Snow puts freeze on activities, area high school teams bide their time

Published 11:27 am Thursday, January 23, 2025

Historic winter weather that brought several inches of snow and blizzard conditions to Southwest Louisiana disrupted the area’s high school sports schedule, but teams are looking forward to getting back to work after weathering the storm.

“They played in the snow yesterday, but I think today they are itching to get a ball in their hands,” Sulphur boys basketball head coach Adam Coleman said. “Even for us as coaches it has been nice to sit at home and be with your family.

“Of course, (basketball) is still on my mind. I will slip back into my home office and watch some film.”

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Schools have been closed since Tuesday and the Calcasieu Parish School Board extended the closure through at least today, meaning no games or practices.

Most teams haven’t played or practiced since Monday. The earliest they can resume activities will be Friday if the CPSB does not extend the closure. The Tors’ (20-4) last practice was Monday afternoon. Their nondistrict game at rival Barbe (10-8) today was postponed.

“It is dangerous for them to be on the roads with the ice,” Coleman said. “We told them on Monday at the end of practice that we would not be together the next few days and to just relax and enjoy family time.”

While the hiatus on practices could be viewed as disruption, Coleman said the Tors will be able to play off months of practice and game experience. He said he sees benefits to the break from the daily grind.

“Obviously we are a team that thrives on preparation,” Coleman said. “We take a lot of pride in outworking and preparing for people.

“I don’t know if it is so much a challenge but a blessing in disguise. It could get our guys back healthy and much-needed rest so they can be well focused going into this district run. We are looking at it as a positive thing.”

Barbe head girls basketball coach Trey DiGiglia said his senior-heavy team has dealt with a lot of adversity through the years, including COVID and no home gym for two seasons after Hurricane Laura in 2020.

“My seniors are used to this,” DiGiglia said. “It is definitely an interesting situation.”

The Bucs (20-2) are taking advantage an online platform to communicate and watch game film to prepare of their District 3-5A opener with fellow Non-select Division I top 10 Sulphur (18-2). The game is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, but that could change if schools do not reopen and other factors, DiGiglia said.

“We are counting on our senior leadership,” he said. “They know what to do and communicate through Hudl to keep them sharp and up to speed.

“I am lucky. My kids nerd out with the film. As long as we stay sharp mentally, it will affect our condition a little bit but I am not too worried. I have sent them circuit workouts to do at home. I have been telling them to watch film and keep your mind sharp.”