Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Preview: Mike McConathy

NATCHITOCHES, La. (KALB) - Our preview of the 2026 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Class concludes with Northwestern State’s legendary basketball coach - Mike McConathy!

“It’s a great honor, but that happened because of great staff and great players that participated,” McConathy said. “They bought into what we were trying to do as a team and in the community and everything, so it’s just a group effort.”

McConathy’s 682 wins between his time at Northwestern State and Bossier Parish Community College made him Louisiana’s all-time leader in College wins for men’s and women’s basketball.

“Great honor to be able to come in and take the young men that were here at Northwestern State, putting our stamp on the program,”. McConathy said.

No win in his career was bigger than the famous upset at the 2006 NCAA Tournament over Iowa - the first time the Demons had ever reached the Round of 32.

“To be able to win an NCAA Tournament and I think one of the things that really sticks in my mind when I go back and look at that video of the end of the game is the excitement in the arena when Jermaine Wallace hit the shot,” McConathy recalled. It was amazing to watch the crowd because an underdog, a Cinderella had won.”

Now McConathy gets to celebrate another special milestone close to home

“Having been fortunate enough to be selected in some Hall of Fames, I realize how special that is,” McConathy expressed. “But I also realize that what goes into that. I’ve been here in Natchitoches now for 27 years. Someone from our local town or area is a part of the event. I think it makes us all realize that we truly are connected to the Sports Hall of Fame.”

McConathy and the rest of the 2026 Class will be inducted on June 27 from the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, located at 800 Front Street in Natchitoches.

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