I have worked in the newspaper industry for nearly 17 years, and am enjoying adjusting to life in Mississippi.
I have worked at weekly and daily newspapers in Connecticut (my home) and daily papers in Georgia and Florida. At each stop, I have covered a wide variety of prep and college sports.
My favorite "beats" have been the University of Connecticut women's basketball, men's, and women's soccer teams and the time I spent covering the University of Georgia women's basketball team and many of UGA's non-revenue sports.
My goal as sports editor is to provide the most balanced coverage possible. I want to hear from you. Please let us know what you want to see in your hometown paper. Also, let us know about any story ideas.
Together, we can work to provide the best local sports coverage.
Recent Stories & Articles New Hope develops chemistry on defense11/20/2009 8:51:00 AM The New Hope High School football team has 11 players in it to win it on defense.
Other teams might have faster players or better individual talent, but the Trojans would argue their team chemistry and camaraderie on defense has helped them have one of the best seasons in school history.
Seniors Anthony Nelson and Marquise Coleman are two examples of the kind of mentality New Hope has on defense.
Noxubee County has had Itawamba's number11/20/2009 8:48:00 AM Things get tougher for the Noxubee County football team each time it faces Itawamba Agricultural High School.
The Tigers’ job gets tougher because each victory extends the team’s streak.
Noxubee County has eliminated Itawamba AHS from the playoffs the past two seasons and has won the last four meetings, dating back to 1994.
Lumanu provides MSU women's basketball team with steady hand11/20/2009 8:38:00 AM STARKVILLE — Armelie Lumanu is the perfect player for the 2009-10 Mississippi State women’s basketball team.
The senior from Kinshasa, Congo, is adept at slashing to the basket from the wing or rolling off screens to create opportunities for her teammates.
The 5-foot-9 guard/forward is equally proficient posting guards up on the block and twisting and turning to get a shot off.
Most importantly, Lumanu is comfortable with the basketball in her hands and directing the Lady Bulldogs’ offense.
MSU women roll past Utah Valley11/20/2009 8:02:00 AM STARKVILLE — The Mississippi State women’s basketball team received a passing grade from nearly everyone in its first game as a ranked team in six seasons.
The only person who wasn’t overwhelmed by No. 25 MSU’s 81-35 victory against Utah Valley University before a crowd of 639 at Humphrey Coliseum was coach Sharon Fanning-Otis. Liles believes defense will decide Aberdeen game11/20/2009 7:57:00 AM ABERDEEN — Perry Liles knows the football programs at Charleston and Aberdeen high schools have plenty of similarities.
As a former coach at both schools, Liles had plenty of talented players on both teams. He also grew to be accustomed to a hard-charging style of play at each school.
Given Charleston and Aberdeen have so many things in common, don’t ask Liles to tell you which team will win at 7 tonight when they meet in a Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 3A North Half state semifinal at Lester Miley Stadium.
West Point football team has something prove11/20/2009 7:56:00 AM WEST POINT — Noxubee County and Aberdeen should feel special.
The 2009 edition of Mississippi Sports Magazine singled out the Tigers in Class 4A and the Bulldogs in Class 3A as top teams in each classification in its preseason issue.
In Class 5A, Pearl and Oxford join Wayne County, West Jones, D’Iberville, and Brookhaven, a team to keep an eye on, were listed as the state’s top teams.
Hall leads Columbus basketball team past East Oktibbeha11/18/2009 10:41:00 AM If things go according to plan for Sammy Smith, Michael Hall will play a key role this season in helping the Columbus High School boys basketball team come together.
Hall showed again Tuesday night how he can be a ring leader, scoring a game-high 22 points in a 71-44 victory against East Oktibbeha.
Chy Cunningham earned game-high scoring honors with 26 points to lead the Columbus High girls to a 62-48 victory against East Oktibbeha.
Aberdeen's Hoskins signs basketball scholarship with Alcorn State11/18/2009 10:38:00 AM ABERDEEN — The smile on Jameika Hoskins’ face Tuesday equaled relief.
Hoskins wasn’t as relaxed last Thursday, and Aberdeen High School girls basketball coach Latorrence Bivens could see it in her eyes.
After Hoskins scored 22 points in a victory against Baldwyn, she admitted to Bivens she “had purple and gold on her mind.”
Those colors helped spell relief five days later.
MSU opponent moves up from junior college to Division I11/18/2009 10:32:00 AM Cathy Nixon knows about transitions.
While it’s common for NCAA Division II programs to make the jump to Division I, a junior college never had tried to leap from the NJCAA ranks to Division I competition.
So when Utah Valley University women’s basketball coach Cathy Nixon uses words like “amazing” and “remarkable” to describe the school’s journey, they don’t come close to illustrating what she and the program have overcome to reach the highest level of NCAA play.
MSU women ranked No. 2511/17/2009 11:23:00 AM STARKVILLE — The pieces continue to come together for the Mississippi State women’s basketball team.
An unexpected one was added to the mix Monday when MSU landed at No. 25 in the first Associated Press Top 25 ranking of the regular season. Everything comes together for Aberdeen's Andrews11/17/2009 11:22:00 AM ABERDEEN — One, two, three — Release.
It sounds simple, and it doesn’t always go according to plan, but Aaron Andrews is all about being on time.
When you’re the quarterback of a high-scoring offense like the Aberdeen High School football team, you have to be precise with your movements and read and deliver the football at the right times. New Hope rallies to edge Callaway11/15/2009 12:36:00 AM Michael Bradley seldom is speechless when he talks about football.
But the nature of his team’s come-from-behind 34-33 victory against Callaway on Friday night in the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 5A North Half State playoffs had the fourth-year coach searching for words.
When Bradley got going, though, his words did the game — and his players — justice.
Johnson's role changes on MSU women's basketball team11/15/2009 12:06:00 AM STARKVILLE — Diamber Johnson was ready for a different role this season.
After playing a larger than expected role as a freshman last season, Johnson knew the return of senior guard Marneshia Richard was going to change things.
Johnson realized she probably was going to see fewer minutes, but Richard’s return also was going to give her a chance to earn some valuable on-the-job training in practice against an experienced guard.
But point guards always have to be ready because circumstances can change in an instant.
ESPN begins women's basketball coverage with Tennessee game11/15/2009 12:04:00 AM Women’s basketball fans can rejoice.
ESPN and its family of networks will kick off a schedule of 250 women’s basketball games at 4 p.m. today (ESPN2) when Baylor plays at Tennessee in the State Farm Tip-Off Classic.
The game will be the first of a season filled with women’s basketball on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN360.com and ESPN Full Court.
The schedule will be the biggest ever by the family of networks.
MSU's Kalonda seeks good start to season11/13/2009 9:11:00 AM STARKVILLE — Mississippi State women’s basketball coach Sharon Fanning-Otis hopes to see a lot of smiles from Rima Kalonda this season.
If that’s the case, Fanning-Otis and the Lady Bulldogs will know the senior is feeling fine and is doing her best to contribute.
The 6-foot-3 senior center got off to a good start Sunday when she had 15 points, seven rebounds, and six blocked shots in a 106-34 victory against Division II Arkansas-Monticello in an exhibition game at Humphrey Coliseum.
West Point focuses on winning state championship11/13/2009 9:07:00 AM Ever since the start of practice in August, the Green Wave have been focused on winning a state title.
The championship would be the program’s first since 2005, and it would give seniors like Xavier Hogan and Jeremy Cannon a chance to leave a permanent mark — not one left in magic marker — on the program.
Hogan, Cannon, and the rest of the Green Wave will begin that journey at 7 tonight when they play host to Canton (4-7) in the first round of the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 5A North Half State playoffs.
Hodges out to help Aberdeen extend winning streak11/13/2009 9:05:00 AM ABERDEEN — A 100-plus yard effort last week wasn’t what Victor Hodges expected.
It’s not that the Aberdeen High School junior is hard on himself, it’s just that he knows an “OK” effort isn’t going to help get the job done at playoff time.
“I could have had two touchdowns, but I tripped on one,” Hodges said.
Hodges will try to help Aberdeen (10-2) push its winning streak to 10 at 7 tonight when it plays at Ripley (6-5) in the second round of the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 3A North Half State playoffs.
Williams becomes player for New Hope11/12/2009 9:08:00 AM Ahmad Williams might not want to admit it, but his journey from a football novice to starter on the New Hope High School football team makes for a good story.
Williams, though, isn’t one to boast about his accomplishments, and he is currently writing a book about a battle in a fantasy world, so it will be a while before he takes the time to tell his story in his words. Team concept pushes Noxubee County closer to title11/12/2009 9:07:00 AM MACON — Patrick Patterson and Vincent Sanders have attracted a lot of attention the past two seasons.
A lot of publicity about the Noxubee County High School football team has accompanied the attention the standout wide receivers have generated. Victory Christian overcomes obstacles to win CFA title11/12/2009 9:04:00 AM The wait was worth it for the Victory Christian football team.
In a season that even on its final day nothing seemed to go according to plan, the Eagles took care of business like they thought they would. Jones returns to Golden Triangle as coach at Callaway11/11/2009 9:08:00 AM Daryl Jones likes basketball.
As a coach at Callaway High School in Jackson, Jones is in a perfect spot.
Last year, Callaway beat Forest Hill for the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 4A state title. The Chargers then went on to beat Hinds AHS for the MHSAA/EnviroTurf Grand Slam Championship.
The title added the Jackson area’s reputation as the hotbed for basketball talent.
Jones’ job is to duplicate that success — as the school’s football coach.
Aberdeen girls basketball team manages without Hoskins11/11/2009 9:03:00 AM Jameika Hoskins liked the view from the bench Tuesday night.
Opponents of the Aberdeen High School girls basketball team shouldn’t be comforted, though, because Hoskins doesn’t figure to spend much time there this season.
The senior forward had a seat on the sidelines because she was recovering from flu-like symptoms and first-year coach Latorrence Bivens wanted to give her time to recover.
The Lady Bulldogs didn’t miss a beat without Hoskins and starters Michelle Stewart and Dayana McGee thanks to the play of Janee Hodges and Regina Barker
CLRA youth soccer options continue to grow11/11/2009 8:59:00 AM The soccer options offered by the Columbus-Lowndes Recreation Authority continue to grow.
The success of the CLRA’s Columbus United, a competitive Division II soccer club, has motivated the authority to introduce an Under-8 Developmental Program that will help prepare players for the transition to U-10 play.
The primary goal of the program is to offer players enhanced skill training and challenging conditioning to help prepare them for the move to the next level.
Offensive line helps EMCC pave way to victory11/10/2009 11:09:00 AM SCOOBA — The helmet is far from pristine.
The red outline of a Lion on the side is intact, but the gouges on the top of the white helmet cry out for a paint job — or a break from the action.
But there aren’t any breaks when it comes to protecting a quarterback like Randall Mackey. Wild Rebel could have star of future in Mackey11/10/2009 11:08:00 AM SCOOBA — The Wild Rebel has its next star.
Randall Mackey is still a few months away from officially finding his way to the University of Mississippi, but when he does, coach Houston Nutt could have a quarterback with the potential to shift the Rebels’ offense to a sixth gear. MSU women's cruise to exhibition victory11/10/2009 11:07:00 AM STARKVILLE –– Attack mode is the right way to go for Mary Kathryn Govero, Tysheka Grimes, and the rest of the Mississippi State women's basketball team. Caledonia soccer sweeps New Hope11/10/2009 11:06:00 AM CALEDONIA — It’s only one game, but Brandon Webber showed Monday night he just might have what it takes to challenge Taylor Chisolm’s scoring record.
Webber kicked off the 2009-10 season in style by scoring three goals to lead the Caledonia High School boys soccer team to a 3-1 victory against New Hope in the season opener for both teams. Plant delivers for Lamar County11/10/2009 11:03:00 AM VERNON, Ala. — The playoffs are a chance to shine.
Lamar County’s Marcquis Plant was the latest Bulldog to have his night in the spotlight, and it came at the right time. Starkville football team rallies to edge Columbus11/8/2009 12:41:00 AM There’s something magical about the fourth quarter for Jaquez Johnson and Chuck Tillery when the Starkville High School football team plays Columbus.
A year ago, Johnson connected with Tillery for two touchdown passes to help the Yellow Jackets score 22 unanswered points in the fourth quarter in a come-from-behind victory.
On Friday, there was more riding on the outcome, which made the fourth-quarter heroics even sweeter.
EMCC football team wins first state title11/8/2009 12:22:00 AM SCOOBA — One more drive, one more stop.
The East Mississippi Community delivered on both counts Saturday to make history.
Randall Mackey connected with Lance Lewis on his seventh touchdown pass of the game, and Anthony Hines’ interception with less than a minute to play sealed EMCC’s 75-71 victory against Mississippi Gulf Coast C.C. in the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges title game at Sullivan-Windham Field.
Power forward added to Grimes' repertoire11/8/2009 12:15:00 AM STARKVILLE — The 2009-10 season will be all about change for Tysheka Grimes.
One minute, you likely will see Grimes in the backcourt. The next, she could be at the small forward position, draining 3-pointers from the wing.
The added wrinkle this season will be the Mississippi State women’s basketball team’s desire to use Grimes as a power forward.
At 6-foot, Grimes doesn’t fit the traditional definition of a player who usually is a low-post presence.
EMCC's Hines eager to play in title game11/6/2009 9:23:00 AM Anthony Hines can’t wait to play in his first championship game.
The former Starkville High School product is thankful he will have full use of both of his hands to make the most of the opportunity.
The sophomore defensive back will lead the No. 7 East Mississippi Community College football team against two-time defending state champion and No. 3 Mississippi Gulf Coast (9-1) in the Mississippi Association of Community & Junior Colleges (MACJC) state championship at 2 p.m. Saturday at EMCC’s Sullivan-Windham Field.
EMCC plays Gulf Coast for state championhip11/6/2009 9:21:00 AM The timing is right for East Mississippi Community College.
At 2 p.m. Saturday, the No. 7 EMCC football team will take on two-time defending state champion and No. 3 Mississippi Gulf Coast C.C. for the Mississippi Association of Community & Junior Colleges (MACJC) state championship at EMCC’s Sullivan-Windham Field.
If EMCC President Dr. Rick Young’s dream comes true, the Lions would be able to play host to playoff games and future state title games at a new multi-sport stadium on campus.
West Point bids for unbeaten district record11/6/2009 9:16:00 AM WEST POINT — Tommy Keys and his defensive linemates don’t need an elaborate answer to explain their success.
Like their counterparts on the offensive line, Keys and the rest of the West Point High School defensive linemen have a one-track mind and they explode from there.
“You’ve got to want to first,” Keys said. “Everybody else relies on us because if we get blown back everybody else is going to get blown back.”
Aberdeen ready to make run in playoffs11/6/2009 9:14:00 AM ABERDEEN — Fred Ward and Channing Ward don’t want people to forget about the Aberdeen High School football team.
At the beginning of the season, the Bulldogs were the talk of the area and the state. Many people thought they were going to run the table and secure an easy road to the Class 3A state title game in Jackson.
An injury to starting quarterback Aaron Andrews played a role in an opening-season loss to Class 6A Columbus and a loss to Class 4A Pontotoc in week three, but the Bulldogs have regrouped and are ready to make their playoff run.
Caledonia soccer team begins rebuilding process11/6/2009 9:09:00 AM CALEDONIA — Everything came together last season for Morgan Mansfield and the Caledonia High School boys soccer team.
The first-year coach needed time to mold a senior-laden team into form, but things took off when the pieces solidified.
This season, the Confederates will have to find a way to replace six seniors who played key roles in a 14-5 school-best season and a trip to the Class 4A North Half State title game.
Even though Caledonia won’t be as experienced as it was last season, Mansfield is excited about what his team can accomplish this season.
Heritage Academy coach Allsup likes mix on his team11/6/2009 9:05:00 AM Bruce Allsup likes his mix of players.
Sometimes coaches have the luxury of dealing with senior-laden teams that can adjust to nearly every situation.
Other years, coaches have to take a step back and start fresh with inexperienced squads.
This season, Allsup figures to have a mix of both with his Heritage Academy girls basketball team.
Seniors Madison Ford, Morgan Lott, and Carolina Borland will lead a 12-player team that features four juniors and five sophomores.
Central Academy's Eaves has game to remember11/5/2009 10:30:00 AM Everything came together Friday night for Trevor Eaves.
It was motivation enough that Eaves and the Central Academy football team had to face archrival Kemper Academy on Senior Night in their regular-season finale.
The game carried added motivation because Kemper Academy knocked Central Academy out of the playoffs last season.
To make matters even bigger, the Vikings needed a victory to help force a tie atop the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools eight-man District I standings.
Pounders lands record 'river monster'11/5/2009 10:26:00 AM Joey Pounders usually is prepared for anything when he is out on the water.
But Pounders was lounging Monday with his feet propped up on his 20-foot pontoon boat enjoying a relaxing afternoon.
A tug on the line of his seven-foot pole changed that. Victory Christian one win from repeat11/5/2009 10:24:00 AM A variety of weapons has helped the Victory Christian football team overcome an assortment of obstacles this season.
Like many of the other teams in the state of Mississippi, the Eagles have dealt with enough rain to last five seasons. The rain has left Victory Christian’s home field — as well as many of its opponents’ fields — a soggy mess. Ole Miss women focused on finishing this season11/5/2009 10:23:00 AM BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Renee Ladner wants to make sure her players finish what they start this season.
A year ago, the University of Mississippi women’s basketball team lost eight games by nine points or less. Six of those games, including a one-point loss to perennial power Tennessee in Knoxville, Tenn., came against Southeastern Conference opponents. Central Academy to play three-way tiebreaker11/4/2009 2:21:00 PM Central Academy, Veritas, and Calvary Christian decided to Monday to settle things on the field.
Tied atop Mississippi Association of Independent Schools eight-man District I standings with 4-1 records, the teams had planned to use a coin flip Monday to decide the two teams that would advance to the playoffs.
But the teams instead will play a three-way tiebreaker at 5 p.m. today at East Central Community College to decide which teams will represent the district in the playoffs.
New Hope's Stillman plays through pain11/4/2009 8:22:00 AM Toughness and commitment are one to Seth Stillman.
It’s something he thinks about when he is on the field and in pain Friday nights with his “brothers” on the New Hope High School football team.
As difficult as it is for Stillman, a senior linebacker, to describe the intensity of that pain, he is somehow able to compartmentalize that feeling and allow his leadership skills to take over.
At no time did Stillman’s presence on the field mean more than it did on Friday night in New Hope’s game against Hernando at Trojan Field.
MSU's Richard may miss season again11/4/2009 8:19:00 AM The Mississippi State women’s basketball team is back in a familiar place.
Unfortunately, it’s a situation Marneshia Richard would have liked to have avoided.
But on Oct. 22 the senior point guard, who missed all of last season recovering from a knee injury, suffered what could be another season-ending knee injury.
Heritage Academy's Ford finalist for award11/3/2009 3:55:00 PM Madison Ford’s busy schedule is making national news.
The Heritage Academy senior learned a few weeks ago from classmate Morgan Lamb that she is one of 20 of scholar-athletes from the state of Mississippi who is a finalist for the 2009 Wendy’s High School Heisman Award program.
More than 50,000 seniors applied nationwide and from that group, 10,848 school winners were selected. The 20 Mississippi state finalists were chosen from these winners.
Local athletes compete in New York City Marathon11/3/2009 3:53:00 PM The Golden Triangle was well represented Sunday at the 40th edition of the New York City Marathon.
Six local athletes competed and finished the 26.2-mile event that featured a field of nearly 44,000 competitors that ran through New York’s five boroughs — Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan.
Columbus’ Brad Atkins and his wife, Melissa, posted the best finishes of any local runners. Brad finished 807th with a time of 2 hours, 58.01 seconds, while Melissa had a personal-best time of 3:56.15.
New Hope outlasts Hernando in overtime11/1/2009 12:39:00 AM Championship programs are made of this.
The New Hope High School football team still has work to do before it earns a title, but it showed Saturday night it just might have the mettle to be a state contender.
Terrance Dentry scored on a 1-yard plunge on fourth down in overtime and the Trojans’ defense swarmed Brandon Dennis on the final play to seal a 35-27 victory at Trojan Field.
Heritage Academy's Ledbetter earns All-State honor11/1/2009 12:24:00 AM A slow course wasn’t enough to prevent McGee Ledbetter from earning All-State honors.
The Heritage Academy junior cross country runner finished fourth Monday with a time of 19 minutes, 3 seconds at the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Class AAA boys 5-Kilometer run at the Choctaw Trails course used by Mississippi College.
Starkville Academy’s Joseph MacGown was second in the Class AAA meet with a time of 18:52. Jackson Prep’s Daniel Lang won the race in 18:29.
Noxubee County gets ninth shutout of season10/30/2009 9:13:00 AM MACON — The Noxubee County High School football team is ready for the postseason.
Judging from the left right side of the scoring column, the defense is primed and raring to go.
The Tigers secured a perfect record in Class 4A, Region 4, District 4 on Thursday night with a 42-0 victory against Caledonia at Tiger Stadium.
West Point can take step toward district title10/30/2009 9:07:00 AM WEST POINT — It’s all about a mind-set for the West Point High School football team.
While some teams revel in the precision pass routes of a spread offense, the Green Wave prefer the direct approach.
It might not be elaborate, but you better may sure your helmet is on tight because the first thing your defense will see when you play West Point is a fast-charging, hard hitting offensive line that is focused on clearing running lanes.
Miller helps build Noxubee County into power10/29/2009 8:35:00 AM MACON — The toothpick and straw hat have become his trademarks.
Noxubee County High School football coach M.C. Miller can roll a toothpick in his mouth as he shouts instructions to his players or as he talks to a reporter.
The straw hat usually remains atop his head to cover his graying hair and his salt-and-pepper beard. Victory Christian offensive linemen have special skills10/29/2009 8:17:00 AM There is something special about offensive linemen.
Typically, the behemoths up front toil in the trenches to clear paths for darting running backs and scampering quarterbacks and seldom receive any accolades.
There is something even more special about offensive linemen in eight-man football. Miller emerges as go-to player for Raiders10/29/2009 8:16:00 AM WEST POINT — Doss Miller didn’t have time to think.
On one play, Jake Orman was in his usual spot as running back.
The next play, Orman was on the sideline nursing a shoulder injury.
A change of possession gave Miller time to process the fact he now was the Oak Hill Academy’s go-to running back, but it didn’t make the thought of taking on that role any easier. Columbus High School's Jackson takes initiative10/28/2009 9:37:00 AM The fire has been burning inside Chris Jackson for a number of years.
Eighth grade. Losing season. Ninth grade. Losing season. Eleventh grade losing season.
This year was supposed to be different for the Columbus High School football team. The Falcons were a year older and a year wiser and were more comfortable with the ways of veteran coach Buddy Davis and his assistants.
The season started fast with an overtime victory against Aberdeen in Columbus, but the Falcons couldn’t maintain that momentum.
Porter, New Hope playing for second in region10/28/2009 9:29:00 AM Service and commitment are important words to Ben Porter.
Growing up in a family with a proud history of military service for this country, Porter hopes to follow that path by joining the United States Naval Academy.
Before gets to that crossroads in his life, Porter and the New Hope High School football team have some unfinished business to take care of this season.
Porter and the Trojans will play host to Hernando (7-2, 4-1 Class 5A, Region 1, District 2) at 7 p.m. Friday in their final home game of the regular season.
Bradford does it all at QB for Bulldogs10/27/2009 10:40:00 AM VERNON, Ala. — Don’t let Michael Bradford fool you.
He might not be the biggest or fastest player. He probably also isn’t the best passing quarterback.
But Bradford enjoys proving people wrong. EMCC optimistic about start of basketball seasons10/27/2009 10:39:00 AM Mark White and Sharon Thompson have plenty of reasons to be optimistic.
The East Mississippi Community College men’s and women’s basketball coaches will share that optimism at 6 p.m. Wednesday when they play host to “EMCC Madness” at the Keyes T. Currie Coliseum in Scooba. Admission is free. Richard plans to do more than watch this season10/27/2009 10:37:00 AM BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Marneshia Richard did everything she could last year to help the Mississippi State women’s basketball team.
She cheered, she encouraged, she offered advice, and she provided leadership.
Richard did all that as she watched ... and watched ... and watched. Kosciusko keeps Caledonia winless10/24/2009 10:23:00 PM CALEDONIA — One play can affect an entire game.
If you execute, one play can keep a drive alive and lead to a momentum-building effort.
If you fail to execute, that one play can lead to a spiraling confluence of events that can sap any team’s spirit. New Hope continues playoff pursuit10/23/2009 8:20:00 AM The “practice” jerseys survived.
More importantly, the New Hope High School football team escaped Saltillo last week with a 6-0 victory.
The win in conditions New Hope High coach Michael Bradley likened to the “worst pigpen” he had ever seen helped the Trojans continue their march toward a No. 2 seed in Class 5A, Region 1 and the opportunity to play a first-round North State playoff game at home.
New Hope (6-1, 3-1 region) will try to take another step closer to securing its postseason fate at 7 tonight when it travels to Clarksdale (3-5, 2-2).
Victory hosts Tuscaloosa Christian for homecoming10/23/2009 8:14:00 AM So much for being rusty.
After four weeks of practicing, watching, and waiting to get back on the field for a Friday night game, the Victory Christian football team returned to action last week with a 66-16 victory against North River Christian in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
The victory pushed the Eagles to 7-0 and set the stage for their homecoming game at 7 tonight against Tuscaloosa Christian. That game likely will determine the top seeds for the Christian Football Association playoffs, which will begin next week.
Noxubee bids to extend shutout streak against Louisville10/23/2009 8:11:00 AM MACON — The Noxubee County High School football team’s defense never rests.
At practice last season, the Tigers’ defense had to find ways to stop quarterback Termarcus Conner and a high-octane offense that featured wide receivers Patrick Patterson, Teddy Young, Vincent Sanders and others and a host of other weapons.
This year, Patterson has moved on to the University of Mississippi and a number of the Tigers’ 2008 stalwarts on offense and defense are now playing football in college.
West Oktibbeha rallies past East Oktibbeha in overtime10/23/2009 7:34:00 AM MABEN — You gotta believe.
The tears on Dwight Quinn’s face Thursday night showed just how much he and his West Oktibbeha High School football teammates believe.
Trailing by 18 points early in the third quarter, the Timberwolves used a punt return for a touchdown by Quinn to change the momentum.
From there, West Oktibbeha dominated the rest of the second half and carried that energy into the first overtime.
Columbus football team hopes to begin winning streak10/22/2009 8:57:00 AM Bubba Davis hopes last week was just the beginning.
The Columbus High School football coach will find out Friday if the Falcons have started a trend when they play host to Horn Lake at 7 p.m. in a Class 6A, Region 1 game at Columbus Stadium.
Columbus (2-6, 1-3 region) is coming off a 12-7 victory against DeSoto Central that snapped its 10-game losing streak in region games. Sophomore running back Damian Baker rushed for a career high 224 yards and two touchdowns to help keep the Falcons in contention for one of the top four spots in the region and a playoff berth.
East-West Oktibbeha rivalry game could decide playoff spot10/21/2009 9:19:00 AM MABEN — Numbers don’t tell the whole story at East and West Oktibbeha high schools.
If they did, the schools’ football teams would be doomed for failure. MSU women picked No. 5 in SEC10/21/2009 9:18:00 AM There is shared optimism about the Mississippi State women’s basketball team.
Members of the Southeastern Conference and national media picked MSU to finish fifth in the Southeastern Conference this season and selected senior guard Alexis Rack as a member of the All-SEC preseason first team on Tuesday. Better late than never for champs10/20/2009 11:18:00 AM There’s only one thing better than winning a North State championship.
The Hamilton and New Hope High School slow-pitch softball teams experienced that feeling Saturday at the V.A. Fields in Jackson when they won the Class 2A and Class 5A championships, respectively. Confidence helps CHS' Baker make impact10/20/2009 11:15:00 AM Damian Baker hoped he could make an impact.
A year ago, Baker was a go-to player on the Columbus High School freshman team.
But the step up to the varsity level requires a faster step and a stronger step. Thunder and lightning leads Hebron past Immanuel10/20/2009 9:49:00 AM PHEBA — Effective running back tandems should have nicknames.
Hebron Christian’s Ryan Pinnix and Marques Robinson are no different.
You likely could add J.D. Edwards to the mix and create a three-headed monster that is even more dangerous. Hamilton softball team shows it can win title on bigger field10/18/2009 12:18:00 AM JACKSON — The question whispered Saturday morning at the V.A. Fields was a good one.
Could a Hamilton High School slow-pitch softball team that used so many home runs to get to the state title series generate enough offense on a field with a fence 300 feet away?
Hamilton coach Lewis Earnest wondered the same thing as his team warmed up to face Enterprise.
New Hope softball team wins state title for three-peat10/18/2009 12:13:00 AM JACKSON — Tabitha Beard was concerned.
After watching her New Hope High School slow-pitch softball team blitz Brookhaven 10-0 in game one of its Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 5A state title series, Beard and the Lady Trojans had to wait 50 minutes before the start of game two.
Beard grew a little more anxious as she watched New Hope struggle at the plate and fall behind by three runs midway through the second game.
While Beard’s concern was justified, it proved to be unnecessary.
Loftis will realize dream on Aberdeen football field10/16/2009 9:08:00 AM ABERDEEN — The dreams come a little slower to Don Loftis these days.
The landscape around town has changed some, too, but the memories remain.
It’s easy to recall many of them when Loftis thinks about former Aberdeen High School football coach Thomas Pierce’s name affixed to the wall of the football team’s dressing room/weight room.
Win would push New Hope closer to playoff berth10/16/2009 9:06:00 AM One week isn’t enough to satisfy Michael Bradley.
Yes, the New Hope High School coach was pleased that the Trojans blocked better Saturday in a 32-21 Class 5A Region 1 victory at Lake Cormorant.
Bradley also enjoyed watching his team overcome less than ideal playing conditions to execute a game plan that helped the Trojans improve to 5-1 and 2-1 in the region.
But Bradley has been fond of saying this year that “no win is more important than another.”
Davis believes time is coming for Columbus High football team10/16/2009 9:04:00 AM Bubba Davis knows the time is coming.
Unfortunately, the Columbus High School football coach can’t give his players and all of the school’s fans the exact date.
The “date” in this instance is when the Columbus High football program will reverse its fortunes.
The Falcons’ losing streak stretched to six last week with a 53-7 loss to South Panola. The loss generated a little more negativity on Internet chat rooms from people who don’t think the Columbus High football program is on the right track.
Aberdeen's Andrews overcomes injury to hear cheers again10/16/2009 8:58:00 AM ABERDEEN — All Aaron Andrews hears now is applause.
It wasn’t always that way for the Aberdeen High School senior quarterback.
After suffering an ankle injury in the Bulldogs’ season-opening loss to Columbus High, Andrews jumped right back into the fray against Pontotoc in week three of the season.
A 21-14 loss to Class 4A Pontotoc didn’t sit well with the people of Aberdeen, who had dreamed in the preseason of a possible undefeated run and a march to a Class 3A state title.
Hebron Christian needs win to enhance playoff chances10/16/2009 8:56:00 AM Greg Watkins isn’t going to hide the truth from his players.
Instead, the Hebron Christian football coach has been upfront with the Eagles and told them they have to beat Immanuel Christian at 7:30 tonight in a Mississippi Association of Independent Schools A District 3 game if they want to make the playoffs.
The Eagles’ job still wouldn’t be done if they accomplish that goal.
Hebron Christian (2-5, 0-1) then would have to beat Winona Christian, which is 2-0 in the district, to force a possible three-way tie atop the district with Central Holmes.
Foster becomes stalwart on defense for Itawamba CC10/16/2009 8:49:00 AM C.J. Foster is delivering on his promise.
Months before the start of his sophomore season at Itawamba Community College, Foster said he knew it wasn’t “play time anymore,” and that he was focused on making an impact at linebacker.
Foster went on to say he was going to “clock in and clock out” and go to work every day to help the Indians have a successful season.
Even though ICC (2-5) has struggled to put everything together this year, Foster has been a stalwart on defense. The former West Point High School standout is fourth on the team with 39 total tackles and second on the team with six tackles for loss.
Practice tips off high expectations for MSU women's basketball team10/16/2009 8:29:00 AM STARKVILLE — It’s time for the Mississippi State women’s basketball team to face its expectations.
The anticipation for the 2009-10 season has been building at Mississippi State since March when the Lady Bulldogs ended a 23-10 season with a loss to Ohio State in the second round of the NCAA tournament.
The NCAA tournament appearance was the program’s first since the 2002-03 season, and its 23 victories were the third most in a season.
Ellis driving force on EMCC defense10/15/2009 8:12:00 AM Alvin Ellis was accustomed to running over and past defenders in high school.
While he spent some time playing free safety, Ellis spent the most of his career at Columbus High School as a running back who used his speed to give opponents fits. New Hope, Hamilton will play for North Half State titles10/15/2009 8:11:00 AM The New Hope High School slow-pitch softball team has picked the right time of the season to break out the big bats.
Now the Lady Trojans have to find a way to keep it going for two more series. Heritage Academy will try again to snap skid10/15/2009 8:07:00 AM The season isn’t over for the Heritage Academy football team.
A five-game losing streak has erased a lot of the optimism from the Patriots’ 3-0 start, but coach Brad Butler doesn’t want his players to pack up the gear just yet. Starkville's Johnson putting pieces together10/13/2009 10:45:00 AM STARKVILLE — Jaquez Johnson knew the Starkville High School football team’s first four games this season were going to be a challenge.
Johnson never imagined, though, that he and the Yellow Jackets would be as frustrated as they were after losses to Noxubee County, Louisville, Meridian, and West Point. Overconfidence not a problem for Noxubee County football team10/13/2009 10:08:00 AM MACON — Overconfidence never has been a problem for the Noxubee County High School football team.
Instead of talking about what they’re going to do, the Tigers rely on a swarming defense that is lightning quick and an offense that can strike from anywhere at anytime to produce results.
The return of senior wide receiver/quarterback Vincent Sanders from a broken jaw last week figures to give the Tigers the missing piece that could help them defend their Class 4A state title.
Pickens County gets by without Jones10/11/2009 3:24:00 PM REFORM, Ala. — No one wanted Dominique Jones to go down.
But a hush came over G.S. Spruill Stadium when the Pickens County High School senior running back/wide receiver went down with a hip pointer in the second quarter against American Christian Academy. Houston hands Caledonia another shutout loss10/11/2009 3:22:00 PM CALEDONIA — The building process continues for Buz Boyer.
The good thing about playing in Class 4A, Region 4, District 4 is Boyer, the Houston High School football coach, can test his Hilltoppers against some of the state’s premier programs. Hamilton softball slugs way to North Half State final10/11/2009 3:18:00 PM HAMILTON — The Lady Lions love the long ball.
Buoyed by an eight-home run evening, the Hamilton High School slow-pitch softball team defeated East Union 15-8 and 14-5 in a best-of-three Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 2A North Half State playoff series. New Hope's McCrary moving on after losing her father10/10/2009 11:40:00 PM It starts with a special mark in the dirt.
Anna McCrary’s bat touches the earth and draws the sign of a cross. She then touches the center of it to remind herself of her bond with God.
She also remembers her father. New Hope football team will play game Saturday10/9/2009 9:28:00 AM There’s not much routine about a three-hour, 200-mile trip for a high school football game.
So when you change a season’s worth of plans and move the date for that trip back a date, there are bound to be problems.
Coach Michael Bradley and the New Hope High School Trojans will hope to avoid those potential pitfalls at 5 p.m. Saturday when they take on Class 5A, Region 1, District 2 rival Lake Cormorant.
Brantley helps New Hope softball team advance in state playoffs10/9/2009 9:18:00 AM Brandi Brantley knows she doesn’t hit the middle of the softball every at-bat.
But the junior first baseman/pitcher has come a long way since last season when she only played defense on the New Hope High School slow-pitch softball team’s run to another state title.
This year, Brantley has hit her way into the lineup — as cleanup hitter — and hopes to help the Lady Trojans add a 12th state crown to their resume.
Seniors pave way for Victory Christian volleyball team10/9/2009 9:14:00 AM Senior leadership is particularly valuable when you’re not sure if your team is going to have a coach.
That’s the situation seniors Erin Williams, Caitlin Osterman, Kathryn Scarbrough, Sarah Simpson, Heather Wells, and newcomer Nicky Croft faced in August as they faced the start of another season.
The seniors did their best to keep everyone working and focused on the start of the season until Dale Latham was chosen as a volunteer coach to replace David Johnson.
East Mississippi football team fitting pieces of puzzle together10/9/2009 9:12:00 AM Buddy Stephens is lucky.
The East Mississippi Community College football coach has a All-America quarterback (Randall Mackey) and a running back with Division I potential (former Starkville High standout Pat Shed).
But as well as those two have played this season, they are just two pieces to a puzzle that is coming together for the Lions.
When Stephens factors in a talented cast of receivers, led by Bill Franks and Stephon Johnson, and an equally skilled and experienced offensive line, it’s easy to see why the Lions are 5-1 and 3-0 in the MACJC.
Columbus will take on South Panola tonight10/8/2009 10:26:00 AM Tonight or Friday doesn’t matter to Columbus High School football coach Bubba Davis.
Either way, the Falcons were going to have to be ready to play state power South Panola, so why not take care of it one day earlier.
“My feeling is that we will play them right now,” Davis said Wednesday morning. Right attitude has been key for Caledonia volleyball10/8/2009 10:24:00 AM It’s all about the attitude for the Caledonia High School volleyball team.
Defending a 30-foot section of court with six players doesn’t sound like a difficult proposition.
But if the players don’t know the details that go into playing each position it’s likely they won’t be able to work as a unit. Victory Christian won't play for fourth week in a row10/8/2009 10:23:00 AM Bowl season doesn’t begin for another two months.
But the past four weeks have lasted just as long for Chris Hamm and his Victory Christian football team. Pope fondly recalls when New Hope ended Hamilton's winning streak10/7/2009 11:19:00 AM Streaks are part of Northeast Mississippi’s football history.
But before South Panola High School football team claimed the honor of holding the state’s longest winning streak, that honor belonged to coach Jimmie Moore’s Hamilton Lions.
Moore’s Lions, who accomplished the unbelievable feat of going through the 1977 season without allowing a point, went on two years later to start a winning streak that stretched to 51 games until Oct. 7, 1983, when coach Rudy Pope’s New Hope High Trojans ended the run with a 35-14 victory in Columbus.
Curry shines on both sids of field for Pickens County10/6/2009 11:19:00 AM REFORM, Ala. — Scott Marchant has a dilemma.
The Pickens County High School football coach has a talented quarterback to direct his team’s high-powered passing offense.
The former defensive coordinator also has an athlete versatile enough to play a hybrid safety-linebacker position.
Problem is, that player is Deion Curry. Defense helps West Point beat New Hope in district matchup10/5/2009 2:59:00 PM Their jerseys are old school.
The big, bold green numbers 30 and 66 on white jerseys stare down opponents.
It’s simple and clean, even without the players’ names on the back of the jerseys.
On Friday night, Jamal Petty and Vontarrius Dora made a statement wearing those numbers. Aberdeen volleyball wins in first round of Class I tournament10/5/2009 2:55:00 PM ABERDEEN — It might be simplistic, but it all starts with the serve for the Aberdeen High School volleyball team.
But when the Lady Bulldogs serve as well as they did Saturday, they’re bound to have success. Wannek scores to enable MSU soccer team to splash to tie10/5/2009 9:08:00 AM STARKVILLE — Splishing, splashing, and sploshing aren’t typical ingredients of a soccer match.
But Rachel Wannek has experienced enough of those moments to feel right at home playing in inclement weather.
The freshman showed Sunday just how comfortable she is in bad weather and on soggy fields when she scored on a 25-yard free kick in the second half to help the Mississippi State women’s soccer team earn a 1-1 overtime tie against No. 8 South Carolina at the MSU Soccer Field.
Aberdeen's Love commits to play football at Mississippi State10/5/2009 9:06:00 AM Jamerson Love didn’t need another game to help him make his decision.
The Aberdeen High School senior running back had already decided on a college before attending Mississippi State’s game against No. 25 Georgia Tech in Starkville on Saturday.
All Love had to do then was wait to make his announcement.
Georgia Tech’s 42-31 victory didn’t deter Love from informing MSU coach Dan Mullen that he wanted to make a verbal commitment to become a Bulldog.
Aberdeen police to retire official's ticket to file10/2/2009 9:37:00 AM ABERDEEN — The Northeast Mississippi Officials Association, the Aberdeen Police Department and Aberdeen High School resolved differences Wednesday that stemmed from an incident last week at an Aberdeen High home football game. Hamilton's Tucker has positive outlook on life, effect on kids10/2/2009 8:33:00 AM HAMILTON — Change doesn’t faze Robert Herman Tucker.
Whether it has been as a teacher, coach, or parent, Tucker has seen offenses and defense come and go. He has worked his share of jobs, including stints in the auto parts manufacturing business and in the insurance industry. He also has had his share of health issues, including a quintuple-bypass heart surgery last February. Central Academy softball team meets Wayne in state playoffs10/2/2009 7:54:00 AM MACON — Marion Colvin didn’t back down.
After playing four games at the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Class A State tournament, Colvin didn’t have time to be tired — or nervous.
The only thing Colvin thought about was beating Delta Academy.
“Mr. Pres (Dawkins) said, ‘You have got the mound this game. Are you ready? I told him, ‘Yes sir,’ ” Colvin said. “I told him I was going to pitch my best and get us to state.”
Caledonia volleyball team benefits from working hard10/2/2009 7:52:00 AM CALEDONIA — Kara Von Kanel and Sunnie Rushing wondered if all of the work was worth it.
Through the start of preseason in the summer and a season filled with long practices and work on fundamentals, the members of the Caledonia High School volleyball never really considered the payoff that would result from all of their hard work.
But when the Lady Confederates started having fun and piling up the victories, they soon discovered why coach Samantha Brooks had put them through the paces earlier in the season.
Columbus football team still learning on the job10/2/2009 7:46:00 AM Each step is a learning process for the Columbus High School football team.
Last week, the Falcons experienced an especially painful lesson in a 10-6 home loss to Tupelo in their Class 6A, Region 1, District 2 season opener.
Columbus coach Bubba Davis said the loss hurt his players so much because he felt they went into the game thinking they were good enough to win and that they should win.
Things didn’t turn out that way.
New Hope's Wells turns life around to help football team10/2/2009 7:43:00 AM The “thug” life was the life for Jeremy Wells.
As a freshman at New Hope High School, trouble found Wells much too often.
Without his brother, Jonquez, a running back on the New Hope High football team, around to help look after him, Jeremy admitted to falling in with the wrong group.
It wasn’t until his sophomore year when Wells discovered he was academically ineligible to play football that he realized he needed to change.
Hamilton's Reeves commits to Ole Miss10/1/2009 9:25:00 AM HAMILTON — Chase Reeves didn’t have a plan in mind last weekend.
The Hamilton High School junior was content to visit Mississippi State and the University of Mississippi and to listen to what the coaches had to say about their schools and their baseball programs.
But after shaking off the initial surprise of receiving a scholarship offer, Reeves’ plan changed immediately. Bad call? Football refs may not show up for Aberdeen game9/30/2009 10:24:00 AM Aberdeen High School’s ability to serve as host Friday night to Winona for the teams’ scheduled football game could be in question after an incident last week involving a football official and members of the Aberdeen Police Department. King returns from injury to lead Alabama soccer team past MSU9/30/2009 7:49:00 AM STARKVILLE — The timing was perfect for Todd Bramble.
Facing the prospect of playing three matches in six days, the University of Alabama women’s soccer coach wanted to substitute liberally Tuesday night against Mississippi State.
The return of junior forward Kelly King from a high ankle sprain couldn’t have come at a better time.
In her first game of the 2009 season, King proved her timing was pretty good, too.
Starkville, Heritage see seasons end at North Half tournament9/29/2009 10:50:00 AM STARKVILLE — Slower was better for Lyndsey Haynes.
The Starkville Academy senior pitcher’s use of the changeup nearly helped make Monday an all-day affair for the Lady Volunteers.
As it turned out, Haynes almost pitched Starkville Academy out of the losers’ bracket and into a berth in the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools AAA state tournament. East Webster's Patterson Player of Week9/29/2009 10:49:00 AM MABEN — Ledrick Patterson is a fast learner.
Even though Patterson has been a member of the East Webster High School varsity football program for four years, he never played quarterback before this season. Troupe's return sparks Hamilton9/26/2009 10:07:00 PM HAMILTON — Latedrick Troupe knew he had to make something happen.
Problem was, he didn’t have the football and he was running away from his end zone.
To make matters worse, the Hamilton High School running back was tracking back on a wet field and being chased by a handful of Caledonia High players eager to make a game-changing play. Oak Hill softball team loses to be No. 2 seed in district9/25/2009 8:15:00 AM WEST POINT — Memrie Corley didn’t waver.
Clinging to a one-run lead, the Carroll Academy sophomore pitcher had just allowed a double to Maegen Ellis in the top of the sixth inning.
She then uncorked a wild pitch that allowed Ellis to move to third base with only one out.
The jam was right where Corley wanted to be.
Central Academy, Hebron Christian softball teams in North State tournament9/25/2009 8:11:00 AM The Central Academy fast-pitch softball team has accomplished one of its goals.
Now it’s time for the Lady Vikings to take the next step.
Fresh off an undefeated district run, Central Academy will travel Saturday to Cleveland to play in the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools North Half A tournament at Bayou Academy.
Hebron Christian, which earned the No. 2 seed out of District 3A, will join Central Academy (17-4) at the tournament, which kicks off with games at 10:30 a.m.
Caledonia's Boykin deals with having an under-manned staff9/25/2009 8:07:00 AM CALEDONIA — David Boykin is a positive person who loves football.
One of the things he enjoys most about coaching is the camaraderie members of a staff develop breaking down film, working at practice, or developing new schemes and strategies.
While there are formations and plays sketched out on the dry erase board to his left, Boykin often finds himself alone in the coaches office in the Caledonia High School field house.
Loss causes Noxubee County football team to make changes9/25/2009 7:57:00 AM The time to be disappointed at Noxubee County High School has ended.
A week ago, West Point defeated Noxubee County 20-12 to end the Tigers’ 18-game winning streak.
The rain-soaked loss featured an inconsistent performance by the offense that left coach M.C. Miller open to changes for his team’s game against Memphis (Tenn.) Sheffield.
Heritage football team looks to bounce back from MRA loss9/25/2009 7:54:00 AM Sometimes the results don’t show on the scoreboard.
Brad Butler and the Heritage Academy football team felt that way last week after a 28-10 loss to Madison Ridgeland Academy.
Heritage Academy held MRA to negative yards in the first quarter and had several scoring chances on short fields, but it couldn’t convert.
The loss left Butler and his players wondering what could have been.
Columbus football team hosts Tupelo in district opener9/25/2009 7:52:00 AM It’s time for the Columbus High School football team to prove their coach right.
Bubba Davis has said repeatedly through the first five weeks of the season that the Falcons are improving and that it is a matter of time before they put things together.
No time could be better than at 7:30 tonight when Columbus kicks off its Class 6A, Region 1, District 2 schedule against Tupelo.
Columbus (1-3) has lost three in a row since a season-opening home victory against Aberdeen.
Baldner, Tyler lead MSU soccer team into SEC play9/25/2009 7:50:00 AM Leanna Baldner knows Hannah Tyler doesn’t have a problem being vocal.
In fact, if a poll was taken of the Mississippi State soccer team, Tyler would likely be named the most outgoing player on the squad.
On the other hand, Baldner is a quiet, lead-by-example player or, as she likes to put it, “more relaxed.”
Despite their differences in style, Baldner and Tyler have teamed to play integral roles in MSU’s success this season.
New Hope will travel to Oxford for district opener9/24/2009 11:09:00 AM Michael Bradley can’t wait for Friday night.
Through the offseason and the preseason, Bradley developed more and more confidence that the New Hope High School football team could have a special season in 2009. Starkville Academy softball beats Heritage Academy9/24/2009 11:08:00 AM STARKVILLE — The softball field at Starkville Academy has been a second home for Lyndsey Haynes.
Ever since she arrived at the school as a seventh-grader, Haynes has been a fixture in the circle. Trojans' Dentry working back to '08 form9/22/2009 9:18:00 AM Terrance Dentry is trying to find himself.
The New Hope High School junior running back isn’t experiencing an identity crisis.
Instead, he is attempting to return to the form that helped him rush for more than 1,000 yards and nearly score 20 touchdowns. Aberdeen will name gym for Hazzle9/22/2009 9:14:00 AM Roy Hazzle is synonymous with Aberdeen High School.
He graduated from the school in 1971 and returned there six years later to work as a teacher.
Hazzle has impacted the lives of thousands of teenagers in his more than 30 years at Aberdeen High. West Point ends Noxubee County's streak9/19/2009 11:30:00 PM MACON — Michael Carr couldn’t look up.
With teammate Curtis Virges pensively looking on by his side, standing guard to prevent anyone from entering their space, Carr stared at the turf at Shannon High School.
Around him, members of the West Point High School football team tried to digest a 27-20 loss in their season opener Aug. 21. Heritage, West Lowndes look to atone for bad games9/18/2009 8:30:00 AM Bobby Berry and Brad Butler had nights they would like to forget last Friday.
The Philadelphia High School football team broke out to a 48-0 halftime lead en route to a 48-16 victory against West Lowndes, while the Lamar School used its passing attack to torch Heritage Academy 49-12.
Both coaches will try to get their programs back on track tonight.
The West Lowndes Panthers (3-1) will play host to Wheeler at 7:30, while the Heritage Academy Patriots travels to Madison Ridgeland Academy (7).
New Hope puts win streak against rival Caledonia on the line9/18/2009 8:26:00 AM The New Hope High School football team will get back to work tonight against an opponent that is sure to get it primed for the start of district play.
The Trojans (2-0) return from a bye week at 7:30 tonight looking to extend a winning streak when they take on county rival Caledonia (0-3).
New Hope has won the past four meetings in the series.
Caledonia’s 14-10 victory in 2004 is the program’s only victory in the series, dating back to 1995.
Lann helps Lamar County prevail against Sulligent9/18/2009 8:21:00 AM SULLIGENT, Ala. — Jimmy Lann delivered his best effort on one of the best nights to be a Lamar County Bulldog.
The senior had a sack that led to a touchdown and two more key defensive plays in the final five minutes Friday night to help Lamar County defeat Sulligent 21-20 in a Class 2A, Region 7 matchup at Brown Stadium.
The victory was the first for the Bulldogs (4-0) against the Blue Devils (2-2) since a 45-20 victory in 2005.
It also marks the program’s best start in more than 15 years.
Walsh helps MSU soccer team to best start ever9/18/2009 7:45:00 AM Kat Walsh is used to succeeding in soccer.
Her ability as a scorer helped her earn Alabama Gatorade Player of the Year honors in 2004 and 2005 at Spain Park High School in Hoover, Ala.
As a result, Walsh was a sought-after recruit who decided to take her skills to LSU.
That’s when Walsh discovered the first choice might not always be the best choice.
CHS returns to field to take on Louisville9/17/2009 12:00:00 PM The “preseason” is nearly over.
That’s why Columbus High School football coach Bubba Davis is excited about his team’s matchup at 7:30 p.m. Friday against Class 4A Louisville High. MSU women's basketball has high expecations for season9/17/2009 11:59:00 AM Mississippi State women’s basketball coach Sharon Fanning-Otis believes her program has the potential to make history this season.
At least one national basketball publication believes in the Lady Bulldogs, too.
Lindy’s College Basketball magazine has Mississippi State ranked No. 25 in its poll of the nation’s best teams. Golden Triangle players have key role in secondary for EMCC9/17/2009 11:54:00 AM An abundance of playmakers has helped the East Mississippi Community College football team climb to No. 2 in the nation.
The contributions are coming from the usual places — like All-America sophomore quarterback Randall Mackey — and plenty of unlikely sources, particularly a player with a broken hand. Aberdeen, Amory clash again for the A-Trophy9/17/2009 11:26:00 AM ABERDEEN — Fernando Davis has a good memory when it comes to football scores.
Davis recalls plenty of results from his playing days at the University of Alabama.
But Davis can go back even before that and show off an impressive ability to recall the smallest details from his career as a linebacker at Aberdeen High School.
Timberwolves' Poe plays key role in first victory9/15/2009 11:39:00 AM MABEN — A clogged running lane or a solitary tackler isn’t enough to stand in Josh Poe’s way.
If he wants to get to the end zone, he will find a way.
Such was the dilemma for the West Oktibbeha High School running back Friday night in overtime against Noxapeter. West Point uses ground game to beat Starkville9/12/2009 11:59:00 PM STARKVILLE — Black, blue, and green.
If West Point High School football coach Chris Chambless had his way, he would rely on a handful of plays and his offensive line and pound away on opponents.
When you have a stable of running backs and a shifty quarterback, it’s easy to keep the ball on the ground.
On Friday night, West Point used a bruising first-half effort and rolled up 269 yards rushing en route to a 33-13 victory against Starkville.
New Hope softball team wins doubleheader from Quitman9/12/2009 11:40:00 PM The New Hope High School slow-pitch softball team remains a work in progress.
But if the Lady Trojans play defense like they did Saturday afternoon, they just might get another opportunity to play for another state title.
Even with only three players getting more than one hit on the day, New Hope still earned 1-0 and 5-2 victories against Quitman in a doubleheader at Lady Trojan Field.
Storm gives Heritage soccer team needed break en route to win9/11/2009 9:42:00 AM STEENS — There are no timeouts in soccer.
The fluidity in the action forces coaches to rely on players to adjust tactics and styles of play in the flow of a match.
Sometimes, though, it doesn’t hurt to receive a little assistance.
Mother Nature provided just the respite the Heritage Academy girls soccer team needed Thursday night.
A stoppage of play due to lightning in the area late in the first half gave the Lady Patriots a chance to regroup.
Noxubee County's defense never rests9/11/2009 9:38:00 AM MACON — The defense doesn’t rest at Noxubee County High School.
After losing seven starters to graduation from a unit that played a key role in a run to the Class 4A state title, the Tigers’ 2009 defense is out to show it can build a resume that is even more impressive.
Noxubee County (3-0) is coming off a 28-0 shutout against Murrah last week. The shutout was the Tigers’ second this season. They will try for No. 3 at 7:30 tonight when they to Greenville Weston.
Central Academy makes most of having a bye week9/11/2009 9:35:00 AM MACON — Ronnie Sciple didn’t plan on having a week off this early in the season.
But after a less than scintillating performance in a season-opening victory against Immanuel Christian, Sciple found plenty for his Central Academy football team to do last week in an off week.
The Vikings will try to implement what they worked on in that off week at 7 tonight when they play host to The Veritas School.
West Lowndes anticipates first test of the season9/11/2009 9:08:00 AM Bobby Berry hopes to make it two in a row this week.
A week ago, the West Lowndes High School football team went on the road and defeated Class 4A Caledonia.
The Class 2A Panthers improved to 3-0 with the victory and set the stage for this week’s game against Class 3A Philadelphia (3-0).
And while Berry credits Boykin and the Confederates, he believes tonight’s (7:30) home game should be a bigger test against another higher classification opponent.
Heritage Academy engages in battle of undefeated teams9/11/2009 9:04:00 AM Brad Butler and Mac Barnes agree on one thing: Their teams will face their toughest tests of the season tonight.
The coaches are eager to find out which team’s strength will win out tonight (7) when Heritage Academy (3-0) goes on the road to take on The Lamar School (3-0).
The size and the experience of the Patriots’ line play figures to be a strength Butler’s team will try to exploit against an opponent that has only one player who weighs more than 200 pounds on its defensive line and one two who tip the scales at more than 200 pounds on the offensive line.
Macdonald sees potential for MSU soccer team to continue success9/11/2009 8:52:00 AM Neil Macdonald knows there aren’t any guarantees in soccer.
But Macdonald has seen plenty of positives and improvement in the first two weekends of the season to believe his Mississippi State women’s soccer team can maintain its success.
The Lady Bulldogs (4-0) will try to continue their winning streak at 7 tonight when they play host to Troy University in their home opener at the MSU Soccer Field
MSU will close the weekend with a 1 p.m. match Sunday against East Tennessee State.
Dimino, Spencer contribute in kicking game for No. 2 EMCC9/10/2009 11:08:00 AM Phillip Dimino and Brett Spencer are used to battling the stopwatch.
While their East Mississippi Community College teammates face off against 300-pound linemen or blitzing linebackers, time is the toughest adversary for Dimino and Spencer.
When you kick the football in college, one or two tenths of a second can be the difference between getting off a successful punt or converting a field goal or extra point. Victory Christian's Ellis chosen Player of the Week9/9/2009 7:56:00 AM Landon Ellis was a little embarrassed.
The Victory Christian junior was enjoying one of the best games of his career Friday night against New Life Academy, but he felt bad his teammates weren’t getting in on the fun.
Ellis rushed for 190 yards and three touchdowns, returned two interceptions for touchdowns, and caught a touchdown pass from quarterback Parker Eaves to help the Eagles improve to 2-0.
For his accomplishments, Ellis is The Commercial Dispatch Prep Player of the Week.
Lockhart preserves win for Starkville Academy softball team9/9/2009 7:54:00 AM MACON — Kylie Lockhart didn’t want to be late.
She also didn’t want to give the Central Academy fast-pitch softball team an opportunity to send Tuesday’s game into extra innings.
So the Starkville Academy center fielder took care of two problems at the same time.
Lockhart’s running catch in right-center field to open the bottom of the seventh inning helped snuff out a potential rally and allowed Starkville Academy to hold on for a 4-3 victory in a non-district game.
EMCC football team ranked No. 2 in the nation9/9/2009 7:50:00 AM The bull’s eye on the back of the East Mississippi Community College football team grew even bigger Tuesday.
Coming off season-opening victories against Copiah-Lincoln and Jones County, EMCC (2-0) moved up four places to No. 2 in the latest NJCAA/JC Football.com regular-season poll.
The ranking is the program’s highest in National Junior College Athletic Association football in school history.
EMCC, which plays host to Holmes C.C. (0-2) at 7 Thursday night at Sullivan-Windham Field, moved up in the poll after the first four teams lost.
Thrasher helps New Hope go to 2-09/5/2009 11:12:00 PM Zak Thrasher looks different.
At 6-foot-2, 185 pounds, Thrasher appears physically to be the same quarterback who helped lead the New Hope High School football team to the third round of the Class 4A North Half state playoffs. Starkville sweeps volleyball match from Columbus9/4/2009 9:07:00 AM Volleyball is a lot more than a recreational sport to Lauren Love and Shay Ashford.
But it takes time to change the culture at schools that don’t have the tradition in sports like volleyball, which is still relatively new in the state of Mississippi.
That challenge doesn’t faze Lauren Love or Shay Ashford.
The first-year coaches both have played sports in college and now are focused on bringing their love for volleyball to Starkville and Columbus high schools.
Heritage, Starkville Academy meet in district opener for both teams9/4/2009 9:01:00 AM Rivalry games always are intense.
But as much as Heritage Academy football coach Brad Butler is looking forward to tonight’s matchup (7) against Starkville Academy, he is more excited that the game will be the Class AAA, District 1 opener for both teams.
To Butler, that fact is crucial for the Patriots (2-0), who will try to build on the momentum they earned last week in a come-from-behind 13-12 victory at Winston County.
Flu bug affects New Hope's preparation for Amory game9/4/2009 8:59:00 AM Coaches can prepare for spread offenses or dart-quick running backs.
They also can devise schemes to frustrate even the strongest pass rush.
But New Hope High School football coach Michael Bradley discovered another opponent this week that is even tougher: Sickness.
The Trojans (1-0) had 24 players miss practice at some point this week as they prepared to take on Amory (0-2) at 7:30 tonight.
The flu bug that is affecting the state played a role in more than 100 students being absent Thursday from New Hope High.
Boykin believes in Confederates going into game with West Lowndes9/4/2009 8:57:00 AM David Boykin admits his football team doesn’t have anything to gain tonight.
If the Class 4A Caledonia High School Confederates beat the Class 2A West Lowndes Panthers, no one will raise an eyebrow because it is what is expected.
But if the Panthers travel to Caledonia and earn the victory, people will be surprised.
Boykin hopes his players will be ready to prevent that from happening.
West Point's Carr seeks redemption after loss to Shannon9/4/2009 8:54:00 AM WEST POINT — Michael Carr doesn’t need a DVD player.
He doesn’t need a remote control for a VCR.
The West Point High School senior has all the pictures and replays he needs in his head.
They’re one he would like to forget.
Carr has had two weeks to relive the memory of Shannon’s 27-20 season-opening victory against West Point.
Return to West Point all business for Columbus coach Davis9/4/2009 8:52:00 AM The colors he was wearing were different, but it was impossible not to recognize the face.
So as Bubba Davis climbed the bleachers on the home side of West Point High School’s Hamblin Stadium, he stopped to greet multiple well-wishers.
Davis smiled as he talked to the fans who were there on that May evening to watch the spring game between Louisville and West Point.
Sneak attack propels Central Academy softball team past Heritage9/2/2009 10:11:00 AM Beware the sneak attack.
The Central Academy fast-pitch softball team can’t pinpoint its origin.
The Lady Vikings never know when it’s going to come.
But when the sneak attack arrives, hits are sure to follow.
On Tuesday, scorekeeper/assistant coach Pam Dawkins provided the fuse and Corey Dawkins, Kellie Hailey, and Blake Rigdon helped light the fire that sparked the Lady Vikings’ sneak attack.
MSU's Gray introduced to new way of setting9/1/2009 11:56:00 AM STARKVILLE — Dorey Gray thought she knew how to set a volleyball.
The Mississippi State senior didn’t think she was perfect, by any means, but after seven or eight years she believed she was proficient as a setter.
In less than a year, MSU first-year coach Jenny Hazelwood has introduced Gray to a new way of playing her position. Aberdeen's Love keeps improving9/1/2009 11:51:00 AM ABERDEEN — Jamerson Love knew something needed to be done.
The Aberdeen High School football team’s dream of a perfect season ended in week one at Columbus, but Love knew the season wasn’t over.
Still, the senior running back realized the Bulldogs needed someone to provide a spark to help get the team rolling again. Lamar County gets better of South Lamar in rivalry8/30/2009 12:01:00 AM VERNON, Ala. — Lance Bobbitt, Carson Chiquito, and Marquis Plant are going to try to bring the mohawk back to Lamar County High School.
The seniors didn’t have much luck in the preseason convincing their teammates the hairdo was the way to go.
Things just might change after Friday night.
Plant caught two touchdown passes from Michael Bradford, Bobbitt rushed for another score, and Chiquito played a key role up front to help the Lamar County football team defeat South Lamar 61-20 in the season opener for both teams at George Bell Stadium.
Starkville Academy soccer team claims first win by beating Heritage8/29/2009 11:38:00 PM STARKVILLE — Records sometimes don’t tell the entire story.
Artie Cosby has been around sports long enough to know that.
Now his goal is to help the Starkville Academy girls soccer team put a few more victories on the left side of the ledger.
Haley Jenkins, Jessica Dennis, and Sallie Kate Richardson each scored two goals Saturday to help the Starkville Academy girls soccer team defeat Heritage Academy 8-0.
Schedule affords MSU women's basketball team chance for great wins8/29/2009 11:35:00 PM The challenge has been set for the Mississippi State women’s basketball team.
Now coach Sharon Fanning-Otis wants the Lady Bulldogs to go from earning “good” wins to chalking up “great” ones.
The team’s 2009-10 schedule, which was released Friday morning, should afford MSU plenty of chances to earn the signatures victories that allow teams to secure postseason bids.
Caledonia, Hamilton QBs will be center of attention8/27/2009 1:17:00 PM HAMILTON — Brandon Bell admits he is still figuring everything out.
You can’t blame the Caledonia High School sophomore. He has had to move to a new position, he has had to adjust to a new coach and a new offense, and he had had to shoulder the expectations and the responsibility for being a team leader.
That’s a lot to digest, even for the most experienced player. Tigers will make do without Sanders8/27/2009 1:15:00 PM MACON — Programs don’t win state championships with one player.
Standouts can play key roles, but the labors of one player will take a team only so far.
The Noxubee County High School football team intends to show people in the state of Mississippi it is more than one player. Blanchard will start on defense for ICC8/27/2009 1:13:00 PM FULTON — Tevin Blanchard didn’t expect to wind up at Itawamba Community College.
As a standout on the Aberdeen High School football team last season, Blanchard entertained dreams of earning a scholarship to play major Division I college football. Alabama volleyball team sets sight on return to NCAA Tournament8/26/2009 9:30:00 AM TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama volleyball team hopes focusing on smaller goals and taking them slower helps it accomplish a larger goal this season.
A strong spring season and a competitive preseason has the Lady Crimson Tide ready to start the season against Saint Louis at 7 p.m. Friday in the SLU Active Ankle Challenge in St. Louis.
“I think every team know what it wants to do, and I think when you set smaller goals and you reach them you get more encouragement and more affirmation,” senior right-side hitter Liz Salstrand said.
New Hope makes strides at plate to beat Eupora8/26/2009 9:26:00 AM A program develops constants in winning 11 state titles.
Defense has been one of the benchmarks for the New Hope High School slow-pitch softball team.
But as stingy as the Lady Trojans have been defensively, their hitting has adapted to the strengths of the players from title to title.
Some years New Hope has relied on its power hitters to fuel the offense. In other seasons — like in 2008 — it has blended line drive hitters with speed to deliver a consistent attack.
Tigers' Sanders will miss time8/25/2009 12:33:00 PM The Noxubee County High School football team stayed relatively healthy last season in its run to the Class 4A state title.
Things will be a little tougher this season in the Tigers’ quest to repeat.
Noxubee County High coach M.C Miller said Monday that senior wide receiver/quarterback/free safety Vincent Sanders will be out an undetermined length of time with a fractured jaw. Pirates' Acker does it all in opener8/25/2009 12:30:00 PM CARROLTON, Ala. — Jacob Acker doesn’t have a preference.
He doesn’t even have to have the ball in his hands.
When you’re running an offense that is as much fun as the spread option, the points just have a way of piling up on the scoreboard.
It also helps to have a versatile array of players. Shannon uses late score to beat West Point8/23/2009 12:39:00 AM SHANNON — Someone had to make one more play.
Michael Carr appeared to have what the West Point High School football team needed.
But Keon McGaughy snatched what Carr couldn’t hold to give Shannon High exactly what it wanted.
McGaughy caught a ball that tipped off Carr’s hands for a 29-yard touchdown pass with 12 seconds remaining to lift Shannon to a 27-20 victory in the season opener for both teams. Season will be unique for Ole Miss soccer team8/22/2009 11:39:00 PM OXFORD — Each season brings a new sense of energy for Steve Holeman.
This season, though, will be unique for the University of Mississippi women’s soccer coach.
The Lady Rebels will rely on the experience of 11 returning players, but they also will count on contributions from 15 freshmen who are part of a class of 18 newcomers.
The group of newcomers is the largest since Holeman was hired as the program’s first and only coach in 1994.
Caledonia volleyball team wins as it continues to improve8/22/2009 11:35:00 PM CALEDONIA — Shaina Cruse feels like she is part of history.
With each practice and match she plays, the senior setter grows a little more comfortable with her Caledonia High School volleyball teammates.
Cruse, who also plays goalkeeper on the school’s girls soccer team, has been playing volleyball for only two years, but she dives on the floor to keep loose balls alive with the same hustle she throws her body at soccer balls.
To watch Cruse play volleyball, you wouldn’t know she is a newcomer to the sport.
Coaches don't believe in scheduling easy openers8/21/2009 9:26:00 AM So much for scheduling a cream puff in your season opener.
Columbus High School’s Bubba Davis, West Point High’s Chris Chambless, and Noxubee County’s M.C. Miller all have high hopes for their football teams this season.
They agree there is no better way to put those hopes to the test than to schedule a difficult opponent in the first game of the season.
Each coach will get to do that tonight when Columbus plays host to Aberdeen, West Point travels to Shannon, and Noxubee County plays host to Starkville. Local athletes will compete in USA Triathlon Age Group Championships8/21/2009 9:24:00 AM The duathlon last Saturday at Lake Lowndes State Park was just a warmup for Brad Atkins.
The feature presentation will take place Saturday morning when Atkins, Delynn Burkhalter, Alex Woodard, and Randy McCalip participate in the USA Triathlon Age Group National Championship in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
The event will bring together the nation’s top age-group triathletes from ages 18 to 80 and over. Alabama women's soccer takes step toward consistency8/21/2009 9:23:00 AM TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — When you’re building a program, consistency often is the first ingredient to ensuring success.
University of Alabama women’s soccer coach Todd Bramble hopes the Crimson Tide took a step toward establishing that foundation last season. Immanuel girls soccer team looks to return to playoffs with young team8/18/2009 9:33:00 AM STEENS — Just about everything will be new for the Immanuel Christian girls soccer program in 2009.
The hope for this season is that all of the new players who have joined the program will help the Lady Rams make a return trip to the playoffs.
Fifth-year coach Ray Campbell and the Lady Rams will kick off the season at 4 p.m. today when they play host to Indianola.
Heritage soccer player Fields atones for what she considered lack of effort8/18/2009 9:30:00 AM Consider the apology accepted.
Krisi Boren is only in her second year as girls soccer coach at Heritage Academy, but she has been around soccer and student-athletes long enough to have seen plenty of things.
Boren faced something after her team’s season-opening victory against Marshall Academy she didn’t expect.
After the game, freshman forward Tori Fields apologized to Boren for not giving her best effort.
The apology was unsolicited and caught Boren off guard.
Dixson to conduct an MMA seminar in Columbus8/17/2009 9:24:00 AM John Dixson is a pioneer.
Dixson, 43, can remember the “dark” days when nearly anything went in Mixed Martial Arts.
Bare knuckles, groin shots, elbows, no time-limit matches — you name it and Dixson probably has seen it and dished it out in more than 13 years of competition around the world.
Looking back to the origins of MMA, Dixson is surprised the sport has grown so quickly in a relatively short amount of time.
High school football teams tune up for season in jamborees8/15/2009 11:05:00 PM Nearly all the coaches contacted Saturday night were pleased with their teams’ performances Friday night in jamboree/scrimmage action across the state.
Some, like Immanuel first-year Shawn Gates, might have gotten a little hoarse from all of the excitement.
But many of the coaches and teams won’t have a lot of time to spend fine-tuning things. The majority of Mississippi High School Activities Association schools in the area will play classic games Friday, while Mississippi Association of Independent Schools also will kick off the season Friday.
New Hope softball team set to begin defense of state title8/14/2009 9:06:00 AM The New Hope High School slow-pitch softball team is going to have a little bit of everything this season.
The Lady Trojans are young and inexperienced at several positions.
Coach Tabitha Beard’s team also has an assortment of “older” players who have been with the program for two to three years and who are used to advancing deep into the playoffs and competing for state titles.
Last season was no exception.
Lackeys set goals to make playoffs8/14/2009 9:03:00 AM FULTON — Evan Lackey wants to help the Itawamba Community College football team get back to the playoffs.
One year after playing at ICC, Anthony Lackey, Evan’s brother, wants to help his new team at Kentucky Wesleyan reach the same goal.
Evan Lackey will begin that journey at 5 p.m. today when ICC plays Copiah-Lincoln in a scrimmage at Lambert Stadium.
The game action will be the first for the former Amory High School standout, who has impressed the coaches in the past few months.
Starkville Academy softball pitcher Haynes finds her groove8/11/2009 9:15:00 AM STARKVILLE — A year ago, Lyndsey Haynes was trying to find her groove.
A torn anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee forced her to wear a brace that affected her delivery.
The injury also left the right-handed pitcher on the Starkville Academy fastpitch softball team wondering whether she would regain her form.
But last weekend Haynes showed she has found her groove again.
Hazelwood's excitement carries over to MSU volleyball players8/9/2009 12:09:00 AM STARKVILLE — Jenny Hazelwood’s excitement is contagious.
It took only one hour in the team’s first meeting Thursday for the new Mississippi State volleyball coach to get her players fired up.
That energy carried over to the court Friday when the team opened its preseason with a pair of practices.
“She is 100 percent invested in our program,” senior setter Dorey Gray said Friday. “She is so good at inspiring us and knowing when to say the right things to us.”
Heritage Academy soccer team ready for challenge8/7/2009 9:26:00 AM The championship feeling still lingers in Krisi Boren’s mind.
A year ago, the Heritage Academy girls soccer team had a season to remember, falling to River Oaks (Monroe, La.) in its first appearance in a Mississippi Private School Association (now MAIS) state title match.
The landscape will be different this season for the Lady Patriots.
Heritage Academy, which finished 11-4 last season, will move from Division II to Division I this season. The transition means tougher divisional games against the likes of Starkville Academy, Pillow Academy,Washington School, and Magnolia Heights.
CHS boys basketball players sign with East Central C.C.8/6/2009 12:45:00 PM Josh Carothers and Kendall Jackson have learned to trust Sammy Smith.
The Columbus High School boys basketball players believed their coach when he said he would do his best to find them a college where they could continue their careers.
The only thing Smith asked his players to do was to stay patient and to believe.
The wait ended Wednesday afternoon. New coach believes in potential of MSU volleyball8/6/2009 12:44:00 PM STARKVILLE — Jenny Hazelwood knows how to surprise people.
In coaching stops at Centenary College (La.) and at Austin Peay, the former Mississippi State volleyball player has exceeded expectations and helped her programs reach new levels of success.
Hazelwood believes she can follow that same formula at MSU. Atkins pitches Heritage softball team past Hebron Christian8/5/2009 8:55:00 AM There’s something to be said for sure-handedness.
For Heritage Academy’s Kristyn Atkins, all it took Tuesday was a rosin bag to help her feel more comfortable.
The senior pitcher used rosin to keep her right hand dry en route to a complete-game three-hitter in an 8-1 victory against Hebron Christian.
Atkins (1-1) struck out four, walked one, and never was in any serious trouble.
Starkville Academy uses small ball to beat Oak Hill8/4/2009 11:16:00 AM STARKVILLE —Randy Haynes likes robust boxscores.
The Starkville Academy fast-pitch softball coach would prefer to have his players swing away and pile up the doubles, triples, or home runs.
Sometimes, though, you need to switch gears. Camp in Caledonia helps soccer grow8/2/2009 12:39:00 AM CALEDONIA — Andi Franklin and Michael Eade hope their work as soccer ambassadors helps the United States produce World Cup caliber talent.
Franklin and Eade joined Matthew Foster and Rachel Smythe in Caledonia last week as coaches with the Challenger Sports British Soccer Camp. Butler will demand more from Patriots8/2/2009 12:37:00 AM Brad Butler knows the Heritage Academy football program can accomplish big things.
He was a member of the football team’s coaching staff in 2005 when it advanced to the Class AAA Division II title game.
Now it’s Butler’s job to help the Patriots get back to that level. EMCC football ranked No. 6; All-Americans named7/31/2009 12:25:00 PM Buddy Stephens can’t find enough adjectives to describe how excited he is to begin the 2009 season.
There apparently are plenty of people throughout the country who share Stephens’ excitement. Heritage Academy softball looks to build on success7/31/2009 12:24:00 PM The 2008 season was just the first step for the Heritage Academy fast-pitch softball season.
The Lady Patriots made history last season, advancing to the North South State Tournament for the first time.
With many of the key players from that team back this season, Heritage Academy coach Ginny Lowery is confident Heritage Academy can build on last season and begin to build a tradition.
Central Academy wants to build on slow-pitch title7/30/2009 1:56:00 PM MACON — One title isn’t enough for the Central Academy softball program.
In May, the Lady Vikings ended a drought when they defeated Kemper Academy to win the Class A Mississippi Private School Association slow-pitch state title. Former Bulldog Bowen signs with Reds7/29/2009 2:15:00 PM Mississippi State is losing one of its pitchers to professional baseball.
Right-hander Ricky Bowen will skip his senior season with the Bulldogs and has signed with the Cincinnati Reds. He reported to the Billings (Montana) Mustangs of the Pioneer League on Monday. Alabama puts end of last year behind and moves forward7/24/2009 9:00:00 AM HOOVER, Ala. — Nick Saban isn’t one to offer excuses.
The University of Alabama coach praised quarterback Tim Tebow, coach Urban Meyer, and the rest of the Florida Gators for playing a great game in the 2008 Southeastern Conference Championship game.
Saban didn’t blame his team’s loss to Utah in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 2, 2009, to a “blinking light” otherwise known as offensive lineman Andre Smith.
Instead, the third-year coach preferred Thursday to talk about how his “blue-collar team” was going to continue to try to “do the job” as best as possible to get back to Atlanta to win a SEC title and compete for a national championship.
Ole Miss not satisfied afte having success last season7/24/2009 8:57:00 AM HOOVER, Ala. — Remarkable is one way to describe the tone of Houston Nutt’s appearances the past two years at Southeastern Conference Media Days.
The veteran coach, who led the University of Arkansas to three SEC Western Division titles and eight bowl games in 10 seasons, inherited an Ole Miss program that couldn’t go any lower.
The Rebels won only three SEC games in three seasons under Ed Orgeron and were desperate to have something to care about in the fall.
My how things changed last season.
SEC Media Days get to the filet mignon of its meetings7/24/2009 8:55:00 AM If day one of the Southeastern Conference Media Days was an appetizer, the filet mignon served Thursday was a treat.
Four of the SEC’s heavy hitters — Georgia’s Mark Richt, Alabama’s Nick Saban, Ole Miss’ Houston Nutt, and Florida’s Urban Meyer — were on hand to give their appraisals of the upcoming 2009 season.
Each coach had a hot topic item to address, and the four programs should be the most interesting ones this season in the rough and tumble SEC.
Dent offers assistance to football players being recruited7/23/2009 9:20:00 AM The recruiting wars and the college admission process was different for Marcus Dent Sr.
Twenty years ago, the former New Hope High School standout didn’t have Internet sites and recruiting services to help check his transcript and to assist him in his preparation for standardized tests like the SAT or the ACT.
Still, Dent went on to play tight end at Alcorn State (1989-92) and was on a Southwestern Athletic Conference championship team.
MSU soccer recruits on display in nationals7/20/2009 The Mississippi State women’s soccer team’s recruiting success will be on display this week in Massachusetts.
Two of MSU’s 11-player freshman class — Alex Kytan and Jasmine Simmons — will play for their respective club teams at the United States Youth Soccer Nationals in Lancaster, Mass.
The Nationals begin Tuesday and conclude Sunday. They bring together the champions from each of the nation’s regions to crown a champion.
Columbus, Starkville eliminated from Dizzy Dean tournaments7/20/2009 The road to Dizzy Dean World Series titles ended Sunday for two teams from the Golden Triangle.
The Columbus Nationals 10-year-old All-Star team lost to Bill Bond Baseball (Pensacola, Fla.), and the Starkville Dawgs 12-year-old All-Stars lost to Irondale, Ala., 7-4. Both elimination games were played at the Tupelo Sportsplex.
Columbus defeated Tupelo 14-1 Sunday morning in its first game in the losers’ bracket. LaQuinston Sharp hit two home runs, Tyler Anderson had a single and a double, Thomas Stevens had a single and two doubles, Kyle Cruthirds had two singles, and Logan Sneed had a double to help the Nationals earn their mercy-rule victory.
Howard, Lott win Columbus Classic's glass trophies7/20/2009 Barry Howard and Ed Lott have good and bad days like every golfer.
As much as Howard and Lott know they could have played better the past three days, their efforts proved good enough to earn them some hardware.
Howard and Lott teamed Sunday to shoot a 70 for a three-day total of 205 that was good enough to win the championship flight of the Columbus Classic at the Columbus Country Club.
Byrd happy to 'come home'; NHHS baseball adds Taylor7/19/2009 Jerry Byrd doesn’t know if he, his wife, or his children are happier.
Getting an opportunity to stay home to teach and to coach usually can put a smile on anybody’s face.
The Byrds will smile a lot more this year after the Lowndes County School Board approved Friday the hiring of Byrd as the new boys soccer and tennis coach at New Hope High School. Crushing effort by Columbus7/19/2009 TUPELO — Opponents of the Columbus Crush might consider wearing protective gear when they’re out on the field.
Through 17 games, the traditional approach hasn’t worked, so why not try shin guards and catcher’s masks on the infielders.
It couldn’t hurt. With an added layer of protection defenses might be able to beat the Crush. Northport silences Starkville7/19/2009 TUPELO — Curveballs are the bane of many baseball players’ lives.
The Starkville Dawgs 12-year-old Dizzy Dean team discovered Saturday just how effective that pitch can be.
Deacon Medders and Jake Colburn combined on a five-inning two-hitter to lead the Northport Nationals (Ala.) to an 11-1 victory in the Dizzy Dean World Series at the Tupelo Sportsplex. Columbus Nationals face familiar situation7/19/2009 TUPELO — The Columbus Nationals learned how to bounce back after a loss at the Dizzy Dean South Half State Tournament.
That lesson will be put to the test at the Dizzy Dean World Series.
Nick Feenker and Jake Griffin hit home runs Saturday morning to lead the Oak Mountain (Ala.) All-Stars to a 12-2 victory against the Columbus Nationals in the 10-year-old World Series at the Tupelo Sportsplex. Players hope to pave way for Columbus soccer7/17/2009 Roger Shilling and Avery Velek hope to help pave the way for soccer players in Columbus.
The 11-year-olds recently were accepted to and competed in the Olympic Development Program Academy Camp at Belhaven College in Jackson. Lott wins age group at Pros of Tomorrow7/17/2009 Everything came together Wednesday for Cade Lott.
The Heritage Academy rising freshman combined a strong chipping game with equally solid putting to take first in the 14- to 15-year-old age division at the Pros of Tomorrow Junior Golf tournament at the Tupelo Country Club. Former New Hope baseball players named all-stars in CSBL7/17/2009 An opportunity to play close to home has proved to be a perfect fit for Ben Fleming and Brent Hallmark.
The former New Hope High School baseball standouts, who are teammates on the Golden Triangle Jets, were named Wednesday to the Cotton States Baseball League All-Star team. Putnam, Byrd expected to be named at NHHS7/17/2009 Justin Putnam realized a dream Monday.
Today, the Lowndes County School Board is expected to make it official.
Putnam accepted an offer Monday to become the new girls track and field coach at New Hope High School.
Jerry Byrd, the older brother of former New Hope High boys basketball coach Robert Byrd, said Thursday he has accepted the job to become the school’s new boys soccer coach. Columbus Crush will try for another title7/16/2009 Tim Frasher believed in his Columbus Crush softball players the moment the team came together.
But Frasher, who coaches the 10-and-under slow-pitch all-star team, never thought his team would do what it has this summer.
The Crush swept four games last weekend in the Amateur Softball Association slow-pitch state tournament to win another championship. Columbus Nationals ready for World Series7/16/2009 Rory Sneed doesn’t want this weekend to be any different for the Columbus Nationals 10-year-old Dizzy Dean All-Star team.
The pageantry of this weekend’s World Series in Tupelo might make Sneed and the team’s other coaches work a little harder to keep their players focused.
But Sneed isn’t worried that his players will get caught up in the hoopla surrounding the annual event, which will feature some of the best teams from across the country. Locals will play in Bernard Blackwell Classic7/16/2009 Josh Ferguson was pleased when he first learned he was selected to participate in the annual Bernard Blackwell Classic.
The football game, which will be at 7 tonight at Hale-Robinson Stadium on the campus of Mississippi College, pits some of the state’s top outgoing seniors from the South against the North. It is a final opportunity for high school standouts to take the field before they play their first games in college. Garriga, Martin will return to defend Columbus Classic title7/16/2009 Brandon Garriga and Josh Martin nearly couldn’t make it.
Each man wanted to return to Columbus this week to defend their run of four consecutive titles at the Columbus Classic, but life appeared to get in the way.
Garriga, a third-year medical student, was smack in the middle of a schedule that has him in a surgical rotation. He and his wife also are preparing for the birth of a daughter next month, so it didn’t look like he was going to be able to travel from Jackson to Columbus to play.
But things have a way of working out. Free youth football clinic Saturday7/15/2009 Anthony Colom enjoys working with kids.
As a youth coach, the longtime Columbus resident has been involved with the Columbus-Lowndes Recreation Authority for many years.
Colom also enjoys football, so he recently decided to put two of his loves together and to work with people of similar interests to help the children of Lowndes County. Magazine will focus on youth in Golden Triangle7/15/2009 The Golden Triangle’s sports standouts of the future are about to get the star treatment thanks to Anthony Colom.
The longtime Columbus resident is prepared to bring back his Junior Varsity Magazine next month. The 32-page, glossy sports magazine will highlight youth sports in Clay, Lowndes, and Oktibbeha counties. CMSD names Greene its AD7/15/2009 The timing proved to be perfect for Rusty Greene.
The veteran teacher and coach transitioned eight years ago into a role as an assistant principal at Caledonia Middle School.
But Greene recently decided he wanted to try something new, so he searched the area for another job as an administrator. MSU's Fanning unveils new jewel7/15/2009 STARKVILLE — Sharon Fanning didn’t know where to begin.
There was no official starting point for the Mississippi State women’s basketball coach because everything in the program’s new locker room in Humphrey Coliseum begged to bragged about and to be touched.
There were murals, pictures, and plaques on the walls to honor former and current Lady Bulldogs. Boyd's goal is to keep New Hope baseball tradition going7/12/2009 Lee Boyd is ready to accept the challenge of being the next baseball coach at New Hope High School.
As a player, Boyd spent five years in a New Hope High program that has earned a reputation as one of the state’s best.
As a coach, Boyd has spent the past three years in the dugout against New Hope High, and has watched the Trojans maintain that tradition.
Now as New Hope High School’s new baseball coach, Boyd, 26, is confident he can be the leader who keep that tradition going for many more years.
McBrayer realizes a dream of becoming New Hope basketball coach7/12/2009 Drew McBrayer admits he dreamed of one day becoming the boys basketball coach at New Hope High School.
He never imagined that day would come so soon.
The Lowndes County School Board on Friday approved the hiring of McBrayer as New Hope High’s boys basketball coach.
McBrayer, 30, replaces Robert Byrd, who announced his resignation Tuesday after 11 years as the school’s head coach.
Hard work pays for Karate champs7/12/2009 Oliver Miller has taught and trained thousands of athletes in karate in 35 years as an instructor.
The common thread for all of his pupils who have succeeded is a willingness to work on the details and to spend extra hours perfecting their skills.
Their ages might not reflect it, but Deairyus Conner, Kenyan Buckner, and William Luciano have invested that much time working on karate.
Local girls out to broaden horizons with Mississippi Hoop Dreams7/12/2009 WEST POINT — ChyAnne Cunningham already has made a name for herself in Northeast Mississippi.
Krista Donald has earned the distinction of being one of the top girls basketball players in the state of Mississippi.
Both girls and plenty of others from the area will try to broaden their horizons even more next week when they travel with the Mississippi Hoop Dreams Amateur Athletic Union girls basketball teams to Bloomington, Ind.., for the Adidas Hoosiers Nation Hardwood Championships.
Watching Columbus Nationals celebrate was refreshing7/10/2009 The victory lap just might be the precursor to the dogpile.
That thought popped into my head Wednesday night as members of the Columbus Nationals 10-year-old Dizzy Dean baseball team followed each other on a run around the bases at Patterson Field at Propst Park.
The team had just received their medals following a 13-3 victory against Clinton that helped it clinch the South Half state title.
The scene made me smile.
Smith hopes to help West Lowndes basketball team reload7/10/2009 The summer is the time to reload.
That’s why Jeff Smith enjoys spending so many of his hours in the “offseason” helping the basketball players in West Lowndes stay sharp.
Smith has been working as an Amateur Athletic Union basketball coach in the area for 12 years. This year, he is coaching a 17-and-under boys basketball team, one of four AAU age-group teams in West Lowndes, and helping those players (and others from local schools) prepare for what could be an even better 2009-10 season.
Columbus Nationals going to World Series7/9/2009 The answer is a resounding yes.
The Columbus Nationals 10-year-old Dizzy Dean baseball team will go to the World Series in Tupelo.
The Columbus Nationals took care of the first part of the equation earlier Wednesday night, beating Clinton 13-3 to win the South Half state title at Propst Park. Boyd set to be new NHHS baseball coach7/9/2009 Former New Hope High School baseball player Lee Boyd is expected to be named the school’s new baseball coach.
Boyd, who spent five years as a player in the New Hope High baseball program, said Wednesday he had accepted a job offer to be the Trojans’ new coach. He declined to comment further pending the approval Friday of his hiring by the Lowndes County School Board. Byrd resigns as NHHS boys basketball coach7/9/2009 Robert Byrd is looking ahead.
After years working to raise the children of other people and toiling as a basketball coach, Byrd said Wednesday it is time for a change.
Byrd on Tuesday resigned as boys basketball coach at New Hope High School, citing a desire to spend more time with his family and to focus on the pursuit of a master’s degree. Columbus National to play for South State championship7/8/2009 The Columbus Nationals battered opponents to the tune of 47 runs in their first three games in the Dizzy Dean 10-year-old South Half state tournament.
After suffering their first loss of the tournament Monday to Clinton, the Columbus Nationals rebounded Tuesday in a big way.
Logan Sneed delivered a complete-game effort to help the Columbus Nationals defeat Ackerman 8-4 in the final game of the losers’ bracket.
Columbus then benefited from 11 walks in the nightcap to beat Clinton 16-6 in four innings.
Holman returns to New Hope as girls basketball coach7/8/2009 The timing proved to be perfect for Laura Lee Holman.
As a result, the former New Hope High School softball and girls basketball standout likely will return to her alma mater as a coach.
Holman last week accepted a job offer to replace Tim Vaughan as New Hope High’s girls basketball coach.
Holman’s hiring is expected to be finalized Friday when the Lowndes County School Board convenes its monthly meeting.
USA basketball trials beneficial to New Hope's Hollivay7/8/2009 Rachel Hollivay isn’t letting a little disappointment slow her down.
In fact, the New Hope High School sophomore girls basketball player is using her experiences this summer to take her game to new heights.
In May, Hollivay was one of 34 players invited to travel to Colorado Springs, Colo., to attend the team trials for the 2009 USA Basketball Women’s Under-16 National Team.
Fondren hired as East Webster girls basketball coach7/8/2009 Mandy Fondren believes there is no place better to learn than close to home.
Fondren’s decision to accept a job offer to become East Webster High School’s new girls basketball coach is even more appealing because she grew up in Sherwood, a small community in Choctaw County, and she will have an opportunity to join a school with a tradition-rich athletic department.
Wilkerson turns down offer to be New Hope baseball coach7/8/2009 Another day didn’t change things enough for Clint Wilkerson and his family.
The St. Aloysius High School baseball coach Monday morning declined a job offer to be the new head baseball coach at New Hope High School.
Administrators from New Hope High then spoke with Wilkerson later that day and asked him to give them more time to try to work out a better situation for him and his family.
Perkins will pursue goal at Oxford High7/7/2009 An opportunity to pursue bigger career goals was too much for Jamie Perkins to dismiss.
That’s why last week Perkins, who spent the past four years at New Hope High and the past two seasons as the school’s boys soccer coach and the girls track and field coach, announced he was taking a teaching job and two coaching positions at Oxford High School. Momentum goes to Clinton7/7/2009 Momentum is a key ingredient of games at any age level.
But Uncle Mo’ is especially important when you’re competing for a chance to advance to a World Series.
The Clinton Arrows showed Monday night how crucial getting momentum on their side can be.
Parker Lee worked out of a no-out, bases-loaded jam in the bottom of the first inning to help Clinton preserve a lead en route to an 8-4 victory against the Columbus Nationals in a winners’ bracket game of the 10-year-old Dizzy Dean South Half state tournament at Propst Park. Hester won't appeal decision7/7/2009 Former New Hope High School baseball coach Stacy Hester said Monday he won’t appeal the decision of Lowndes County School District Superintendent Mike Halford not to retain him as the school’s baseball coach. Columbus Nationals remain undefeated in South State7/6/2009 The Columbus Nationals might be on the verge of putting it all together.
One day after delivering a solid defensive and pitching effort, Columbus Nationals’ bats got hot again to help it take a step closer to a title.
Tyler Anderson and LaQuinston Sharp hit home runs Sunday to help the Columbus Nationals 10-year-old All-Stars beat Eupora 21-4 in four innings at the Dizzy Dean South Half state tournament at Propst Park.
Columbus, West Point win first two games with balance, depth7/5/2009 Balance and depth have been keys for the Columbus Nationals and the West Point 10-year-old All-Stars teams in the first two days of the South State Tournament at Propst Park.
Both teams won their opening games Friday night and returned to the field Saturday to record their second-consecutive victories.
West Point edged Caledonia 9-8, while the Columbus Nationals beat Grenada Youth 11-1 in five innings to stay in the tournament’s winners’ bracket.
Grenada Pink Sox claim North State by beating Clinton7/5/2009 Three weeks isn’t a lot of time to perfect the deception needed to collect a cooler, to sneak up on a coach, and to deliver a victory dousing.
But Chuck Rose was willing Saturday night to give his players the benefit of the doubt.
Judging from their performance on the field, the Grenada Pink Sox just might have to work on their sneak attack.
Patterson helps her AAU basketball team reach Nationals7/2/2009 Kiki Patterson is working toward a dream.
There already have been plenty of stops on that road, and there will be plenty more in the next three years.
But the length of that journey isn’t going to affect Patterson.
Instead, it is going to encourage her to work even harder so she accomplish her goal of earning a scholarship to play basketball at a Division I school.
Patterson’s play with Team Memphis Elite, an Amateur Athletic Union team out of Tennessee, is helping her get noticed.
Togetherness gives Caledonia hope in 10-year old South State Tournament7/1/2009 There is something to be said for togetherness.
The way Johnny Suggs sees it, this just might be the year for the Caledonia 10-year-old All-Stars to compete for a title.
Caledonia will be one of 16 teams that will begin play Friday at Propst Park in Columbus in the Dizzy Dean Baseball South State Tournament.
The five- to six-day event also will feature teams from Columbus (Americans, Nationals), Starkville, Louisville, West Point, and Hamilton.
Dizzy Dean teams will compete for crown6/25/2009 Baseball fans will have their share of entertainment this weekend.
The Dizzy Dean High School World Series will hold its annual pre-tournament banquet at 6 p.m. today at the Trotter Convention Center. Heat index on mind of high school football coaches6/24/2009 The heat index is a number on the mind of more and more high school football coaches.
With temperatures and heat indices in the state reaching into the upper 90s and 100s, respectively, in the past two weeks, football coaches around the state are trying to identify the best times and ways to get their players in condition for the start of the season.
When state schools and football teams reconvene Aug. 3 for the 2009-10 school year, coaches might have another item to consider.
Passes bring high school football teams closer together6/24/2009 Each pass brings teams closer to the start of the 2009 high school football season.
That’s why more and more teams are trying to get as many repetitions as they can in the next two months before school reconvenes in August.
Columbus High School football coach Bubba Davis is going to do his best to make sure his team and others in the area are busy.
Davis and the Falcons played host Tuesday to the first of what he hopes are several evenings of 7-on-7 passing competition.
New Hope softball players play in all-star games6/24/2009 The school colors have been worn for the final time.
But New Hope High School graduates Victoria Culpepper, Kristen Harvey, and DeShuni Sanders wouldn’t have closed their careers any other way.
The former Lady Trojans closed their high school careers last weekend with a host of other local players at the Mississippi Association of Coaches All-Star games at Newton County High School in Decatur.
Randolph ignites Buford Majic in second half to beat Tupelo Rock-n-Rollers6/21/2009 Professional basketball dreams don’t have size requirements.
If they did, Javon Randolph still would find a way to make an impression.
The former men’s basketball standout at Savannah State did just that Saturday night at Columbus High School.
Randolph scored 23 of his 25 points in the second half to help the Buford Majic defeat the Tupelo Rock-n-Rollers 99-94 in a World Basketball Association Exposure League game.
MSU's Fanning gets an extension to her contract6/19/2009 Sharon Fanning feels blessed to be a part of the Mississippi State women’s basketball program.
In 14 years as head coach, Fanning has won 233 games and has led the Lady Bulldogs to the postseason 10 times.
This past season was one of the program’s best. MSU went 23-10 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament.
Fanning was rewarded Thursday for the program’s success.
Fox, Smith still rockin' with Tupelo Rock-n-Rollers6/19/2009 Basketball continues to nag at Kendrick Fox and Jason Smith.
Even after successful careers at the University of Mississippi, Fox, 25, and Smith, 31, aren’t ready to put their sneakers away for good.
That’s why Fox and Smith are keeping their games alive with the Tupelo Rock-n-Rollers in the World Basketball Association Exposure League.
Their objective is to make an impression on the basketball court so they can secure an opportunity to play professional basketball overseas or with another league in the United States.
Hester will appeal firing as New Hope baseball coach6/19/2009 Stacy Hester said Thursday he plans to appeal the recommendation of Lowndes County School District Superintendent Mike Halford and the vote of the county’s school board that he not be retained as New Hope High School baseball coach.
“I want them to man up and tell me why,” Hester said. “It is just amazing (this has happened after) all of the things I have done and have been a part of out in that program. (It is a shame that after) one little incident all of this stuff kind of blows up and you’re gone. I think they are hiding the fact that I had an at-will contract and they don’t have to tell me a thing.”
Lee, Durrah help teams split doubleheader6/19/2009 Davis Lee and Nick Durrah are changing before their coaches eyes.
This past season, Lee and Durrah played key roles for the New Hope High and Columbus High baseball teams, respectively.
Those roles figure to be even bigger next year when Lee and Durrah dress out for their senior and junior baseball seasons, respectively.
Lee and Durrah showed Thursday that the work they’re doing this month with their Dizzy Dean team is helping them prepare for their new roles.
Tice returns home from playing in Junior Sunbelt Classic6/19/2009 Philip Tice was back on his home turf Thursday night.
But the New Hope High School rising senior is showing more and more people that he is at home whenever and wherever there is a baseball diamond.
Tice arrived home about 4 a.m. Thursday with the rest of his teammates who represented the state of Mississippi at the Junior Sunbelt Classic in McAlester, Okla.
Bivens named new girls basketball coach at Aberdeen High6/18/2009 Latorrence Bivens is an easy-going guy.
But don’t confuse Bivens’ quiet demeanor with an inability to set high expectations and an unwillingness to push his players to reach those goals.
Bivens hopes that mix of qualities can be part of what will help him transition to coaching girls basketball. Wilson still has touch for Tupelo Rock-n-Rollers6/17/2009 Darryl Wilson isn’t as quick and can’t jump as high as he did 13 years ago.
But the stroke that made him a three-time All-Southeastern Conference shooting guard at Mississippi State is still there.
And, like most shooters, when you challenge him that stroke becomes red hot.
Wilson, 35, is rekindling his scoring touch with the Tupelo Rock-n-Rollers in the World Basketball Exposure League.
Hester doesn't seem to get a fair shake6/15/2009 Politics and coaching don’t mix.
Stacy Hester followed that credo in his dealings with parents, administrators, and players.
Sometimes it got him into trouble. Players left his program because they didn’t like playing for him. Parents thought Hester to be arrogant or unyielding in how he dealt with them or with their children.
But through it all Hester established a standard of excellence. His teams won 551 games and three state titles his 18 years as New Hope High School’s baseball coach.
Former New Hope players hne skills in Cotton States Baseball League6/15/2009 Baseball players never stop growing.
For Ben Fleming, Brent Hallmark, and Garrett Harris, there is no better place to learn more about the game they love than close to home.
The three former New Hope High School standouts are teammates on the Golden Triangle Jets in the Cotton States Baseball North Division. The former Trojans have helped the Jets get off to a 2-3 start in the inaugural season for the four-team wood bat league.
Taylor has chance to raise his golf game6/15/2009 STARKVILLE — Chase Taylor knows he can be better.
If the past two months are any indication, Taylor could start hitting the scores he’s looking for any time now.
On May 2, the New Hope High School golfer won the 14- to 15-year-old group at the Optimist Club tournament at the Mississippi State Golf Course.
The victory earned him a chance to play today and Tuesday in the district tournament in Meridian. The winner will go to West Palm Beach, Fla., to play in the International tournament in July
Hester out as New Hope baseball coach6/14/2009 Stacy Hester is still confused, and now he apparently is out of a job he loves.
On Friday, Lowndes County School District Superintendent Mike Halford recommended Hester not be retained as New Hope High School’s baseball coach.
None of the five school board members asked to have the issue of Hester’s status pulled from the consent agenda, where it could have been up for an open vote.
The board then voted 5-0 to accept Halford’s recommendation.
New Hope's future in baseball uncertain6/14/2009 The blank Web page might be an omen for the New Hope High School baseball program.
At 3 p.m. Saturday, the www.newhopebaseball.com page on the New Hope High sports and school booster site carried a message “Nothing to See Here Move Along.”
The absence of any information on the baseball program’s page comes after Lowndes County School District Superintendent Mike Halford recommended Friday that New Hope High baseball coach Stacy Hester not be retained after his at-will agreement ends June 30.
Boykin returns to Caledonia to be football coach6/14/2009 David Boykin is back at Caledonia High School to see if he can complete some unfinished business.
The Lowndes County School Board approved Boykin’s hiring Friday as the football coach at Caledonia High School.
Boykin, who coached Caledonia to 3-7 records in 2006 and 2007, replaced Jason Forrester, who resigned his position last month.
Boykin served as a volunteer offensive line coach last season under Mark Hudspeth at the University of North Alabama.
Noxubee County wins Ole Miss 7-on-7 camp6/14/2009 MACON — M.C. Miller’s cupboard at Noxubee County High School has plenty left in stock.
The veteran football coach will have to find a way to replace 12 starters (five on offense, seven on defense) from last season’s Class 4A state championship team.
And while the losses of All-State wide receiver Patrick Patterson, wide receiver Teddy Young, and quarterback Termarcus Conner will be some of the toughest to fill, don’t think for a minute that the Tigers won’t throw the ball a lot in 2009.
New Hope baseball coach loses job6/13/2009 The tenure of one of Lowndes County’s most successful coaches apparently came to an end Friday morning.
Lowndes County School District Superintendent Mike Halford recommended Friday at the Lowndes County school board meeting New Hope High School baseball coach Stacy Hester not be retained. Columbus blasts Starkville in pair of run-rule games6/12/2009 Mark Hysaw knows what the older player in the Columbus High School baseball program can do.
Hysaw has coached rising seniors Avery Ford, Tyji Hawkins, and Josh Tentoni as they have moved through their middle school years into the twilight of their high school careers.
That’s why Hysaw is excited to see what those players can do in their final go-around with the Falcons.
Ford and his teammates continued their strong showing Thursday night with 16-6 and 14-4 five-inning victories against Starkville in Dizzy Dean action at Sammy Fletcher Field in Columbus.
Foster's lessons will stay with us6/11/2009 I didn’t know Don Foster well.
There were plenty of times in my first year as sports editor I saw Don at high school or college events. We never did get too chatty with each other, but we did say hello and then went about our jobs in our own ways.
But now that Foster, who died Monday at his home in West Point, is gone, I will remember one event we covered more than any other. Heritage Academy gets face-lift6/11/2009 Heritage Academy has a new face that lights up the night.
The private, independent school in Columbus is putting the finishing touches on a $250,000 construction project that has added more than 3,000 square feet to the school’s gymnasium. Work pays off for MSU track star Mayers6/10/2009 STARKVILLE — Emanuel Mayers invested the time in the fall.
The hours training spent in September and October blended into more hours on the track in December and January.
The goal was to build a base that could help him reach the highest level of Division I track and field.
Mayers realized that goal May 29-30 at the Mideast Regional Championships, and today he plans to begin to build on that success.
Columbus chooses Esquivel as soccer coach6/10/2009 Javier Esquivel and A.J. Foster want to build something.
As veteran soccer players and coaches, Esquivel and Foster understand boys and girls can’t become world-class players with the snap of two fingers.
But the new Columbus High School boys soccer coaches want players, parents, and fans to know they plan to put a process in place that will help the Falcons learn how to play the game and to develop into better players.
Mississippi Shockwave Aquatics team wins invitational6/5/2009 Rachel Dees, Cheng Ye, and Rick Deaton combined to win 21 first places May 23-24 to lead the Mississippi Shockwave Aquatics team to the overall title at the Tunica Summer Invitational in Tunica.
Dees, who competed in the girls 13- to 14-year-old age group, won eight events, while Ye won seven events in the boys 11-12 division and Deaton took six first in the boys 13-14 bracket. Caledonia's Aldridge to play in all-star game6/5/2009 Tyler Aldridge is on the road back to 100 percent.
Even though arm problems prevented the Caledonia High School baseball standout from having an ideal senior season, Aldridge still was recognized as one of the area’s top players.
On Saturday, Aldridge will take the field one more time as a high schooler when he and six other area players participate in the Mississippi High School Activities Association’s Crossroads Diamond Club All-Star games at Trustmark Park in Pearl.
EMCC's Donald signs basketball scholarship with Mississippi Valley6/5/2009 Darian Donald knew he was soft.
A season of getting tossed from side to side on the blocks can convince even the most talented basketball player he needs to make a change.
So the former Caledonia High School standout went to work immediately following his freshman season with the East Mississippi Community College men’s basketball team.
The work Donald did and the season he had as a sophomore transformed him into a different player.
Fighters gain confidence after earning victories6/5/2009 Jake Reeves, Bobby Merryman, and Sarah Pevey can’t wait until July 10.
The confidence the three athletes gained Friday at the Chaos in Columbus Mixed Martial Arts event at the Trotter Convention Center should serve each competitor well next month when they take the next steps in their amateur careers.
Fighting for Relentless MMA, Reeves (2-0) earned a first-round submission victory against Lee Franklin, of Jackson. He used a rear-naked choke hold to end the fight in 58 seconds.
Hunter to coach Golden Triangle Jets in inaugural season6/1/2009 Jeff Hunter doesn’t aspire to be a professional baseball coach.
The former New Hope High School and Mississippi State pitcher also is hesitant to become a high school baseball coach.
But Hunter’s love for the game couldn’t keep him away from the Cotton States Baseball League.
On Tuesday, Hunter will take the field as coach for the Golden Triangle Jets when the team plays its first two games of the Cotton States Baseball League - North Division’s inaugural season.
Coaches invest time in summer to develop programs5/31/2009 Players aren’t the only ones who are tested in the spring and summer months.
While parents have to shuttle their children to and from games, coaches are the ones who are on site hours before games preparing the field and hours after games cleaning up and getting things ready for the next day.
Columbus High School baseball coach Jeff Cook and New Hope High assistant baseball coach Chris Ball are two area coaches who will play a variety of roles in the next few months on the diamond.
Sanders, West chosen all-state5/29/2009 DeShuni Sanders is old school.
But the New Hope High School senior standout showed this season that even old schoolers can succeed in a faster environment.
Sanders and Hamilton High senior standout Kelle West added honors to their resumes earlier this week when they were chosen second-team All-State by The Clarion Ledger in Jackson.
Sanders didn’t learn of the honor until Wednesday when her father, Donnie, told her.
Columbus off to good start in Dizzy Dean Baseball5/29/2009 The Columbus High School baseball team’s 2010 team started Thursday night.
Josh Tentoni, Tyji Hawkins, and the rest of the Falcons intend to make that season a success.
Tentoni had four hits and Hawkins added two and a strong pitching performance to help Columbus beat East Webster 4-3 and 11-3 in the Dizzy Dean opener for both teams at Sammy Fletcher Field.
Nick Durrah also had three hits, including the game-winning RBI in the bottom of the seventh to help Columbus turn the page.
Alexander seizes chance5/29/2009 The time is right for Brian Alexander.
The 17-year coaching veteran didn’t know how Russell Brooks found his name, but he didn’t dismiss the opportunity that will keep him on the court through the summer.
Alexander, a former assistant boys basketball coach for Sammy Smith at Columbus High, is the head coach of the World Basketball Association Exposure League’s Tupelo Rock-n-Rollers. Hundreds turn out to support New Hope coach5/28/2009 Lance White didn’t expect to be in Columbus on Wednesday night.
But when he heard what was happening to one of his former baseball coaches, he decided he couldn’t afford not to be in town. Mixed Martial Arts event to hit Columbus on Friday5/28/2009 Chad Davis is excited about Columbus.
As sales and marketing director for Ring Media Group, it’s Davis’ job to find new markets to showcase mixed martial arts, one of the fastest growing sports in the world.
Davis believes he has found one in The Friendly City — and at just the right time. Locals looking for pro basketball offers5/28/2009 Chris Sykes and Elmo Brown have plenty of basketball left.
Now the 34-year-old former Aberdeen High School and Delta State standout has to convince someone he’s right.
Sykes and Brown, 34, a former basketball player at Columbus High, are two of 10 players on the roster for the Tupelo Rock-n-Rollers of the World Basketball Association Exposure League. They hope to use the league to showcase their talent and to land another job that will pay them to play professional basketball. Former Falcon giving back5/28/2009 Jarvis Gunter was a teenager the first time he experienced Kids With Character.
As a member of the Columbus High School boys basketball team, Gunter and his peers volunteered at the free camp and were charged with being a positive influence for the younger kids in the community. Herring, Tice plan meeting in support of Hester5/24/2009 Chris Herring and Kenny Tice never imagined they would have to be spokespeople.
But the former New Hope High School baseball player and NHHS parent believe it is time to speak out.
After remaining quiet throughout the season and watching momentum build against New Hope High baseball coach Stacy Hester, Herring and Tice said Saturday they believe people in the community are on a “personal vendetta” and “crusade” to remove Hester as the school’s coach.
Coaches defend Hester's coaching tactics5/24/2009 Billy Ray Lee knows there is a fine line in coaching.
In more than 30 years as a coach, Lee has learned some players respond to one style of coaching while others need to be motivated another way.
Lee has seen that dynamic play out in his two years with the New Hope High School baseball program.
In that time, Lee has seen New Hope High coach Stacy Hester is a lot like him.
Vaqughan resigns as New Hope's girls basketball coach5/24/2009 New Hope High School will have a new girls basketball coach for the 2009-10 school year.
Tim Vaughan resigned for personal reasons Tuesday as coach at his alma mater to be an assistant girls basketball coach for Yvonne Hairston at Columbus High School.
Vaughan, who led the Lady Trojans to a 31-18 record the past two seasons, said Saturday he hasn’t signed a contract to make the move official, but that he expects to be a full-time social studies teacher in the fall at Columbus High.
New Hope coach fears for job5/23/2009 Stacy Hester is confused.
For 18 years as New Hope High School baseball coach, Hester has tried to run a program based on respect, discipline, and accountability. Hancock hopes building continues at Heritage5/22/2009 Steve Hancock hopes the building process will continue this summer.
In his first season as baseball coach at Heritage Academy, Hancock guided the Patriots to a trip to the Mississippi Private School Association AAA playoffs and a 10-16 finish.
Although Heritage Academy lost to Hillcrest Christian in the first round, Hancock was pleased the program raised its competitiveness and its confidence.
Garth wants to remain girls basketball coach at Aberdeen5/22/2009 Cloyd Garth said he hasn’t officially submitted his application, but that he would like to remain the Aberdeen High School girls basketball coach.
Aberdeen High School Athletic Director Hansel Gunn said earlier this week that the opening for the girls basketball job hasn’t been posted. He said he expects it to be listed in the next few weeks.
Still, word of the opening has been circulating on the Internet and through the high school coaching ranks.
New Hope baeball players in the mix at EMCC5/22/2009 Two more New Hope High School baseball players will have opportunities to play that sport in college.
Third baseman T.J. Upton and left fielder Josh Ferguson performed well enough Tuesday at a tryout at East Mississippi Community College that coach Tony Montgomery has invited them to join the program
Ferguson, who already has signed a football scholarship to attend EMCC, will try to work with the team at least twice a week in the fall to keep his baseball skills sharp.
Spring football finales please coaches5/21/2009 Progress won’t be measured for real until at least three months — and for some teams it will be even longer than that.
But Chris Duncan, Bubba Davis, and M.C. Miller all came away impressed Saturday with the performances of their football teams in their spring finales. Kelsey sees Howard fitting in at Belhaven5/20/2009 Tom Kelsey knows how to find players that fit his system.
When you like to play a 94-foot game like the Belhaven men’s basketball team, a coach needs versatile players who can play multiple roles.
Kelsey believes Woodie Howard fits that description.
Listed at 6-foot-2, the former Starkville High School product isn’t the tallest player on the court. He’s not the best scorer on the floor, and he won’t dazzle fans with eye-popping dunks.
But Howard can do everything a coach asks well, which is why Kelsey wanted Howard to join his program.
Branton, Brown complete world turkey hunting slam5/20/2009 STARKVILLE — Hunting used to be a way for Dawn Branton and Kristi Brown to find time to spend with their husbands.
Now their time tracking turkeys, deer, and antelope has become so much more.
Not only has hunting helped them build a strong friendship, but it also has helped the women achieve a special honor.
Last month in the Sierra Madre mountains in Chihuahua, Mexico, Branton and Brown killed their final turkey to complete their World Slams.
MSU's Rack, EMCC's Thompson at USA Trials5/17/2009 If things work out this weekend, Alexis Rack, of the Mississippi State women’s basketball team, will be a little busier this summer than she anticipated.
The rising senior guard at Mississippi State is at the USA Basketball National Team Trials at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.
East Mississippi Community College women’s basketball coach Sharon Thompson, a former women’s basketball player at MSU, also is in Colorado working as a court coach who is helping work the player in drills.
New Hope left to wonder what could have been5/17/2009 Missed opportunities aren’t any less frustrating in the spring.
The only solace for New Hope coach Michael Bradley, Starkville coach Bill Lee, and Amory coach Pat Byrd is that their results in the New Hope High School Jamboree won’t count against them in the 2009 season.
New Hope, Starkville and Amory completed its spring seasons Friday in action that also featured Pontotoc and Shannon.
Starkville defeated Amory 21-7 and lost 10-7 to Pontotoc. Pontotoc defeated Amory 7-0. Those results were two-quarter games.
Columbus' Hayward, Caledonia's Pounders sign with EMCC5/17/2009 Junior Noel continues to mine the Golden Triangle for its top soccer talent.
The East Mississippi Community College men’s soccer coach landed two more standouts Friday when he signed Caledonia High School’s Tyler Pounders and Columbus High’s Mike Hayward to national letters of intent.
Martin stepping down as Columbus soccer coach5/17/2009 Richard Martin had the Columbus High School boys soccer program on the verge of making the Class 5A playoffs this season.
In his three seasons as coach, the Falcons improved from three, to nine to 11 victories.
Now someone else will have to take the team to the next level.
Martin recently announced he was stepping down as boys soccer coach at Columbus High to spend more time with his family.
Brand to become East Webster principal again5/17/2009 MABEN — East Webster High School is losing three coaches and gaining a principal in one man.
Bill Brand, who coached girls basketball and slow- and fast-pitch softball at the school this year, recently accepted a job offer to return to work as East Webster High School’s principal.
Brand will take over for Phil Ferguson effective July 1.
East Webster's Allen, Halterman sign with MCC5/17/2009 MABEN — Wanda McPhail admitted Friday morning she was the lucky one.
It was easy to see why McPhail used that word after listening to her read the resumes of Kaley Allen and Jessica Halterman.
After reading an impressive set of accomplishments, McPhail watched as the East Webster High School academic and athletic standouts signed national letters of intent to play tennis at Meridian Community College.
Louisville holds on to beat West Point5/15/2009 WEST POINT — Big plays usually are few and far between in spring football games.
Like many sports, defenses typically get the better of offenses in preseason or games early in the season.
That wasn’t the case Thursday night at McCallister Field at Hamblin Stadium.
Tajh Ford had three touchdowns, including a 92-yard kickoff return for a score, to help Louisville High School defeat West Point 32-24 in the spring finale for both teams.
Noxubee County looks to silence critics again5/15/2009 MACON — Vincent Sanders and Gussie Lane already can hear the haters.
They likely are some of the same people who said the Noxubee County football team got lucky in 2007 when it advanced to the Class 4A state title game.
Those doubters rejoiced when Laurel edged Noxubee County 19-16 to win the 2007 championship.
The chatter kicked up again last year as the Tigers set out on a mission to finish the drill and win a Class 4A state title.
Their hard work and team unity silenced the critics and D’Iberville in a 12-10 victory that gave the Tigers their elusive crown.
Harris leaves Noxubee County for first head coaching job5/15/2009 MACON — Reggie Harris couldn’t pass up this opportunity.
As much as the former Noxubee County High School football player and coach wanted to remain at his alma mater, he felt he was ready to take a chance on becoming a head coach.
It didn’t take long for someone to agree.
Sunflower County School Superintendent Peirce McIntosh hired Harris last month to become the new football coach at Ruleville Central High School.
Loss fuels Central's run to winning state championship5/15/2009 MACON — One loss can change a season.
It can also test the resolve of a team that believes it is destined to win a state championship.
The Central Academy slow-pitch softball team faced that challenge after it saw a double-digit lead vanish against Russell Christian en route to a 27-24 loss in the regular season.
The players called the result “amazing.”
Coaches Sammy Lindsey and Pres Dawkins called the defeat “mind boggling” and wondered if it would rattle their players and ruin the title dreams in an otherwise promising start to the season.
There was no need to be concerned.
Itawamba's Cole hits his way onto All-Region squad5/13/2009 Ladarrius Cole arrived at Itawamba Community College just wanting to contribute.
The 5-foot-9, 180-pound outfielder from Nettleton High School has done much more than that, and the Indians are reaping the benefits.
Cole, who leads the team with a .456 batting average, was one of a handful of players chosen to the All-Region 23 squad on Wednesday.
Cole, Pontotoc’s Dustin Lunn (catcher), Auburn signee Justin Bryant (middle infielder), of Remlap, Ala,. and pitcher/second baseman Josh Chism were selected to the first team all-state squad.
New Hope can't solve West Lauderdale's McWilliams5/10/2009 COLLINSVILLE — The New Hope High School baseball team always seemed to have the answer.
Whether it was timely hitting, clutch pitching, or sparkling defense, the Trojans put everything together in the past month to sweep their first three playoff series.
But one solution eluded them all season: How to solve Dustin McWilliams.
EMCC's Abrams signs scholarship with UAPB5/10/2009 Jasmine Abrams has her eyes set on higher goals.
Her two seasons with the East Mississippi Community College women’s basketball team have made those aspirations more realistic.
Now the former Columbus High School standout plans to take her game to the Division I level in hopes of taking the next step toward realizing her goal to play professional basketball.
On Tuesday, Abrams, a 6-foot forward, signed a national letter of intent to play basketball in the fall at the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
Dale gets invitation to prestigious baseball camp5/10/2009 Christian Dale will get an opportunity this summer to watch some of Major League Baseball’s future stars.
In the process, Dale also will get a chance to develop his skills so he might one day reach that level.
Last month, the Lee Middle School eighth-grader attended an Under Armour Tryout Event at Zephyr Field in New Orleans.
Dale did so well at the tryout that he earned an invitation to an Under Armour Baseball Factory Specialty Training Camp in Cape Cod, Mass.
McWilliams hurls West Lauderdale past New Hope5/8/2009 COLLINSVILLE — Dustin McWilliams wiped out all of the New Hope High School baseball team’s momentum Thursday night.
Wes Stokes will try to finish the job tonight.
McWilliams pitched a complete-game five-hitter and West Lauderdale scored six unearned runs in an 11-4 victory in game one of the best-of-three Mississippi High School Activities Class 4A North Half state title series at Jerry Boatner Field.
Game two will be at 4 p.m. today in Columbus. New Hope will try to keep run going against West Lauderdale5/7/2009 The New Hope High School baseball team has found new life in the postseason.
Whether it has been solid pitching, timely hitting, or sparkling defense, coach Stacy Hester’s Trojans (24-9) are playing their best baseball of the season entering game one of today’s (6 p.m.) best-of-three series against West Lauderdale for the North Half state title. MSMS' Powers, Patterson defend state title5/6/2009 Zachary Patterson and Adam Powers thought everything was going just fine.
Up a set and leading 3-0 in the second set, Patterson and Powers felt confident about their chances to repeat as Class 3A No. 1 doubles champions.
But an old kick serve called momentum turned against them.
Corinth’s Austin McElwain and Charlie Curtis rallied to win the second set and forced Patterson and Powers to regroup.
The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science duo used the 10-minute break between sets to analyze their mistakes and to formulate a game plan that would help them rally.
Caledonia golf team makes state tournament5/6/2009 CALEDONIA — The Caledonia High School boys golf team is ahead of schedule.
That’s fine with coach Bradley Tate and his players because their success this season has extended their season to the State Tournament.
Zac Taylor will lead district champion Caledonia next week when it plays at the Class 4A state tournament May 12-13 at River Birch Country Club in Amory.
The team will use Monday as a practice round to familiarize itself with the course. Play in the 16-team event begins at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.
East Webster's Williamson lets bat do talking5/5/2009 MABEN — Caitlyn Williamson knows how to make an exit.
Down to what could have been the next-to-last at-bat in her prep career, the East Webster High School standout didn’t go to the plate looking to hit a home run. Heritage Academy baseball looks to continue turnaround5/5/2009 By Steve Hancock’s count, the Heritage Academy baseball team was 2-52 in Mississippi Private School Association AAA games the past three seasons.
Still, the veteran coach was optimistic heading into his first season in MPSA. Playoff magic continues for New Hope5/5/2009 SALTILLO — The New Hope High School baseball team’s magical playoff run added enough highlights Monday night to fill an installment of SportsCenter.
Brent Younger and Phillip Tice played the roles of defensive stalwarts, diving to make run-saving plays. Columbus youth soccer team wins state championship5/4/2009 Even the most talented teams sometimes need a break.
The Columbus Severstal Under-12 girls soccer team used two days of championship play and a little bit of good fortune this weekend to win a state title.
Columbus defeated the Greenwood Revolution 2-0 in the semifinals and then beat a team from Hattiesburg 2-1 to take the Kohl’s Cup championship in Jackson.
The U-12 age division featured 16 of the state’s top recreation soccer teams in an eight-on-eight tournament.
East Webster softball team joins elite status5/3/2009 RIDGELAND — Champions make you pay for your mistakes.
Whether it is a pitch in the wrong location, an errant throw, or a missed groundball, the East Webster fast-pitch softball team has capitalized all season on miscues by its opponents.
The Mississippi High School Activities Association Class A state title series was no different.
East Webster took advantage of two critical errors in a five-run third inning Saturday and then rode the pitching of Jessica Halterman to an 8-2 victory against Smithville to clinch the best-of-three series at Freedom Ridge State Park.
East Webster's Halterman goes out in style5/3/2009 Jessica Halterman was in a zone.
The East Webster High School senior pitcher was so focused Saturday afternoon she didn’t appear ready to celebrate after recording the final out in an 8-2 victory against Smithville in the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 1A best-of-three championship series.
While some of her teammates tossed their gloves into the air, Halterman left the circle and moved toward her team’s dugout. She appeared to mouth the word, “Wow.”
Hamilton softball team comes up short for state title5/3/2009 RIDGELAND — The miracle rally turned out to be incomplete.
Three singles in the top of the seventh inning by the Hamilton High School fast-pitch softball team gave it hope.
Brooke Delaughter and her Loyd Star High teammates ended the Lady Lions’ dream with a bang-bang play.
Delaughter retired Caitlyn Atkins on a close play at first base to help preserve Loyd Star’s 3-2 victory in game two of the Mississippi High School Activities Association best-of-three Class 2A state championship series at Freedom Ridge State Park.
Hamilton has season come to end with loss to Water Valley5/3/2009 HAMILTON — The “freebies” the Hamilton High School baseball team allowed Friday night turned out to be even more costly than anyone would have imagined.
Shonquayle Jenkins pitched six strong innings Saturday to lead the Water Valley High School baseball team to a 2-0 victory against Hamilton in game two of its Mississippi High School Activities Association best-of-three Class 2A third-round series.
The victory sends Water Valley (20-9) into the next round where it will face the winner of the Belmont-Ackerman series. Game two of that series was rained out Monday.
Hamilton ends its season at 21-7.
Columbus High celebrates Morris' signing with special day5/3/2009 Phillip Morris isn’t the best 3-point shooter.
He didn’t have eye-popping numbers as a senior point guard for the Columbus High School boys basketball team.
But the key for coaches when they recruit is to identify players who have the intangibles, are willing to buy into a team concept, and who are willing to listen and to be coached.
Morris gets a perfect score in those categories, which is why Friday was a special day for him and his family.
Tate proving Jamison right by signing to run at MSU5/3/2009 STARKVILLE — Gloria Jamison has a special perspective on Tavaris Tate.
As minister at Columbus’ Maranatha Faith Center, Jamison has known for some time that Tate is destined for great things.
She became convinced of that one day when she was standing at the altar and Tate approached her. At that moment, Jamison said, God showed her Tate would excel as a track and field athlete.
Tate is proving Jamison’s vision correct.
Hamilton softball team seeks title with fire and desire5/1/2009 HAMILTON — This weekend is the Hamilton High School fast-pitch softball team’s chance to shine.
The Lady Lions will try to do it with fire and desire.
“Fire and desire” was the slogan on a sign taped to the wall in Hamilton’s dugout Saturday when it faced Hatley in game two of its Class 2A North Half title series.
Hamilton (15-10) won that game 7-6 to earn the opportunity to play Loyd Star at 6 p.m. today in the first game of the Mississippi High School Activities Association best-of-three Class 2A state championship at Freedom Ridge State Park in Ridgeland.
East Webster softball team goes for fourth-straight title5/1/2009 MABEN — Another championship walk would suit the East Webster High School fast-pitch softball team just fine.
Last week, the three-time defending champion Lady Wolverines concluded their most recent South Half state title with a 7-0 victory against Bogue Chitto.
After the final out was recorded in senior Jessica Halterman’s no-hitter, East Webster coach Bill Brand talked to his team and then had seniors Halterman, Iyeshia Thomas, Jordan Sisk, Darlynda Wilson, and Caitlyn Williamson had join arms and walk from the center field fence to the backstop.
Earnest, Reeves give Hamilton a potent punch5/1/2009 HAMILTON — Part of the beauty of sports can be found in the numbers.
Some statistics are hard to comprehend, regardless of how many times you look at them.
Chase Reeves still finds it difficult to believe he owns one of those numbers: Zero.
The junior left-hander has allowed 11 runs this season — all unearned.
West Lowndes' Malone signs to play baseball at Coahoma5/1/2009 Sometimes, for whatever reason, players who appear to have an unlimited upside go unnoticed.
Devin Malone is one of those players.
The West Lowndes High School senior showcased his skills on the court earlier this year as he helped lead the school’s boys basketball team to the Class 1A state tournament in Jackson.
Malone hopes to play a similar role with the West Lowndes High’s baseball team.
Caledonia's Hackman sprints from standing position5/1/2009 CALEDONIA — Jelisha Hackman has explosion.
Typically, though, when you compete in the 100 meters you’re pushing off a block fastened to the track at the start of a race.
Hackman’s propulsion in the sprint comes from a standing start, in part because of the lack of track and field facilities at Caledonia High School.
But Hackman, just like many of her teammates, has learned to live and to succeed with what she doesn’t have.
Gymnastics help Byrd find her niche in life5/1/2009 Mallory Byrd likes to move.
To satisfy her daughter, Val Byrd signed Mallory up to participate in dance classes so she could learn ballet, tap, and jazz steps.
She quickly discovered Mallory needed a certain kind of movement.
“It wasn’t her thing,” Val Byrd said of the dance classes.
It wasn’t difficult for the Byrds to find an alternative.
Mallory’s love for watching Olympic gymnastics turned out to be the motivation to get involved in the high-speed, high-flying sport.
MSMS tennis team two steps from winning state championship5/1/2009 Sindhu Shivaji knew she could believe Zachary Patterson.
After all, it’s easy to listen to someone who has won a state championship.
So when senior Zachary Patterson said at the beginning of the season that the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science tennis team could be “awesome,” Shivaji knew she had to do her part to make that goal a reality.
EMCC's Larkin qualifies for NJCAA National Championship4/30/2009 A fast start Monday on day one of the 2009 NJCAA Region 23 Golf Championship proved to be elusive for Hal Larkin.
Birdies on three of the first five holes gave the former Caledonia High School golf standout reason to believe he could secure a trip to the NJCAA National Championship.
But Larkin’s early momentum evaporated. Columbus' Barry will have double fun at EMCC4/30/2009 Nashedra Barry likes to stay busy.
In addition to the time she spends with the Columbus High School girls basketball and slow- and fast-pitch softball teams, the senior standout is involved in a host of clubs and other extra-curricular activities. Columbus High enjoying hard-hitting spring4/30/2009 The Columbus High School assistant football coaches already are in midseason form.
The CHS players are doing their part to join them.
Judging from the players’ performance Friday in an intrasquad scrimmage, the Falcons have made the most of their offseason workouts and are attacking spring football with enthusiasm. New Hope baseball building on regular season4/30/2009 Philip Tice doesn’t hesitate when asked what qualities make a clutch hitter.
“Confidence,” Tice said.
In his first year as a varsity starter, Tice is showing confidence beyond his years. Williams registers knockout in pro martial arts debut4/27/2009 Jason Williams’ professional mixed martial arts career is off to a rousing start.
The Columbus native knocked out Roy Davis 10 seconds into round one of their fight Thursday at the Gladiator Challenge at the Pauma Casino in Pauma Valley, Calif.
Williams saw an opening for the knockout after Davis threw a left-handed punch. He said he was surprised Davis was going to try to stand with him and punch, and he countered with a left hand.
New Hope baseball team sweeps playoff series4/26/2009 Some players would have lost focus the moment they didn’t get the job done.
But when you have been locked in at the plate like Philip Tice has been this season, no situation is too overwhelming.
Stuck in an 0-2 hole after missing two bunt attempts, Tice lined a two-run triple down the right-field line Friday night to lift the New Hope High School baseball team to a 7-6 victory against Pontotoc in game two of its Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 4A second-round best-of-three playoff series at Trojan Field.
Hamilton softball team prevails as best in the North4/26/2009 HAMILTON — A bloop proved to be just the spark the Hamilton High School fast-pitch softball team needed.
Katie Beth Dahlem’s bloop single paved the way for key hits by Miranda McCormick and Kelle West in the bottom of the sixth inning Saturday afternoon and helped Hamilton defeat Hatley 7-6 in game two of the Class 2A North State best-of-three state playoff series.
With the victory, Hamilton (15-10) advances to the Class 2A best-of-three state title series Friday to play the winner of Enterprise and Loyd Star at Freedom Ridge State Park in Ridgeland.
Halterman pitches no-hitter for East Webster softball team4/26/2009 MABEN — Jessica Halterman didn’t need to make any adjustments Saturday.
One game after hurling a complete-game, four-hitter, the East Webster senior was even more dominating — and nearly perfect.
Halterman pitched a no-hitter, struck out 14, and allowed only four baserunners to lead East Webster to a 7-0 victory against Bogue Chitto in game two of its Class A South State best-of-three state title series.
Heritage golf team plays North tournament on home course4/26/2009 Will Swedenburg wants to do more at 10 a.m. Monday than help the Heritage Academy golf team just qualify for the Mississippi Private School Association Class AAA State Tournament.
Playing on their home course at Columbus Country Club, Swedenburg and his Heritage Academy golf teammates feel they have a shot to challenge Pillow Academy and the rest of the top teams at the North AAA Tournament.
Heritage salvages split with Starkville Academy4/24/2009 The beauty of the game of baseball is you will see something different every day if you watch enough games.
The Starkville Academy and Heritage Academy baseball teams did their best Thursday night to ensure all the fans at Trip Carson Field doubled their pleasure and saw plenty of things they might never see again.
At 11:08 p.m., more than six hours after the first pitch of game one, Cole Vaughan retired Jim Beasley on a fielder’s choice to help Heritage Academy earn a 12-10 victory in game two and salvage a split of their doubleheader.
Caledonia's Gonzalez perseveres in pole vault4/24/2009 CALEDONIA — Stephanie Gonzalez started pole vaulting in less than ideal circumstances.
The then-Caledonia High School sophomore ran on grass and fell into a pole vault pit made up of mattresses.
She probably still has the scrapes on her legs from the experience.
Hamilton's Winders, Crouch provide spark4/23/2009 HAMILTON — Isaac Winders has given up basketball, at least for the next month. New Hope's Hester suspended for three days4/23/2009 New Hope High School baseball coach Stacy Hester was suspended Wednesday for three days and will miss his team’s Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 4A second-round playoff series against Pontotoc. New Hope baseball team grows stronger4/22/2009 Hilton Gibson and the New Hope High School baseball team haven’t had a perfect season.
Routine plays haven’t been made, pitchers have missed locations, and hitters haven’t delivered in clutch situations.
In many ways, New Hope’s season hasn’t been any different than countless other teams across the nation.
But what the Trojans haven’t done has made them stronger.
Liggins emerges as East Webster leader4/22/2009 MABEN — Jermaine Liggins’ nickname doesn’t do him justice.
Growing up, Liggins earned the moniker “half pint” because of his size.
Liggins has matured into a senior leader for the East Webster High School baseball team, and the ping of the baseball off his bat sounds more like someone nicknamed “pint.”
Liggins and classmates Blake Love and Reggie O’Briant are just three of the hard-hitting Wolverines who will lead the team Thursday into its best-of-three Class 1A playoff series against Bogue Chitto.
Hamilton softball team looks to keep run going4/22/2009 HAMILTON — One bad game was all the Hamilton High School fast-pitch softball team needed.
A missed opportunity, an error, or a pitch in the wrong spot could have have ended the Lady Lions’ season too soon.
But faced with the prospect of turning in their jerseys for the final time, Hamilton responded and appears to have rediscovered its rhythm.
Hamilton (13-10) will try to keep its run going Thursday when it travels to Hatley for game one in the best-of-three series that will determine the Class 2A North Half state champion.
East Webster's Hollenhead apt to get uniform dirty4/22/2009 MABEN — A clean uniform just doesn’t feel right to Swayze Hollenhead.
The East Webster High School fast-pitch softball standout considers it a badge of honor if she can soil her school colors with a dive to knock down a line drive or a slide into second base to beat a throw.
If you have seen the sophomore third baseman play, you know she’s apt to have several layers of the infield on her uniform by the end of a game.
Each day, though, Hollenhead washes that dirt from her clothes and returns to practice and games to do it all over again.
Immanuel Rams have new football coaches4/22/2009 STEENS — A new football season has brought a new sense of excitement at Immanuel Christian School.
The Immanuel players have two more reasons to look forward to the 2009 season: Shawn Gates and Daniel Merchant.
Gates and Merchant took the field Tuesday looking to bring a new energy to the football program on its first day of spring workouts.
Gates, 24, takes over for Billy Thomas as the football team’s new coach, while Merchant, who was an assistant football coach at the school last season, will work as defensive coordinator and special teams coach.
Cotton States Baseball League will expand by four teams4/21/2009 Clark Richey won’t realize his goal until June.
But he will take another step toward it tonight when the Cotton States Baseball League unveils its four-team North Division at 4:45 p.m. today at the Magnolia Civic Center in New Albany. East Webster's Halterman plays with poise in circle, on court4/21/2009 MABEN — Don’t expect a reaction from Jessica Halterman.
Whether she allows a hit or a walk or if a batter strikes out or reaches on an error, Halterman’s countenance won’t change. New Hope's Hollivay receives national invitation4/21/2009 Rachel Hollivay’s spring recently got a little busier.
The New Hope High School freshman was invited last week on behalf of USA Basketball and the Women’s Developmental National Team Committee to participate in the 2009 Under-16 National Team Trials. Magic ends for New Hope softball4/21/2009 Small ball helped the Cleveland High School fast-pitch softball team earn the right Monday night to keep its season alive.
Lindsey Mullins’ bases-loaded walk tied the game in the top of the seventh inning, and Cleveland used three fielder’s choices to tack on three insurance runs to rally for a 5-2 victory against New Hope in game three of the Class 4A third-round playoffs at Lady Trojan Field. Lucious hurls no-hitter for West Lowndes baseball team4/19/2009 Tyquan Lucious has made clutch and game-winning shots for the West Lowndes High School boys basketball team.
But nothing Lucious has done on the basketball court compares to what he did Saturday night on the diamond.
The sophomore right-hander pitched his first career no-hitter to lead West Lowndes to an 11-0 victory against Mount Olive in the deciding game of the best-of-three first-round Class 1A state playoff series.
McCartney helps Hamilton baseball team sweep O'Bannon4/19/2009 HAMILTON — Kevin McCartney doesn’t do always do things according to plan.
But the Hamilton High School right fielder showed Saturday afternoon that as much as he likes to take his hacks at the plate he can show a little restraint.
McCartney’s leadoff walk in the bottom of the first inning set the tone for another productive day and helped Hamilton beat O’Bannon 12-2 in five innings to help it sweep the first-round Class 2A state playoff series.
East Webster baseball team claims playoff victory4/19/2009 MABEN — The little things make a big difference for teams that have the talent to win a state title.
So even with his team leading by six runs in the third inning Friday afternoon, East Webster High School baseball coach Wes Johnson was concerned.
After cruising through the first two innings, starting pitcher Blake Love suddenly lost his command, surrendering a double, walk, single, and walk that helped Puckett cut its deficit to four runs.
East Webster’s loss of emotion and energy was equally troubling.
But things didn’t stay that way for long, which is why the Wolverines have the potential to win their second consecutive Class 1A state title.
Starkville basketball player signs with EMCC4/19/2009 STARKVILLE — Mark White has come to expect certain qualities from boys basketball players at Starkville High School.
In only two seasons as men’s basketball coach at East Mississippi Community College, White has marveled at the contributions former Yellow Jackets have made to his program.
Whether it has been Woodie Howard, John Harris, or Coco Ware, the former Starkville High players have brought high skill levels and even better work ethics to Scooba.
White feels Jeff Jernagin can do the same.
Stringer takes opener from East Webster4/17/2009 MABEN — Aaron Herrington isn’t the hardest thrower in the state of Mississippi.
But the junior right-hander has learned to make up for what she doesn’t have by enticing hitters to swing at her pitches. New Hope, Hamilton baseball hope for fast start4/17/2009 Stacy Hester knows his New Hope High School baseball team has plenty of confidence.
Comments from senior outfielder/catcher Will McReynolds last week highlighted how much the Trojans believe in themselves. Starkville Academy soccer players sign with MGCCC4/17/2009 STARKVILLE — Nick Klaskala and Josh Senter wanted to keep their options open.
Klaskala considered a number of schools and debated which one was the best fit for him academically. East Webster, Hamilton softball play today in third round4/16/2009 MABEN — Bill Brand isn’t feeling any pressure.
The East Webster High School fast-pitch softball coach has earned a degree of confidence after helping lead the program to Class 1A state titles the past two seasons. Stratton pitches Tupelo to victory against Columbus4/15/2009 Chris Stratton used a little help from Uncle Charlie on Tuesday night to make things look easy.
The Mississippi State signee struck out 10 in five innings to lead the Tupelo High School baseball team to a 15-0 victory against Columbus in a Class 5A, Division 2, District 4 game at Sammy Fletcher Field.
The victory coupled with South Panola’s 15-5 victory against Starkville on Tuesday helped put Tupelo (19-5, 6-2 division) in the driver’s seat for the district title. A victory at South Panola at 7 p.m. Thursday would give the Golden Wave the district championship.
Lady Trojans' Petty excels on two fields4/14/2009 Kelli Petty doesn’t want any debate.
As much success as she and the New Hope High School softball program have on the diamond, the junior standout says track and field is her No. 1 sport. McReynolds propels New Hope past Columbus4/12/2009 Will McReynolds doesn’t want his senior season to end with a whimper.
On Thursday, he had two doubles and scored two runs against Donnie Tabb and did everything he could to get his teammates pumped up.
Unfortunately, the New Hope High School baseball team lost to Neshoba Central and dropped to third place in Class 4A, Region 4, District 4.
On Saturday, McReynolds added two hits in the first three innings to help propel New Hope to an 11-5 victory against Columbus on Senior Day at Trojan Field.
Moore sparks playoff win for New Hope softball team4/12/2009 Jessica Moore admits she had butterflies.
The sophomore outfielder arrived Saturday morning at Lady Trojan Field to discover teammate and starting right fielder Haley Tutor was suffering from an ulcer in her right eye and wouldn’t be able to play against Hernando.
Moore accepted the news with concern for her teammate and excitement that she would get a chance to play.
Henry leaving Columbus for New Site4/10/2009 Paul Henry is going home to realize a dream.
The Columbus High School athletic director and assistant principal was hired Monday night to be the principal at New Site High School in Prentiss County.
Henry will start June 1 at the Class 2A school that has a little less than 300 students.
New Hope misses chance to clinch second place4/10/2009 The Neshoba Central High School baseball team could be hitting its stride at the perfect time.
New Hope High School coach Stacy Hester hopes he will be able to say the same for his team.
Unfortunately, the Trojans will have to go on the road next week to play the deciding games of their first-round playoff series on the road.
New Hope’s 5-2 loss to Neshoba Central on Thursday night at Trojan Field cost it a chance to clinch second place in Class 4A, Region 4, District 4.
West Point's Calvert feels fine with EMCC4/9/2009 WEST POINT — Demontez Calvert believes he will realize his potential in Scooba.
At 6-foot-4, 215 pounds, the West Point High School senior baseball standout already has the physical tools to be an impact player on the diamond.
In two years, Calvert hopes he can become what his soon-to-be coach first saw in him. Comer off to fast start for Caledonia4/9/2009 CALEDONIA — It’s all in the pacing for Jessica Comer.
As a freshman last year, the Caledonia High School distance runner learned about heartbreak when she was nudged out at the tape in the 800 meters at the Class 4A state meet.
This season, Comer is using that third-place finish as motivation as she builds toward another run at a state title. Heritage Academy's Vaughan going to EMCC4/9/2009 Perseverance and commitment are words Cole Vaughan lives by every day.
Through family tragedies, injuries, and life-changing diseases, Vaughan has used sports as an escape and a way to reinvigorate himself to face the challenges that life has thrown at him. Columbus' Barry, Tate select EMCC4/9/2009 There is no substitute for hard work.
That might sound like a cliché coaches and players trot out in an effort to explain their success.
But that mentality has served Nashedra Barry and Natalie Tate well for the past four years, so they don’t see any reason to stop now. Key leads Lamar to EMCC tourney win4/8/2009 Easton Key used to be a distraction on the golf course.
Unable to control his emotions, the Lamar School golfer was apt to throw his clubs if a shot didn’t break his way.
The outburst would unravel even the most successful round and force his parents to threaten to or to take away his golf clubs.
But Key has changed.
If something goes wrong these days, he pauses, takes a breath, and chalks the experience up to the highs and lows of the game of golf.
Key exhibited that new-found maturity Tuesday when he earned medalist honors with a 73 to lead Lamar School to the team championship at the East Mississippi Community College Invitational at Columbus Country Club.
MSU signee chosen Florida's Miss Basketball4/5/2009 Ashley Jones had no idea she was going to win the state of Florida’s most prestigious basketball award.
Five months ago, she didn’t even know if she would play basketball her senior season at Winter Park Lake Howell High School.
But the Mississippi State women’s basketball signee recovered from a liver infection to become the school’s all-time leading scorer and to lead Winter Park (29-2) to the Class 5A state title, its first in school history.
Jones’ performance this season helped her earn another honor. On Wednesday, Jones was chosen the Florida Dairy Farmers Miss Basketball winner. The award is voted on by state high school coaches and state sportswriters.
New Hope, Columbus beat Caledonia in baseball4/5/2009 Dillon Hawkins and Austin Stovall gave their baseball teams exactly what they needed Saturday.
Unfortunately, Caledonia High School was on the receiving ends of both efforts.
In the afternoon, Hawkins threw a six-inning, one-hitter, and Philip Tice had three hits and two RBIs in New Hope’s 11-1 victory against Caledonia in a Class 4A, Region 4, District 4 game at Trojan Field.
In the evening, Stovall survived a 12-hit attack and pitched a complete game to lead Columbus to a 13-7 victory.
Sanders takes step toward college by signing with EMCC4/5/2009 DeShuni Sanders is ready.
Some would argue the New Hope High School senior could play for the East Mississippi Community College softball team today.
New Hope High coach Tabitha Beard would have something to say about that, especially with the state fast-pitch playoffs expected to start Monday.
Sanders took the final step toward beginning a career at EMCC on Friday when she signed a national letter of intent to join the school’s softball program.
Moore, Montet sign with Itawamba CC4/5/2009 STARKVILLE — Players don’t have problems transferring from one program to another.
So while Colby Moore might have changed states moving from Pickens Academy (Ala.) to Starkville Academy, his baseball skills weren’t affected.
It didn’t take long for the infielder/pitcher to make his impact on the Volunteers’ program.
EMCC signs Chisolm, Fumo for immediate help4/5/2009 SCOOBA — Junior Noel is looking for some immediate assistance to help him bring the East Mississippi Community College men’s soccer program out of the “doldrums.”
The EMCC coach found two players Friday who will help him accomplish that goal.
Caledonia High School’s Taylor Chisolm and Starkville High’s Eduardo Fumo signed national letter of intents to join a program that went 1-12-1 last season in Noel’s second year as coach.
Area well represented at powerlifting meet4/3/2009 Alex Sherrod doesn’t want to settle for second place this year.
One season after being the runner-up in his weight class at the Mississippi High School Activities Association State Powerlifting meet, Sherrod has his sights set Saturday on a championship.
A stint with the Caledonia High School boys basketball team might have delayed his training, but he has regrouped and made significant progress and said he is ready to win a state title.
New Hope turns attention to state tourney4/3/2009 Now that the New Hope High School fast-pitch softball team has taken care of its Senior Night festivities, it can focus on adding another state title to the program’s list of accomplishments.
New Hope (17-2) still has a game at 5 p.m. today against Neshoba Central, weather permitting, before it can focus on the state tournament.
As of Friday morning, the Lady Trojans still didn’t know their opponent. New Hope coach Tabitha Beard said New Hope will play Lafayette County or Center Hill at 2 p.m. Saturday in the first two games of a best-of-three series.
Sportsplex will bring downtown together4/2/2009 Sports play a lot of roles in our society.
Whether it’s basketball or soccer or baseball or football, to name just a few, sports bring communities together. They unite people of different backgrounds and ages behind a school or a team.
Sports also bring people together at one location. McWilliams pitches Knights past Trojans4/2/2009 Dustin McWilliams likes to talk to himself on the mound.
The West Lauderdale left-hander feels his verbal repartee helps keep him focused and prepared for any situation.
That’s why a one-out, bases-loaded jam in the bottom of the third inning Wednesday night didn’t faze him. Tutor helps seniors win in style4/2/2009 Haley Tutor isn’t ready to say goodbye to her senior teammates.
That’s why she is going to do everything in her power to see that the New Hope High School fast-pitch softball team’s season ends, fittingly, with a state title.
Tutor had a home run, two singles, and six RBIs Wednesday to lead New Hope to a 12-2 victory against West Point in a Class 4A-District 4 game at Lady Trojan Field. Columbus to host Friends and Family Days4/1/2009 Sometimes teams just want to play.
Tom Velek and others involved in soccer in Columbus decided last year to do something about it.
Their decision has grown into a full-fledged event this year.
Velek and Columbus United Soccer will welcome more than 20 soccer teams and more than 200 players to town Friday and Saturday for the second annual Columbus Friends and Family Days at the Cook Fields.
Surgery doesn't sidetrack Roberts3/31/2009 There wasn’t a defining pop.
A piercing pain didn’t course through the elbow.
Instead, Blake Roberts saw a dispiriting loss in velocity on his fastball and control that signaled something wasn’t right. Caledonia's Jenkins going to EMCC3/31/2009 CALEDONIA — Justine Jenkins won’t lie.
The Caledonia High School standout wanted to play softball in college but she didn’t know if she was good enough.
It wasn’t until Jenkins started to relax and to have fun on the softball field that her confidence blossomed. Columbus splits pair of games3/29/2009 Bad things aren’t happening once a game this season for the Columbus High School baseball team.
In some cases, like in Columbus’ 16-6 victory against West Point in five innings Saturday afternoon, the Falcons make enough positive things happen to outweigh the negatives.
But the momentum doesn’t last.
In other instances, like in a 12-2 loss in five innings to South Panola on Saturday night, the Falcons can’t overcome mistakes that seem to snowball out of control.
Malones help West Lowndes outlast Caledonia3/27/2009 Lil’ Wayne and Lump proved to be a difficult tandem to contain Thursday night.
It’s a good thing, too, because the Caledonia and West Lowndes High School baseball teams could have played all night.
Better known as Demetrius and Devin Malone, the Panthers played key roles in the bottom of the ninth inning to help West Lowndes earn a 5-4 victory.
Lady Bulldogs set bar higher for next season3/27/2009 The bar has been set higher.
The Mississippi State women’s basketball team’s mission for the 2009-10 season is to live up to those standards.
“It will be up to them,” MSU coach Sharon Fanning said Thursday.
The Lady Bulldogs will begin individual workouts next week that they hope will help set the tone for next season.
That season has the potential to be the best in the program’s history, not just in victories but in the deepest move into the NCAA tournament.
'Game of Change' celebrates Bulldogs, Ramblers3/26/2009 STARKVILLE — March Madness ended early for the Mississippi State basketball teams.
But Jerald Harkness was in Starkville on Tuesday to celebrate the spirit and the history of the MSU men’s basketball program and the NCAA tournament. Rebels ready to move forward3/26/2009 It’s time to move on.
As much as University of Mississippi football coach Houston Nutt would love to enjoy the fruits of a 9-4 season that ended with a six-game winning streak and a victory against Texas Tech in the Cotton Bowl, he’s ready for another ride. Lady Bulldogs already looking ahead3/25/2009 Sharon Fanning already is thinking about the 2009-10 season.
One of the first jobs Fanning took to prepare for next season was to watch Mississippi State’s 64-58 loss to Ohio State in the second round of the NCAA tournament on Monday again.
The veteran MSU coach knew the outcome wasn’t going to change. She also knew her confidence in her players wasn’t going to diminish one bit.
Vaughan escapes trouble to pitch Heritage to win3/25/2009 WEST POINT — The ability to work out of trouble is essential for any pitcher.
Sometimes that trouble materializes after a bloop single or an error.
Other times, an ill-timed walk quickly can put a pitcher in a jam that is difficult to escape.
Cole Vaughan showed Tuesday afternoon he’s capable of living dangerously and then finding a way to avoid the big inning.
Vaughan scattered six hits in a complete-game effort to help the Heritage Academy baseball team defeat Oak Hill Academy 6-3.
New approach helps Heritage Academy's Braddock3/24/2009 Austin Braddock is branching out to all fields.
Always considered a dead pull hitter, Braddock has discovered this season that hitting is a lot easier when you change your approach at the plate. MSU looks to respond to another challenge3/23/2009 Sharon Fanning has talked all season about responding to challenges.
The Mississippi State women’s basketball team discovered Saturday there was no better time than tied at 59 with less than two minutes remaining in its first NCAA tournament game in six years to punch back.
The Lady Bulldogs delivered a knockout blow many have been waiting for all season.
Ole Miss hosts Murray State in WNIT3/22/2009 Renee Ladner hoped a loss to Auburn in the Southeastern Conference tournament earlier this month wasn’t the end to her team’s season.
The University of Mississippi coach learned Monday that the Lady Rebels will play at least one more game.
Trouble is, Ole Miss didn’t find out until Friday night who and where they were playing.
Murray State defeated Arkansas-Little Rock 67-65 in a first-round game at the Jack Stephens Center in Little Rock, Ark. The victory means Murray State (23-8) will play at Ole Miss (17-14) at 4 p.m. today.
Hollivay invited to Nike Skills Academy3/22/2009 Rachel Hollivay’s circle of basketball contacts is growing.
The New Hope High School freshman on Wednesday received an invitation to attend the Nike Girls Regional Skills Academy event at Norcross High School in Atlanta on April 25-26.
Lumanu, Mokango key ingredients for Lady Bulldogs3/20/2009 STARKVILLE — Armelie Lumanu trudged out of the team’s locker room following a loss to LSU in the Southeastern Conference tournament in North Little Rock, Ark.
Lumanu’s body language was in stark contrast to the emotion and energy she exhibited in the second half.
With less than eight minutes remaining, Lumanu stole the basketball near midcourt and was fouled seconds later.
Sykes, Rutgers continue up, down season3/20/2009 April Sykes’ transformation into a Division I basketball player will continue Saturday in the NCAA tournament.
Sykes and the No. 7 seed Rutgers Lady Scarlet Knights (19-12) will take on No. 10 seed Virginia Commonwealth (26-6) at approximately 1:30 p.m. at the Louis Brown Athletic Center in Piscataway, N.J.
It’s not surprising Rutgers, which went 9-7 in the Big East Conference, is in the NCAA tournament.
Wood signs soccer scholarship with EMCC3/20/2009 Seth Wood didn’t want to make the wrong choice.
As much as he was interested in accepting a scholarship to play soccer at Williams Baptist College in Walnut Ridge, Ark., Wood realized the school really didn’t have a field of study that suited him.
Wood didn’t eliminate Williams Baptist, but he decided to finish his high school soccer season and what other offers came his way.
When Wood received a call from East Mississippi Community College men’s soccer coach Junior Noel, he had a feeling he had found his destination. MSU-Loyola film will be shown next week3/19/2009 Ever since Dr. James Giesen saw the documentary “Game of Change” last year in Detroit, he knew he had to find a way to bring the film to Mississippi State.
Giesen, an assistant professor of History, was interviewed to provide perspective for the film about the 1963 NCAA men’s basketball tournament game that pit Mississippi State against Loyola of Chicago in East Lansing, Mich., so he already knew how to contact the film’s director and producer, Jerald Harkness. MSU begins preparation for Texas3/18/2009 STARKVILLE — Tysheka Grimes doesn’t care which word you use.
Energy, focus, and intensity are all the same to her, and as far as she is concerned, the No. 11 seed Mississippi State women’s basketball team will need a healthy dose of all three at 11 a.m. Saturday when it takes on No. 6 seed Texas in the West Regional at Columbus, Ohio.
Mississippi State (22-9) started practice Tuesday for Texas (21-11) and its first trip to the NCAA tournament since 2002-03.
Arkansas sweeps doubleheader from MSU3/18/2009 STARKVILLE — Jamie Pinkerton won 19 games (four in the Southeastern Conference) in 2005 in his first season as University of Arkansas softball coach.
Whitney Cloer hit .145 as a freshman in 2006.
In 2007, the Lady Razorbacks began construction on a multi-million, state-of-the-art softball stadium.
Those stops along the way detail how Arkansas has gone from a perennial SEC cellar dweller to an NCAA tournament team.
Smith helps organize Madness tournament3/18/2009 For years, Jeff Smith worked for the parks and recreation department and helped children discover and realize opportunities in sports.
Now a county supervisor, Smith hopes to do similar things, starting this weekend.
Smith has helped organize the Mississippi Madness basketball tournament, a 16-team event for men and women 18 years and older, which will tip off a 6 p.m. Friday at West Lowndes Middle School.
MSU to learn destination3/16/2009 The destination is ...
The Mississippi State women’s basketball team hasn’t faced much drama the past five years in March,
This year is different.
The only drama the Lady Bulldogs will face tonight is discovering where they will play their first-round opponent in the NCAA tournament.
The Lady Bulldogs will gather at 6 tonight at the Templeton Athletic Academic Center to watch the NCAA women’s basketball tournament selection show on ESPN.
At 22-9, MSU has its most victories since the 2002-03 season, the last time it advanced to the NCAA tournament.
MSU caused changed before the madness3/15/2009 House honored as Female Sportsman of Year3/15/2009 Caledonia soccer players sign with ICC3/15/2009 New Hope wins on Beard's birthday3/13/2009 MSU waiting patiently by to learn fate3/13/2009 Fourth inning propels Starkville past Columbus3/11/2009 Blaylock uses 'junk' to be effective on mound3/10/2009 WEST POINT — Junk-baller is a term of affection for Brody Blaylock.
For other pitchers with less self-confidence, the term might be a negative moniker. MSU's NCAA hopes is number's game3/8/2009 Goff does all she can do in Ole Miss loss3/8/2009 New Hope wins two games in tournament3/8/2009 Shockwave rallied to win short-course title3/6/2009 Long has learned patience behind wheel3/5/2009 Reed Long used to be like a lot of fans who sit in the stands at Columbus Speedway and Magnolia Motor Speedway.
Long would sit and watch the races with friends and would think to himself, “I can do that. How difficult can it be to race a car?”
That question is part of the reason Long, 31, of Columbus, finally left the stands and climbed into a race car. MSU women take on South Carolina at SEC tournament3/5/2009 The second season begins today.
All season, the Mississippi State women’s basketball team has talked about living up to its expectations and potential and earning a return trip to the NCAA tournament.
Starting at 9 tonight, sixth-seeded MSU can take the first step toward guaranteeing its goal when it takes on 11th-seeded South Carolina in the first round of the Southeastern Conference tournament at Alltel Arena in North Little Rock, Ark. American Bass Anglers event set for Columbus on Saturday3/4/2009 Robert Harmon doesn’t have as much time to fish as he would like.
As a criminal investigator for the sheriff’s office in Chickasaw County, Harmon needs to be available at a moment’s notice, so planning leisure time can be difficult.
This weekend, though, Harmon hopes to take a break from his full-time work as an investigator to a different kind of searching.
Harmon hopes his time will be well spent Saturday when he competes in the American Bass Anglers district tournament in Columbus. MSU's Rack named first-team All-SEC3/4/2009 Mississippi State women’s basketball coach Sharon Fanning smiles as she flips through her players’ goal sheets.
The pages bring back memories of what players have listed as their team and individual goals and how they want to realize those dreams.
Going back nearly three years, Fanning comes to a sheet for then freshman Alexis Rack dated Sept. 11, 2006. Hard work in cage has helped West Lowndes' Stowers improve3/3/2009 Ryan Stowers used to be like a lot of high school baseball players.
Some players can hit home runs in practice or in a scrimmage, but hitting one in a game is the real deal. No. 1 Raymond ends Aberdeen's season3/3/2009 JACKSON — The sigh said it all.
Jameika Hoskins walked the length of the Aberdeen bench with her back turned as Raymond’s Valencia McFarland went to the free-throw line.
The Aberdeen junior standout took a breath, exhaled, and shook her head, not wanting to turn to face the clock and the prospect the Lady Bulldogs’ season was nearly over. Aberdeen has task of playing No. 1 Raymond3/2/2009 TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — From Kayla Robinson’s perspective, the Aberdeen High School girls basketball team will have its work cut out for it at 8 tonight when it takes on Raymond in the Class 3A Mississippi High School Activities Association Cellular South State Basketball Championships at Mississippi Coliseum.
The Lady Rangers are ranked No. 1 in Class 3A and are riding a state-best 24-game winning streak.
Second half propels MSU past Alabama3/2/2009 TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Mississippi State women’s basketball team is still discovering what kind of team it wants to be.
Coach Sharon Fanning has stressed all season the importance of hard work, defense, communication, and execution in an effort to help her players realize what it takes to advance to the NCAA tournament.
MSU's Richard won't return as hoped3/1/2009 New Hope edges Amory on bases-loaded walk3/1/2009 Rack, Tate spark MSU on Senior Night2/27/2009 New coach Staley building winner at South Carolina2/26/2009 STARKVILLE — Dawn Staley is accustomed to excellence.
As a player at the University of Virginia, Staley was a three-time Kodak All-American (1990-92), a two-time Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year (1991-92), the NCAA tournament’s Most Outstanding Player (1991), and the Sports Illustrated Player of the Year (’91).
Oh, she also won three gold medals as a member of the United States’ Olympic women’s basketball team and was a member of the Women’s National Basketball Association All-Decade Team. Aberdeen girls advance at state tournament2/25/2009 West Lowndes not given much time to prepare2/23/2009 New Hope falls short of returning to state2/22/2009 MSU women's basketball team seeks togetherness2/22/2009 Columbus takes weightlifting seriously2/22/2009 Brandon sparks New Hope to victory2/20/2009 Noxubee County ousted by Vicksburg2/20/2009 Local swim teams compete for state title2/20/2009 East Oktibbeha sweats out victory2/18/2009 Campbell leads Noxubee County girls past Clarksdale2/17/2009 MACON — A seven-point first-quarter deficit proved to be child’s play for the Noxubee County High School girls basketball team.
Those kind of leads evaporate quickly when you can press teams like the Lady Tigerettes.
It also helps to have propulsion from guards Jeraldine Campbell and Shanteria Tate. Focused Jones helps Starkville girls win title2/17/2009 Kierra Jones was in a zone.
Shooters know the place. When you’re there, your shooting stroke is perfect, the ball has the ideal rotation, and every shot you take is nothing but net.
The Starkville High School girls basketball standout wasn’t quite in that zone, although she did have two productive evenings last week at the Class 5A-Division 2 tournament at South Panola High School. MSU unable to contain Bonner2/16/2009 Columbus bounces back from loss2/16/2009 MSU women host No. 5 Auburn2/15/2009 East Oktibbeha rewards coach for patience2/15/2009 New Hope baseball team opens with wins2/15/2009 MSU sweeps season series from Ole Miss2/13/2009 MSU women will try to take Ole Miss2/12/2009 STARKVILLE — The Mississippi State women’s basketball team isn’t the only squad feeling the urgency as February counts down to March.
If MSU feels a tinge of anxiety being on the bubble for the NCAA tournament, coach Renee Ladner’s Ole Miss women’s basketball team has a host of butterflies as it enters the stretch run.
The Rebels can quiet some of that uneasiness at 8 tonight (Fox Sports Net South) when they play host to Mississippi State at Tad Smith Coliseum. Caledonia's Aldridge will play baseball at EMCC2/12/2009 CALEDONIA — Tyler Aldridge is honest when he looks back at his athletic career.
He always had confidence in whatever sport he played — football, soccer, or baseball — but he feels something was missing.
“When I was a freshman and a sophomore, I broke down mentally,” Aldridge said. “The physical part was always there, but I wasn’t thinking. Neshoba rallies past New Hope2/11/2009 West Point gets redemption against Caledonia2/11/2009 NHHS basketball teams take court for district openers2/10/2009 Robert Byrd hopes a week off is the recipe for success this week for the New Hope High School boys basketball team.
A little home cooking won’t hurt the Trojans, either. Rivalry will add to Madness2/10/2009 Madness doesn’t officially begin for another month, but it is never too early to start crunching the numbers.
By nearly every indicator, the Mississippi State women’s basketball team has done enough to put itself squarely on the bubble for NCAA tournament consideration. New Hope's Hollivay learning patience2/10/2009 A more patient Rachel Hollivay is a scary proposition for opponents who dare to venture into the lane.
The Caledonia High School girls basketball team discovered just how dominating the 6-foot-4 freshman center can be last week when she scored 22 points and blocked 17 shots in a 49-32 victory. Mokango leads MSU to victory2/9/2009 Caledonia's Hawkins signs with EMCC2/9/2009 Caledonia aims to close gap on Pearl2/9/2009 Fundamentals magnified at Caledonia Jamboree2/8/2009 CALEDONIA –– It’s never too early to execute the fundamentals.
The little things like baserunning, communicating on catching high pop ups, throwing strikes, and knowing what you’re supposed to do when fielding a bunt were magnified Saturday in the Caledonia Jamboree at Tommy Smith Field. Hebron Christian wins district championships2/8/2009 STEENS — The Hebron Christian basketball teams will have to make room for new hardware in the trophy case on Monday.
The Hebron Christian girls used a balanced scoring attack to beat Calhoun Academy 46-38 in the Class 1A-District 3 championship game at Immanuel Christian on Saturday.
The Hebron boys then had to work overtime Saturday night to earn a 53-47 victory against Immanuel.
Porter will try to spark MSU women against LSU2/8/2009 Mississippi State senior forward Robin Porter is living up to her words.
Last October at the Southeastern Conference Media Basketball Media Days in Birmingham, Ala., Porter talked about how Mississippi State senior guard Marneshia Richard kept her motivated. Bramlett enters season among elite2/6/2009 STARKVILLE — Chelsea Bramlett already is in elite company.
When you walk into the Mississippi State softball team’s indoor facility, the numbers of the program’s best players lead you up the stairs to the second floor. MSU's Rack reaches 1,000 points in victory2/6/2009 STARKVILLE — On a night in the Southeastern Conference when a coach and a player reached 1,000, the Mississippi State women’s basketball team was more than happy to finish No. 17.
Alexis Rack scored a team-high 14 points and MSU made 13 of 14 free throws down the stretch Thursday to beat No. 20 Vanderbilt 66-61 before a crowd of 672 at Humphrey Coliseum. ICC right pick for East Oktibbeha's Williams2/5/2009 CRAWFORD — East Oktibbeha High School’s Jimmie Williams Jr. didn’t worry when he received a phone call from East Mississippi Community College informing him the school wasn’t protecting him.
Even though it was only a month or so before National Signing Day, Williams Jr. had enough confidence in what he has accomplished on the football to know he would get an opportunity to continue his football career in college. Rack will try to make history2/5/2009 STARKVILLE — One step is all Alexis Rack needs to change a game.
For most players, that step would take them closer to the basket
But Rack’s most dangerous step might be in reverse.
How can one step mean so much? West Lowndes' Griggs off to MVSU2/5/2009 Antonio Griggs prefers to take a positive approach.
But even someone who has a reputation for being a hard worker and for setting a good example had to be a little concerned that there weren’t a lot of schools recruiting him to play football. Columbus High's Autrey, Cockrell off to EMCC2/5/2009 One opportunity was enough for Johnny Cockrell.
Picking one destination proved to be a little tougher than Billy Autrey imagined. New Hope sends two to EMCC, one to USM2/5/2009 Each story on National Signing Day is unique.
And even though Jonathan Guerry, Josh Ferguson, and Tamicdrius Davis took different paths to realize their dreams Wednesday, each started out with at least a little doubt that they would be able to continue their football careers in college. Pearl ends Caledonia title quest2/4/2009 MSU, Georgia meet in important game for postseason bids2/1/2009 MSU to begin season with deep pitching staff2/1/2009 Caledonia advances in state soccer playoffs2/1/2009 MSU bolsters hopes for NCAA tournament1/30/2009 The Mississippi State women's basketball team earned another all-important victory to bolster its NCAA tournament hopes Thursday night with a 97-33 victory against Savannah State at Humphrey Coliseum. Caledonia defense clicks in playoff run1/30/2009 Entering the 2008-09 season, the Caledonia High School boys soccer team and first-year coach Morgan Mansfield had to find a way to figure out how to solidify the defense. Johnson hopes to get attention for his driving1/30/2009 Monikers like “The Sultan of Swat,” “The Rocket,” and “The Human Highlight Film” captured the grandiosity and the explosiveness of each of their owners. Search our archives for older stories by Adam Minichino
