2015-16 HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW CAPSULES

GIRLS

Ville Platte
Head Coach: Dot Doulet Last Season: 29-5
Returning starters: Miya McKinney, Jr., F; Kabreonna Stevens, Sr., F
Outlook: The Lady Bulldogs must replace the scoring of departing players Deja McKinney and Breanna Pete. However, Ville Platte may be more balanced than they have the last few seasons. The return of center Tyreonna Doucet will be a huge plus.

Pine Prairie
Head Coach: Renotta Edwards
Last Season: 3-22
Returning starters: Taylor Deville, Sr., G; Tori Bordelon, Jr., G
Outlook: The Lady Panthers will have to get better on the defensive side of the ball in order to improve on a 3-22 season last year. There will be new faces on the floor, but the team now has a grasp of Edward’s system.

Mamou
Head Coach: Mark Temple
Last Season: 22-9
Returning starters: Darelzray Bellard, Jr., G; Arkeiyanah Thomas, Sr., G; Kiajah Wilson, Jr., F; Kamaneisha Wilson, Sr., F
Outlook: The Lady Demons return four players from 22 win team and a first round playoff appearance. A definite key for Mamou will be the experience they bring to the floor.

Sacred Heart
Head Coach: Stephanie Fontenot
Last Season: 13-12
Returning starters: Gabbie Andrepont, Sr., F;
Kara Aguillard, Sr., G; Erin Fontenot, Jr., G; Catherine Poche, Jr., F
Outlook: The Lady Trojans welcome back four starters to a team that went to the first round of the playoffs last season. Finding ways to score has to be a priority for Sacred Heart. The Lady Trojans will need to be able to put more pressure on defense.

Basile
Head Coach: Carmen Langley
Last Season: 13-10
Returning starters: Rylie James, Sr., F; Nakayla Adams, Jr., F; Jenny Smith, Jr., F; Nadaisia Adams, Fr., F
Outlook: New head coach Carmen Langley inherits a veteran Lady Bearcat team that made an appearance in the playoffs last year. Basile will need to focus on the offensive end of the ball and try to find ways to score. The Lady Bearcats will be looking to fill the guard spot, as they hope to continue a positive attitude from last season.

BOYS

Ville Platte
Head Coach: Tommy Jones
Last Season: 19-12
Returning starters: Keilan Semien, Sr., C
Outlook: Ville Platte will have to rely on some fresh faces this season, as they return only one starter. Team chemistry will be a key for the Bulldogs. One plus is their size, having one of the bigger teams in a few years.

Pine Prairie
Head Coach: Chris Guillory
Last Season: 26-5
Returning starters: Douglas Fontenot, Sr., G; Sylus Carson, Jr., F
Outlook: Pine Prairie looks to a group of fresh faces, losing three starters to graduation from last year’s playoff team. The Panthers need to gain experience quickly and hopefully will get the chemistry of the team settled early in the season.

Mamou
Head Coach: John Jack
Last Season: 11-17
Returning starters: Russell Edwards, Jr., C; Trey Wilson, Sr., G; Lil Paul Williams, So., F
Outlook: The key for the Mamou Demons in 2015-16 will be the play of the guards, especially the point guard. If the point guard can control the flow of the game, players like Russell Edwards and Lil Paul Williams will be involved in the offense.

Sacred Heart
Head Coach: Chris Rider
Last Season: 9-12
Returning starters: Seth Shipp, Sr., C; Keaton Tate, Sr., F; Garrett Ortego, Jr., G
Outlook: Sacred Heart comes into this season under new leadership, as new head coach Chris Rider takes over the program. Rider is looking to his three returning starters to bring a sense of direction to the team. Fundamentals will be a huge key for the Trojans to try and make a run to the playoffs in Class 2A.

Basile
Head Coach: Matt Fontenot
Last Season: 4-21
Returning starters: Gabe Fontenot, Sr., G; Rashawn Murphy, Jr., G
Outlook: Basile enters the 2015-16 season under new leadership, as former assistant coach Matt Fontenot takes over the reins. The Bearcats will need to adjust to Fontenot’s style of coaching. Basile will try to stay healthy and consistent this season after only four wins a year ago.