By Jesse Brooks I had a gig heavy weekend so I spent my birthday catching up on sleep before evening activities. I woke up late in the afternoon to hear about the death of Kobe Byrant and his daughter Gianna. It was similar to the way learned about the death of Anthony Bourdain, who was... Continue Reading →
Oak Forest guard Janero Porter receives first college offer
TRUST THE PROCESS- Oak Forest Academy point guard Janero Porter has received his first college offer from Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas. Photo by Matthew Roy. By Jesse Brooks AMITE- Patience paid off for Janero Porter, a recent graduate of Oak Forest Academy, as he has finally received his first athletic scholarship to play basketball.... Continue Reading →
FULL STORY: Tigers’ Melvin Baker officially signs with Coastal Alabama CC
NEW ERA- Independence High Magnet School graduating senior Melvin Baker has signed a letter of intent to play basketball for Coastal Alabama Community College. He is seen here seated next to Tigers coach Ace Misita and his mother Jennifer Cook. Behind him are Principal Chasity Collier and Sun Chiefs coach Robby Robertson. Photo by Jesse... Continue Reading →
Independence hoops star Melvin Baker receives first offer
GETTING LOOKS- Melvin Baker, who recently graduated from Independence High Magnet School, has received his first offer from Coastal Alabama Community College. Photo by Matthew Roy. By Jesse Brooks Recent graduate of Independence High Magnet School Melvin Baker is looking to further his career in basketball, and has announced that his first is offer from... Continue Reading →
Oak Forest Academy boys hoops senior Chris Backa signs with LSU-Alexandria
CHASING DREAMS- Oak Forest Academy senior forward Chris Backa, a native of Finland, has signed with LSU-Alexandria. He is pictured next to his host family Tanya and Kyle Warren. Back row (from left) Jacket assistant coach Joe Fekete and head coach Curtis Matherne. Photo By Jesse Brooks. By Jesse Brooks On Thursday, May 10, Oak... Continue Reading →
OFA Boys’ season ends with exit from MAIS AAAA Div. I State Tournament
SENIOR STAND- OFA senior point guard Janero Porter scored 10 points in a 50-46 MAIS AAAA Div. I State Tournament loss to Parklane Academy. Photo by Jesse Brooks. By Jesse Brooks The Oak Forest Academy boys basketball team's season has come to an end after falling to Parklane Academy 50-46 on Saturday, February 24 in... Continue Reading →
Independence boys advance first round, face Many Tuesday on the road
CLOSE IT OUT- Independence guard Genord Perry celebrates as the Tigers advance past the LHSAA 2A first round playoffs with a wild 62-60 finish over MLK Charter. Photo by Matthew Roy. By Jesse Brooks The Independence boys basketball team advanced past the first round of the LHSAA 2A playoffs on Friday, February 23 after defeating... Continue Reading →
List of local boys basketball playoff games
MAIS AAAA Div. 1 State Tournament Round 1 2/20 - Oak Forest Academy vs. Jackson Prep at Presbyterian Christian (Hattiesburg, MS) LHSAA 1A 2/23 - No. 18 Kentwood @ No. 15 South Cameron: time TBA 2A 2/23 - No. 21 Franklin @ No. 13 Amite: time TBA 2/23 - No. 19 MLK Charter @ No.... Continue Reading →
OFA Boys end regular season with win over PCA
GETTING BUCKETS- OFA senior forward Chris Backa scored 14 points against Pontchatrain Christian. Photo by Matthew Roy. By Jesse Brooks AMITE- The Oak Forest Academy boys basketball team defeated Pontchatrain Christian Academy 74-25 to close out the regular season with a 19-8 overall record. Junior shooting guard La'Vell Scott led all scorers with 17 points.... Continue Reading →
Amite boys top Tigers to claim District 9-2A Championship
DISTRICT CHAMPS- The Amite Warriors top Independence 54-30 in the championship round of the District 9-2A Tournament. Photo by Matthew Roy. By Jesse Brooks On Wednesday, February 8, the Amite boys basketball team earned the title of District 9-2A Champions after defeating rival Independence 54-30 in the final round of the district tournament. The Warriors... Continue Reading →