The column I once wrote asking why Louisiana’s state girls basketball tournament was called the Sweet 16 even though 28 teams compete is long gone.

That column is buried so far into The Advocate’s library system that the casts of “CSI” and “Without a Trace” probably could not find it.

When Commissioner Tommy Henry announced Friday that the Louisiana High School Athletic Association’s Sweet 16 tournament will need a new name for 2007 because of a copyright conflict, I was not surprised. But I also was a little sad.

As a Kentucky native, I certainly understand what the words “Sweet 16” mean to those schools. All schools, regardless of enrollment, are divided into 16 regions. Each region sends only one team to the Kentucky High School Athletic Association’s Sweet 16 tournaments.

My bookshelves have books about legendary boys teams and how they won Kentucky’s Sweet 16 titles dating to the 1920s. I was in high school when the state held its first girls Sweet 16 tournament.

Contrary to popular belief, peach baskets were not used in those first girls games. However, most of the players did wear canvas Converse sneakers. And yes, I had a pair.

The fact the KHSAA has the name Sweet 16 registered came as no surprise. Basketball is big business in Kentucky just like football is in Louisiana.

After all, the two Sweet 16 entities have co-existed for years. Until Friday, I figured I was one of the few people who knew the differences and cared.

Even though the name will change, remember that legacy of girls basketball in Louisiana remains the same. That’s the thought I’m keeping.

The late Sue Gunter of LSU and Baylor coach Kim Mulkey-Robertson lead the list of four who will be honored as Louisiana High School Legends at this week’s Sweet 16 tournament.

Two girls prep coaches, Herman Hill of East Beauregard-Pitkin and John Juneau of Lacassine, will also be honored during a ceremony at 7 p.m. Friday before the start of the Class 1A champioship game.

Gunter, inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in recent months, is being honored for her overall contributions to basketball in Louisiana.

Mulkey-Robertson, a former Hammond High standout, coached Baylor to the national title last season and is being honored for her career as a player and a coach.

Even though his school lost to top-ranked Reserve Christian, 88-54, in the Class C playoffs, Louisiana School of for the Deaf Athletic Director Darren Gremillion had nothing but compliments for the Eagles and their coach, Timmy Byrd.

“I could go on and on about the amount of respect for coach Byrd and his program, but actions speak louder than words,” Gremillion said.

Applicants must be certified and/or highly qualified. Submit applications to Plaquemine Principal Jimmy Newman and PHS Search Committee, 59595 Belleview Rd., Plaquemine, La. 70764.

Parkview Baptist running back David Armstrong and defensive lineman Howie Lake have committed to play for Louisiana College and its new coach, ex-Evangel Christian Academy coach Dennis Dunn.

Also, PBS quarterback Jimmy Rome is set to be a preferred walk-on at Southeastern Louisiana University, according to Parkview Baptist football coach Kenny Guillot.

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