By GEORGE MAHL – Sports Editor

East St. John coach Troy Giordano is my choice for girls coach of the year. In the words of popular ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale, “this guy has done a phenomenal job.”

A 36 game winning streak is amazing in any sport at any level. Eight or nine straight district championships, sorry Troy I forgot how many. Nonetheless, it was a very exciting year for girls basketball in the River Parishes.

You have to start at the top with Reserve Christian and East St. John. RCS head coach Kevin Branch did a terrific job as well this year with the Lady Eagles. Trenell, Trenese, Kristin and the whole group got a well deserved trip to the Sweet 16 with a hard-fought victory over Midland in the quarterfinals. Midland was a team that had dominated the Lady Eagles in recent memory. Getting back to East St. John, the Lady Cats were just so overwhelming during the regular season that it appeared they would easily win the 5A state title. Kojo Hamilton and Erin Keller provided the senior leadership, along with junior Nikita Robertson, to allow the Lady Cats to make it to Hammond once again.

Here is an idea: It is a long shot, but how about Reserve Christian playing East St. John next season? Forget about the myth of a 5A school, East St. John, not having anything to gain by playing Class B school, Reserve Christian. If nothing else, it would mean probably having a big gate. Oh well, that is probably just wishful thinking.

St. Charles Catholic head coach Erin Remondet told me before the season, “I am really excited about this year.” The Lady Comets ended up playing hard, but fell to St. James in a playoff play-in game. Mary Clement and Rynique Perkins had a good season for St. Charles Catholic.

Speaking of St. James, what a coaching job by first-year head coach Amy Blanchard. The Wlldcats improved by miles this year. I feel good things are in store for that program in years to come.

One of St. James’ rivals, West St. John, had another winning season. However, what set them apart from other teams is the fact that they were led by a freshman, Jada Fiffie. She averaged nearly 14 points per game in district play, leading the Lady Rams to the 10-2A title.

It was another tough season for the Lutcher girls basketball program. I don’t believe they even won more than five games this year. If Destrehan and Hahnville were not in the East St. John district, they may have finished in the top two of three. It’s tough to compete when the first place team is East St. John and the second place team is the defending 4A state champions.

Riverside Academy had a very difficult year, like Lutcher.

It may be a while before the Lady Rebels can get back to their playoff form.