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
Advertisement
Giants Playing for Championship Friday
Photo Gallery, Sports
By Austin Whatley Sports Writer on
February 12, 2025
Giants Playing for Championship Friday

The Jena Giants picked up two big wins this past week to keep climbing the power rankings in Division III Non-Select. On Tuesday, February 4, the Giants would travel to Glenmora and pick up a big 6559 victory. In the game for the Giants, Zadrien Cooper had 17 points and 11 rebounds. Gavin Hoffpauir had 16 points and 4 assists. Xavier Brown had 12 points and 5 rebounds.

On Friday night, February 7, the Giants would make the trip to Buckeye for another district matchup. The Giants came into the game with a 9-8 overall record and 3-1 in district play. The Giants would need a win at Buckeye to setup a district championship matchup with Marksville. It would be a homecoming for Jena senior Gavin Hoffpauir. Hoffpauir played his first three years at Buckeye before transferring to Jena after his dad was hired as the Lady Giants head coach. Gavin was a starter last season on a very good Buckeye team. So, Gavin is very familiar with the Buckeye program. Buckeye is known for their tough zone on defense and their ability to shoot from the outside. It always seems like it’s tough to get a win at Buckeye.

The game would start slow as the Giants would try to figure out the Buckeye zone. Buckeye would take an 8-6 lead into the second quarter. The Giants would struggle early as Buckeye would take a 13-6 lead early in the 2nd quarter. With 45 seconds left in the quarter, Buckeye would have a 20-16 lead on the Giants. In that last 45 seconds though, Zadrien Cooper would go on a 6-0 run as he would make two layups and get fouled on both. He would also make both free throws and the Giants would take a 22-20 lead into halftime.

The end to the first half seemed to be the spark that the Giants needed as they came out on fire in the second half. Zac Brown would make a three-point shot to give the Giants a 3925 lead late in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, Buckeye would try to stay in it, but the Giants would hold on for a 51-44 victory.

In the game for the Giants, Xavier Brown had 18 points and 3 assists. Zadrien Cooper had 16 points and 12 rebounds. Zac Brown had 9 points, Daniel Hatcher had 6 points and Gavin Hoffpauir had 2 points.

With the win the Giants are now 10-8 overall and 4-1 in district play. This Friday night the Giants will travel to Marksville for the final district game of the season. Marksville is 5-0 in district play. If the Giants win then it would be a three-way tie for the district championship between Jena, Bunkie and Marksville.

The last time the Giants won a district championship was in the 2020 season. Last year, the Giants defeated Marksville at Marksville before the Tigers went on to win the Division III Non-Select state championship. It will be a huge matchup for the Giants as a win would give them a big jump in the power rankings as well. Everyone is asked to make the trip to Marksville this Friday night to cheer on the Giants as they play for a district championship.

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...
    Election Results: All Three Millages Pass
    News
    Election Results: All Three Millages Pass
    Staff Report, All Three Millages Pass Staff Report 
    October 15, 2025
    All Three Millages Pass LaSalle Parish voters approved three property tax millage renewals by over 60% during the October 11 election held Saturday. T...
    this is a test
    LPSB News: Correcting the Deficit
    News
    - LaSalle Parish School Board News -
    LPSB News: Correcting the Deficit
    By Craig Franklin Editor 
    October 15, 2025
    Members of the LaSalle Parish School Board are taking a hard look at the system’s finances as they search for ways to save money in the face of findin...
    this is a test
    LPSB News: Stipends Approved
    News
    LPSB News: Stipends Approved
    By Craig Franklin Editor 
    October 15, 2025
    LaSalle Parish teachers and support staff will receive a mostly state funded bonus in their checks this month as the School Board approved the one-tim...
    this is a test
    JHS Homecoming Friday
    News
    JHS Homecoming Friday
    Staff Report 
    October 15, 2025
    Jena High School will observe its 2025 homecoming this Friday, October 17, 2025, with a full day of activities, according to Principal Adam Powell. Fr...
    this is a test
    Jena Council Hears Meter Proposal
    News
    Jena Council Hears Meter Proposal
    By Craig Franklin Editor 
    October 15, 2025
    The Jena Town Council is considering changing their old, mechanical water meters to new, electronic remote meters after hearing a proposal by Mike Sel...
    this is a test
    News
    Juvenile Arrested in Shooting Incident
    Staff Report 
    October 15, 2025
    A 16-year-old Pineville juvenile was arrested for attempted second-degree murder over the weekend after a shooting incident in east LaSalle Parish.Acc...
    this is a test
    ACE Circular
    Advertisement
    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