Lewis, Logan Amidon and Blake Robinson). Four more Creek lifters (Asa Singleton, Eddie Henry, Kaden Williams and Chandler Bullock) placed inside the top-five of their weight classes.
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Cedar Creek girls powerlifting
The Lady Cougars also won their second title in three seasons and had five individual champions (Joanie Cannon, Marley Jinks, Catherine Williams, Gia Garlington and Kate Harris). Six more Creek lifters (Aubrey Singleton, Juliette Sewell, Jillian Ramsey, Lexie Vance, Kenna Williams and Ainsley Dement) placed inside the top-six of their weight classes.
Claiborne Christian baseball
The Class C No. 3 Crusaders defeated No. 1 Maurepas 8-0 to clinch their eighth overall title and first since 2022. Rising seniors Parker Bearden and Truett Hoston, as well as rising juniors Rylan Davis and Cade Wallace, were among the key contributors in Claiborne Christian's latest championship season. Davis pitched a one-hit shutout with three walks and nine strikeouts against Maurepas while Bearden and Hoston each had two hits.
D’Arbonne Woods Charter girls powerlifting
The Lady Wolves clinched their third title in five seasons and had individual champions in the first four weight classes: Kasyn Kelly, Karsyn Kelly, Bella Richardson and Lylah Jones. Jones, a graduating senior, broke three meet records in D-IV's 123-pound class while fellow Woods graduate Brilee Smith broke four records at 185. The Lady Wolves also had two LHSAA runners-up in Brylie Garris (105) and Lola Kate Scallan (165).
Lincoln Prep boys basketball
The D-IV select No. 1 Panthers defeated No. 6 Southern Lab 69-42 to clinch its eighth overall championship and first since 1992. Rising junior Jabari Livingston was one of the state's top players and scored 28 points against the Kittens; Trey Spann and Zion Hicks also played key roles during the championship season. Lincoln Prep won 27 of its final 28 games in order to win state.
You must be registered for see images attach
Mangham baseball
The D-IV nonselect No. 3 Dragons clinched their first LHSAA title since 2013 following their 11-7 victory against No. 1 Welsh. Reggie and Rodrick Roberson and rising juniors Colby Casey and Nolan Gandy all had multi-hit outings against the Greyhounds; Carson Mooney and Blake Pierce were also key contributors throughout the spring. Mangham coach and 2015 graduate Ridge Heisler is now an LHSAA champion as a player and skipper.
Oak Grove softball
The D-IV nonselect No. 2 Lady Tigers ended No. 1 LaSalle's bid in winning back-to-back championships following an 8-0 victory in the finals. Oak Grove had multiple star players on the diamond this spring, from rising junior Kinley Cox (3-for-4, double, 10 strikeouts in the circle against LaSalle) to rising senior and LSU women's basketball commit Caroline Bradley (.419 average, 13 home runs, 34 RBIs). Oak Grove clinched its first LHSAA title since 2019.
You must be registered for see images attach
Ouachita football
The D-I nonselect No. 14 Lions had a special fall by defeating No. 1 Ruston 21-20 to clinch its first LHSAA title since 1989. All of Ouachita's postseason victories in 2025 was decided by one possession; it defeated the other top-three seeds, No. 3 Destrehan and No. 2 Neville, in the regionals and semifinals, respectively. The Lions graduated multiple players heading to D-I programs, including Dylan Berymon (Nebraska) and Wydell Clark Jr. (Southern).
Ouachita Christian baseball
The D-IV select No. 5 Eagles clinched their 11th overall championship after defeating No. 2 Covenant Christian 4-0. Reed Smalling, Ridge Coats and Will Raymond combined for six of OCS' nine hits in the top of the order while rising junior Ethan Higgins yielded six hits, two walks and two strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings and Luke Vidrine hit a double and drove in two runs. Rising senior Clark Brown picked up the save with a strikeout to secure the championship.
Quitman boys track and field
The Wolverines clinched back-to-back Class B titles and took home individual championships in six events (Nathan Harvey in 300-meter hurdles, Gage Horton in 400-meter dash and 1,600-meter run, 4x200- and 4x400-meter relays, Asher Shultz in javelin). Horton, who was Class B's Outstanding Performer, also finished LHSAA runner-up in the 800-meter run in his final track meet for Quitman.
Quitman girls track and field
The Lady Wolverines clinched the Class B title as rising senior Kaleigh King took home individual titles in two events (300-meter hurdles and pole vault) and finished runner-up in the 100-meter hurdles. Quitman placed inside the top-five at state in five more events (Megan Kelley in 800, 4x100 relay, 4x200 relay, 4x400 relay, Kaleigh Webb in discus).
You must be registered for see images attach
Quitman softball
The No. 2 Lady Wolverines completed the four-peat after defeating No. 4 Anacoco 7-5 in the Class B finals. Quitman will graduate one player from the latest championship season in Maggie Guyotte, a Louisiana Tech signee and All-NELA Player of the Year. The Lady Wolverines' upcoming junior class was just as special throughout the spring with Brenna Lamkin, Hallie Kate Pullig and Briley Bowers as key players.
Ruston boys swimming
The Bearcats clinched the D-II title after finishing runner-up the previous season and had individual champions in three events (John Hoover in 100 butterfly and breaststroke, 400 freestyle relay). Hoover, a rising junior, set the D-II record in the 100 butterfly with a preliminary time of 49.32 seconds and anchored the 400 free relay.
St. Frederick girls tennis
The Lady Warriors clinched the D-IV title in narrow fashion following runner-up finishes over the past two seasons. St. Fred's scored eight points to secure the title while runners-up Holy Savior Menard and Vermilion Catholic tied with 7.5 points.
You must be registered for see images attach
Sterlington football
The D-III nonselect No. 2 Panthers defeated No. 1 Jena 34-20 to clinch back-to-back championships and their fourth title overall. Another key moment during the fall for Sterlington was its 63-24 semifinal victory against St. James, the same opponent it faced in the 2024 championship. The Panthers graduated reigning LSWA Mr. Football and Harding signee Tre Burch but return rising seniors J-Rob Breen, TJ Burch, Devyn Downs and Xavier Stromile.
Sterlington softball
The D-III nonselect No. 5 Lady Panthers defeated No. 2 Kaplan 5-4 and completed a comeback to clinch their second championship in three seasons. Among Sterlington's biggest plays of the year was a three-run home run from rising sophomore Neely Kilpatrick against the Lady Pirates. The Lady Panthers graduated Jaleeyah Alford, Sullivan Cannon and Tori Kelley but have many key returners from rising sophomore Ansley Johnson to rising senior Austin Carter.
West Monroe boys powerlifting
The Rebels clinched their 22nd overall title and had four individual champions in ULM football signee Christian Ponti, Troy Smith, Jason Sanchez and Damien Sanders. Smith became the state’s newest composite record holder in the 242-pound class after pulling 680 pounds on deadlift. West Monroe had an LHSAA runner-up in rising senior Alex Folmar (148) and five more top-five placers (Brycen Federico, Drew Wilhite, Eli Hampton, Jayden Clay and Cameron Ross).
You must be registered for see images
Wossman girls basketball
The D-II nonselect No. 4 Lady Wildcats completed a five-peat following their 50-39 championship victory against No. 2 LaGrange. Rising junior Heaven Weeks and rising senior Makaiya Johnson both recorded double-doubles in the finals; Weeks was named Most Outstanding Player with 26 points, 16 rebounds, an assist, four steals and a block. Wossman coach Otis Robinson Jr. has led the program to championships in all five of his seasons so far.
This article originally appeared on Monroe News-Star: Vote now Monroe News-Star team of the year for the 2025-26 season
Continue reading...
