Leonard’s defense propels Starkville to 6A crown

JACKSON — Defense probably isn’t the first thing that pops into your head when you consider the athletic exploits of Raphael Leonard.

If you have seen the Starkville High School senior on the football field or on the basketball court, you likely would recall him elevating to highlight-reel levels to catch a touchdown pass from Brady Davis or snaring an alley-oop pass from Tyson Carter and delivering a rim-shaking dunk.

Starkville boys basketball captures Class 6A title

JACKSON — The spark finally ignited.

Swanigan to take part in national basketball tryouts

Jay Jay Swanigan will get a chance today to make an impression.

Aberdeen outmanned in Class 3A state championship bout

JACKSON — Sometimes knowing a whirlwind is coming doesn’t make it any easier to stop it.

Waiting almost over for MSU women’s basketball team

With all of the acronyms — RPI and SOS — flying around at this time of the year, three words might mean more to help turn things in favor of the Mississippi State women’s basketball team.

Starkville boys reach state title game by ousting Meridian

JACKSON — Keith Harris’ shot hung on the rim for what seemed like longer than a few seconds.

Young leads Aberdeen into state title match versus Velma Jackson

JACKSON — Point guards aren’t made overnight.

Starkville girls fall to defending state champs

JACKSON — Plan B turned out to be quite an effective alternative Wednesday night for the Horn Lake High School girls basketball team.

Dobbs gets defensive for Aberdeen boys

JACKSON — Shooters seem to have all the fun. Whether they are hitting from way downtown — BANG — or making a splash with a

Minichino column: Young Lady Jackets take aim at playing for state title

STARKVILLE

You have to love it when a plan comes together.

Aberdeen boys win, now one win away from Class 3A title

JACKSON — Jaworski Rankin knows any successful team has to play to its strengths.

Thompson’s purposeful play leads Starkville

STARKVILLE — You can call it a strut, but that might give you the wrong impression.

A purposeful stride probably best captures the intent behind nearly all of Tanita Thompson’s movements Saturday night.

But it’s more than a gait for Thompson. The Starkville High School junior knows you can’t just show up and expect to be prepared to be at your best, especially when your season is on the line.

Starkville girls rally past Hattiesburg to make semifinal round

JACKSON — Kristie Williams couldn’t stop clapping.

Minichino Column: MSU women now play waiting game

If you didn’t know any better, you would have expected Vic Schaefer to strike a familiar pose, like when he isn’t pleased with a call.

MSU women bow out of SEC tournament

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — “Bulldogs Destiny.”

Minichino Column: Statement time arrives for MSU women’s basketball team

Five months ago, expectations was the operative word associated with the Mississippi State women’s basketball. With another nationally ranked recruiting class coming in, many expected MSU to build on a 22-14 season that saw it reach the quarterfinals of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament.

Richardson looks to regain form at conference tournament

STARKVILLE — This is the wrong time of the season to be in a funk.

Don’t let vote fool you, Vivians is first-team All-SEC

There was no sign of disappointment or anger in Vic Schaefer’s voice Tuesday.

When you’re the coach of the No. 11 team in the country that has earned the No. 3 seed in the “biggest, baddest conference” in the nation, it’s difficult not to have a rosy outlook as you move deeper into March.

New Hope’s Earhart will play soccer at JCJC

Effort is the equalizer for JD Earhart.

The New Hope High School senior admits there were days he doubted he would get a chance to continue to play soccer in college. Ever since Earhart was a 6-year-old in the Columbus youth soccer league, he recalls dreaming about keeping his soccer career going. On the days when that doubt crept in, though, Earhart didn’t let it sidetrack him. Instead, he opted for a simple approach that would get him back on track.

Carouthers’ 40-point night sparks Aberdeen

ABERDEEN — The knock on Marcus Carouthers has been he can’t shoot.

Naysayers also have said the Aberdeen High School senior is an “average” post player.

If you subscribe to either of those notions, be sure not to tell Carouthers you feel that way because he will make you pay. It might not be right away, but Carouthers will smile and file your comment away. Come game time, he will dissect you from inside and outside and on the fast break to make you pay.