Insell, Ole Miss make progress but want more

STARKVILLE — Matt Insell and the Ole Miss women’s basketball team don’t want anything to do with moral victories.

Coming off a victory against Tennessee that snapped a 28-game losing streak in that series, Insell is fired up about his team, and has been all season. The fourth-year coach believes in his Rebels and feels — to coin a phrase the program has used all season — it’s time for them to take the next step and return to the NCAA tournament.

No. 4 MSU women look for school record against Ole Miss

STARKVILLE — Staying humble is important to Vic Schaefer.

Work ethic paves way for Anagnost to land at MSU

STARKVILLE — The memory remains fresh in Tom Anagnost’s mind nearly 31 years later.

Inside game makes strides for fourth-ranked Bulldogs

STARKVILLE — The angled pass zipped from Victoria Vivians on the right wing to the right block.

McCowan fuels another rout for No. 4 MSU

STARKVILLE — Teaira McCowan is a player after Vic Schaefer’s heart, even if she puts baseline cameramen in peril.

To say the Mississippi State sophomore center doesn’t know how strong she is would be an understatement. It is also safe to say that the safety of cameramen for the SEC Network or other ESPN entities or photographers might be in question when McCowan is on the court.

Starkville High’s Jones will play in MS/AL game

Kristie Williams had a feeling good news as going to come, but sometimes you never know.

Still, Williams was able to keep the faith the longer the wait stretched into Thursday because she believes Kelsey Jones is one of the top post players in the state of Mississippi.

MSU continues record-setting pace

STARKVILLE — The milestones keeping piling up for the No. 4 Mississippi State women’s basketball team.

On Thursday night, an 82-49 victory against Florida helped MSU match the 2014-15 team for the best start in program history at 18-0. MSU will get a chance to eclipse that mark at 6 p.m. Monday (SEC Network) when it play host to Ole Miss at Humphrey Coliseum.

West Lowndes’ Clark Jr., Farmer will continue careers at Holmes C.C.

Todd Stanley has built a lot of memories and seen a lot of talented student-athletes in 20 years at West Lowndes High School.

On Wednesday, Stanley was proud to be a part of helping two more — Fred Clark Jr. and Marcus Farmer — realize opportunities to continue their athletic careers in college. Clark Jr. and Farmer made it official by signing National Letters of Intent to play baseball at Holmes Community College in Goodman. Farmer also will play football.

Thomas, Little will represent state in MS/AL All-Star game

Terryonte Thomas didn’t know what to make of the text message from Drew McBrayer: Call me ASAP.

Thomas thought the New Hope High School boys basketball coach wanted to talk to him about the team’s practice Wednesday, when he felt worked hard and tried to get into the passing lanes, communicate with his teammates, and rotated to the back side.

While McBrayer appreciated Thomas’ effort in practice to make the Trojans better, he wanted to tell Thomas he had been selected to play in the Mississippi/Alabama All-Star Basketball Game.

William emerging as more vocal leader

STARKVILLE — Great teams need floor generals.

With depth and experience at every position, Mississippi State women’s basketball coach has the luxury of having leaders all over the court, but there is no question junior point guard Morgan William is the engine that drives the Bulldogs.

Even though William isn’t MSU’s most vocal player, she has kept a steady hand in her first two seasons in Starkville and gained the confidence of her teammates and coaches.

New Hope’s O’Bryant makes history, commits to The W

Science is Anna Kate O’Bryant’s favorite subject.

History is a close second for the New Hope High School multi-sport standout. Whether it has been softball or soccer, O’Bryant has been a steady contributor and a solid leader for the Lady Trojans.

Chemistry is a strength for MSU women

STARKVILLE — Vic Schaefer knew the challenge he faced prior to the 2016-17 season.

With experience and depth at every position for really the first time in his five seasons at Mississippi State, Schaefer said several times finding playing time for all of his players might be one of his biggest issues coming off a program-best 28-win campaign and a trip to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament.

MSU earns special victory at Tennessee

The Mississippi State women’s basketball team earned a place in a very special group of teams Sunday.

In the 30 seasons the Tennessee women’s and men’s basketball teams have called Thompson-Boling Arena home, the Lady Volunteers entered their game against the No. 4 MSU Bulldogs with a 422-33 mark (92.7 percent) in the venue.

Wade’s leadership helps bring Caledonia girls together

CALEDONIA — Together is a buzzword for Kelsey Wade.

The Caledonia High School senior eschews individual accolades for team accomplishments. As one of three seniors on the school’s girls soccer team, Wade knows it is crucial for her to set the right example for a young squad that hopes to earn a playoff berth coming out of Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 4A, Region 2.

Oak Hill Academy’s Dill signs with EMCC

WEST POINT — Ken “Buddy” Dill III’s baseball dreams have been developing ever since he started playing the sport when he was 3 or 4 years old.

Through all of the hours of working on his swing to fielding ground balls, Dill never lost sight of his goal and continued to work hard to overcome the ups and downs that come with the game.

No. 4 MSU women look for first-ever win at Tennessee

STARKVILLE — Nearly three years ago, Vic Schaefer had to find a way to get his team to regroup.

Former UT star Carter learns the ropes of broadcasting

Finding a comfort level and building confidence take time.

Maturity has fueled MSU women’s rise to No. 4

STARKVILLE — It’s easier to “live it” when you have been through the grind.

After two seasons of building and waiting for two of his recruiting classes to mature, Vic Schaefer and the rest of his coaching staff are reaping the rewards of the Mississippi State women’s basketball team’s experience. It’s evident in multiple ways — in a program-best No. 4 ranking in The Associated Press and USA Today polls, as well as a 15-0 record.

Jenkins, White blend old, new for Columbus High girls

The Columbus High School girls basketball team is using a mix of old and new to forge a path to the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 6A playoffs.

Senior forward Zaria Jenkins represents the “old,” or more experienced, part of the lineup that is the foundation for the Lady Falcons’ success. Sophomore Hannah White is part of the “new,” or less experienced group, that continues to emerge to add depth and scoring punch to coach Yvonne Hairston’s attack.

No. 5 MSU blows out LSU in SEC women’s basketball opener

STARKVILLE — Victoria Vivians looked surprised.