BY DOUG GRAHAM | Staff writer A women's basketball showdown will be staged Thursday night at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, as No. 9 LSU hosts top-ranked South Carolina in a matchup of the past two national champions. ESPN's "College Game Day" pregame show will be on site, and tickets to the contest are going for astronomical prices. Columnist Scott Rabalais writes that the Tigers need a win to sharpen the rivalry. With an 8-0 vote, the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board approved a changing of the guard in the system's leadership on Tuesday, with Adam Smith being named as interim superintendent for the state's second-largest school district. He replaces Sito Narcisse, who announced last week his plans to step down. Smith pledged to work to bridge divisions in the community during his tenure. Camille Elizabeth Morrison is bringing a Baton Rouge touch to this year's Washington Mardi Gras, as the 2022 graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy will rule as queen. Serving as king? New Orleans Saints legend Drew Brees. Read what Morrison said about her experience as queen. | 