Gunter could land deal in Saudi Arabia

Jarvis Gunter is anxious for his next opportunity.

Whether it is Slovakia, Saudi Arabia, or another country, the former Columbus High School basketball standout is eager to take next step in his journey.

Hollivay has sights set on better 2013

Rachel Hollivay has her sights set on big things in 2013.

If the last game is any indication, the former standout at New Hope High School and at Heritage Academy appears ready to deliver.

Immanuel Christian gearing up for basketball tournament

Billy Thomas knows how Sammy Smith feels.

For the next day, Thomas will dread each time an unrecognizable number pops up on his cell phone. The Immanuel Christian boys basketball coach knows one of those calls could be a basketball coach calling to tell him his or her team won’t be able to make the third annual Immanuel Christian School Christmas Invitational, which kicks off Thursday.

Proffitt fitting in with Starkville Academy girls

Glenn Schmidt recognized the possibilities.

But the veteran Starkville Academy girls basketball coach wanted to talk to rising seniors Tiffany Huddleston and Anna Lea Little to find out what they thought the addition of Maggie Proffitt could mean to the team.

Starkville Academy wins twice at Joe Horne

If the Starkville Academy girls basketball team can handle the rest of the season like the past three days, the rest of the state is in for quite a show.

Starkville Academy weathered the injury to a key bench player Thursday and then learned the father of one of its players died. It kept its composure Friday in a victory and delivered another dominating display Saturday to cap its run.

Robinson, Young take advantage of opportunity in MSU victory

STARKVILLE — Opportunities don’t give a lot of advance warning.

If they did, Shamia Robinson and Brittany Young would have removed their warmup clothes and been sitting on the edge of their seats Thursday for the opening tip against Jacksonville State University.

Columbus High gives back to community, prepares for Joe Horne tournament

The giving will begin in earnest today.

Columbus High School boys basketball coach Sammy Smith, his players, and staff already have been hard at work for a year to put the finishing touches on the 16th annual Joe Horne Christmas Invitational. The two-day annual basketball tournament that features some of the region’s top girls and boys teams kicks off at 3 p.m. today with the first of seven games. Eight games will be played Saturday.

Bulldogs remain home for winless Jacksonville State

STARKVILLE — Vic Schaefer knows his team’s margin for error this season is minuscule.

Freeman rises to the challenge for Caledonia soccer

It’s difficult to remain in one spot when you’re trembling.

MSU women show signs of growth vs. FAMU

STARKVILLE — A year ago, Kendra Grant would have gravitated to the 3-point arc and her toes would have pawed for a comfortable spot.

A month ago, Darriel Gaynor talked about the player she used to be and how she was focused on regaining her confidence.

Two weeks ago, Sherise Williams finally had a new pair of contact lenses and was prepared to find a way to slow down.

MSU’s Williams has improvement in her sights

STARKVILLE — Sherise Williams knew something didn’t look right.

Her mother, Tracey Williams, encouraged her to tell someone at Mississippi State University, but she didn’t.

Starkville Academy’s Barber signs with Belhaven

STARKVILLE — The dream has been realized.

When you play as many softball games as Mary Austin Barber has the past few years, sometimes you can lose the passion that initially drew you to the sport you love.

Goodwin helps direct Starkville Academy’s victory

“Jake, Jake, Jake.”

The shouts came from all directions and within seconds of each other. The urgency behind the pleas indicated the players needed the ball immediately if they were going to make things happen.

MSU’s Foster looking to make mark

STARKVILLE — There is no plan to follow for winning a game when you commit 35 turnovers.

But Candace Foster and the Mississippi State University women’s basketball team showed last week that if you defend on the other end and do what you have to do, you can have success in what would appear to be unwinnable situations.

Falcons soccer star Hackler earns Player of Week honors

The epiphany didn’t come easily.

Columbus High makes plans for Joe Horne Christmas Classic

Sammy Smith can sit back, relax, and wait.

Getman’s work in Hoover helps soccer’s growth

HOOVER, Ala. — Mike Getman gets it.

As the de facto ambassador for Division I men’s soccer in this part of the country, the University of Alabama at Birmingham coach couldn’t help but smile. His work was done. He and a crowd of 9,242 had just watched Indiana University defeat Georgetown University 1-0 to win the Men’s College Cup at Regions Park.

Smith, Earnest preparing to take next step

Jake Smith and Dylan Earnest are eager to get back on the mound to make an impression.

Their next steps, though, will only be precursors to an even bigger step.

Schaefer continues to stress improvement

STARKVILLE — The film doesn’t lie.

With as many teaching points as Vic Schaefer and his coaches are trying to emphasize this season, the first-year Mississippi State University women’s basketball coach is glad to have tangible evidence he can use to prove his points.

Caledonia’s Smith will play in All-Star game

CALEDONIA — Morgan Smith figured Caledonia High School volleyball coach Samantha Brooks was up to something when she recently texted her and asked her for her height and her address.

Smith responded to her coach’s query but forgot about it before she could investigate why her coach wanted the information.