Patriots’ Berry returns from injury with vengeance

Blayze Berry is back with a vengeance.

If you ever wondered what it was like to miss something you loved, just ask the Heritage Academy sophomore infielder/pitcher what it was like last year to suffer a season-ending medial patellofemoral ligament injury.

William controls game on defense, offense to fuel Bulldogs

STARKVILLE — Dionnah Jackson-Durrett could tell the difference in Morgan William on Monday night.

Maybe it’s a point-guard thing that allowed the Mississippi State assistant women’s basketball coach to recognize the senior leader had a different air about her for the team’s second-round NCAA tournament matchup against No. 9 seed Oklahoma State.

Bulldogs do better job containing Goodwin

STARKVILLE — Vic Schaefer doesn’t often use the word “dominate” to describe an opponent’s performance against his defense.

That Schaefer used that term when discussing the effort of Oklahoma State’s Loryn Goodwin in the Mississippi State women’s basketball team’s 79-76 victory in the Big 12/SEC Challenge on Dec. 3 in Starkville speaks volumes about the ability of the graduate student.

Littell talks about coaching journey, Budke

STARKVILLE — Jim Littell has enjoyed the journey.

These days, there aren’t very many coaches who have worked at nearly every level of their sport and have climbed to the top of the profession.

Goodwin drives Oklahoma State’s attack

STARKVILLE — Adjustments come naturally to Loryn Goodwin.

When you have been a part of four basketball programs, you find a way to build chemistry with teammates, especially when you have the ball in your hands as much as Goodwin.

Tempo will be key for No. 1 MSU vs. No. 9 Oklahoma State

STARKVILLE — Balance and versatility have been keys to the Mississippi State women’s basketball team’s success in 2017-18.

Each game, any one of the Bulldogs’ starting five could have emerged with a big game to carry the squad to a victory.

MSU opens postseason play with rout of Nicholls

STARKVILLE — The tapping will reverberate in Humphrey Coliseum until Monday night.

Danberry gives Bulldogs big lift

STARKVILLE — Vic Schaefer needed a jolt Saturday night.

January practice helps Nicholls change course, reach NCAA tournament

STARKVILLE — DoBee Plaisance doesn’t swear.

The Nicholls women’s basketball coach burns with an intensity that allows her to deliver a message louder and more effectively without profanity.

Sell-out crowd awaits MSU for NCAA tournament opener

STARKVILLE — The answers come easily for Teaira McCowan, Morgan William, and Victoria Vivians, even if their responses are different.

When each player was asked Friday what was the loudest they remember hearing it in Humphrey Coliseum, the players looked at each other for a moment before McCowan seized the opportunity.

Caledonia’s Cross signs to play volleyball at Huntingdon

Bailie Cross can relax.

The Caledonia High School standout admits the past few months have had plenty of anxious moments. That’s because Cross, who has played volleyball for years, didn’t know if she was going to get a chance to play the sport she loves in college.

Oklahoma State wants to learn from losses at end of season

STARKVILLE — Every team goes through some kind of lull, especially in the marathon that is the college basketball season.

When you’re in a conference like the Big 12, those lulls can become extended doldrums pretty quickly.

Hillsman wants Syracuse to shoot threes, play fast

STARKVILLE — Quentin Hillsman says his dreams scare him.

It’s not because the Syracuse women’s basketball coach is a fan of horror movies. Hillsman’s dreams scare him because his goal every year is to win every game and to win a national championship.

Defense is a focus for Plaisance, Nicholls

If you want to get fired up, just listen to DoBee Plaisance talk about defense.

“Defense takes a little talent and it is all about toughness and intangibles,” Plaisance said. “You play tough defense, you rebound the ball, and defense travels.”

Dillingham fits right in as student assistant coach

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State practices have a familiar look this season.

A year after being part of what was the winningest senior class in the history of the women’s basketball program, Dominique Dillingham is in a new role as student assistant coach. Among the many roles Dillingham carries out, she occasionally takes part in MSU practices. When Dillingham does, she usually elicits a typical reaction from MSU coach Vic Schaefer.

Coaches drive MSU to be best

STARKVILLE — Chemistry is vital to Johnnie Harris.

As important as that quality is to building and maintaining a successful coaching staff, Harris reserves the right to agree to disagree with Vic Schaefer, Dionnah Jackson-Durrett, and Carly Thibault-DuDonis. That’s part of why she feels the Mississippi State women’s basketball coaches work so well together.

Origin of MSU’s success doesn’t get old

People in Starkville know the story well.

But with women’s basketball fans from Louisiana, New York, and Oklahoma set to arrive in Mississippi, it’s a perfect time to tell the tale again. It’s kind of like when Santa Claus visits Starkville every year to read “A Visit from St. Nicholas” to the children on the court at Humphrey Coliseum.

MSU women anxious to return to floor for NCAA opener

STARKVILLE — The time for answering questions has nearly expired.

MSU women have bigger bull’s eye on back as No. 1 seed

STARKVILLE — Teaira McCowan is used to shouldering a bull’s eye.

At 6-foot-7, McCowan is one of the tallest players in Division I basketball. A season that has featured a single-season record 23 double-doubles has helped the bull’s eye on her back grow even bigger.

MSU women get No. 1 seed, will play Nicholls in first round

STARKVILLE — The Mississippi State women’s basketball team added another piece of history to an already accomplished season Monday night.