Zion Williamson put on a thrilling show Friday night as the New Orleans Pelicans star got the ball in the final minutes of the 128-117 win over the Suns and delivered a 360 windmill dunk that looked like something out of the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. That move capped off a 35-point game for Zion who was 13 of 17 from the field with seven rebounds, four assists and a steal. The win keeps the Pelicans at first place in the West and they’ll play the Suns again Sunday in The Blender at 2:30.

The LSU men’s basketball team returns to the court this afternoon to take on Wake Forest in the Holiday Hoopsgiving event in Atlanta. The Tigers are 7 and 1 while the Demon Deacons are 7 and 2. Tipoff is at 1pm.

The seven and two Northwestern State Demons host ULM at 3:30 this afternoon. A win for Northwestern State and they will match the school’s best ten-game start in 70 years. The Warhawks are 3-and-6. La Tech is at Wyoming and the Ragin Cajuns host Samford.

The 2022 Prep Classic saw three terrific games yesterday in the Superdome. The first game was one of the best ever as St. Thomas More rallied from 10 points down with a minute and 45-seconds left to beat Lafayette Christian 52-48 to win the division two select championship. Cougars quarterback Sam Altman threw for 422 yards and six touchdowns.

St. Charles Catholic rallied from eleven points down in the fourth quarter to beat Dunham in the division three select state championship . The Comets are state champions for a second year in a row.

And Destrehan completed an undefeated season by winning the division one non-select title game as the Wildcats beat the Ruston Bearcats 17 to 10 to win the school’s fifth title.

Three more games today, starting at noon as Lutcher battles North Desoto then Union Parish against Many at 3:30. The nightcap is Curtis versus Brother Martin.

The Oak Grove Tigers kicked off the 2022 Prep Football Classic by winning the school’s seventh LHSAA state championship with a 17-0 win over Homer. At one time, Oak Grove had a 3-and-3 record, but Coach Ryan Gregory says the season turned around after losing to Haynesville in October…
cut 5 (12) “…saying something”
O-C-S won the school’s eighth state title with a 28 to 14 win over Vermillion Catholic. Tonight, Destrehan faces Ruston in the division one non-select title game. The Wildcats are led by three-year starting quarterback Jai Eugene. Destrehan Coach Marcus Scott says the Tulane commitment is focused on winning….
cut 15 (12) “….something special”
That game kicks off around 7 PM.

The Pelicans take a five-game winning streak into tonight’s game against Phoenix. New Orleans leads the Suns for first place in the Western Conference Standings by a half a game. The same two teams will play each other again on Sunday in the Smoothie King Center.

The LSU men’s basketball team returns to the court tomorrow to take on Wake Forest in the Holiday Hoopsgiving event in Atlanta. The Tigers are 7-and-1, while the Demon Deacons are 7-and-2. Tip-off is at 1:00.

The seven and two Northwestern State Demons host ULM at 3:30 on Saturday. A win for Northwestern State and they will match the school’s best ten-game start in 70 years. The Warhawks are 3-and-6.

La Tech is at Wyoming and the Ragin Cajuns host Samford.

WNBA star and former Baylor Bear Brittney Griner is back in the United States after spending nearly ten months in Russia on drug possession charges. LSU Coach Kim Mulkey issued a statement saying God is good, prayers are powerful and that our prayers remain with her and her family as they recover and heal together. Mulkey and Griner won a national championship at Baylor in 2012.

In the LHSAA Football Classic that kicked off Thursday in the Caesars Superdome, Third Seeded Ouachita Christian dominated the time of possession to notch a 28-14 victory over top seeded Vermilion Catholic in the Division IV title game. Oak Grove shut out Homer 17-0. This is Oak Grove’s 7th title in school history.

The Dunham School goes into its first LHSAA football title game in 18 years. They will look dethrone defending champion St. Charles Catholic this afternoon at 3:30 behind quarterback Jackson House, the son of LSU defensive coordinator Matt House. Dunham Coach Neil Weiner says House was able to learn from his father in the offseason and win over the locker room…:
Cut 14 (11) “…he’s been great.”
Destrehan and Ruston are set to play at 7:30 Friday night. Union Parish faces Many at 3:30 on Saturday.

More LSU Football players have announced they are leaving the team. Tiger cornerback Mehkhi Garner has reporetedly decided to enter the 2023 NFL Draft, and a few backups have entered the NCAA transfer portal. They include junior tight end Kole Taylor, junior edge rusher Desmond Little and redshirt Freshman linebacker Kolbe Fields.

LSU Women’s Basketball Coach Kim Mulkey has publicly spoken on the release of WNBA player Brittney Griner who was wrongfully detained in Russia for 10 months. Mulkey told ESPN, God is Good, and Brittney’s release means prayers have been answered. Mulkey coached Griner in college at Baylor.

The New Orleans Pelicans will take on the Pheonix Suns in the Blender tonight at 7:30. The two teams will also play Sunday. The Pels are on a five-game win streak right now, and the matchups with the Suns will determine who controls the West.

The 2022 LHSAA Prep Football Classic kicks off tonight in the Cesar’s Superdome as eight champions will be crowned over the next three days. This year’s Prep Classic features some familiar teams like Oak Grove, Ouachita Christian, Lafayette Christian, St. Charles Catholic, and Union Parish. But Brother Martin is making its first appearance since 1989, Ruston’s is back in the Dome for the first time since 1998 and North DeSoto is making its first-ever appearance. LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine is excited to see new teams in the Classic…

Cut 16

The Pelicans extended their win streak to five with a 104-98 win over the Pistons last night. Behind a 29-point 10-rebound performance from Zion Williamson, the Pels improve to 16-8 on the season. With the Suns blowout loss to the Celtics, New Orleans is now alone atop the West half a game ahead of Phoenix and Memphis. The Pelicans will host the Suns Friday and Sunday in a playoff rematch double-header to control the West. Tip-off tomorrow night is set for 7:30.

LSU senior safety Jay Ward has announced he will be entering this year’s NFL Draft. Ward says he still plans to play in the Citrus Bowl against Purdue. Purdue Head Coach Jeff Brohm announced he will be leaving the Boilermakers to take the head coach job at Louisville, his home town, meaning the Tigers will be facing an interim head coach in Orlando. Three more Tigers have announced they’ll be joining Wide receiver Jack Beche and Cornerback Damarius McGhee in the transfer portal. Cornerback Raydarious Jones, Defensive End Desmond Little, and Tight End Kole Taylor have all announced they will be seeking transfers from LSU. Cornerback Mekhi Garner has accepted his invitation to the East-West Shrine Bowl and will be declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft.

Saints running back Mark Ingram will likely miss the rest of the season with a slight MCL tear suffered in Monday Night’s loss to the Buccaneers. Coach Dennis Allen says the injury occurred on a critical 2^nd and 8 late in the game in which Ingram pulled up one yard short of the first down with the injury. The Bucs went on to get the stop on 3^rd and one and make the rest of their two-touchdown comeback.  Ingram will not require surgery, but will almost certainly miss the rest of the season with only 5 weeks left.

The New Orleans Pelicans won their fifth straight last night to move into first place in the Western Conference as the Pels defeated the Detroit Pistons 104-98. It’s the longest winning streak for the franchise since April 2018, and they’re doing it without Brandon Ingram who has missed the last five games with a toe injury. Zion Williamson continues to play well as he scored 29 points – his 4th straight game with 25 points or more. New Orleans will face the Suns tomorrow and Sunday who they lead for first place by a half a game.

LSU safety Jay Ward has declared for the NFL draft but will play in the Citrus Bowl. He’s played four seasons, but still had one more year of eligibility left because of COVID. The Tigers will face an interim coach in that January 2nd Citrus Bowl as Perdue’s Jeff Brown is returning to his Alma Mater to coach the Louisville Cardinals.

In college hoops last night, Southeastern topped Belhaven 107-71. Nicholls State fell to Texas Tech, 78-71.

The Saints are off this week, but that won’t stop the injury bug from cropping up yet again. That’s the case for Mark Ingram, who is likely done for the season after suffering a slight tear in his ACL during the Saints’ 17-16 loss to the Bucs, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

The 2022 state football championships kick off later today in the Caesars Superdome. Jeff Palermo has more on high school football’s premier event:
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Pelicans seek their fifth win a row tonight when they host the Pistons. New Orleans is 15 and 8, a half game back of Phoenix for first place in the Western Conference Standings. Detroit just 7 and 19 on the year.

In college hoops action tonight. Nicholls is at Texas Tech.

The Saints are off this Sunday and they could use the break as their record has dropped to four and nine after Monday’s devastating loss to the Buccaneers. Coach Dennis Allen says they will have put the pieces together during the week off if they want to save their season…
cut 17 (17) “….message was”
The Saints will host Atlanta on December 18th.

LSU safety Jay Ward has declared for the NFL draft. He’s played four seasons, but still had one more year of eligibility left because of COVID.

The Ragin Cajuns are gearing up to make their first appearance in the Independence Bowl in school history on December 23rd. It will only be a three-hour drive to Shreveport for U-L Lafayette and Coach Michael Desormeaux hopes much of Cajun Nation joins the team for the game…
cut 19 (18) “….to get there”
Cajuns senior outside linebacker and pass rusher Andre Jones will not play in the game as he’s declared for the NFL draft.

Many high school football fans will be heading to New Orleans for the state football championships which get underway tomorrow in the Caesars Superdome. There are two games on the schedule tomorrow night. The Division Four non-select title game has Homer facing Oak Grove. And in the Division Four select title game, Ouachita Christian battles Vermilion Catholic. V-C is looking for its third state title. O-C-S has won seven titles.

It’s been a frustrating season for Saints fans and Coach Dennis Allen says he’s as frustrated as anyone else, especially because he believes the team could have a much better record than their current mark of four and nine…
cut 16 (19) “…everybody”
New Orleans has this Sunday off and they’ll have four games left when they return next week.

LSU’s leading receiver last year, Jack Beche (Besh), plans on not returning next season, as he’s entering the transfer portal. Beche battled leg and back injuries this season and only has 16 catches.

Louisiana Tech’s leading receiver Tre Harris has also entered the transfer portal as over a dozen Bulldog players are in the portal.

The Ragin Cajuns are gearing up to make their first appearance in the Independence Bowl in school history on December 23rd. It will only be a three-hour drive to Shreveport for U-L Lafayette and Coach Michael Desormeaux hopes much of Cajun Nation joins the team for the game…
cut 19 (18) “….to get there”

Many high school football fans will be heading to New Orleans for the state football championships which get underway tomorrow in the Caesars Superdome. There are two games on the schedule tomorrow night. The Division Four title game has Homer facing Oak Grove. Homer is trying to win back-to-back titles. And in the Division Four select title game, Ouachita Christian battles Vermilion Catholic. V-C is looking for its third state title. O-C-S has won seven state championships.

You knew some LSU players would enter the transfer portal, the announcement by Jack Bech (Besh) that he’s entering likely surprised some Tiger fans. Bech had a frustrating sophomore season as he was slowed by injuries after he led the team in receptions in his freshman season in 2021. Bech said on his social media account that this was the hardest decisions he’s ever made. The Lafayette native had 43 catches in 2021, but just 16 catches in 2022.

The Saints have scored 16 points or less in four of their last five games, but Coach Dennis Allen still has confidence in offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael and the offense…
cut 15 (18) “…what we are doing”
New Orleans is four and nine on the season.

The Ragin Cajuns will spend Christmas week in Shreveport for the 2022 Indepenence Bowl where U-L Lafayette will face Houston. Cajuns Coach Michael Desormeaux says they’re excited with the match-up…
cut 18 (21) “…great situation”
The Cougars are 7-and-5 on the season. The game will take place December 23rd.

Lafayette native and Louisiana Tech receiver Tre Harris has entered the NCAA Transfer portal. Harris caught 65 passes for 935 yards and ten touchdowns. He’s one of over a dozen Bulldog players who have entered the transfer portal.

The Pelicans host the Pistons tonight, New Orleans has won 11 of the last 13 to move into second place in the Western Conference standings. Tip off tonight is at 7 PM.

The Saints suffered a heartbreaking 17-16 loss to the Buccaneers Monday night. Up 13 with just over 5 minutes left, the Saints allowed 2 long touchdown drives, and the Bucs scored the game-winning touchdown with 3 seconds left. Coach Dennis Allen says he was pleased with the team’s ability to move the ball, but was frustrated by the missed opportunities…

Cut 15

LSU star Wide Receiver Kayshon Boutte announced he’s staying for his senior year at LSU. The projected first round pick has opted not to go to the NFL draft this year in hopes of winning a championship with the Tigers. There were rumors of tensions between Boutte and the new LSU coaching staff, but Tiger Rag Assistant editor William Weathers says the relationship grew and Boutte’s decision signifies that…

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Wide Receiver Jack Bech announced he will be entering the transfer portal

Louisiana Tech star Wide Receiver Tre Harris has entered the transfer portal. Harris had 65 receptions this year for 935 yards and 10 touchdowns on his way to earning first-team All-CUSA honors.

UL-Lafayette forward Jordan Brown has been named the Sun-Belt Conference Men’s Basketball player of the week. Brown led the Cajuns to a pair of wins over Loyala and New Orleans last week averaging 21.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists over the two games. Brown was named the Sun Belt Preseason Player of the year and the Cajuns were given the best odds to win the conference in a preseason coaches poll. They now have a 7-1 record and sit at first in the Sun Belt. They will play host to Samford this Saturday

The Pelicans sit half a game back from first in the Western Conference after Sunday’s win over Denver and a Phoenix loss last night. New Orleans is the hottest team in the West, having won 11 of their last 13. The Pels will have a chance to move into sole possession of the West tomorrow night with a win in Detroit and a Suns loss. New Orleans will play host to the conference leaders Friday and Sunday in an important back-to-back this weekend.

Just an absolutely brutal loss for the Saints last night. A defeat that puts an end to any talk of this team winning a below-average NFC South. Tom Brady rallied the Buccaneers back from a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat New Orleans 17-16. Brady threw the go-ahead touchdown pass with three seconds left to drop the Black and Gold’s record to four and nine. Coach Dennis Allen…
cut 20 (10) “…put em away”
One of the biggest mistakes was running back Mark Ingram running out of bounds one yard short of the first down. The Saints also dropped passes, there was a bad punt and a 44-yard pass interference penalty that set up the Bucs first fourth-quarter TD. The Saints are off this weekend and will host Atlanta a week from Sunday.

LSU wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (Boo-tee) announced on Twitter that he will return for his senior season. In his statement, Boutte said he believes in the team, the coaches, and the strength, nutrition and training staff. He says he’s locked in and the main goal of any LSU Tiger is to win a national championship. Boutte has a career-high 48 receptions for 588 yards and two touchdowns this season.

Louisiana Tech’s leading tackler in 2020 and 2021 has announced he’s entering the transfer portal. Linebacker Tyler Grubbs only played in five games this past season after suffering a season-ending injury in October.

Lamar reportedly made an effort to hire Southeastern Louisiana football coach Frank Scelfo, but Scelfo says he’s staying in Hammond.

The Pelicans host the Detroit Pistons tomorrow. New Orleans has won four in a row, eight of its last ten, and they are a half-game back of Phoenix for the best record in the Western Conference. After Wednesday’s game, the Pels will host the Suns on Friday and Sunday.