By George Mahl-Sports Editor

RCS AAU players do well in Orlando tournament

RESERVE – A 14-under AAU team featuring five incoming players attending Reserve Christian School finished 17 out of 174 teams recently at a tournament held in Orlando. The tournament lasted four eight days.

“I thought we played very well considering we had two injuries,” said coach Todd Simmons.

Along with Simmons was assistant coach Kevin Branch, whose son will attend Reserve Christian in the fall. One of the setbacks occurred when Kerry Henry suffered an asthma attack during the game.

The tournament, held at on six courts at Disneyworld, attracted scouts from all over the country, according to Simmons. With five freshman playing AAU basketball and playing at RCS during the 2003-2004 season, things appear bright for the Class B school.

“I am excited about the future for us, especially for our freshman. I guess we have our own version of the fab five,” said Simmons. RCS begins practice for the upcoming season on September 8.

-By George Mahl

Saints drop openener at Superdome

Led by quaterback Donavan McNabb, the Philadlphis Eagles easily beat the New Orleans Saints in both teams first preseason football game played Monday in the Superdome.

Highlight of the game for the Saints was a 102 yard kickoff return by All-Pro Michael Lewis which as called back due to an early whistle.

Saints play the New York Jest tonight in the Meadowlands.

-By Jerry LePre

St. Charles to hold registration

Fall baseball, football, cheerleader and girls biddy basketball registration will be Saturday, August 23 at Westbank Park Bridge from 9:00-11:00 A.M. Registration make ups will be August 30 at Westbank Bridge Park from 9:00-11:00 A.M. Cut off date for age group is August 1. For more info contact the St. Charles Parish Department of Parks and Recreation at 985-783-5090.

-By George Mahl

Ali vs Martin to box on Coast

Perhaps their biggest female boxing match of all time is coming to Biloxi, August 23 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. Laila Ali, daughter of Muhammed Ali, will battle Christy Martin in a 10-round bout. Tickets start at $15 and are on sale at Ticketmaster. Bell time is 8 p.m.

-By George Mahl

NOAH to hold registration

The NOAH Gators will hold football and cheeleaders registration Monday-Thursday from 5 P.M. – 7 P.M. For ages 7-14 at the Dupont Curve. Please bring birth certificates when registering. For more information please call 651-9002. Multi-family discounts and financing is available.

-By George Mahl

Football officials sought

Do you really love football? Do you still want to be part of the game?

If so, the South Central Football Officials Association are looking for individuals with a love for the sport. Football officials are needed for the High School and Junior High School upcoming season. Areas of coverage will be River Parishes, Laforuche, Terrebonne and St. Mary. If you are interested please contact 985-637-9637.

-By George Mahl

Thunder on River bike run coming soon

The Thunder on the River bike run will be held on Thursday, August 21 in downtown Baton Rouge along the Mississippi River and will feature some of the most nationally acclaimed musicians, along with a fireworks display and local artisans. For more information on this event, call 1-800-LA-ROUGE or visit www.thunderontheriver.com.

-By George Mahl

Crushers to hold softball tryouts

Tryouts for the 2004 Louisiana Crushers 16-U softball team are scheduled for today and tomorrow. Tryouts will be from 9:00 A.M – 1:00 P.M on Saturday and on Sunday from 1:00 P.M – 5:00 P.M. The Crushers will practice during September and play in five fall tournaments before taking a winter break. For more info check out www.crushersfastpitch.org. To be age eligible for the upcoming season you cannot turn 17 prior to January 1, 2004. Call coach Jay at 225-252-7451 for more info.

-By George Mahl