Live Oak freshman win Rhyen Bidasha (10) goes for a layup versus Lindhurst in the 26th Annual Lois Langford Tournament at Live Oak on Wednesday, November 29. Photo by Steven Bryla

 

LIVE OAK, CA (MPG) - The 26th Annual Lois Langford girls’ basketball tournament was held from Wednesday, November 28 through Friday, December 1 where surprises brought smiles to faces.

As the six-team basketball tournament began last Wednesday, the final game of that night celebrated the woman of whom the tournament was named after, Lois Langford.

Langford was brought to sit in center court prior to the final game of the opening night of the tournament between Lindhurst and Live Oak.

Live Oak principal Anthony Walton introduced guest speaker and former Lady Lions head girls basketball coach Greg Sanchez as he gave a heartwarming speech about the countless reasons Langford had the tournament named after her.

Sanchez expressed to the Herald that Langford was chosen for all of the respect she had earned from everyone in the Live Oak from taking tickets at football and basketball games for 43 years to killing everyone with her glorious smile.

As Sanchez presented Langford with a plaque in commemoration for the tournament, Langford had a surprise of about 100 plus family members come out from hiding in the gym.

Langford told the Herald it was an honor to have a tournament named after her and she appreciates the way the Live Oak community is gracious to her.

 

The Lady Lions went 1-2 in the tournament as they beat Lindhurst the opening night before they dropped their next two contests to Central Valley of Shasta Lake and Marysville. 

Live Oak head coach Sharonda Watson told the Herald she is proud of the consistent effort she gets night and night out from her team.

Marysville swept the tournament in easy fashion for the second consecutive year.

The Lady Lions hosted Williams this past Monday night and will host Los Molinos next Monday, December 11.

Live Oak sophomore Larissa Myers (13) dribbles down the floor against Lindhurst on Wednesday, November 29 in the 26th Annual Lois Langford Tournament at Live Oak. Photo by Steven Bryla