Parkway’s Zara Baker delivers laudable assist to Haughton’s Hooper
Anyone who thinks sportsmanship between high school competitors is something from a bygone era should have been in the Parkway gym Monday night for the clash of the undefeated District 1-5A titans, Parkway and Haughton.
The Lady Panthers (15-4, 8-0) are the defending state champions and were coming off a 2-point win over Natchitoches Central on Friday when Chloe Larry scored with one second remaining. The Lady Buccaneers (12-4, 7-1) stayed close in Monday’s makeup game until Parkway’s Jayla James connected on five consecutive 3-pointers to give her team a sizeable lead as coach Gloria Williams’ team rolled 56-33.
But the play of the game came in the fourth quarter when Haughton senior Abbie Hooper went to the floor with a severe leg cramp. Since game action was still rolling around Hooper, game officials couldn’t initially stop play as Hooper begged for help.
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Once play was halted, Parkway’s Zara Baker headed straight for her opponent and offered a helping hand. Baker pushed Hooper’s foot forward, which relieved the cramp. Hooper left the game momentarily, then returned to the lineup.
Baker isn’t likely to get invited for an ESPN interview for doing what every athlete should be willing to do. But seeing an opponent helping an opponent isn’t something we see every day and Baker should be lauded for it.
Jimmy Watson covers Louisiana sports for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: LHSAA basketball: Parkway's Baker helps Haughton's Hooper with leg cramp
