Govero, players honored at team banquet

STARKVILLE — Mark Kathryn Govero believes the Mississippi State women’s basketball team can get back to the NCAA tournament in 2012.

New Hope baseball beats West Point

Lee Boyd insists the gray hair is there.

He tips his cap and, sure enough, there are a few specks of gray on the sides of his head.

It remains to be seen just how much of that gray Boyd can blame on his New Hope High School baseball team.

NHHS’ Beard honored by MAC

Anna Holley and Brandi Brantley break into big grins when asked to relate their favorite “moments” with New Hope High School softball coach Tabitha Beard.

Junior Sunbelt Classic will honor Hester

The Junior Sunbelt Classic will honor one of its founding fathers in June when former New Hope High School baseball coach Stacy Hester is inducted to the National Sunbelt Classic Hall of Fame.

Aldridge living up to higher expectations at EMCC

Relentless is great way for a coach to describe a player.

Tyler Aldridge has earned that moniker from East Mississippi Community College baseball coach because he is living up to standards higher than he set for himself.

Barry has been strong in circle for EMCC

It’s not easy to be patient when you’re the center of attention.

But Nashedra Barry wanted to make a change, so she knew she needed to take things slowly.

Gunter considering options after third season in NBA D-League

Change is a big part of being a professional athlete.

The ones who best adapt to new situations and adjust their temperaments to fit new or bigger roles often can carve out long careers.

Jarvis Gunter hopes he is on the path to realizing that goal.

Heritage Academy forced to cut positions; Allsup let go

Bruce Allsup didn’t see it coming. When it did, seven years at Heritage Academy ended in an instant.

West Lowndes’ Wilson has eyes on state title

The grandeur of the Mississippi State Bulldog High School Invitational didn’t get to Korey Wilson.

With more than 40 squads competing in MSU’s first prep meet at the refurbished Maddox Track Facility, there were plenty of distractions Saturday, so it was easy for someone to get lost.

Wilson discovered he fit right in.

Heritage-Starkville split; Oak Hill loses; Central wins

It was a grand old night at the ballpark Thursday night.

The Starkville Academy and Heritage Academy baseball team took turns driving grand slams into the rain in a doubleheader at Trip Carson Field.

Immanuel Christian hires Watkins after Gates resigns

Shawn Gates is proud of what he helped accomplish at Immanuel Christian.

Now that Gates is looking to play a part in building something else, the timing is right for Greg Watkins to move into a new opportunity.

Gates’ resignation last week after two seasons as football coach at Immanuel Christian created an opening the school filled today when it named Watkins, the athletic director, football coach, and basketball coach at Hebron Christian, as its new football coach.

Heritage Academy’s Ledbetter will play at ECCC

McGee Ledbetter knew the Mississippi Association All-Star Boys Soccer game would be his chance to shine and to make a final impression on college coaches.

The Heritage Academy senior midfielder didn’t disappoint.

West Lowndes’ Berry will retire at end of school year

Bobby Berry has been blessed to be involved in high school athletics for more than 40 years. In that time, Berry has had reasonably good health and has taught many life lessons that have impacted student-athletes at a host of schools. But it dawned on Berry two months ago that it might be time to do something else.

Disbrow’s willingness to listen, learn spark Central Academy baseball

MACON — Scott Nash gets fired up when he talks about Will Disbrow.

Earnest’s home run, Fikes’ pitching lead Hamilton past Caledonia

HAMILTON — Ethan Earnest has home run power.

Problem is, the left-handed hitting junior had only shown the ability to deliver the long ball that girls love in practice.

But that all changed Saturday with one swing.

Earnest’s timing couldn’t have been any better, as his two-run home run to right field sparked a four-run fifth inning that fueled the Hamilton High School baseball team to a 6-2 victory against Caledonia.

WLHS’ Moody hopes to bring power to EMCC

Fredrico Moody is used to doling out hits on the football field.

But it’s his penchant for making contact on the baseball field that will allow the West Lowndes High School senior to take his athletic skills to the next level.

On Thursday, the multi-sport standout Moody signed a scholarship to play baseball at East Mississippi Community College.

EMCC signs Braddock, Pittman

Chris Rose had several goals when he was named the new baseball coach at East Mississippi Community College.

Rose set signing the top players in the state and in the region as one of his top goals as he attempted to build a championship tradition at EMCC.

The Lions took a “massive” step in that direction Monday when Heritage Academy senior baseball players Austin Braddock and Camp Pittman signed scholarships with EMCC.

Dale has big week for Falcons

Christian Dale doesn’t have time for growing pains.

Even though Dale is a sophomore, he is one of the most experienced players on the Columbus High School baseball team filled with young players looking to make their marks.

They would be well served to take a page from Dale.

Alabama women want to extend run

There’s plenty of Madness that goes on outside the NCAA tournament.

The trick to enjoying it is not getting caught up in the fact you’re not playing in the “Big Dance” and that you still have a chance to win a championship.

Tierney Jenkins isn’t about to let her first — and last — chance to play following the Southeastern Conference tournament end. The senior forward will lead the University of Alabama women’s basketball team against the Toledo Rockets in the Sweet 16 of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament at 7 tonight at the John F. Savage Arena in Toledo, Ohio.

Alabama women will try to build momentum in WNIT

The 2010-11 season was a step forward in so many ways for the University of Alabama women’s basketball team.

The Crimson Tide (16-14) snapped a string of eight consecutive losing seasons and recorded their most overall and Southeastern Conference victories (five) in a campaign since 2001-02.

That season is a great reference point because until this season it marked the last time Alabama had played after the SEC tournament.

At 7:06 tonight, Alabama will change that when it takes on the University of Memphis (21-12) in the first round of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament.