The temperature outdoors took a sudden dive over the weekend, which could be considered appropriate since Jonesboro-Hodge High School hosted the “Winter Classic from Thursday – Saturday. Inside the JHHS gymnasium, it was a different story, though, as the Lady Tigers continued to stay scorching hot since the beginning of the new year.
JHHS, entered the 2026 portion of the LHSAA basketball season with a 4-10 record after dropping s;even in a row in their first eight games. When the calendar turned to 2026 the Lady Tigers reeled off five straight wins, the best stretch in head coach Shan Jackson’s tenure and longest winning streak since 2021.
This included winning two of three in the “Winter Classic,” beginning with a 34-31 victory over Lakeview on Thursday and following that up by mauling Montgomery 50-10. Even though the streak ended on Saturday with a 40-37 loss to Winnfield, the fact that the Lady Tigers played the 7th-ranked team in Division III was impressive in itself.
What is the cause of such a drastic turnaround that now finds JHHS with 9-11 record and a #18 ranking after being seemingly hopelessly at the bottom of the Division IV power ratings early on?
“I think the girls just had to get used to playing together and build their confidence, and when that happened, there was definitely a difference,” said Jackson. “This is an awesome group of young ladies; we are definitely proud of them.”
Tigers Show Improvement
The results of the two contests that Jonesboro-Hodge played in the “Winter Classic” weren’t what was hoped for, but hope that a turnaround of the season could be possible looks like it is starting to bloom. JHHS lost to Winnfield, coached by former JHHS coach and Jackson Parish resident Allen Tew, by a 49-46 score and then fell to future district foe, Montgomery 71-53 to drop their 8th out of the last 9 game and fall to 3-15 on the year. The positive is that over the last three games, which included a victory over Weston this past Tuesday, JHHS improved its offensive scoring totals by leaps and bounds, averaging roughly 55 points per game compared to only 38 points per game in the five games prior.
Wolverines continue to be “Giant Killers”
You can’t help but continue be impressed with the Quitman boys basketball team. The Wolverines have proven that they are one of the better “small school” teams, not only in north Louisiana but in the state, verified by their solid #4 ranking in the Class B power ratings. While their 14-4 record is impressive in itself, it is QHS’s uncanny ability to play their best when they play bigger schools that really stands out. This past Friday night’s contest against Division II Grant was a perfect example. Quitman not only beat the larger school, they crushed them, taking a 66-29 victory on the road. With the victory the Wolverines continued to be “giant killers” improving their record against larger schools to a perfect 7-0.
Quitman Girls Make a Statement
If there is one thing that can be concluded about the Lady Wolverines’ fortunes this season, it is that you don’t want to play them on the 9th of the month. In December and again on Friday, Quitman played a highly ranked team on that date. Both times, the Lady Wolverines came away with impressive victories. First, it was the victory over Calvin, the 2nd-ranked team in Class C, that ended the Lady Cougars’ season-opening 12-game winning streak. The QHS victory on Friday may have been even more impressive as the 47-37 win came against a strong Division II school for their third straight win, which improved Quitman’s record to 13-6 on the year
Weston Reverses Recent Fortunes
The 2026 portion of the basketball season has been unkind to both the girls and boys teams from Weston. That is, until this past Friday night. Both WHS squads put an end to losing streaks that had caused Weston to still be searching for a victory in 2026 on Friday when the Lady Wolves downed Downsville 52 20, and the Weston boys capped off the sweep by winning 59-39. With the victories, the WHS girls improved to 12-7 while the Wolves crept closer to the .500 mark at 8-12.
Saline has Pair Reach Scoring Milestones
They are Mister Inside and Mister Outside. Over the past couple of years, guard Gavin Dailey and post player Eli Ferguson have consistently led Saline High School in scoring, posting similar numbers in almost every game. The longevity of consistency in scoring was brought to the forefront this past week when both eclipsed the 1,000-point career scoring total in back-to-back games. First, it was Dailey, who climbed above the millennial mark in the 53-49 loss to Zwolle, ranked #1 in Class B. Then it was Ferugon who became “grand” in the 66-55 victory against Magnolia School of Excellence.