Biddy Basketball season is in the books in St. John the Baptist Parish, and the on-court results show it to have been quite the successful venture.

Three St. John “Warriors” All-Star teams advanced to postseason play to cap accomplished seasons. The 9-, 10- and 12-year-old Warrior All-Star teams advanced to state and international tournament play.

The 9-year-old Warriors placed second in the Biddy Basketball State Tournament and joined the 10-year-old Warriors in Madisonville for the International Tournament in late March.

The 10-year-old team finished fourth in the tournament. At the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, the 12-year-old All Stars were named First Runner-Up in the International Biddy Basketball Championship with a close score of 35-31.

During a weekend of tough competition, players from the 9- and 10-year-old teams competed in the skills events.

Participants from the 9-year-old team included Kaden Foster for the “Hot Shot” event, Jalen Johnson for the “Around the World” event and Terrell Hillard for the “Foul Shooting” event.

Kylon Harris and Warren Snyder III, 10-year-old Warriors, were victorious in the Foul Shooting and Around the World events.

Wan’trell Williams, Kyle Aubert and DeJuan Daniel Jr. were named All-Americans for the 2014-2015 season.

“We are proud of our players and look forward to next year,” said Kerry Watkins, St. John the Baptist Parish Parks and Recreation Director. “I’d like to give a huge thank you to the parents, coaches, staff and volunteers for their time and commitment to youth basketball.”

Watkins, a former East St. John football star that went on to achieve greatness in the Canadian Football League with the Montreal Alouettes, was officially named director in January.

He hopes to guide the recreation department in a positive direction, primarily by offering more activities and raising money to help those who cannot afford sign-up fees. Last month, the recreation department collaborated with the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office to play a basketball game that served as a fundraiser to help local youths get involved.

Watkins said the department is in the process of adding a youth football program, as well as track and field, and he said there is also interest in adding soccer to the mix.

“Our numbers (sign-ups) for baseball are up compared to last year,” Watkins said.  “I think we’re doing a good job reaching out to the local junior high schools and promoting what we’re doing.”

Watkins said success to him is primarily keeping everyone busy, and not just in terms of local youth. The department is organizing senior trips with the Council on Aging, he said, as part of an effort to keep people of all ages active and together within the community.

He also said there will be an emphasis on beefing up the summer camp and summer aerobics programs, which have seen declining numbers in recent years.

Watkins said people in the community can pitch in by getting the word out and heading out to recreation events in support.

“Even if someone’s having trouble with scheduling or financially, we want to try and find a way to get them signed up,” Watkins said.

Registration for the 2015 Youth Baseball and Softball Season is ongoing.

Interested participants can register at the Parks and Recreation Office, 200 Regala Park Road in Reserve.

Watkins is also seeking sponsors for the 2015 season. Those interested in becoming a sponsor can contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 985-652-9569.