Publishers note: When I first came to Vernon Parish in the late 1970’s, little did I know how many state championships I would witness. I saw the Anacoco Lady Indians’ great run that crossed LHSAA classifications and did not miss a beat. The only one I did not see was the first one in 1967. Thanks to Mr. Billy Crawford for his research and dedication to the history of Vernon Parish.

***************************************************************************************************************
The 1967 Class B State Champions from Anacoco were coached by Venton R. Coburn. They went 39-4, including an unblemished district record of 12-0.

In the state semi-finals of the Sweet 16 in Alexandria, they beat Lawtell, 52-41. Many local fans wanted them to meet Hicks in the finals, but the Lady Pirates fell to Washington in Double/OT, 52-51. This year, area fans know a repeat of that scenario is possible.  Anacoco and Hicks may meet deep in the 2024 playoffs.

In the final game, it was a last-second jump shot that provided the margin of victory in a spine-tingling matchup. The teams went back and forth with twelve ties and a dozen lead changes. Tied at 41 with only six seconds to play, the game turned on a jump shot by Jackie Hawthorne that beat the defending champions, 43-41. Hawthorne finished with 10 points. The Lady Indians were led by Bonnie Marze with 17 and Deborah Parker with 16. The team defensive effort was described as intense.

There would be eight more championships for Anacoco’s girls’ basketball. The 1967 state champs set that bar high and the excellence continues.