Rob Acord is returning to St. Louis Catholic as head coach of the boys basketball program.

Acord has coached at Sam Houston for the last four seasons.

“I began my coaching career at SLC with Rick Lebato,” Acord said. “During my years there we were able to get to the Top 28 and a quarterfinals.

“SLC is rich in basketball history and has had a tremendous amount of success. First and foremost, I am looking forward to coaching at a school where my daughters will attend. Additionally, I am excited to continue the success of the program and building relationships within the SLC community.”

Acord led Sam Houston to the playoffs this season.

“I am beyond thankful for four gratifying years at Sam Houston,” he said. “I had incredible administration, support, colleagues and most importantly young men that gave me their very best on a daily basis which allowed us to do some unprecedented things for Sam Houston. The program moved forward and hopefully they can continue the success in the future.”

SHOOTING STAR: Merryville native and Samford star Andrea Cournoyer-Bailey was named Southern Conference Player of the Year by the conference’s media association.

Cournoyer-Bailey, a senior guard, led the conference in points (17.7) and steals (2.89) per game. She set the school record with 37 points in a game versus Alabama A&M. Samford finished 13-17, including a 7-7 record in conference play.

Cournoyer was also named to the all-conference first team and all-defensive team by conference coaches.

She won the Conference Player of the Year award for the 2020-21 season, her first at Samford after transferring from Louisiana-Lafayette.

SUN BELT STAR: DeRidder native Domonique Davis earned a second consecutive first-team all-conference honor at Southern Mississippi.

Davis, a junior guard, was named to the All-Sun Belt Conference first team after averaging 18 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.0 steals per game. The Eagles went 21-10, finishing third in the Sun Belt with a 13-5 conference record.

Last year Davis was named the Conference USA Newcomer of the Year and a member of the all conference first team after averaging 14.3 points, 4.0 assists and 1.8 steals per game for Southern Miss.

MADNESS MINUTES: Former Hamilton Christian star Michael Thomas appeared in Louisiana-Lafayette’s NCAA Tournament game against Tennessee, which the Volunteers won 58-55.

Thomas, a sophomore guard, played 3 minutes and recorded an assist. He averaged 3.0 points and 2.0 assists per game in 28 games.

NATION’S BEST: Barbe is ranked first in this week’s Collegiate Baseball national poll. The Bucs were 19-0 after beating previously undefeated Sam Houston 3-1 on Thursday in Moss Bluff.

Sulphur (14-2) is ranked 17th in the poll. Catholic-Baton Rouge is ranked 24th, while West Monroe is among the unranked teams to watch.