Here’s how Calvary advanced to LHSAA basketball championship without its coach
Thanks to the impending birth of his daughter, Calvary boys basketball coach Vic Morris had to find a substitute to run his program Monday afternoon in the LHSAA Select Division I semifinals.
Morris turned to LSUS Hall of Famer Chad McDowell, Calvary’s headmaster, as a fill-in after Stepfionne Morris went into labor at about 9:30 a.m. Monday. McDowell was one of the most successful coaches in LSUS history before moving into administration. He stepped ably back onto the sidelines as the Cavaliers played Catholic-New Iberia with a chance to advance to Friday’s state championship game on the line.
The Cavaliers (23-5) built a solid first-half lead on the Panthers (17-10) and held on late to win 52-47. KJ Kennon led with the way with 14 points and eight rebounds, while Rondae Hill contributed 12 points and seven assists.
“If you tell me my replacement is LSUS Hall of Fame coach Chad McDowell, I’ll say the team is in good hands,” Vic Morris said. “The guy bleeds basketball. He did a great job managing the game. I can’t thank him and my assistant coaches enough.”
Morris was already in Lake Charles Monday morning preparing to coach his team when he received word his wife had gone into labor. He immediately jumped in the car and headed back to Shreveport.
McDowell was forced into service because none of Morris’ assistant coaches are faculty, a requirement of the LHSAA.
Calvary advanced to the title game last season before falling by three points to Southern Lab. This year, the Cavaliers will be playing in a fourth straight title game Friday at 2 p.m. in Lake Charles’ Burton Coliseum, looking for their first title.
“I’m proud of my guys,” Morris said. “I knew they were ready for the moment. The guys never quit. They stick together and find a way to win.”
Jimmy Watson covers Shreveport-Bossier area sports. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: No coach, no problem. Calvary basketball advances to LHSAA title game
