October 27, 2016
NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Pelicans have unveiled a dedicated area which pays tribute to the individual boys and girls high school basketball programs across the state of Louisiana in the Smoothie King Center. The display area is located in the northwest entrance at the Pelicans home arena.
The Pelicans and the LHSAA reached out to every high school in the state during the offseason and collected a jersey from each school that elected to participate. While nearly every school has sent a jersey that proudly adorns the wall, the few missing jerseys are in the process of being acquired. Fans attending Pelicans games are encouraged to visit the area to view the collection of school uniforms.
A special section is also dedicated to the reigning state champions in each class of play.
“The state of Louisiana has a proud heritage of highly competitive prep basketball at every level of play and we thought it was most fitting to pay special tribute to the high schools by displaying their jerseys,” said Pelicans President Dennis Lauscha. “We were pleased to see how much the fans attending our opening night game enjoyed looking at all of the different jerseys on display. We recognize the special place that those jerseys have for the people that have and continue to represent their hometowns, as well as the parents, coaches and administrators that play such an important part in providing positive basketball experiences for the student-athletes. We believe that athletics plays an important role in teaching values and important life lessons and fostering teamwork among peers. These jerseys reflect the dedication and determination that those who wore and wear the jerseys of their high schools represent.”