The St. Tammany Farmer 03-04-2026

The ST.Tammany

Mandeville renews low-income housing status for seniors

BY KIM CHATELAIN

Contributing writer

The Mandeville City Council has done its part to keep rents from rising for low-income seniors at Rouquette Lodge, one of 15 apartment complexes being sold by the Archdiocese of New Orleans to settle claims with survivors of clergy sex abuse.

The council on Feb. 26 unanimously approved a resolution that essentially allows the purchaser of the sprawling apartment complex at 4300 La. 22 to maintain a favorable tax status under the state’s Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILOT) Program, which is designed to boost affordable housing

The program requires the local governing authority where each of the 15 housing developments is located to approve the tax saving initiative. As a result of the council’s approval, the new owner will be able

to maintain the complex’s affordable rate structure, city officials said.

Local governments where the other 14 complexes are located have already approved similar resolutions, council members were told.

The sale of Rouquette Lodge and 14 other low-income, senior living centers by the archdiocese is to help settle a long-running legal battle that culminated in a $230 million settlement with hundreds of survivors of clergy sex abuse.

The complex, which opened decades ago, has expanded over the years to include about 300 efficiency type units.

The resolution was a late addition the City Council’s agenda.

Council member Kevin Vogelstanz explained that the sale of the Rouquette Lodge property was set for March 11, which is before the council’s next meeting. That scheduling necessitated taking up

the matter as an emergency resolution, bypassing the standard advertisement procedure.

Vogelstanz described Rouquette Lodge as “an important part of Mandeville’s housing market.”

Last November, it was announced that New York-based Tredway, one of the largest affordable housing developers in the country had has reached an agreement with the archdiocese to buy the 15 complexes, which house some 1,700 low-income seniors.

The sale price for the 15 complexes is reportedly $152 million.

In other business, the Mandeville City Council on Feb. 12 approved a $1,358,709 contract to make waterline improvements in Old Mandeville.

The council unanimously passed

Cabbages to fly again in Slidell’s St. Pat’s parade

BY SUZIE HUNT

Contributing writer

When Slidell’s St. Patrick’s Day parade rolls through Olde Towne on March 8, it will celebrate family, fellowship and flying cabbages.

St. Tammany’s largest parade will have more than 1,200 participants marching, riding and tossing (or handing) produce to the masses along the route, according to parade director Robert Johnson. The parade is sponsored by the Olde Towne Slidell Merchants Association, of which Johnson is vice president.

“It’s our 51st year, and it’s going to be big,” said Johnson. “It will take four square city blocks just to line up the parade this year, as we have 63 units.

“Talking with our float krewes, we estimate there will be 420,000 pounds of produce given away this year,” he said. Yes, Johnson said 210 tons of vegetables, fruit and the occasional package of ramen noodles or MoonPies.

The Krewe of Mutharoux, pronounced mutharoo, has been a part of the St. Patrick’s Day parade since 1995, and the men riding the float have grown up together, said member Richard Ryals.

The curious name comes from their youth. Ryals said it was a slang word they could use

Fontainebleau will light up for Christmas

BY KADEE KRIEGER

Contributing writer

Fontainebleau State Park will hold its first Lights in the Park display this Christmas, adding some bling and seasonal sparkle to the park’s natural beauty

The event is part of a Louisiana Office of State Parks initiative to highlight state parks through holiday events. The timing is perfect for bringing visitors to the area during months when hotel stays are on the lower side, said Visit the Northshore President and CEO Donna O’Daniels.

“I’m excited about this event because it will be a cornerstone event for visitors and residents alike, and it is held during months when we’d love to drive more traffic to our hotels,” O’Daniels told the Tourist Commission board during its regular meeting held Feb. 24 at Visit the Northshore’s headquarter offices on La. 59 near Mandeville.

“This could truly be part of a robust

PARADE KEEPS PARTY GOING

The Krewe du Pooch struts its stuff in Old Mandeville

Carnival ended on Mardi Gras, but the Krewe Du Pooch defies convention by parading after Fat Tuesday each year — and that’s. perfectly fine with the four-legged stars of the show and their people.

This year’s Pooch parade was held Feb. 28 on a beautiful late winter afternoon. The pups, as usual, were costumed to the Nines as were a few people in the parade and some who lined the streets to take in the sights.

Special election called for Covington City Council seat

BY ANDREW CANULETTE Staff writer

The Covington City Council has called for a special election to name the candidate who will complete the term of former District A council member Peter Lewis, who resigned his seat in early February.

The council, gathering in a brief special meeting on Feb. 24, voted to schedule the District A election on Nov 3. A runoff, if necessary, would be held Dec 12 The resolution passed by a 6-0 vote, with only District E’s Todd Burrall not present. One of the yes votes was cast by John Callahan, interim councilman

for District A, who was sworn into office during another special meeting of the council held Feb. 18. Callahan, who previously served two terms on the Covington City Council, said has no plans to run in November nor in the next regular cycle of municipal elections on April 17, 2027. Ballots for each of the seven seats on the council will be cast next spring, and a new mayor will be chosen then as well, with Covington Mayor Mark Johnson term-limited. Lewis won a close race for the District A seat in 2019 and was re-

elected without opposition in 2023. He submitted a letter of resignation on Feb. 6, saying he was stepping down from the council “due to personal matters.”

Shortly after resigning, Lewis told a reporter that he has been caring for his sick daughter, which prevented him from devoting the time he felt necessary to properly serve District A constituents.

Also, in 2022, Lewis was charged by Louisiana State Police on one count of felony insurance fraud, and the case is pending in 22nd Judicial District Court. Lewis said those legal matters also factored into his decision to vacate his council seat.

Retired teachers to hold meeting in Covington

The Louisiana Retired Teachers Association, LRTA District 3, will host a meeting on March 17 at the St. Tammany Parish School District Central Office.

The meeting, which will begin at 11 a.m., will include discussion of matters in the next session of the Louisiana Legislature that could affect teacher retirement.

Roxanne Lagarde, District 3 president, will preside over the meeting, and LRTA Executive Director Paul E. Nelson will also discuss the upcoming 2026 session and legislation that could impact

retired teachers. Additional meeting details can be found at lrta.net.

The Louisiana Retired Teachers Association is a nonprofit group that represents the retired education community and its interests by monitoring, protecting, and improving the benefits needed to secure dignity, independence and overall quality of life.

Retired educators from District 3 parishes (Livingston, St Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington) are encouraged to attend the meeting.

The St. Tammany Parish Public School Central Office (C.J. Schoen Building) is located at 321 N. Theard St., Covington.

MANDEVILLE

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a resolution authorizing Mayor Clay Madden to sign a contract with M&J Civil Construction LLC to install new waterlines and transfer water services to them on the eastern side of town.

M&J was one of 10 companies to respond to the city’s request for bids, which ranged from the low bid of $1,358,709 million to $2,402,021 million

Richard C. Lambert Consultants, LLC, the city’s consulting engineering firm, recommended awarding the contract to M&J.

The contract stipulates that the work on the waterlines be substantially completed within 250 calendar days of the project’s launch. The city did not say exactly when the work would begin.

The council also received an update on another project in Old Mandeville — one involving the restoration of the seawall along Lake Pontchartrain.

The work, which involves the rehabilitation of 4,100 feet of the aging seawall, was scheduled for completion in April but that date has been pushed back to July, officials said

The work is designed to extend the life of the seawall, which was built in 1993.

In other action, the council appointed Rosalyn Cousin to a new term on the city’s Historic District Commission. The term will expire in February of 2030.

Council member Jill Lane said Cousin, who was appointed a few years ago to fill an unexpired term, has done a “lovely job” during her time on the commission.

The commission monitors the regulations of the Mandeville Historic Preservation District, which encompasses Old Mandeville. The district’s regulations are intended to preserve and protect the historical, buildings, structures, sights, monuments, streetscapes, squares, and neighborhoods of the district

Email Kim Chatelain at kchatelaintp@gmail.com.

ST. PAT’S

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without voicing some more identifiable curse words. Relationships have grown during the krewe’s history, and their membership has expanded.

“Many of us have known each other since school. Over the years, we have become a group with fathers and sons and cousins all riding together,” said Ryals When not handing cabbages from the lower level or tossing onions from the upper deck, the men of Mutharoux are busy “We have a great time during the parade, and we also get together during the year to do fundraisers for Children’s Wish Endowment and STARC,” he said.

There is a special place in Olde Towne for Ryals during the parade.

“I love making the turn onto Carey Street and seeing the crowds. Little kids ask for produce instead of stuffed animals, and I love seeing grandmas and grandpas with their boiling pots ready to catch something,” he said. The krewe also throws green and white beads, a tradition begun during the early years of their participation in the parade.

When Mary Russo starts to load her 4,800 pounds of cabbage and other items onto her float, she will be helped by family and friends ranging in ages from 7 years old to 73 years young. She used to be a member of the Krewe of Selene but in 2010, she had a revelation courtesy of one of her grandsons.

“He was helping me load my Selene float and he said, ‘Mawmaw, I want to ride in a parade with you.’ I thought ‘Why not,’ and knew we could all ride together in the St. Pat-

FONTAINEBLEAU

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Northshore holiday experience and entice people to say ‘let’s get away for the weekend and visit St. Tammany.’ They will be able to visit all of the other holiday events that our community has to offer along with this new event,” she said. “It’s also something our residents will really enjoy.”

During the meeting, O’Daniels shared a rendering of the proposed 2.8-mile driving loop that will create the Lights in the Park experi-

Get ready to see cabbages fly once again when the

March 8

rick’s Day parade,” said Russo “We built our floats, first a smaller version, and then we needed a bigger one to fit everyone.”

That was 15 years ago and each year the riders take a group picture standing in front of the family’s float.

“It’s wonderful to see how the kids have grown over the years,” said Russo. “This is something special we can share together.”

Dentist Jill Donaldson sponsors a float as a way to contribute to the community, give her staff and their families a fun outing, and to share a local celebrity with children, according to office staff member Brandi

ence. Included in the proposal are whimsical talking trees; a holiday pixel display; a section of flashing animated trees; oak trees illuminated with lit decorations; a large, central tree; and a Christmas markets style pedestrian area.

In addition, O’Daniels said the working model includes inviting campers in both tents and RVs to decorate their spaces and be a part of the event.

“Of course, this is only phase I and there are a lot of moving parts This first year will be the start, but we expect this to grow and become a bigger event in future years.”

Yawn.

“Bippo the Hippo is a rock star among our young patients and children in general They love to see him sitting on his big chair like on a throne, waving to the crowd. We also use the float to encourage children to go see their family dentist,” said Yawn. Along with the more than 10,000 pounds of produce that will be tossed from the Bippo float, there will also be a steady stream of toothbrushes alongside the carrots and potatoes. Planning for the parade begins in December One of hardest parts of Johnson’s job is holding tight to the

Visit the Northshore partnered with the Office of State Parks by investing $200,000 toward the project. Tourist Commission board members in 2025 approved the contribution as part of the organization’s fund balance, which is meant to be used toward strategic projects.

The Office of State Parks will reimburse the seed-money investment via a percentage of the entrance fees collected at the event.

It will also handle all the planning, engineering and staging, O’Daniels said, while her organization will include it as part of their outreach touting festive holiday

admission deadline.

“We have enough interest that we could do 100 floats, but we just can’t. Creating the lineup is one of the toughest parts of the process,” he said

On the big day, Johnson will be one of the five parade marshals who will feed the different groups onto the parade route. When the final units are rolling past Slidell City Hall, Johnson will jump onto his family’s float, one of the last in the lineup, sit back and perhaps have a beer, as his family takes part in the traditional distribution of veggies to those eager for a bit of free groceries and Irish cheer

activities in the area.

Drawing visitors to state parks through the holiday lights displays is part of Lt. Gov Billy Nungesser’s focus of 2026 as the “Year of Outdoors” in Louisiana, an initiative inviting residents and visitors to discover or rediscover the state’s natural beauty and enjoy its recreational opportunities. Visit the Northshore’s upcoming visitors guide will feature the diverse outdoor activities and backdrops throughout St. Tammany, and the newest marketing campaign is dubbed “Float a While” with focus specifically on water scenery and activities.

Mardi Paws in Covington has a howling good time

It was another howling good time when the Krewe of Mardi Paws paraded through historic downtown Covington on Feb 22 to the “Howliday” theme. There was Santa Paws in a sleigh, Cupid in a collar and pups (and their adventurous humans) dressed up for every holiday of the year. This was the sixth Mardi Paws parade in Covington since the krewe relocated from their original home in Mandeville. Registration fees and parade donations will be used to benefit the area’s homeless animals and people facing threatening illnesses

Washington& ST TammanyParishes FARMERS | LANDOWNERS | RANCHERS LOCALLYLED MEETING

March26, 2026 |6:00PM SUGARSHACK |1223 WASHINGTONSTREET |FRANKLINTON, LA Meal will be served

Presenter: Rev. Dr.Andrew Hollingsworth

Come hear from ascholar and ask any question to help illuminate this very important topic!

March12th |7 pm

Newell Christian Chapel - 235Lamarque Street, Mandeville

*RSVP BY MARCH20, 2026,4:00PM @ 985-322-3048

TheBogue Chitto-Pearl River Soil and WaterConservation Districtand TheNatural ResourceConservation Services (NRCS) areasking all farmers, landownersand ranchersofWashingtonand St TammanyParishes to attend ourlocallyled meeting. We will be asking the local producerswhattheir resourceconcerns arefor their land. Theseresourceconcerns areusedtoset prioritiesfor Farm Bill Programs and Conservation Cost-Share Programs

NRCS offersConservation Practices to help you with yourland

Please feel free to sharethis information with whoever you think would be interestedinattending

If you have anyquestions,pleasereach outtousat985-839-5687 Ext3

Bogue Chitto-Pearl River SWCD |Natural Resources Conservation Service(NRCS) 1111 WashingtonStreet|Franklinton, La 70438

Krewe of TerraBella brings Carnival to neighborhood

Clerk of Court’s Office has Mardi Gras decorating fun

Staff report

The St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court’s Office held a Mardi Gras decorating contest on the Friday before Fat Tuesday to send the Carnival spirit soaring. Spearheaded by the Clerk’s Criminal Department, the contest is part of a regular decorating event that fosters camaraderie among co-workers. Each section of cubicles was transformed into a parade float complete with wheels, representing iconic Louisiana festivals such as Jazz Fest, Wooden Boat Festival, King Cake Festival, Crawfish Festival, Strawberry Festival and Hot Air Balloon Festival. The scenes

ture the spirit of a real parade. The clerk’s krewe was inspired by Lt Gov. Billy Nungesser’s Rose Bowl float, “Louisiana Fairs and Festivals.” Guests enjoyed a unique “reverse parade” experience, walking among the decorated cubicles while receiving beads from the floats. Nungesser added to the excitement by bringing beads from his Rose Bowl Parade appearance, and he served as the surprise celebrity guest judge. “The event showcased incredible creativity and Louisiana pride, bringing Mardi Gras to

au-

a vendor cart, and even a porta-potty to cap-

premium of16% applies NOTE: Any St. Tammany Parish School Board items that were scheduled for this auction have been moved to 3/19/26 online timed auction

THURSDAY |MARCH 12TH| STARTS AT 9AM Live Onsite Auction City of New Orleans DPW Impounded

Historic Olde Towne Slidell spiffed up in last year

BY KIM CHATELAIN

Contributing writer

Olde Towne Slidell Main Street used a $200,000 budget over the past year to spruce up the city’s historic district with new benches, bicycle racks and an array of other improvements.

Tiffani McManus, who has headed up Slidell’s Main Street program since January 2025, provided that update on the preservationbased economic development community revitalization effort to the City Council during its Feb 24 meeting.

McManus said when she took over early last year, the program had received a $150,000 state capital outlay allocation. That budget was bolstered by an additional $50,000 in grant money

“When I started here, we had a nice, $200,000 budget to work with,” McManus told council members. “We were able to do a few different things with it.”

In addition to benches and bicycle racks, McManus said the money was used to renovate Carey Street Park, erect street-side directories in two Olde Town locations, make improvements to Um-

brella Alley help pay for new flooring for the Olde Towne Soda Shop, create a Facebook marketing program, and launch an adopt a planter program, among other things.

Several years ago, Olde Towne Slidell Main Street was designated as an Accredited Main Street America program. The designation recognizes an exceptional commitment to community revitalization using the Main Street Approach.

To qualify for accreditation status, communities must meet a set of rigorous standards that include

commitments to building grassroots revitalization programs, fostering strong public-private partnerships, nurturing economic opportunity for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and actively preserving historic places, spaces and cultural assets.

City Council President Nick DiSanti applauded the efforts of the Main Street program.

“Olde Towne is the heart and soul of Slidell, so the work you’re doing is so important. and it’s really making a difference,” DiSanti said.

Mayors update St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce members at State of the Cities breakfast

Covington Mayor Mark Johnson, Mandeville Mayor Clay Madden and Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal were guest speakers at the St Tammany Chamber of Commerce’s State of the Cities breakfast held Feb. 24 at Tchefuncta Country Club near Covington. A capacity crowd heard each of the mayors provide updates on capital projects and other important events taking place in their cities. Kelly McHugh and Associates sponsored the sold-out event, and The St. Tammany Farmer was media sponsor for the meeting. For more information on the Chamber and its activities, go online to sttammanychamber.org

Council approves funds, Abita Springs will pay to fix problem well

Town still hopes to get help from state to pay for project

BY JIM DERRY Contributing writer

The Abita Springs Town Council approved use of a $3.75 million bond to begin work on its public water well that has shown signs of breaking down.

And while the town hopes it can get help from the state in the form of a capital outlay request, Mayor Dan Curtis and the council feel as if they no longer can wait.

The approval came at the regular monthly town meeting on Feb. 24.

In the first or second week of March, Griner Drilling Services will begin the process of sending a camera down the well to first confirm there are issues with a submersible pump that is about 150 feet below ground. If so, they will either begin repairs in ground or remove the pump and make the repairs above ground.

“When you walk around where that motor is, you can feel the vi-

brations in your feet, which indicates a problem,” Curtis said.

Earlier tests by Griner showed sand and gravel in the water which indicates potential holes in the screen or that the casing has separated from the pump.

They now will remove the motor and the plate, which will open the top of the well The pump will then be pulled out and evaluations will be done. In the meantime, the camera will go down further into the well, and a new pump may be needed.

“We need a new well,” Curtis said. “We’re supposed to have a secondary water source equal to or better than our primary, and that’s our primary source. The (Louisiana Department of Health) allowed us to go with what we have, but we immediately started working on what we have.

“We have put in for capital outlay each year since 2019. Nothing. We’ll keep trying.”

There was no objection or comments from the public, and to do the work, the town will get assistance from a nearby well so that no resident of Abita would be without water, officials said.

FROM SHADOWS TO SPOTLIGHT

The St. Tammany Parish social calendar is filled with important events throughout the year We’ve asked organizers to help us highlight people who work behind the scenes to quietly make our most beloved events successful. We’re calling the feature “From Shadows to Spotlight” and letting it be a reminder that not only is one of our area’s biggest events coming up, but also to remind readers the tremendous effect one caring person can have on our community. Be well! Andrew Canulette, editor St. Tammany Farmer

PHOTO BY GRANT THERKILDSEN

in Abita Springs.

From goats to gumbo, volunteer Irene Damby is there

BY JESSICA SAGGIO

Contributing writer

Irene Damby always wanted to compete in Abita Springs’ Not Your Mama’s Gumbo Cook-off.

She’s got a heck of a recipe, she said, and given her background in the food industry, she’d be some steep competition at the homegrown contest.

But Damby has a goat farm, and in the spring, she’s a bit too busy with the kids, as in dozens of baby goats. It’s baby season at Say Goat Cheese, her farm between Abita Springs and Covington, and committing to competing in the cookoff is a little too hard to do in between helping her mama goats through labor and preparing the kids for their next home

So she does the next best thing: volunteer Abita Springs’ Not Your Mama’s Gumbo Cook-off returns to the trailhead park March 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and when it does, guests will find Damby ready to help. The goat connoisseur will be away from the kids that day tending instead to judges and making sure they have everything they need.

It’s a tough gig to pick a first and second place winner among a sea of talent, but Damby will be there to make sure they have plenty of each sample and whatever else will help them make a good decision. She’ll also be in charge of heading up the

NOT YOUR MAMA’S GUMBO COOK-OFF

WHAT: Gumbo cooking competition and tasting event benefiting Keep Abita Beautiful to fund various projects around town Live music, a raffle and silent auction will also take place WHEN: March 14, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. HOW MUCH: $10, children under 5 are free FOR MORE: To register a team or find more information visit townofabitasprings.com/ events.

collection of the people’s choice tickets, as guests at the event also vote on their favorite. Those who wish to attend can pay a $10 fee that covers the cost of their tastings and five tickets to vote. Children under 5 are free. And for those who really want to sway the award, additional tickets can also be purchased Proceeds benefit beautification projects through Keep Abita Beautiful. The competition can get a little fierce, explained Sandra Slifer, Keep Abita Beautiful president and event organizer, so Damby’s role handling these various tasks is “critical,” she said.

“Irene is known for her attention to detail, her ability to lead other volunteers, and her capacity to adapt quickly to any logistical changes,” she said.

“Her contributions ensure these two vital components of the competition run seamlessly.”

That kind of means she’s somewhat of a “maid” for the judges, joked Damby

But she’s just happy to be involved and give back to the community she cherishes.

“We have a great little town,” said Damby a regular at the town’s farmers market who contributes to events whenever she can.

Damby has a background in food service, formerly a food service director at a hospital and various hotels, and said she’s run several bakeries. However, her real passion is cheese.

Learning all she could while working at Acquistapace’s, she then took that knowledge home. She bought property and got goats, and she was quickly hooked. Now, she’s a selfproclaimed “goat doula” to 100 goats, all of which have about two babies per year Say Goat Cheese makes various cheeses, caramel and granola from the milk of these postpartum goats.

“It’s never a dull moment,” she said. “You never know what your day is going to be,” noting the responsibilities of helping mama goats through labor

And while that keeps her from the commitment of competing, she still loves the opportunity to be involved, she said.

She’ll just have to keep that special duck sausage gumbo recipe up her sleeve for another time.

Fire scorches 180 acres in Lacombe area

BY WILLIE SWETT Staff writer

The fire that ignited swaths of woods near Interstate 12 in Lacombe on Feb. 22 continued to smolder several hours later, but officials said there were no new risks from the blaze that burned an estimated 180 acres and shut down the highway for several hours

“We’ll have to continue to babysit it until we get a good rain that fully extinguishes it,” St Tammany Parish Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Operations Clint Ory said.

Fires began on both the north and south sides of I-12 near Lacombe on Feb 22, forcing authorities to shut the highway down for three hours as it was enveloped in a dark cloud of ash and smoke as fighters scrambled to contain the fast-spreading blaze.

The highway was reopened later that night, but motorists encountered smoke and haze on I-12 the next few days between Lacombe and Mandeville.

Ory said the fire took an unusual path, jumping from the north side of I-12 to the south side and then back again.

“The fact that it jumped the interstate twice was definitely an anomaly,” Ory said, noting that the interstate usually operates as a firebreak.

Conditions have been rife for fire across the state, with gusty winds, low rainfall and low humidity Vegetation, dead during the winter season, burned more easily, authorities said.

Emily and Josh Smith were building a new fence for the goat pen at their farm on Fish Hatchery Road when they saw smoke billowing from the woods.

Josh Smith made his way to the back of their property and found even more smoke there.

And, to the north, the area around a power line was on fire.

The Smiths, both 34, loaded their kids and dogs into a relative’s car They watched the flames, fanned by heavy north winds, spread across his property toward Interstate 12. A little while later, they moved their livestock away from a pasture that was now on fire. “I thought everything was going to burn,” Smith recalled.

The fire in St. Tammany, which remained under investigation last week, was among 34 around the state on Feb. 22, said Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain. In nearby Livingston Parish, a fire burned around 100 acres, Strain said. Another 131 acres burned in Allen Parish in the western part of the state, and more than 200 acres burned in Webster Parish in northwest Louisiana, Strain said

Friday is ‘Fry Day’ in Lent

Fish dinners abound in Tammany

MOST HOLY TRINITY CHURCH AND KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL 14614: 501 Holy Trinity Drive, near Covington, Fridays through March 27. Dine-in and drive-thru from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

$15 plates — catfish, shrimp, or combo — and each includes a choice of French fries or baked macaroni, coleslaw, hush puppies, dessert and drink. Boiled shrimp salad is $12. Seafood platter is $20.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE CHURCH COLUMBUS COUNCIL 12072: 1501 W. Causeway Approach Mandeville, March 6, 13, 20 and 27, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; fried fish, shrimp or both, choice of two sides from fries, salad, mac & cheese or green beans, $12 adult plate, $6 child plate; also offers $20 “Coop Special” entree that includes a dessert, drink and a surprise side Desserts include soft-serve ice cream along with coffee, tea and lemonade. The special changes weekly

OUR LADY OF LOURDES: 345 Westchester Place, Slidell, March 6, 13, 20, 27 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., dine-in or drive-thru, $12-14 plates with fried fish or shrimp, crab-boiled smashed potatoes, salad, roll and dessert; grilled shrimp salad also available. Shrimp pasta will be available for the March dates. Contact (504) 722-5610 for information.

OUR LADY OF THE LAKE CHURCH AND COLUMBUS COUNCIL 9240: 312 Lafitte St, Mandeville, March 6, 13, 20 and 27; 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Dine in/carry out. $12 adult dinners — two pieces fried fish or one whole baked filet; choice of three sides; bread, dessert and beverage $7 child’s plate (10 years or younger) One-piece fried fish; choice of two sides bread, dessert, beverage. Available sides: French fries, green beans coleslaw. Accepting donations of canned and dry goods to be donated to the Samaritan Center.

SACRED HEART OF JESUS: 28088 Main St., Lacombe, March 6, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; $12 plate, fried fish, potato salad, green beans, macaroni and cheese, roll and dessert.

ST. ANSELM: Madisonville, March 6, 13, 20, 27, 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Dine in/carry out. Adult fish plates with six pieces of catfish are $19. Adult shrimp plates are $20. Child fish plates are $14 and child shrimp plates are $15. The seafood combo plate including catfish, shrimp, softshell crab and crab cake is $23. The soft-shell crab plate including catfish, shrimp, and two soft-shell crab is $23. Seafood gumbo is $13 and the shrimp Caesar salad is $18.

ST. BENEDICT CHURCH: 20370 Smith Road, near Covington, March 13 and March 27, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. $13 plate, fish or shrimp dinner, tater tots, coleslaw and French bread. Inside dining, brownie and canned drinks or

water for $1.

ST. GENEVIEVE CHURCH: 58203 La. 433, near Slidell, March 6, 13, 20 and 27, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Dine in/Carry out. $10 plate, fried fish, potato salad, green peas and roll.

ST. JANE DE CHANTAL AND COLUMBUS COUNCIL NO. 12529: 72040 Maple St., Abita Springs, March 6, 13, 20, 27, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. $13 plates — fried catfish plate, fried shrimp plate, combo plate with fries or boiled potatoes, coleslaw, French bread. Side gumbo $7, drinks $1, desserts $1. Cash, credit cards and checks accepted.

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST COLUMBUS COUNCIL: 11345 St. John Church Road, Folsom, every Fri-

Olympic skater Alysa Liu is the role model girls need

Search Alysa Liu online and you won’t just find a flurry of articles about her success at the Winter Olympics this year

Sure, there are plenty of those, I promise. The now two-time gold medalist captured the world’s during her victorious return to figure skating But if you keep going, you’ll see a little more of the story The videos that show her falling again and again during practices. The interviews where she talks about her decision to retire from the sport at age 16 and take a break to be a normal teenager. News features about her father, who perhaps pushed her a little too hard as a child. The snippets that show her encouraging other skaters, and well, seemingly everyone she meets. Liu has a way with people, hyping others up far more than she does herself Although, she did “mog” this year – that’s a fun Gen Z term that basically means dominate

a parent trying to live vicariously through her success. My oldest daughter is 11 and plays softball, and you can see it even with some of these girls her age. So many parents are pushing their kids and burning them out. And for what?

Jessica Saggio

Underneath I think it’s for their own validation, not because it’s in the best interest of the kid. I want my daughter to play her sport because she loves it, not to please me or her dad. And if she decides to stop one day, Liu showed us that’s OK too. You can always go back, and perhaps better than ever Yes, you have to work hard, but at the end of the day you have to love what you’re doing or the work feels just like that work.

day in Lent, except Good Friday, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.; $12 per dinner. Includes fried catfish, baked cheese potatoes, coleslaw and hush puppies. Both drive-thru and dine-in services are available. Desserts sold, too.

ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS AND COLUMBUS COUNCIL: 61030 Brier Lake Drive, Lacombe, March 13 and 27, from 4:30 to 7 p.m.; $14 plate, fried domestic catfish, wild caught gulf shrimp or combo, served with smashed potatoes, green beans and hush puppies and more. Also, desserts will be sold by the Ladies Guild.

ST. LUKE THE EVANGELIST: 910 Cross Gates Blvd., near Slidell, March 6, 13, 20 and 27, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; $12 plates, fried or baked fish

with choice of two sides from French fries, coleslaw or smashed potatoes with a Hawaiian roll. Dine-in, carry-out or drive-thru. Ladies Club sells bread pudding, cake and brownies. ST. PETER, KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS: 125 E. 19th Ave., Covington, March 6, 13, 20 and 27; In school cafeteria, dine-in from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., drive-thru from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., $13 catfish, shrimp, fries, bread and choice of potato salad or coleslaw. Desserts available for purchase. (985) 892-2422 for more information. AMERICAN LEGION POST 16: 2031 Ronald Reagan Hwy., Covington. Every Friday during Lent from noon to 1:30 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Catfish, French fries, coleslaw, $10. Carry

But what I see is exactly the role model our young girls need. Liu was recently quoted saying she doesn’t really want to be a role model, but whether she intended it or not, she’s setting a tremendous example for our kids

And how shall I count the ways For those who have no idea who Liu is, she’s the 20-year-old figure skater with the skunk stripes in her hair, the smiley piercing across her front teeth and the phenom who absolutely wowed audiences (and judges) in Milan. She doesn’t look like the figure skaters of the 1990s I remember admiring as a kid.

PROVIDED PHOTO BY NATACHA PISARENKO

Ice skater Alysa Liu strikes a lighthearted pose with the second gold medal she won during the 2026 Winter Olympics.

She’s different, and gosh I am so here for it. She’s the girl who at 16 said “I’m done” and decided to go to school, get a driver’s license, develop her personal style and grow into her own personality Then, she came back with boundaries.

I’m going to eat what I want, she said. I’m going to have a say in my choreography and music. I’m going to be authentically me. Dad, take a back seat. And best of all, she came back not in hopes of fame, titles or cut-throat competition. She came back because she loved the artistry of it all and feels joy on the ice. Is this not what we all want for our girls? Heck our boys, too We want them to excel, but we want them to do it not only with passion, but because they genuinely enjoy what they’re doing. Liu showed the world this is possible, and the feeling is tangible when you watch her skate. She does it because she loves it, not because she’s obliged or has

Then there is Liu’s sportsmanship. When she won the gold medal in the short program, a young Japanese girl, Ami Nakai, had just finished and was getting her scores. Instead of basking in her own celebration, Liu immediately got up to hug and congratulate her competitor who in that moment had just won the bronze with her score. She was more happy for Nakai than herself, it seemed. The way she encourages others and talks up her teammates is inspiring, and we all could probably stand to be a little more encouraging to those around us. This is especially true for the up and coming generation who, in some ways are being raised in a bubble of self involvement — and we parents are often to blame for that by catering far too much to our kids. But this girl gets it, and when interviewed she told reporters the thing she values the most in her career is “human connection.” And at the end of the day, isn’t that really what matters most in this life? It’s the relationships we make along the journey that matter most. Finally, there is skating itself, which I think symbolizes such a strong message of resilience. Skaters must fail over and over again until they reach their goals, and in life we tend to forget that it’s OK to fall It’s how we get back up and persist that matters.

And while I have loved watching Liu skate in all of her glory, seeing the footage of her preparation, her flaws and her perseverance is perhaps the most inspiring thing of all I want my kids to know that’s part of life, and even the most successful people have fallen short. You get back up, and you keep going.

So while Liu doesn’t want to be a role model, this mama says she already is. And in a world that can feel so grim sometimes, a little light like hers shines bright.

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOODS

HOME: Evangeline Theater will open a new permanent home in Mandeville with the musical “Catch Me If You Can” on March 5-22. Evangeline has put down roots at 2635 N. Causeway Blvd. and is celebrating its opening with the high-flying musical comedy that tells the story of Frank, a precocious teen with nothing but boyish charm, imagination and a bunch of forged checks Follow Frank’s cross-country antics with the feds on his tail. Thursday-Saturday shows at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. Directed by Emily Carmadelle; music director Johathan Sturken; orchestration by Mark Shaiman and Larry Blank, with arrangements by Shaiman. Reserve seats are $32, plus fees, at www.evangelinetheater com/.

CHOCOLATE: “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the New Musical” at the Cutting Edge Theater in Slidell, tells the story of the impoverished, young Charlie Bucket winning a tour of the incredible chocolate factory. The tour is guided by the eccentric Willy Wonka (played by Jason Wright), while fellow spoiled winners of the golden ticket face consequences for their greed. Don’t miss seeing characters such as Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt Violet Beauregarde and Mike Teavee in action. This stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s story continues for two more weekends through March 15, with 8 p.m. performances on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. matinees on Sundays Directed by Joey Pruitt, with musical direction by Abbie Pruitt and choreography by Laurin Wilkerson. Consult www.cuttingedgetheater. com for a complete schedule and get tickets, from $35 to $45.

HELP?: A play set in New Orleans, “The Prior 55,” will be performed at the North Star Theatre in Old Mandeville March 6-8. The two-character play is the tale of Mahala, who becomes obsessed with French Quarter street singer Redman and ultimately follows him, only to learn that he lives alone in the woods with no traditional housing. Of course, she wants to “help” him At that point, says playwright Andrea Fulton, “She’s confronted with her own arrogance and weaknesses as she attempts to get him off the street ... The real question is: Who is helping whom?” This is the eighth play for Fulton, who is also a musician and member of the nonprofit board that oversees the Dew Drop Jazz Hall in Old Mandeville. The local show will star Jill Lane and Sam Warren, who will also direct. Get tickets for an evening or matinee show by calling (718) 669-3195

CAJUN: The Couyons of Comedy will bring standup Cajun comedy to the 30 by Ninety Theatre stage on March 7 with two back-to-back shows in one night. Known for their fast-paced delivery, relatable storytelling and Southern sensibility, the Couyons of Comedy connect with audiences through material rooted in everyday life, family dynamics, regional culture and the hilarity of modern living.

D.J. Rhett, “the Cajun King of Chaos” hailing from

south Louisiana, headlines. Performances at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. at 880 Lafayette Street. Tickets ($30). Tickets and more information available at 30byNinety.com.

THRILLER: Playmakers Theater in Covington will present “Dial M for Murder” weekends through March 15, with Friday and Saturday shows at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. This psychological thriller unravels an elegant mystery about an ex-tennis star who plots to kill his wealthy wife. Leads include Jaclyn Krottner, Daniel Laurent, Robert Fielding and Martin Booda; directed by Derek Thrush. Get tickets at bontempstix.com.

MUSIC

THE SQUARE: Kevin Sonny Gullage & the Blues Groovers will kick off this season’s first free Friday Nite on the Square in Terra Bella Village near Covington on March 13 with music and dancing from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at 111 Terra Bella Blvd. No outside food, drinks or ice chests.

CAJUN: There will be a Northshore Cajun Dance in the Abita Town Hall on March 7 with live music by Jesse Deroche and his Capital City Cajuns, who played for the dance in December and are back in Abita Springs by popular demand. Get Cajun dance instruction at 7 pm., then music and dancing from 7:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Admission is $12 at the 22161 Level Street.

JAZZ: The monthly traditional jazz jam session with performing clarinetist and educator Ben Redwine takes place March 7 (every first Saturday) from 9-11 a.m. at St. John’s Coffee, 535 E. Boston St. Two hours open to all listeners and players, usually a mix of students, amateurs and professional players. Confirm session at nstms. org; sheet music available at redwinejazz.com/education. Free to participate.

BLUEGRASS: Beginner’s slow bluegrass jam March 9 from 3 p.m.-5 p.m. in Abita Springs Pavilion, 22044 Main St. Bring a chair for yourself. For beginners who need to play slower or others who want to practice at slower tempo. See nstms.org for link to lineup or other details.

ART

COMMUNITY: Starting March 4, the St. Tammany Art Association will hold a free Artist Community Night on the first Wednesday of each month. These 6 p.m. creative gatherings to bring the association’s member-artists together for inspiration, connection and hands-on exploration; artists of all backgrounds will share ideas, learn from one another, and build a stronger creative community. To first session, artists encouraged to bring a signature piece of work to display for the purposes of discussing media and techniques that inspire their work at the Art House, 320 N. Columbia St., Covington. See www.sttammany.art/acn for more RED DOOR: An Artist Talk on March 15 from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. will feature Anita Cooke, Michael Guidry, Sarah Nelson and Robert Schaefer, all participants in the “Renegade Artist Collective’s Barranger Gallery Exhibition,” a group of nationally and internationally renowned Louisiana-based artists. The collective’s work is available for viewing through March 28 in the gallery at the Art House, 320 Columbia St., in downtown Covington. Sponsored by the St. Tammany Art Association. LACOMBE: The entry

deadline for the Lacombe Art Guild’s spring show, “Brushstrokes and Beyond,” is April 3, and all artists over 18 years of age are invited to enter their artwork. The show will open with an awards reception on April 24 from 6 p.m.-8 pm in the First Floor Atrium at Lakeview Hospital on Judge Tanner Boulevard in Covington. Public invited to see the show through May 8. More at www.LacombeArtGuild.com.

THE ART OF QUILTS: The Ozone Layers Quilt Guild will hold a free open studio day on March 14 in Abita Springs at Town Hall, 22161 Level St. Six hours of quilts, quilters and quilting from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Not a sale, but a time to enjoy the artistry of displayed quilts in all sizes, colors and patterns, with quilting demonstrations and people to answer quilting questions. For more, email ozonelayersquiltguild50@ gmail.com.

PEOPLE WHO MEET

PD: The Northshore Parkinson’s Support Group meets March 4 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. (the first half hour is social time) at Lamb of God Lutheran Church, 57210 Allen Road, near Slidell. Meeting topic is slowing the progression of PD; led by Jan Hondzinski, a kinesiology professor at LSU The meetings are free and open to everyone.

WOMEN: The next general meeting of the Widows’ Social Club of Slidell WILL NOT be held on their usual “last Saturday of the month,” but it will instead take place March 7 at 10 a.m. in the John Wesley Center at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 360 Robert Blvd. The speaker will be Fabianne Faciane, the client services deputy director for the Council on Aging St. Tammany. All widows welcome. Questions? Call Cindy Alberts at (985) 707-7676.

NEIGHBORS: The next meeting of the Hermadel/ Carolyn Park/Bayou Cache Residents’ Association takes place March 12 at the American Legion Post, 1680 St. Ann Place. Gregory Scott, Director of the Slidell Museum, will provide an abbreviated history of Slidell and answer questions. Bring a dish if you can, but no alcohol, please. Questions? Call Jill Dalier at (504) 307-7715.

FEDERALS: The Slidell Chap-

ter of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association next meets on March 13 at 1 p.m. at Aldersgate Church, 360 Robert Blvd, in the Cokesbury Building, Room 207. Speakers will be Preston Kyle and Colby Billiot with Louisiana Department of Insurance to speak about the Fortified Roof Program. Before the meeting, The Lunch Bunch will meet to eat at T-LeBlanc’s Creole Kitchen, 797 Robert Blvd, at 11:15 a.m. To eat or for more information, call Lynn Brooks at (504) 495-9764 or contact Ciny Arsenaux at (985) 6462296 or email carsen01@ hotmail.com.

NEWCOMERS: The next Northlake Newcomer’s lunch is March 13 at Benedict’s Plantation in Mandeville, this month featuring the choice of four table games before lunch. See northlakenewcomers.com for details and to register or contact Georgia DiFranco at (504) 228-3101 or georgiadifranco@att.net. Deadline for reservations March 6.

BY DARREN COOPER Contributing writer

It’s a chance to eat some crawfish and perhaps bring home your new best friend.

The Northshore Humane Society is putting on its inaugural “Claws and Paws” crawfish cook-off March 21 in Mandeville. All proceeds will benefit the organization’s efforts, and some of their lovable animals will be available for adoption on site.

Tickets are currently on sale online for $27.50, but will increase March 1. Teams can also still sign up.

The event runs from 1-4 p.m. at 1200 West Causeway Approach in the large parking of the La Carreta Restaurant. Twenty teams will be cooking two sacks of crawfish each (about 70 pounds) with patrons able to vote for their favorite The winning team gets a commemorative Claws and Paws paddle.

“This is support for a good cause,” said Jeffrey Maher, part of the Claws and Paws organizing committee.

“First of all, it’s fulfilling to help those who need it; it

gives you a good feeling, and second, there will be fantastic food, music. It’s a chance to give back and promote the Humane Society.”

A self-proclaimed animal lover, Maher, a Madisonville resident, has been working with the Humane Society in a variety of ways over the years.

“There is no one fighting harder for the safety and security of animals than the Humane Society,” he said.

“My career is about helping people obtain home ownership, (and) this is another way to be part of the community The Humane Society people are great people, you don’t have to worry about funds being misappropriated, everything is given back to the animals. They make it so easy to get involved.”

After the success of their annual Unleashed highclass ball, Maher and other Humane Society volunteers like Jennifer Lacoste were trying to come up with a new event to showcase the organization and raise funds.

It was Maher who first uttered the words “crawfish

boil.” The idea is to turn this into an annual event.

“We wanted to do something early in the season before people have maybe had their first boil,” Maher said. “We wanted to be able to generate a crowd because we know more people on site means a higher chance of animals being adopted that day or, maybe in the future, when the timing is right.”

While the crawfish are the headliner, the real attraction will be the animals on site provided by the Humane Society available to be adopted.

“We want you to love all the dogs, and if there is one you think is right, you can adopt one on the spot,” said Maher “It’s a fantastic opportunity.” Tables and seating will be provided. Maher said there are discussions with a couple of different local breweries to bring in beer trucks with beverages for sale. The crawfish are being sourced locally from Crab Man Plus, the award-winning food truck supplier There will also be a DJ playing music. Half of the parking lot will be set aside for parking.

GOP women’s club holds pickleball fundraiser for court

The Republican Professional Women of St. Tammany held a pickleball tournament earlier this year to raise money for the 22nd Judicial District’s Veterans Court. On Feb 2, several representatives of the group presented the proceeds to court officials at the St. Tammany Parish Justice Center in Covington. Pictured at the presentation are, from left, Patricia Farris, treasurer, Republican Professional Women of St. Tammany; Ret. Brigadier General Michael A. Cushman, Veterans Court military advisor; Shannon Hattier, specialty court director; and Dr Susan Strain, fundraising chair, Republican Professional Women of St. Tammany.

PROVIDED PHOTO

GRAND SLAM

Pope John Paul II, Northlake Christian, Hannan and St. Scholastica win state soccer titles

In baseball terms, it was a perfect 4-for-4 state tournament for St Tammany Parish soccer teams. Four schools made the trip west on I-12, and four schools — Pope John Paul II, Northlake Christian Hannan and St. Scholastica — headed home with new hardware.

It was historic for soccer in the parish. How historic?

St. Tammany Parish took home 50% of the soccer state titles and 75% of the girls state crowns. The four soccer state titles are the most won in a single season by parish teams ever The previous mark of three state championships

happened three times (2014, 2015, 2019). Over the past 13 seasons, 25 soccer state titles have come home to the parish, spread across eight different teams. Those numbers are mind-boggling I’ve covered soccer in the area for a long time, so when I made that first trip to Hammond on Feb. 25 for the Division IV state championship matches, I’ll admit that I didn’t expect a grand slam, but maybe I should have. Winning a state championship is extremely difficult, so the odds of all four local teams taking home titles seemed

slim. But the Pope John Paul II girls’ team set the tone as the Jaguars fulfilled their role as a team of destiny Advancing past the quarterfinals for the first time since 2015, the Jaguars won back-to-back playoff matches in shootouts, with senior keeper Lilly Juneau making two saves each time. That level of grit had the PJP II girls celebrating with fans and hoisting the school’s second state title trophy That was just the beginning of St. Tammany’s dominance.

The Northlake Christian boys’ team

controlled its match for a 2-0 victory over Ascension Episcopal, winning a fourth state crown and getting revenge after the Blue Gators knocked the Wolverines out in the semifinals a year ago. The northshore was 2 for 2 and just getting started. Next up was a Hannan girls’ team looking to complete its mission. The Hawks were in the Division III state final for the first time since 2023. They

Hannan girls’ soccer completes mission, wins first state title

BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer

HAMMOND It was the moment that defined a team of destiny

A powerful shot by Parkview Baptist’s Ella Kate Johnston had tied its Division III girls soccer state championship match against top-seeded Hannan on Feb. 26. The three-time defending state champions seemed poised to gain the momentum and add another title to their trophy case.

The Hawks had other ideas as junior Farrah Lightell unleashed a shot 90 seconds later that found the back of the net as Hannan secured its first state title with a 2-1 victory at Southeastern’s Strawberry Stadium.

“I’ve been waiting for this since my eighth-grade year,” said Hannan senior midfielder Kaitlyn Brady, who won Most Outstanding Player “This has been something that we have wanted for the longest time I think the most impressive thing is how we pushed through until the end. We got scored on, but we came back in a couple of minutes. This was a team win.”

Pearl River wins first boys’ basketball playoff game in honor of their coach

BY MIKE PERVEL Contributing writer

To say it was an emotional night for the Pearl River boys’ basketball program would be an understatement

The Rebels were looking for their first postseason win, but someone was noticeably absent. A glance at the Pearl River bench showed a large photo of fifth-year coach Dillon Smith with the words, “Win it for Coach” across the bottom. Smith was involved in a car accident less than 24 hours before the playoff game against district rival Lakeshore. He underwent successful ankle surgery a few hours before the game. Assistant coach Jack Hutchison took the reins, and the 15th-seeded Rebels made

school history with a 66-51 victory over 18th-seeded Lakeshore before a large home crowd on Feb. 27.

“What a signature win this is, and the team got it done for Coach Smith, who is in our thoughts and prayers,” Hutchison said.

“It’s a sweet win for the entire Pearl River community I couldn’t be prouder of these guys for the way they battled and finished it for Coach Smith.” Pearl River (20-13) traveled to secondseeded Northwest in the second round on March 3. The tightly called first-round game sent players to the charity stripe often, and it proved to be a key factor The Rebels hit 25 of 32 (78%) free throws, while Lakeshore made 16 of 28 (57%).

The last time Brady and the Hawks played in the state championship was 2023, when they fell 2-1 to Parkview Baptist. Brady, now a Providence signee, was a starting freshman on that team, while Hannan first-year coach Nathaniel Peters was an assistant.

“Parkview has been a thorn in our side, and tonight was a struggle against them. To finally get one against them is the cherry on top for our girls. They were able to knock out one of our long-standing rivals to make

ä See HANNAN, page 4B

“It’s just unbelievable. To win with this group of girls is just so special. This senior class was my first year as their JV coach, and now to win a final with them is just surreal,” Peters said.

Slidell girls’ basketball makes school history with semifinal berth

Salmen knocks off Parkway, 62-51

Spartans eventually fall to Prairieville in quarterfinals

BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer

Salmen senior Bryelle Major was not going to be denied. The 6-foot-1 post player had battled all night for every rebound, and that didn’t change in the waning moments of a physical playoff game against defending state runner-up Parkway on Feb. 23.

Major leaped up for a rebound her 10th of the night — and finished her put-back attempt to push the Spartans’ lead back to a comfortable margin en route to a 62-51 Division I nonselect second-round home victory

“It was very physical tonight,” said Major, who finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds. “It’s my senior year, so I didn’t want to go out in the second round We wanted this more tonight. We knew we had to get every rebound, and that’s what we did. We want to make it to the championship, and we took another step tonight.”

Junior Kendal Thomas finished with a team-high 20 points on 8-of-14 shooting, while the Spartans pulled down 36 rebounds and had 12 steals. Salmen shot 47% (25 for 53) from the field.

“This had to be Bryelle’s best game so far” Thomas said. “She was doing everything right. She was getting rebounds, put-backs She got to the free-throw line. She did amazing on the boards. We just had to lock in at the end to finish it.”

The game had the feel of a heavyweight bout as both teams battled in the lane, while the Panthers consistently looked for 3-pointers.

Salmen took a 47-41 lead into the fourth quarter, but the Panthers cut it to one point within the first minute of the final period The Spartans responded by pushing the lead back to 55-48 before senior Akayla McMooian fouled out with 3:49 left.

Salmen didn’t blink as Major’s put-back with under two minutes to play was just one

of many key plays down the stretch that allowed the Spartans (26-3) to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2018.

“Our girls focused on the task at hand and took the instructions that we’re giving them,” Salmen coach Daryl Thomas said. “They handled the pressure tonight. We’re maturing as a team, and a lot of people stepped up tonight. We’re getting to where we need to be.”

Salmen senior Parris Powell, who finished with seven rebounds, agreed.

“We were focused on getting the rebounds, getting the put-backs,” Powell said. “We worked on that in practice. That was our goal for the day, and we accomplished it We just trusted each other and pulled through. It feels amazing to make it to the third round.”

Salmen shot 50% in the first quarter en route to an 18-13 lead. Parkway actually battled back to take the lead three minutes into the second quarter, but the Spartans rallied for a 31-25 halftime lead.

Salmen built a 12-point lead early in the third quarter, but, as would become a theme of the second half, Parkway responded by cutting the lead to 38-34 with 3:26 left, forcing a timeout. The Spartans pushed the lead back to 47-41 after three quarters, setting up a frantic final quarter.

The sixth-seeded Spartans fell to thirdseeded Prairieville, 65-54, in the quarterfinals on Feb. 26. Salmen held a 28-25 halftime advantage before the Hurricanes took a 3736 lead after three quarters. The home team exploded for 28 points in the fourth quarter to pull away

Major finished with 13 points and nine rebounds, while McMooian added 12 points, five rebounds, three steals and two assists. Thomas chipped in 11 points, six assists, four rebounds and two steals.

SCORE BY QUARTERS

PARKWAY | 13 | 12 | 16 | 10 — 51 (6) SALMEN | 18 | 13 | 16 | 15 — 62 BOX

SCORE PARKWAY (20-9): Khia Thomas 13; Zara Baker 13; Kenadie Loche 8; Jasmyne Hendrix 7; Samahri Garrette 6; Jasmine Brooks 5 SALMEN (26-3): Kendal Thomas 20; Bryelle Major 12; An’Gana’e Domino 9; Akayla McMooian 8; Parris Powell 7; Kendall Pichon 4; Jalanni Fontenette 2

3 St. Tammany girls basketball teams lose playoff games

BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer

A trio of St Tammany girls basketball teams fell on the road in the second round of the LHSAA playoffs on Feb. 23. In Division II select, 11thseeded Hannan gave sixthseeded and defending state champion Vandebilt Catholic all the Terriers could handle before falling, 61-55. The Hawks raced out to a 10-point lead after one quarter and held a 27-24 advantage at halftime. The Terriers took a 43-41 lead heading into the final quarter Hannan misfired on a chance to regain the lead in the final minute, but Vandebilt went 9 of 12 from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter to hold on The Hawks (15-13) had three players in double figures, led by sophomore Zoey Jackson’s 19 points. Junior Kodi Ricks added 18 points, while junior Maren Baham chipped in 10. Hannan went 23 of 33 from the free-throw line. Vandebilt also had three players in double figures

as Journee Johnson and Tyanna Stewart both finished with 17. Courtlyn Ward added 16 points.

In Division III select, Pope John Paul II senior guard Ella Babin drained a 3-pointer for the game’s first points, but fifth-seeded De La Salle turned up its aggressive press defense, scoring the next 13 points en route to a 57-43 victory

The Cavaliers took a 3116 halftime lead, and De La Salle opened the second half on a 13-0 run to put the game away Jaguars’ coach Austin Puntila said the key to the game was handling the Cavaliers’ aggressive defense which he hoped would lead to open looks for 3s. Unfortunately, those looks didn’t really fall in the first or second quarters, allowing the Cavaliers to take control.

The 12th-seeded Jaguars (15-8) were led by Babin, who finished with 14 points. The game was to be played at 5:30 p.m. However, PJP II had a baseball game earlier in the day and Brian Babin, longtime friend of De La Salle athletic direc-

tor Jason Lachica, requested that the basketball game tip off at 7 so he could see his daughter play perhaps her last basketball game.

Senior Dora Shai Lewis scored a game-high 15 points, while sophomore Saiya Chester had 10 for De La Salle.

Also in Division III select, 10th-seeded Northlake Christian used a big second quarter to take the lead before seventh-seeded GEO Next Generation rallied in the fourth quarter for a 3835 victory

The Wolverines held a 2218 halftime lead, but managed just five points in the third quarter as GEO Next tied the game at 27 before Tigers’ junior Ryle Jones scored eight points in the final period to propel the home team to victory Northlake senior Abigail Willie finished with nine points on three 3-pointers, while senior Ava Dale also had nine points. The Wolverines (13-13) had 13 turnovers.

GEO Next junior Sur’Myricle Jackson led all scorers with 12 points.

Mandeville falls to Barbe in playoff

BY JIM DERRY Contributing writer

With everything magnified in the fourth quarter of a tight playoff game, Mandeville picked the wrong time to get cold.

A late 2-for-10 stretch from the field combined with no answer for Barbe’s Braylon Carter led to a 65-60 defeat in a Division I nonselect first-round game on Feb. 27 And for the second time in three seasons, the 15th-seeded Skippers were bounced from the playoffs by losing at home.

“I think we just were in our heads,” said senior Nicolas Pearson, who finished his prep career with a team-high 16 points and eight rebounds. “The second half, I am not sure what happened. We fully prepared for what they had. We knew everything they did.” Mandeville (21-10) remained on top until early in the third quarter, when the teams then exchanged the lead seven times. It was then that the top two players for 18th-seeded Barbe (21-12) took over Carter scored on three consecutive possessions to put the Bucs on top to stay, and Riley Galmarini cleaned up the glass on the defensive end to make sure each Skippers’ possession ended on a one-and-done. In all, Carter finished with 21 points, and Galmarini collected a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds Barbe shot a whopping 62.2% for the game, including going 17 for 26 (65.4%) in the second half Chris Rideau, who scored 16, stamped the exclamation point with a short jumper that made it 64-54 with 2:19 remaining.

“We didn’t have the energy we needed in the first half, and I challenged them,” Barbe coach Trey DiGiglia said “They responded like they normally do.” All season-ending losses are tough, but

this one was incredibly excruciating for Mandeville coach Josh Priola, who is losing a core set of four seniors, all of whom played key roles at different times throughout the season. On Friday Pearson Will Blessey Luke Landry and Dylan Morris combined for 38 points and 17 rebounds.

“This is an awesome group. They were so fantastic to coach,” said Priola, who finished up his seventh season leading the Skippers.

“I am sorry we’re not continuing on. They made my job enjoyable, and I really would whistle on my way to work each day

“I enjoyed this class so much, and I thank them for letting me coach them so hard.”

Except for the aforementioned dry stretch through the first half of the fourth quarter, Mandeville shot the ball well. They finished 46.3%, but the problem came from beyond the arc, where they were 5 for 22 (22.7%)

They also turned it over 17 times, with 10 of those coming in the second half.

“We missed some crucial shots, let them get a few steals, and that was the key to the game,” Pearson said. “I haven’t been able to fully comprehend the end just yet. I will be back here helping them practice and get ready for next year It hurts to go out like that — especially to a team that you’re ranked higher than.”

Covington surges in 3rd to beat Airline in playoff

BY JIM DERRY Contributing writer

Throughout the first half of their first-round playoff game, Covington looked like the team that had made a five-hour bus ride from Bossier City and not visiting Airline.

Playing sluggishly, shooting less than 30% from the field and down by 3, the Lions challenged themselves in the halftime locker room to do as they had so many times this season and get it together By early in the fourth quarter, the Vikings had to realize they didn’t have much of a chance.

Indeed, 16th-seeded Covington used a 17-1 run to take charge of a tight Division I nonselect game at the Hubie Gallagher Gymnasium and advance past 17thseeded Airline, 60-44. With the victory the Lions (21-8) traveled to take on top-seeded Zachary on March 3.

“We’re a second-half team,” Covington coach Ryan Rushing said. “It has kind of been that way all season. Our defense was good in the first half, and we held them to 21 points (on 34.8% shooting from the field). We weren’t good around the rim, and we didn’t make shots.

“We preach when we’re not making shots that this is

PEARL RIVER

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a game of averages so we knew we were going to make them in the second half.”

Make shots, they did. After going 8 for 27 in the first half, including a dismal 1 of 13 from beyond the arc, the Lions began to drive it inside and shoot from close range. They were 16 of 25 (64%) in the second half, and outscored Airline 42-23 over the final 16 minutes.

Defensively, they allowed Airline (14-14) to make just 8 of its 29 field-goal attempts in the second half (27.6%), which was only slightly worse than the 30.8% it shot from the field throughout the game.

“Once we got back in a groove, we started playing our kind of basketball,” said Brennon Bell, who led the Lions in scoring with 15 points on 4-of-7 shooting. “As soon as the first one went in after halftime, we knew we just needed to get a stop on defense and play our game.

“Our offense stems from our defense, we had a big crowd, and we remained energized the rest of the way.”

And although star player Jordan Bedford struggled –scoring just two points in the first half – he picked it up and gave the Lions some momentum in swishing a 25-footer with 3:21 to go in the third quarter that seemed to open

Pearl River’s attack was sparked by senior Brayden Hutchison (assistant coach Jack Hutchison’s grandson), who finished with a team-high 23 points and 15 rebounds, while going 11 of 13 (84.6%) at the charity stripe.

“It didn’t bother me getting fouled. I’m pretty solid at the free-throw line. I’m confident I’ll make them count,” Hutchison said. Brayden Hutchison scored nine first-half points as the Rebels took a 30-18 halftime lead.

“What a significant team win in front of our great fans. It’s been a long time coming. The team loves Coach Dillon, and we wanted it for him very badly,” Brayden Hutchison said.

Pearl River point guard Angel Perez also played a significant role, contributing 18 points, including 11 in the first half, as the Rebels set the early tone.

“We were thinking about and worrying over Coach Smith before the game, but I feel God was on our side. We kept pushing. Coach yells at us, but we know he’s just trying to make us all better players,” Perez said.

“We played with a gritty mentality wanting to stay aggressive. I just did my best, hoping to light a fire for my teammates.”

Leading 33-26 with 3:52 left in the third quarter, the Rebels reeled off 10 unanswered points to take control. Pearl River hit 7 of 8 free throws and a 3-pointer by Mason Hawkins during the run.

The Titans continued to battle and actually whittled the Rebels’ big lead down to just four points, 49-45, with 3:43 left. But Pearl River regained control, scoring nine unanswered points to push the lead back to 58-45 with 2:25 remaining.

Lakeshore (17-15) only led once at 2-0, but managed to hang around, trailing 12-7 after one quarter Titans’ senior Cole Janssen returned to the court after missing the majority of the season due to an ankle injury and subsequent complications from the flu.

the floodgates. Covington took a 29-24 lead on that shot, and after a couple of good possessions for the visitors, the 17-1 run soon began. Bedford, Bell and Zamyr Houston got hot, and five minutes later it was 47-30.

After they put this one aside, the Lions know to come up with an upset win in the second round and advance to the quarterfinals for the second straight season, they’ll have to shoot well throughout at Zachary and not just for one half. One thing for sure is believing in themselves will not be a problem.

“We’re not scared of anything,” said senior Lesean Jones, who scored 14 points and had a game-high eight rebounds. “We feel like we have a shot. If we beat them, the road is clear.”

Janssen made the most of his final Lakeshore outing, scoring a game-high 26 points, despite picking up his fourth foul with 3:54 left in the third quarter The senior exploded for 20 second-half points, going 14 of 20 from the free-throw line in the game. Lakeshore coach TK Kendall said the Titans’ inability to hit open shots was the difference.

“Playing against a zone, you have to make them pay by hitting the outside shots,” Kendall said. “We had many wide-open looks from the corner but failed to hit those shots. It is a difference-maker when you can’t hit them, and we failed to connect on lots of good shot attempts.”

SCORE BY

Northshore dominates Salmen for first-round playoff win

BY DAVE WOODALL

Contributing writer

Last season, Northshore rode a 16-game win streak into the playoffs before stumbling in the first round.

The District 7-5A champions were riding a similar streak into their Division I nonselect playoff opener against district foe and 24th-seeded Salmen on Feb. 26. The ninth-seeded Panthers proved that this year would be different as they scored the first 15 points en route to a dominating 62-39 firstround victory for Northshore’s 10th straight win.

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Kristin Twillie led the victorious Tigers back on the court to cut down the nets in front of the home crowd.

“This was the first time cutting down the nets,” Twillie said “It was pretty awesome, and the players and the coaching staff definitely deserve it. The excitement makes all the hours of hard work and commitment more than worthwhile.”

Slidell (29-1) will play in the LHSAA Girls’ March Madness against third-seeded Prairieville (26-4) in the state semifinals on March 5 at 8 p.m. at Southeastern’s University Center Slidell had four players in double figures, including junior center Trista Gallien’s double-double (13 points, 12 rebounds, four blocks and three steals). Senior guard Payton Rowbatham also had 13

“We had a lot of energy coming out in that first quarter,” said Northshore senior guard Tyrie Spencer, who had a game-high 20 points. “We practiced all week on our defense to be in the right place at the right time, and it worked perfectly.”

The Panthers (21-8) were on fire in the opening period as Spencer and Michael Ducre scored nine and five points, respectively, during a 15-0 run to start the game. Northshore was up 18-4 after one quarter before the Spartans limited their turnovers to cut the halftime margin to 26-16.

“It started off tough for us,” said Salmen first-year coach Mark Wein-

points. The 6-foot-1 Gallien helped control the boards and clogged the middle defensively as she overcame some foul trouble to frustrate the Yellowjackets.

“This is the biggest celebration of my career, and it’s a special, emotional time for our team. We want to win a championship more than anything else,” Gallien said.

“My primary job is to rebound and control the middle, so that’s my focus. We didn’t want to rush our shots, and we depend on each other to swing the ball.”

Tigers’ sophomore Madyson Parker contributed 12 points, eight rebounds and five steals, followed by Jaelynn Elliott with 10 points. Junior point guard Cianni Williams finished with six points but, more importantly, had seven steals and two blocks to lead the defense.

“It’s an amazing, rare feeling we’re experiencing. My job is to work the ball, always looking to make another pass and get my

Covington senior sets state squat record as Lions win regional

BY MIKE PERVEL

Contributing writer

Covington continued its dominance in powerlifting as the host Lions won the Louisiana High School Power Lifting Association Boys’ South Regional Championship on Feb. 21

One hundred twenty-eight lifters representing 23 teams competed in the meet that the Lions hosted for a fifth straight year

Covington repeated as regional champ with 93 points. St. Paul’s (71) was runner-up, followed by Slidell (54). Holy Cross (50) took fourth, while Lakeshore (49) came in fifth.

The Lions had three regional champions, highlighted by senior Brett Falco at 148 pounds, who was named Best Lifter in the lightweight division Falco set three new personal records and a best-ever 1,575-pound total, breaking his old mark by 90 pounds.

He squatted 600 pounds, breaking the state composite mark. He bench-pressed 415 pounds, setting a new PR by 10 pounds and deadlifted 560 pounds, five pounds more than his previous best.

“I definitely had a great day Overall, this is my best performance. I hope to show even more at state. I’m preparing to break some records, hoping to make them untouchable moving forward,” Falco said.

Covington coach John Burford described Falco as a one-of-akind lifter

“Brett’s motivated, and he strives to set records. He’s extremely competitive and very strong. He’s always dialed in during competition. He’s just on another level in his 148-pound weight class. He’s fighting for the record books and wants to continue showcasing himself at the state level,” Burford said.

Covington senior Daniel Hale (132) and junior Steele Rogers (220) won their weight classes, while Max Guy (super heavyweight) earned a second-place finish. Sam Aparicio (242) and Preston Gemar (198) both came in third.

Runner-up St. Paul’s featured two second-place finishers — Nate Canizaro (242) and Gavin DeSalvo (165) Alex Cuevas (114), Zach Wyle (123) and George Gomez (181) all earned third.

“All of our guys have bought into what we’re teaching,” Wolves’ coach Jesse Kellum said.

“Some of our younger guys are stepping up and scoring They’ve had a taste of success This will

munson. “We didn’t respond well, and we didn’t do anything we were supposed to do in the first quarter We came back in the second quarter and weathered the storm, taking better shots. In the second half, we didn’t handle the ball well, and we didn’t make good decisions. Our game plan was to play zone against them, but it just didn’t work.”

Northshore 6-foot-6 freshman center Braylon Kinsey stepped up in the third quarter with 10 points to pace the Panthers. Salmen junior BJ Matthews sank two 3-pointers to keep it reasonably close at the end of the third period, with the Pan-

teammates open looks. I do that by creating space while driving in the lane,” Williams said.

“My team needs me to be calm under pressure, and I’m ready to do whatever it takes for us to win a championship.”

Leading 28-23 at halftime, Slidell took over in the second half with a third-quarter surge similar to the run that led to its 52-35 secondround victory over West Monroe.

The Tigers took control as Gallien hit back-to-back inside baskets and Rowbatham sank a short jumper to build a 36-25 lead at the 3:44 mark of the third quarter The home team held on from there.

For the second straight playoff game, the Tigers struggled with 23 turnovers; however, the Yellowjackets fared no better, turning the ball over 23 times.

The Tigers played their typical in-your-face defensive style, causing havoc for the visiting Yellowjackets’ inconsistent offense. Slidell limited Denham Springs to less than 10 points in three of the

thers on top 45-33. The Spartans (17-14) never threatened in the final quarter “Our first quarter was something that allowed us to get momentum and grab the lead,” said Panthers’ coach Joshua Carlin. “Fortunately for us, we made enough plays to sustain that lead. Our defense had a great night. They provided us with transition opportunities and got us into rhythm early We pride ourselves on the defensive end by being in the right spots and being disruptive. We got back to what we were good at the end of the third and early fourth quarter.”

four quarters, allowing just seven points in the opening quarter, seven in the third and only eight in the final period.

Denham Springs senior Prai Nelson, a career 1,000-point scorer, delivered a game-high 17 points, netting 13 in the first half, before fouling out in the final minute.

Denham Springs’ fifth-year coach Rudy Smith said his Yellowjackets (22-10) never found a consistent offensive flow

“It was like we were stuck in some mud. We played too slowly on the offensive end and didn’t finish in the paint. Our offense was flat,” Smith said.

“They are quick defensively, but we committed far too many turnovers.”

SCORE BY QUARTERS

DENHAM SPRINGS | 7 | 16 | 7 | 8 — 38

SLIDELL | 14 | 14 | 15 | 13 — 56 BOX SCORE

DENHAM SPRINGS (22-10): Prai Nelson 17; Kennedi Lindsey 8; Jette Tamplet, 5; Ke’Lijah Henry 3; Kynlee Journwet 3; Madison Nora 2.

SLIDELL (29-1): Trista Gallien 13; Payton Rowbatham 13; Madyson Parker 12; Jaelynn Elliott 10; Cianni Williams 6; JaNiyah Ducre 2.

BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer

Northshore distance runner Grace Keene is having quite the sophomore year One could say it has been historic.

continue to ignite and motivate them as they prepare for state.”

Slidell senior Jayden Harris (198) was named the Best Lifter in the heavyweight division for the second straight year He squatted 605 pounds, benched 345 and deadlifted 565 pounds for lifts totaling 1,515 pounds.

Harris battled not only his opponents but also some blood circulation issues during his first event He failed on his first two squats before completing his third lift.

“I was very happy to repeat as the Best Lifter, and it felt even better having dealt with some medical issues. During my second squat attempt, I felt pain, and my legs gave out. I only had limited time to squeeze into another suit after being checked out by the trainer, Harris said.

“I’m thankful I was able to continue with my final squat attempt, and I had to dig deep to finish. It was a rough day, but I got through it, and it was definitely worth it.”

Slidell first-year coach Miguel Reyes talked about Harris’ gritty effort.

“I give Jayden all the credit for overcoming his medical issue and battling through. He’s a focused, well-rounded individual and a great teammate,” Reyes said.

“In my first year coaching, he’s helped me probably as much as I’ve helped him. He’s a great teammate and a tremendous person.”

Sldiell’s Gabriel Rodriguez (114) and Braxton Carriere (181) also took home individual titles.

Northshore’s Jackson Bice broke the 165-pound state record, with lifts totalling 1,600 pounds. He squatted 640, eclipsing the previous state mark by 25 pounds. He benched 375 and deadlifted 585 pounds.

“Jackson is a special lifter and turned in still another tremendous effort,” Northshore coach Casey Calderon said “He sets his own weight standards and delivers with solid performances. I’m super proud of what he’s accomplished.”

Northshore’s Tyler Roberts (123) and Kenny Bell (198) both earned second-place finishes.

Other regional first-place finishers included Lakeshore’s Issiah Koontz (242), Fontainebleau’s Kenneth Primus (275), along with Holy Cross lifters Terronn Moore (SHW) and Gavin Barras (123).

Covington will host the LHSAA state powerlifting tournament on March 25-28 at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner

Northlake boys soccer snaps 7-year drought with title win over Ascension Episcopal

BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer

HAMMOND Northlake Christian

coach Nick Chetta could no longer contain his emotions.

It had been seven years since the Wolverines lifted a state championship trophy for boys soccer, and NCS was closing in on the title.

Then, senior Gaven Clasen scored in the 77th minute to put an exclamation point on the second-seeded Wolverines’ 2-0 victory over fourthseeded Ascension Episcopal in the Division IV state championship match at Southeastern’s Strawberry Stadium on Feb. 25.

Chetta turned to assistant coach Steve Tujague as the two shared a hug that only comes when a season of hard work is about to pay off in the ultimate ending.

“It feels amazing,” Chetta said. “It was a moment for these boys, and they delivered. The game plan was to work harder than the other team, and I think we did a good job of that. The wind picked up in the second half, and I think that helped us, too.”

It was also a bit of revenge since the Blue Gators (13-9-0) knocked NCS out in the semifinals last year with a 4-0 defeat The Wolverines (20-4-3) were determined to erase that memory and win the school’s fourth state crown.

After a scoreless first half, Northlake sophomore Harry Wall gave the Wolverines a 1-0 lead as he beat the keeper to the ball and headed it into the goal in the 55th minute.

“I saw it bouncing, and I knew it was going to be a 50-50 ball for whoever got it,” said Wall, who won Most Outstanding Player “I just wanted it. I went out there and put my head on it. I knew it went past the keeper, so I was going to celebrate with the guys.

The goal was also a bit of personal redemption after Wall had a one-onone opportunity saved about seven minutes before his goal. The physical battle continued, and the Wolver-

ines put the match on ice in the 77th minute.

Northlake junior Gabriel Gonzalez-Hernandez found some space going forward and delivered a perfect pass across the box to Clasen for the final goal.

The score set off a celebration in the loud and large Northlake student section that continued well after the final whistle. Wolverines’ senior captain Stevie Tujague was one of the first Wolverines to leap into the stands after the match.

“It means everything to me,” Tujague said. “We fell short to Ascension Episcopal in the semifinals last year We had a mindset that we were going to get it done this year and give everything that we’ve got. I’ve been playing since I was 3, and this was my last soccer game ever, so it was a great way to end my season.”

Chetta credited his wing players — Carter Curry and Gonzalez-Hernandez — for executing the game plan, but he said the team’s success was more than one individual.

“These are guys who are friends first,” Chetta said. “They fight for each other because they actually love each other. They have been playing together for a long time. They represented Northlake Christian extremely well, so I’m very proud of them.”

With four state titles under his belt, Chetta said the feeling never gets old.

“It’s been a long road for me. It’s been like 22 years at Northlake I took over a program that won two games before I got there. People said things couldn’t be done, but God is good. For me to be able to embrace Steve Tujague, who has been a friend for a long time, is special. When we were at St. Paul’s, we won the first state championship together there. It was just a surreal moment tonight,” he said

“I don’t know how much longer I’ll coach, so for me, it was just embrace the moment, embrace the day Tonight was very special.”

Keene set the composite record in the 1,600-meter run at LSU’s Carl Maddox Fieldhouse during the LHSAA State Indoor Championships on Feb. 21. Her time of 4 minutes, 54.09 seconds was the fastest ever run by a high school athlete in that building.

“That whole week, I was so ready to just go and break that record,” Keene said. “It felt great. It was just so rewarding to put in all that work and get results like that. It was just a huge honor and very exciting. Setting the composite record is special, too. It’s really cool to feel like I left my mark.”

With a new state record and state title in hand, Keene calmly became a double champion with a victory in the 800-meter run (2:19.34).

“The period between those two events definitely felt very short,” Keene said. “I made sure to drink electrolytes. I rolled out, and I made sure to prepare my body for another race. I told myself that it was okay if I didn’t PR. I was just hoping to win it and walk out with two state gold medals.”

Northshore coach Joseph Guyton said Keene is a different breed of athlete.

“I’ve been coaching a while, and Grace is an athlete that comes around once every 10, 15 years,” Guyton said “She’s a 16-year-old young lady, and when you talk about her preparation, it is unmatched. She goes to the gym after practice. Her commitment and sacrifice are remarkable. She is everything you want in a student-athlete.”

Guyton said Keene’s focus on the process led to her historic day

“Her focus was never on being a state champion; she wanted the record,” Guyton said. “It’s mindboggling because her focus is just unmatched. She never said one time that she was going to win the 1,600 or the 800; she was focused on the state record.”

Keene’s showing at the indoor state championships comes on the heels of her historic cross country season that earned her the 2025-26 Gatorade Louisiana Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year award. At the cross country state meet in November, she posted the third-fastest time ever (17:21.7) at the LHSAA state meet to claim the Division I championship – it was 20.6 seconds ahead of her closest competitor It also set a new D-I record. After Keene won the Gatorade honor, she said her goal was to break the state record in the 1,600.

“I just knew the work I had to put in, so it was lots of training and getting good rest and good food,” Keene said. “I just wanted to put in all the factors that would lead me to that moment. It worked out.”

What will the outdoor season hold?

“I hope to break the outdoor record (in the 1,600) as well,” Keene said. “I just want to leave my mark on every season.”

II

BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer

girls’ soccer beats Newman for state title

HAMMOND The road to Pope John Paul II’s second girls’ soccer championship was a long and winding one.

The CliffsNotes version is that senior goalkeeper Lilly Juneau saved not one but two penalty kicks, including the match-winner, to seal a 5-4 shootout victory over sixth-seeded Newman during the LHSAA Division IV state championship match at Southeastern’s Strawberry Stadium on Feb. 25. But like all classical epics, the text reads much longer Juneau had to give up soccer last year after doctors discovered a cyst on her spine. She received treatment, returned this season and made four saves in two penalty kick shootouts in the semifinals and finals

“It’s overwhelming,” said Juneau, who won Most Outstanding Player honors “I don’t even know what to feel right now I just know I’m going to be crying so much later. I want to enjoy it and take it in. This team is so special. They love me, and I love them. I did it for my team.”

The fourth-seeded Jaguars have embraced a fam-

her senior leaders took it on themselves to help the team regroup.

“It took a minute,” she said. “They had to get settled in. I thought they played great and executed what we needed to do to win. I’m really proud of them.”

And so, the Jaguars, who won in PKs just four days before the finals, ground out a scoreless 30 minutes of overtime to force penalty kicks again.

And in PKs, the Jaguars had their backs against the wall as Juneau needed a save in the fifth round of penalty kicks to keep their state title hopes alive. She lunged to her right for the save.

Bella Chianelli and Evans converted on their penalty kicks before Milligan hit the final one. Juneau, who finished with 13 saves, said she couldn’t think of a better way to end her soccer playing days.

“This is my last ever game, so this is really something unimaginable,” Juneau said. “I really can’t believe the feeling I have. I’m just so grateful to everyone who has supported me.”

ily feel all season long, and those close bonds became even more important as three-time defending state champion Newman (13-8-3) landed a huge gut punch in the waning seconds of regulation. PJP II took a 1-0 lead in the 38th minute on Avery Lewis’ rebound shot on a corner kick. The Jaguars held onto that lead into stoppage time of the second half. Then, on what would be the final play of regulation, Newman’s Sara Cordova rocketed a free kick off the crossbar and in to force overtime.

A corner kick proves pivotal for SSA against Teurlings

BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer

HAMMOND — St. Scholastica

sophomore Ella McCollum practiced the play hundreds of times. The Doves have been extremely effective on set pieces this season, so when junior Bailey Tardo lined up her corner kick, it felt like second-seeded SSA might finally break through.

Tardo’s left-footed ball bent perfectly toward McCollum, who headed it home in the 50th minute as the Doves completed their 3-peat with a 2-0 win over fifth-seeded Teurlings Catholic during the LHSAA Division II state championship match at Southeastern’s Strawberry Stadium on Feb. 27.

“We work a lot on set pieces,” St. Scholastica fifthyear coach Glenn “Benji” Benjamin said. ”We have a plethora of corners that we do. We have some incredible left-footers on our team, who can whip the ball in the

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box. Our first intent on a corner is to put it straight into the goal. Ella is really good in the air We’ve been talking to her all day, asking when she was going to get that header, and she got it.”

McCollum gave all the credit to Tardo on the goal.

“It was an amazing ball straight to my head,” McCollum said. “It was the best feeling in the world This is the best day of my life. I’m just so happy right now After the goal, we kept up the intensity and got the job done.”

Sophomore Molly Montgomery, who won Most Outstanding Player honors, put the game away in the 70th minute as she blasted a 30yard shot into the back of the net to secure SSA’s 10th state title.

“I don’t even remember it to be honest,” Montgomery said about her goal. “The adrenaline was pumping. I don’t have any words to describe it. It’s literally insane. The flashing lights, it’s literally just a dream that

It was just one more bit of adversity for the Jaguars (19-2-1) to overcome. But they didn’t blink as senior Shealan Biniam rallied her team in the huddle after regulation.

“We knew if we came out here and played our hearts out, it was our team chemistry that would win out,” Biniam said. “The whole team came together There was no drama or anything like that We just all loved each other and put a smile on everyone’s faces.”

PJP II coach Maureen “Meaux” Homburg said

As penalty kicks moved to a sixth round, sophomore Isabella Milligan banged her shot in off the crossbar and then Juneau came up big again, diving to her right to secure the state title. The first people to meet her during the celebration were Binaim and senior defender Sophia Ontimara.

“It means literally everything,” Ontimara said. “Every tackle, every ball, we fought for each other The bond we had is what won this game.”

Biniam, Adelynn Miller,

For Homburg, it was a fitting end to a joyful and trying season. The experienced coach lost her father in December, but welcomed her son, Wyatt, on Feb. 12. She didn’t miss a game this season as the Jaguars advanced past the quarterfinals for the first time in her tenure.

“I don’t have the words right now I’m still in shock and awe. It’s going to take me a few days to process this,” Homburg said, who held Wyatt in her arms during postgame team photos.

“I really don’t think people thought this team was going to be a (state title) contender this season. We were underdogs. All the girls, especially the seniors, had something to prove. They proved it to everybody tonight.”

I’ve dreamt about.”

The Doves (16-5-6) dominated the scoring opportunities in the first half and outshot the Rebels 15-1, but junior goalkeeper Madilynn Broussard recorded nine first-half saves to keep the game scoreless.

Benjamin made a tactical change at halftime, putting more Doves in the midfield, and that switch paid dividends. SSA scored twice and wrapped up a fourth state title for St. Tammany Parish schools in the past three days.

“We’ve been working since the beginning of the season to get to this point,”

Montgomery said. “I really wanted to get the 3-peat, especially for the seniors They deserve it. They have taught me everything that I know I will forever be thankful for their leadership.”

For Benjamin, it was a full-circle moment as he received the game ball from SSA alumna and current Southeastern Louisiana player Anna Claire Schwing, who was a captain on the 2024 state championship team.

This year, the Doves outscored their opponents 23-1 in five postseason victories as they went into every

match with a target on their backs as reigning state champions.

“I told the girls at the beginning of the season that no one is going to give us anything,” Benjamin said.

“We had to earn it and work for it every time that we step on the field. They put in the work during the season. We were tested during the season, and they rose above it.”

The match also marked the end of SSA’s two-year run in Division II, as the Doves will move back up to Division I next season as the two-time reigning D-II state champions.

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lost their last state title match to Parkview Baptist as the Eagles started its streak of three straight titles. Hannan ended that run as junior Farrah Lightell’s goal secured a 2-1 win for the school’s first state title With SSA batting cleanup, a fourth state title seemed almost assured The Doves were a two-time defending state champion looking for the school’s first 3-peat. They delivered in spades.

After a scoreless first half, it was a header by

The Hawks didn’t blink as Lightell scored less than two minutes later to regain the momentum.

“I’ve been telling her to shoot all game, and she finally took her shot,” Wylie said. “I ran to her so excited when it went in. It was just pure excitement after that.”

school history.” Hannan took a 1-0 halftime lead after a 17th-minute goal by junior Maggie Wylie, but the Eagles (16-3-1) turned to LSU commitment Ella Kate Johnston in the 61st minute to tie the match. The reigning Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year took advantage of a poor clearance, found a little space and blasted a powerful shot to tie the match.

sophomore Ella McCollum off a corner that finally broke the ice. Sophomore Molly Montgomery added a goal from 30 yards out to put the icing on the Doves’ 10th state title

It also completed the St. Tammany grand slam.

Montgomery said after the match that soccer in St Tammany is a family, with players across high schools playing club together yearround.

“I think it is really cool,” said SSA coach Glenn “Benji” Benjamin, after being asked about four championships coming home to St. Tammany

“I have to boast a little bit because there are a lot

Lightell said she wasn’t sure if her shot was on target at first.

“Everyone encourages me to shoot a lot, and I took my opportunity It felt amazing, but honestly, I didn’t feel like it was going in until it took the deflection. I just shot it, and it worked out,” Lightell said.

“This means everything to me and the team. We worked for this all year, and I think

of club players performing well at several different schools. Some of the kids that I coach are playing at Hannan and other schools. The quality of soccer is incredible.”

there is no team that deserves it more.”

The Hawks held on from there, but not without a few tense moments before the seven minutes of stoppage time finally expired. The Eagles’ best opportunity came in the 79th minute as Olivia Martin’s shot was just wide of the far post.

The victory was a fitting ending to a historic season for Hannan (20-1-1). The

After this past week in Hammond, no one can argue with that.

Contact Joseph Halm at jhalm@sttammanyfarmer net.

Hawks outscored their opponents 23-1 in five playoff wins and allowed just nine goals in 22 matches all season.

“It means the world to everyone on this team because they have put every minute of everyday into this win,” Wylie said.