NCAA takes major step in resolving Sidney case

Friday was an eventful day in the eligibility case of Mississippi State freshman basketball player Renardo Sidney, who hopes to still get a chance to play for the Bulldogs sometime this season.

After Sidney’s attorney Donald Jackson came out with criticism of the MSU athletic department with the way it’s handled the investigation of his client to this point, the NCAA Eligibility Center sent out a notification of “statement of facts” in the case.

The NCAA has been investigating Sidney’s status as an amateur athlete since he signed with Mississippi State on April 30, 2009, and everyone connected with the case believes the release of “statement of facts” was a positive move. The “statement of facts” spells out findings from the six-month investigation to indicate if there are any violations with Sidney.

Ole Miss basketball coach Kennedy cries foul

OXFORD — Ole Miss basketball coach Andy Kennedy was crying foul Saturday afternoon.

It wasn’t because he was upset with the officiating during the Rebels’ 80-75 loss to Mississippi State, but it was more directed to his team.

The Bulldogs made more free throws (22) than Ole Miss attempted (13) and Kennedy was concerned that MSU had 33 attempts.

ESPN to showcase MSU, Auburn football game

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State has answered ESPN’s call.

When the sports television network expressed an interest in showcasing one of its football games on Thursday night, Mississippi State was willing to accommodate.

MSU Athletic Director Greg Byrne announced Thursday that the Southeastern Conference opener against Auburn has been moved to Sept. 9.

It will be the 14th time the Bulldogs have played in ESPN’s Thursday Night game, but the first since 2007.

Stewart’s defensive skills to be challenged by Rebs

Barry Stewart’s defensive skills will be put to the test Saturday.

The Mississippi State senior guard will have to switch from guarding the talented University of Mississippi duo of sophomore Terrico White and junior Chris Warren.

While Stewart plays his usual off-guard spot, he’ll have to defend White. When he’s asked to spell sophomore Dee Bost at point guard, Stewart will have to deal with Warren.

That’s the challenge Stewart will face when the Bulldogs travel to Oxford to play their Southeastern Conference rival at 12:30 p.m. (WCBI).

Grant likes Alabama basketball team’s progress

University of Alabama men’s basketball coach Anthony Grant will find out how at 4 p.m. Saturday (FOX SportsNet South) how his fast-paced style of play will work in the Southeastern Conference when his team opens the league part of its schedule at Louisiana State University.

Grant knows Alabama (10-4) is still learning his system, but he likes the progress.

“In every game, we learn a little bit more about what it takes to be successful,” Grant said. “We have eight healthy guys now that we’re going with, so with every game I think we’ve had to adjust and make some changes. I think our guys have responded well.”

Coaches believe new TV contract will strengtheen SEC

University of Florida men’s basketball coach Billy Donovan has watched his sport’s tradition grow in the Southeastern Conference the past 20-25 years.

He understands the league still has the reputation as being a football league first, but he believes basketball is catching up.

Donovan thinks the SEC’s 15-year television agreement with CBS Sports and ESPN can help strengthen that standing.

With only Mississippi State, Tennessee, LSU reaching the NCAA tournament last season, Donovan said the lack of exposure is the main reason.

No movement on Sidney’s status

STARKVILLE — Renardo Sidney remains a topic of conversation.

Mississippi State men’s basketball coach Rick Stansbury said Wednesday not much has changed about the status of the freshman forward.

Ford overcomes mono to lead Heritage Academy to win

Madison Ford had a right to be tired.

Playing on back-to-back nights after returning from a bout with mononucleosis can be considered too much to ask for any basketball player.

That’s what Ford has done for the Heritage Academy girls team.

The senior was strong, especially down the stretch against Starkville Academy, as the Lady Patriots rallied for a 44-41 victory against the Lady Volunteers.

After scoring 29 points in a 58-45 loss to Oak Hill Academy on Monday night, Ford scored 17 points against Starkville Academy.

Heritage Academy, Oak Hill Academy split in basketball

WEST POINT — Oak Hill Academy girls basketball coach Stan Hughey didn’t like what he saw early in Monday night’s game against Heritage Academy.

Hughey wasn’t pleased with the way his squad was playing on both ends of the floor, and he didn’t wait too long before delivering his message.

Starkville Academy will try to learn from tests

The Magnolia Heights Tournament didn’t produce any wins for the Starkville Academy boys basketball team last week.

But it gave the Volunteers a chance to grow, which is what coach Clay Stringer wanted.

Starkville girls basketball team stings opponents in tournament

STARKVILLE — The best thing about playing in the Hattiesburg Holiday Classic for Starkville High School girls basketball coach Kristie Williams was seeing good competition.

The Lady Yellow Jackets played against two fellow Class 6A school in Oak Grove and Natchez and also Class 5A Brookhaven.

Starkville (12-1) swept those teams with ease by beating Brookhaven 79-55, Oak Grove 51-38 and Natchez 67-58.

Starkville boys basketball team yet to be beaten

STARKVILLE — Coach Greg Carter doesn’t know how much longer his Starkville High School boys basketball team can remain undefeated this season.

It’s something he doesn’t discuss with the Yellow Jackets.

Carter says the 13-0 record is something to take pride in, but “it’s nothing we harp on.”

His main concern is for Starkville High to focus on what it can do to become a better team.

MSU football team misses out on signing Newton

Now that junior college quarterback Cam Newton has decided to play at Auburn, Mississippi State’s football team looks to move forward with the signal callers it already has on the roster.

Newton, who led Blinn (Texas) College to the junior college national championship, signed with Auburn on Thursday.

MSU was in the running for Newton’s services all the way up to New Year’s Eve, but Auburn came through the back door in the final days of the year to snatch him. Newton visited Auburn right before Christmas.

Hester’s removal as New Hope High baseball coach top story

Stacy Hester began the year as the head coach of one of the state’s most noted high school baseball programs.

By the middle of 2009, Hester was out at New Hope High School.

MSU wants to rebound against San Diego

One statistic really bothers Mississippi State basketball coach Rick Stansbury.

When a Stansbury-coached team gets outrebounded like it did Monday night against Mississippi Valley State (45-44), it concerns him.

Donald will try to keep starting spot at MVSU

Darian Donald has taken the next step in his college basketball career.

Now, the former Caledonia High School and East Mississippi Community College player is ready to make an impact at Mississippi Valley State University.

MSU overcomes Varnado foul trouble

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State men’s basketball coach Rick Stansbury has no problem with what Phil Turner provides off the bench.

Although there were some anxious moments in the post Monday night when senior center Jarvis Varnado got into foul trouble and had to come out of the first half against Mississippi Valley State.

Freshmen Wendell Lewis and John Riek pieced together what they could and helped the Bulldogs beat Mississippi Valley 73-45 in front of 5,421 at Humphrey Coliseum.

Aberdeen’s Love honored for offensive exploits

Jamerson Love’s ability to fight through adversity has paid dividends.

After getting off to a difficult start at Aberdeen High School three years ago, Love found the right way to go and went from occasional trouble-maker to a go-to player for coach Chris Duncan and the Bulldogs.

For his accomplishments this season, Love, who helped Aberdeen to the Class 3A North State championship, is The Commercial Dispatch Small Schools Offensive Player of the Year. He thanked God for the opportunity to be player of the year and said improving his leg strength enabled him to play offense and defense.

West Oktibbeha’s Poe porves himself on defense

Josh Poe had something to prove at West Oktibbeha High School.

At 5-foot-9, 170 pounds, Poe knew he wasn’t going to have anything given to him and was going to have to earn his spot as linebacker.

West Oktibbeha coach Adam Lowrey was reluctant at first to give Poe the chance, but once he saw him in action, the reservations vanished.

Aberdeen’s Duncan earns coach of year honors

Chris Duncan had to endure a full schedule Fridays during football season.

Splitting time as a coach and minister, Duncan would leave home in Calhoun County as early as 4:30 or 5 a.m. to deliver a tape of his radio show to the station, before going to Aberdeen High School.

His day didn’t end when school was out because he had to coach the Bulldogs in a football game that night.