Uncle Mo delivers blow to Trojans

The New Hope High School football team discovered how quickly a game can turn when turnovers create a shift in momentum.

New Hope seniors have learned lessons well

Seniors have played a key role in the evolution of the New Hope football program.

Coach Michael Bradley speaks fondly of the seniors on his first two teams in 2006 and ’07 who helped the transform the program from a one-win doormat to a playoff contender.

New Hope coaches use chemistry to build program

Chemistry is a key for every head coach.

As important as it is to have players who buy into a vision or a philosophy, it is just as crucial to have assistant coaches who complement the person in charge and help set the direction for the program.

West Point will try to ‘upset’ Oxford

WEST POINT — Football coaches often find the smallest details to motivate their kids.

When they reach championship status, those programs tend not to need much help re-focusing or getting pumped for a new matchup.

State association will recognize NHHS’ Shepherd

Cary Shepherd had plenty of players honored in her time as New Hope High School softball coach.

The honors earned by her players often required her to accompany them to Jackson, where they would be recognized. On those trips, Shepherd and the players had time to roam the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum and look at all of the pictures of the greats who have helped shape the state’s sports scene.

SA’s Simsiriwong will play golf at Marshall

STARKVILLE — Korakot Simsiriwong has loved the game of golf ever since she could remember.

Growing up in Thailand, her father played the game and was a great fan, so it was only natural that Simsiriwong had a set of clubs as soon as she was able to swing.

Ward, Smith will lead Aberdeen

ABERDEEN — The mystery has been solved.

Years ago, Brandon Smith’s eyes earned him a special nickname from an uncle.

Somehow, though, that nickname — “Buck” — turned into “Bucket,” which is how the Aberdeen High School football coaches and players call out to Smith.

Alabama women dismantle N.C. State

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Confident, aggressive, and dangerous.

It’s only three games into the 2010-11 season, but the University of Alabama women’s basketball team appears ready to deliver on its potential.

Noxubee County keeps rolling along

The orderly state of affairs comes naturally to Tyrone Shorter.

If you needed any proof, you need only look at the success of the Noxubee County High School football program this season.

MSU’s Rector working back to health, bigger role

STARKVILLE — Ideally, Danielle Rector would have spent every waking moment of the offseason preparing for the 2010-11 season.

After all, that’s what gym rats do.

Sulligent’s Riggins enjoys move from line to RB

Ishamel Riggins knows how to find the holes.

Between rushing and protecting the quarterback, the Sulligent High School senior knows all of the tricks of the trade used by offensive and defensive linemen.

Trojans flying high after win

Zak Thrasher threw for 308 yards and three touchdowns to lead the New Hope High School football team to a 46-22 victory against Jackson Callaway in the first round of the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 5A playoffs.

Govero’s 28 leads MSU to opening victory

Mary Kathryn Govero did all of those things so well Friday she didn’t realize she notched a career high in points.

Coming off a four-point effort in an exhibition victory, Govero poured in 28 points to help the Mississippi State women’s basketball beat the University of South Carolina Upstate 87-53 in its season opener at Humphrey Coliseum.

New Hope’s Hodges has will to succeed

Some players are blessed with the speed of a gazelle or the size of a behemoth.

Others get by on guile or will power.

If you know football, you know what category 5-foot-7, 210-pound defensive lineman Dalton Hodges belongs in.

West Oktibbeha’s Robinson signs with MSU

MABEN — Shamia Robinson made history Thursday.

The 5-foot-8 senior basketball player became the first female to earn a scholarship to a Division I school when she signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball at Mississippi State.

Robinson averaged 18.8 points, 9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.4 blocked shots, and 1.9 steals per game last season. She also had scholarship offers from Georgia, the University of Mississippi, Southern Miss, and others.

Vikings fall short in eight-man title game

JACKSON — Curiosity turned to wonder and then slipped into belief.

There was no way one team that suffered a 54-point loss two weeks earlier could turn around and beat that same team on the state’s biggest stage in the rematch.

Right?

Heritage Academy’s Westmoreland picks Delta State

The fire was dying.

After years of playing competitively, Caleb Westmoreland found the game of golf didn’t excite him the same way. For some reason, all of the practice and attention to detail wasn’t resulting in the kind of progress he felt he should have been making.

MSU’s Govero will try to find scoring niche

STARKVILLE — Mary Kathryn Govero has seen the spotlight.

Until now, though, she has avoided spending much of her college career in its glare.

That all changed Sunday when the senior guard saw how important opponents believe she will be this season to the Mississippi State women’s basketball team.

Hamilton’s Reeves going to Ole Miss

HAMILTON — The tie said it all.

Anyone who knows Chase Reeves understands his love for the University of Mississippi. Ever since he was 7 years old and attended his first baseball game in Oxford, Reeves has dreamed of donning the Rebels’ pinstripes and playing in the outfield or pitching in front of a packed stadium.

Central Academy football hopes for better fate today

Ronnie Sciple is curious.

Two weeks ago, he thought his Central Academy football team was ready for the challenge to face Kemper Academy.