Luke Ford Jr. All-Star Games give final send-off to Houma and Thibodaux-area hoops stars
For most high school basketball players in Louisiana, Marsh Madness was the end of the season. But for a few of the best players in the Houma- and Thibodaux-area, their seasons extended until Saturday night, when H.L. Bourgeois High School hosted the Luke Ford Jr. Bayou vs. River All-Star Games.
For the 13th time, the all-star games brought some of the top boys and girls basketball players in the area out to play one last game this season — and for some, in their careers.
"I was so excited when I found out I made the All-Star Game," said E.D. White senior Caroline Adams. "I was just so happy."
Adams had become one of the top players in the area this season, earning a scholarship to Nicholls and being named to the all-district team. Saturday represented the final time the now-former Lady Cardinal suited up for her school.
"I had to savor the moment," Adams said. "This was the last time I'll ever put on an E.D. White jersey and make it memorable."
And make it memorable, she did. Adams scored 22 points, leading her Lafourche team to a 59-42 win over Team Terrebonne and winning MVP. Despite the loss, though, the game was special for all involved.
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"It's always an honor," said Terrebonne High coach Cassidy Barrios, who served as Team Terrebonne's head coach on Saturday. "It's a blessing. Win, lose, or draw, it's a great opportunity. Obviously, you try to win the ballgame, but you really try to get your seniors their last game out here."
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In the boys game, HLB's Chris Coleman — himself an All-District senior — provided a show for the ages. He started the night by winning the 3-point contest, scored 46 points, and led Team Bayou to a 119-105 win over Team River.
"I'm just humbled," said Coleman. "I'm so happy to do it at my school, do it in front of my loved ones. I put blood, sweat, and tears into wearing this jersey. I might as well go out with a bang."
It was a perfect sendoff according to the Braves' Drew Caillouet, who had coached Coleman for five years and was Team Bayou's coach Saturday.
"I do this for the kids. I'm so happy we could do this for these kids," Caillouet said. "I coached both of these kids since eighth grade. It's a full-circle moment."
This article originally appeared on The Courier: All-Star Games send off Houma- and Thibodaux-area hoops stars
