There is only one first time and no matter what “first” it represents it is always something remembered. When you combine a first time with a first place it makes it even more special.

That is what Sheppard Norred and Jackson Ables, representing Quitman Junior High, did this past weekend. Fishing together for the first time in a Northeast Louisiana High School Anglers (NELAHS) tournament the pair took first place in the Junior Division. Adding to the achievement was coming in second in the “Big Bass” competition and placing 12th overall. 

Two more teams that had at least one representative from a Jackson Parish school out of the 53 team field that competed in the first NELAHS tourney of the year fished on Lake D’Arbonne in Farmerville, had outstanding finishes as well.

Addison Ledford of Weston High School), had the highest finish among female participants, as her and partner, Brody Halbrook (Grace Christian Academy) came in 15th place. Also earning special recognition was Gage Guyotte and Hunter Williams (Weston Junior High), for finishing in 2nd place in the Junior Division and 17th place overall. 

Additional top 20 finishers was defending 2023-24 NELAHS Tournament Trail runner-up Hayden Davis and Maddox Duck of Quitman High School in 16th place and Hailey Chatham / Ben Ramsey of Weston High School who ended in 18th position.

Brody Toms and Tucker Goss of Quitman High School came in 30th with Andrew Brown and Christopher Rasberry (Quitman Junior High) finishing in 32nd place. The teams of Chance Lemoine / Jaxen Culpepper and Jake Vail / Waylon Sullivan, both also representing Quitman Junior High, ended in 38th and 39th place respectfully. Noah Roberts and Jessie Nivens of Weston Junior High also competed.