THS ends Didier’s final season on high note

The H.L. Bourgeois Lady Braves had their backs against the wall in every way last Wednesday in the district finale against the Terrebonne Lady Tigers. Not only were they facing one of the top teams in the state and an archrival, but they were also trying to earn a share of the district title in front of a standing-room-only crowd in Terrebonne’s gymnasium against a determined Lady Tigers’ team.

Plus, they had to play against Terrebonne senior hitter Sierra Lyons, who was playing with a heavy heart following the death of her cousin in a Dularge wreck last Saturday.

The team wore her initials, RCG (Rolanda Courtney Garner), on their wristbands in honor of Lyons’ fallen family member.

“I don’t know about the rest of the team, but it was extra motivation to me,” Lyons said. “She was my cousin but I called her my little sister. I dedicated this whole week to her.”

Nearly lost in the shuffle was the fact that the game marked the last regular season home game for Terrebonne coach Raymond “Chip” Didier after spending the last 11 years of his 33 year volleyball coaching career on the Terrebonne sideline, giving the Lady Tigers that much more motivation.

In what became a typically intense match between the two schools, it was the Lady Tigers who ensured Didier went out a winner with an impressive sweep (25-12, 12, 23) on his special night.

The win completed one of the best seasons in school history for the Lady Tigers (39-3, 8-0) and secured the outright district championship.

The win marks the second consecutive sweep for the Lady Tigers over the Lady Braves this season.

Lyons’ play proved to be the deciding factor in the district finale, garnering 23 kills, three digs and two blocks as her team ensured Didier went out a winner.

“It was coach Didier’s last (regular season) home game, so we just wanted to go out with a big win and get ready for the playoffs,” she said. “It’s a legacy. According to him, it’s his best record as coach, so it’s a great accomplishment. We’re proud of that.”

Didier said the night was very emotional for him, but said it’s this rivalry that has put area volleyball on the map.

“We look forward to this game more than any game in the whole season and because of that, I’m just thankful to the good Lord that I had the opportunity to be here and be a part of it. It’s a fun thing to watch,” he said. “It’s unbelievable that volleyball has come this far.

“It’s something that these girls will remember,” the coach continued. “They’ll remember this atmosphere for the rest of their life.”

With the win, the Lady Tigers have a first round bye and will not play their first playoff game until the second round Nov. 9.

Instead of a 32-team playoff field as in past seasons, this year’s bracket will only have 24 teams in each class. The Top 8 seeds from each classification earn a first round bye.

The Lady Tigers will play a tune-up match against Dunham High School in Baton Rouge tonight, in search of that 40th win.

“We wanted it to ourselves, we didn’t want to be co-champs,” Didier said. “Last year, we were co-champs with two other teams and this year we made up our mind that we wanted it to ourselves. We deserve it.

“Now, we move on to our next goal. We want to do really well in the playoffs and have a shot at possibly going all the way.”

As for the Lady Braves, head coach Peter Verrett III said he knew his team was in for a fight and admitted the Lady Tigers were better statistically entering the game.

Even though the Lady Braves (18-14, 6-2) won’t earn the first round bye, the coach believes there is still a lot to be learned from the season.

“Hats off to our girls getting this far – second place,” he said. “We had our chances but it’s over, we move on now. I gave my team the ultimatum, either we shut it down or we move forward and they want to move forward, so that’s where we are going to go.”

While last week’s showdown was the last time the two coaches face each other, barring a playoff game against each other, Verret said he wished his mentor and friend the best of luck with his season and post-volleyball career.

“I learned so much from him when I started coaching. When he left Bourgeois, he left me drills and I’d call him and observe him at Nicholls,” Verret said. “He was always there. I’m just happy for him and his team at this point. Yeah, we wanted to win. That’s natural, but it’s Terrebonne Parish versus the state now, and that’s where we go.”

Terrebonne’s Brooke Fonseca (11) and Jacey Mouton (20) attempt to block H.L. Bourgeois’ TaShawna Wesley (6) in District 5-I volleyball action last week. The Lady Tigers swept the Lady Braves for the second consecutive time to clinch the title. * Photo by KYLE CARRIER