Lady Raiders beat Lady Patriots in season opener

WEST POINT — Marion Bratton knows the Oak Hill Academy fast-pitch team has plenty of things it needs to work on.

But when it comes to season openers, the veteran coach liked enough of what he saw Friday afternoon not to be too upset.

Hebron Christian will try to reload after run to state tournament

PHEBA — Don’t count out the Hebron Christian fast-pitch softball team this season.

Granted, the Lady Eagles lost seven seniors (five starters) en route to finishing as the runner-up in the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Class A North State tournament and third in the overall state tournament.

Additions will bolster Noxubee County coaching staff

Joey Sanders has been working in the Greater Golden Triangle area for more than a year.

On Monday, though, he officially will get approved to return home.

Oak Hill Academy wants to return to state

WEST POINT — Three is the magic number this season for the Oak Hill Academy fast-pitch softball team.

Central Academy softball will rely on even more youth

MACON — Sammy Lindsey hopes last year was more than a warmup for his Central Academy fast-pitch softball team.

Heritage takes first steps in volleyball

Anna Kilarski and Kristen Phillips didn’t want to waste an opportunity to have fun.

Elizabeth Fields and Liz Byrne are going to make sure Kilarski, Phillips, and the rest of their pupils learn something, too.

HA softball a year older, better

Allie Lowe and Shiloh Ellis are convinced the Heritage Academy fast-pitch softball team just won’t be a year older this season.

A year ago, the Lady Patriots struggled through a season with an inexperienced and young lineup. But the players matured as the season progressed, and the team played its best game in a season-ending loss to Madison-Ridgeland Academy in the district tournament.

Woody moves from boys to girls at WPHS

Murray Woody is excited to be back closer to home.

After spending one year as basketball coach at Ethel High School, Woody is gearing up for a return to the sidelines as girls basketball coach at West Point High.

Smithville job perfect fit for Gregg

It isn’t time for Leroy Gregg to retire.

Two months ago, Gregg was preparing to take a trip to visit his daughter, Mary Frances, in Georgia when he discovered Smithville High School needed an assistant football coach.

Hester enjoys role with CSBL’s Jets

The ride ended short of a championship, but Stacy Hester sure enjoyed it.

Hester, the former New Hope High School baseball coach, guided the Golden Triangle Jets to the title game of the Cotton States Baseball League, only to see his team lose to the North Delta Dealers 15-3 on Sunday.

NCHS’ Joey Sanders grew into All-Star, Bulldog thanks to 7-on-7 camps

Joey Sanders wasn’t always a go-to performer.

Growing up and maturing in the Noxubee County High School football program, Sanders learned to love the passing game.

As one of quarterback Omarr Conner’s favorite targets, Sanders blossomed into an All-State wide receiver as a senior and earned a scholarship to play football at Mississippi State.

Heritage’s Sharp will attend All-Madden Camp in Florida

In April, Blake Sharp went to Atlanta on a mission.

Time to give Sidney ultimatum or get rid of him

Maybe John Lucas should coach the Mississippi State men’s basketball team.

Maybe the Bulldogs should change their plans for a European trip and take a detour to Texas.

SEC’s competitive spirit heats up Media Days

Competitive spirit

Start with a national champion.

Throw in another program looking to reclaim its title glory, a coach who likes to stir it up, some NCAA intrigue, and a new coach and a veteran coach on the hot seat and it’s easy to see why the Southeastern Conference dominates the headlines.

Montgomery leaves Columbus to return to EMCC

Tony Montgomery didn’t want to leave East Mississippi Community College.

After not being retained last year as baseball coach, Montgomery never envisioned he would get a chance to go back to the school he loves.

Huddleston will stick with commitment to MSU

Tiffany Huddleston knows she will be asked the question.

But being a “bulldog at heart” made it easier for the Starkville Academy rising junior to give a verbal commitment to play soccer at Mississippi State.

Cobb leaves Hamilton for job at Severstal

Jason Cobb knew he was going to have to make a decision.

Faced with a choice of remaining a teacher and a coach or getting into administration, Cobb was focused on finding a better situation for his family.

Harrell will go to Michigan to play baseball

Baseball knows no boundaries.

And when you make an impression on someone, there’s no telling where your hard work will help you wind up.

Blake Harrell finalized his destination of choice Tuesday, signing a scholarship to play baseball at St. Clair Community College in Port Huron, Mich.

Would you have a plan to save someone’s life?

Ron Courson has made a life helping others prepare for competition.

Columbus will play host to Mississippi Open Disc Golf tournament

Mark Box isn’t the only person who has fallen under the spell of disc golf.

Friends Clayton Nash and Chip Strain also admit to being “hooked” by the game after being introduced to it.

Box, Nash, and Strain hope more people in the Greater Golden Triangle area will be affected by the sport this weekend when the Mississippi Open Disc Golf tournament comes to Columbus this weekend.