logo
Log In Subscribe e-Edition Archives
logo
Log In Subscribe e-Edition Archives
Google Play App Store
  • News
  • Sports
  • Lifestyle
  • Photo Gallery
  • Columns/Opinions
  • Obituaries
  • Classifieds
  • Public Notices
  • Special Sections
    • News
    • Sports
    • Lifestyle
    • Photo Gallery
    • Columns/Opinions
    • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
    • Public Notices
    • Special Sections
Battle in Buckeye: Lady Giants pick up first district loss
B: Sports, Photo Gallery, Sports
By Austin Whatley Sports Writer on
February 12, 2025
Battle in Buckeye: Lady Giants pick up first district loss

The Jena Lady Giants continued their season this past week as they played two more games ending the week with one win and one loss.

On Tuesday, February 4, the Lady Giants traveled to Glenmora for another non-district matchup. The Lady Giants were trying not to look ahead to their big matchup with Buckeye later in the week. It would be a tight one but the Lady Giants would hold on to pick up the 41-39 win.

In the game for the Lady Giants, Hallie Phillips had 9 points and 3 steals. Triniti Williams had 7 points, 7 rebounds and 5 steals. Noel Kimbrough had 7 points.

On Friday, February 7, the Lady Giants would travel to Buckeye to take on the Lady Panthers in a big-time district matchup. Both teams came in ranked in the top 10 in their division power rankings. Buckeye came in with a 19-5 record while the Lady Giants came in with a 17-9 record. Both teams were also undefeated in district play with a 4-0 record. Buckeye also came into the game with an impressive 11 game winning streak.

The gym was full as Jena and Buckeye fans filled every seat. Even the Jena Lady Giants cheerleaders made the trip to cheer on the Lady Giants. Whoever would win the game would earn a share of the district championship and would be one game away from winning it out right. It would also be a big game for Lady Giants Head Coach Garrett Hoffpauir who coached at Buckeye for many years winning district championships.

The Lady Giants would jump out to a 4-0 lead early as Triniti Williams would score the first two baskets of the night for the Lady Giants. Buckeye would answer though as they would go on a 7-0 run to take the lead. Ahja Dorsey would then knock down a three-point shot to tie it at seven. Buckeye would go on a run to take a 15-9 lead into the second quarter.

The Lady Giants would come back to take a 16-15 lead on a Kaylee Kemp made three-point shot. Buckeye would end the quarter on a 6-0 run to take a 21-16 lead into halftime.

In the second half, the Lady Giants would keep it close but would be unable to take another lead. The Lady Giants would get within 4 of Buckeye on a made free throw by Jacquelyn Brooks to make it 3228, but that would be as close as Jena would get. Buckeye would go on to win 44-32.

In the game for the Lady Giants, Triniti Williams had 13 points, Hallie Phillips had 7 points, Ahja Dorsey had 5 points, Kaylee Kemp had 3 points, Jacquelyn Brooks had 3 points and Sophie Parker had 1 point.

The Lady Giants fell to 17-10 overall and 4-1 in district play but they have nothing to hang their heads about. They gave a great performance and with both teams have a lot of young starters it looks like Jena and Buckeye will have more great battles in the future. At the end of the day though, the playoffs are what matters and the Lady Giants are in a great position to make a run in the playoffs because of their great season.

So, although it doesn’t feel good to lose to Buckeye we still have a lot to play for as we finish the season this week and prepare for the playoffs. This week the Lady Giants will finish up their season at Marksville. The Lady Giants are sitting at #9 in the power rankings and are looking to move up maybe one more spot if some games go their way.

Everyone is encouraged to make the trip to Marksville this Friday night to cheer on the Lady Giants. If you can’t make it to the game then you can hear all the live action on 102.7 KJNAFM starting at 6:00 p.m.

If you are not in the listening area then you can download the MIXLR app and search for KJNAFM or go online at www.kjnafmjena.mixlr. com.

Photos from the game:

  • 🞬
    ❮❯
    ePaper
    coogle_play
    app_store
    It might also interest you...
    Happy Birthday, America!
    A: Main, News...
    Happy Birthday, America!
    Unique celebration held in Jena - Fireworks in Olla
    By Craig Franklin Editor 
    July 9, 2025
    Unique celebration held in Jena - Fireworks in Olla The United States of America’s 249th birthday celebration was held in grand fashion last Friday, J...
    this is a test
    Let’s Talk Church
    Columns/Opinions
    Let’s Talk Church
    July 9, 2025
    Let’s talk Church. If you were searching out information on some particular subject, you might do several things. One of which would be you would want...
    this is a test
    2025 Legislative Session Recap
    A: Main, News
    2025 Legislative Session Recap
    Part 2 of 3
    By Craig Franklin Editor 
    July 9, 2025
    Part 2 of 3 District 32 Sen. Glen Womack (EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second of a three-part series featuring LaSalle’s Parish’s State Legislative Dele...
    this is a test
    No In-Parish Wrecker Service
    A: Main, News
    No In-Parish Wrecker Service
    By Craig Franklin Editor 
    July 9, 2025
    At one time in LaSalle Parish, multiple wrecker services operated to meet the needs of transporting inoperable vehicles – either vehicles that needed ...
    this is a test
    New Pharmacy Law = Lower Prices
    A: Main, News
    New Pharmacy Law = Lower Prices
    Residents urged to join effort to save local pharmacies
    By Craig Franklin Editor 
    July 9, 2025
    Residents urged to join effort to save local pharmacies Olla Pharmacist Matthew Bullard is ecstatic about a new law that the Louisiana Legislature pas...
    this is a test
    Two Parish Principals’ Contracts Renewed
    News
    Two Parish Principals’ Contracts Renewed
    By Craig Franklin Editor 
    July 9, 2025
    Two principals of LaSalle Parish schools had their contracts renewed as part of the LaSalle Parish School Board’s July 1 meeting held last week in Jen...
    this is a test
    ACE Circular
    ePaper
    coogle_play
    app_store
    ACE Circular
    ePaper
    coogle_play
    app_store
    Search Public Notices

    The Jena Times
    OLLA-TULLOS-URANIA SIGNAL
    P: (318) 992-4121

    Office Hours:
    Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm
    Sat-Sun, Closed

    This site complies with ADA requirements

    © The Jena Times

    • Advertisers
    • Contact
    • Privacy Accessibility Policy