A Legend’s Return
Dewain Strother, a native of Rapides Parish, grew up shooting hoops on dusty courts in Glenmora and Plainview, dreaming of the game that would later shape his destiny.
His early talent earned him a spot as a bench player before he became the starting point guard under O.D. West at Plainview High School, a role that sparked his lifelong love for basketball.
A pivotal moment arrived when his principal, Mike Irving, encouraged him to pursue higher education and even flew him to Northwestern State in a Cessna to take a college entrance test, a gesture that set his path toward coaching.
Strother launched the girls basketball program at Florien High School in the early 1980s, quickly turning it into a powerhouse that captured six state championships and amassed 1,235 victories — the most in Louisiana girls basketball history.
His teams were known for relentless discipline, fundamental mastery, and a philosophy that blended rigorous practice with continuous learning, traits he credited to mentors like Bobby Knight and Geno Auriemma.
Beyond trophies, his players have gone on to become nurses, police officers, and teachers, reflecting a commitment to developing character as much as athletic skill.
After retiring following the 2022‑23 season, Strother made a brief comeback in 2024, a move described by former assistant Angela Anthony as a ‘vengeance’ driven by love for the game.
His upcoming induction into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame will anchor three days of celebrations beginning June 27, 2026, honoring a career that also includes a 48‑0 season and a national ranking of No. 13.