Acadiana Christian School’s girls basketball team won its first game in many years in dominant fashion before a capacity crowd on its home court Tuesday. 

The Lions have been enjoying success in girls sports, winning an ACEL track and field state championship and finishing as runner-up in volleyball and softball. Athletic director Bridgette Boudreaux and coach Carroll Olivier resurrected the girls basketball program, which hammered John Paul The Great 55-26.

“We hinted on starting it last year,” said Olivier, who also coaches football and the boys hoops team. “We had some girls interested. It fell through late, but we knew we’d continue to push hard for it.”

The starting lineup for the opener was eighth-grader Kyla Polk, junior Yvette Olivier, and the sister trio of junior Addy Moore, freshman Kacey Moore and eighth-grader Tylar Moore.

Polk, a transfer from Loreauville where she started on the varsity as a seventh grader, missed her first shot and knocked down her final eight field goals to finish with 18 points, nine rebounds and seven steals.

 “It’s great to see Kyla build her confidence,” Olivier said. “She’s a coach’s dream. She rebounded well and took the pressure off Yvette by finishing around the rim. She’s a big-time player with an extremely high upside.”

Yvette Olivier, a transfer from Highland Baptist, scored 17 points with seven assists and six steals. The point guard, who made five 3-pointers in the win, had been a key player for the HBCS varsity since her seventh grade season.

“It was her decision to transfer,” Carroll Olivier said. “She saw her brother Ty grow and change after coming here. It’s a plus to have her dad here, but it was really about getting to play volleyball again for coach Bridgette.”

Boudreaux was the volleyball coach at HBCS before taking a job at ACS. 

Kacie Moore, who scored eight points with five rebounds and four steals, won five events at the state track and field meet and is a volleyball star as an outside hitter, coach Olivier said. 

“She is always working on her shot, and isn’t afraid to shoot it,” he said.

Tylar Moore, Amari Jackson, Addy Moore, Grace Hebert and Avery Tabb combined for 14 points. Zoe Marcombe, Pariis Williams, Abby Lewis, Abby Olivier and Gracie Broussard all saw action.

“This was Yvette’s first time playing without her older sister (M’Kiyiah),” Olivier said. “She wanted to get all the girls involved. She had seven assists and only four turnovers, which is good for a point guard at any level.”

The roster includes two seniors, four juniors, a sophomore, three freshmen and three eighth-graders. 

“Everybody touched the floor,” Olivier said of his team’s full participation. “That builds momentum and encourages girls to come out for the team. We’re not looking at the score or wins and losses this year. I want them to enjoy it. 

“I do want effort, energy and execution: the three together equal excellence.”

ACS boys 44, JPG 34

The Lions improved to 2-1 overall, 2-0 in district, with a win over the Guardians, who Olivier said are the school’s chief rivals in football and basketball.

Kollin Thibeaux scored 24 points with six steals. Jude Wilder added nine points, seven rebounds and six blocks. Layne Hebert, Brandon Judice and Zachary Lacoste combined for 11 points.

“Landon Decuir played key minutes and helped anchor our defense,” said Olivier, who emphasized the camaraderie on both Lions’ basketball teams.