Evangeline Basketball Preview

Girls Capsules
Ville Platte
Head Coach: Dot Doulet Last Season: 21-9
Returning starters: Miya McKinney, Sr., F; Tyreonna Doucet, Sr., F; Kealogah Calvin, Sr., F
Outlook: The Lady Bulldogs return a formidable front court, but lack a back court to match. Staying focused will be the key this season, along with controlling the fouls, as Ville Platte does not have a lot of depth.

Pine Prairie
Head Coach:
Renotta Edwards
Last Season: 9-14
Returning starters: Sarah Vidrine, Sr., G; Tori Bordelon, Sr., G; Brittany Bellard, Sr., F
Outlook: The Lady Panthers will look to the three senior returners for much need leadership. Pine Prairie must play better defense than last year and execute better on the offensive side of the court.

Mamou
Head Coach:
Denisha Allison
Last Season: 25-9
Returning starters: Darelzray Bellard, Sr., G; Kiajah Wilson, Sr., F; Tia Gallow, Sr., G
Outlook: The Lady Demons lose coach Mark Temple, who has guided Mamou to their meteoric rise the last few seasons. In steps Allison, a former Louisiana College player. It will be up to the Mamou players to find a way to tune in to Allison’s way of doing things.

Sacred Heart
Head Coach:
Stephanie Fontenot
Last Season: 17-15
Returning starters: Erin Fontenot, Jr., G; Catherine Poche, Jr., F; Andie Landry, Sr., F
Outlook: The Lady Trojans have a ton of experience back from last season. Still, Sacred Heart must become more patient on the offensive end of the floor and find some type of rebounding competition after the loss of Gabby Andrepont.

Basile
Head Coach:
Matt Fontenot
Last Season: 18-13
Returning starters: Nakayla Adams, Jr., F; Jenny Smith, Jr., F; Nadaisia Adams, Fr., F
Outlook: Another year, another head coach, as Matt Fontenot takes over for Carmen Langley who left to pursue a master’s degree. The Lady Bearcats will rely on their three returning starters from last season and hope to fall in line with Fontenot’s philosophy.

Boys Capsules
Ville Platte
Head Coach:
Tommy Jones
Last Season: 10-14
Returning starters: Martin Jason, Sr., G; Shanicole Holland, Sr., G; Brandon Thomas, Sr., G; Tyran Jones, Jr., F
Outlook: Ville Platte will had a tough season last year but return a number of starters. The Bulldogs will need to find some chemistry and some big men to complement their guard play.

Pine Prairie
Head Coach:
Andrew Dwyer
Last Season: 13-9
Returning starters: Anthony Payne, Jr., F; Sylus Carson, Sr., F; Darnell Durgin, Jr., F
Outlook: Out is former head coach Chris Guillory, in is Dwyer who also serves as the assistant principal. The Panthers will need to learn the new system fast and get away from the individual play of a year ago.

Mamou
Head Coach: John Jack
Last Season: 16-14
Returning starters: Russell Edwards, Sr., C; Jaqualyn Arvie, So., G; Lil Paul Williams, Jr., F
Outlook: The key for the Mamou Demons in 2016-17 will be the chemistry of the team, as the talent is most definitely there. The Demons have the size, speed and talent to make another deep run in the playoffs.

Sacred Heart
Head Coach: Chris Rider
Last Season: 5-19
Returning starters: Jacques Fontenot, Sr., F; Jeffery Sylvester, Jr., F; Trevor Soileau, Jr., G
Outlook: Sacred Heart must find a way to get their players on the right track early, as they are very freshman heavy this season. The Trojans will be switching to a man-to-man defense to allow for the offense to score more in transition.

Basile
Head Coach:
Chad Lafleur
Last Season: 6-20
Returning starters: Rashard Murphy, Sr., G; Rashawn Murphy, Jr., G; Andre Reed, So., F
Outlook: Basile enters the 2016-17 season under new leadership for the second year in a row, as Lafleur takes over the reins. The Bearcats will need to adjust to Lafleur’s style of coaching. Basile will look for senior leadership and will rely on a very deep bench to provide support to the starters.