Articles by Danny P Smith
MSU’s Price seeks opportunity against Centenary
STARKVILLE — There’s nothing Baxter Price would like more than to see Mississippi State’s basketball team get a big lead against Centenary tonight.
As a walk-on with the Bulldogs, that scenario might be the only way Price will get to play and have a chance to score points in front of family and friends at Mississippi Coliseum.
The freshman from Brandon, who attended Northwest Rankin High School, said it would be special if he was to receive playing time at 7 tonight when MSU plays in the capital city.
Columbus, Starkville girls post wins Saturday
Columbus High School girls basketball Yvonne Hairston likes what her team can become.
With freshmen Keke Patterson and Maggie Proffitt in the starting lineup, the Lady Falcons have players who can be the foundation of a program.
The Joe Horne Christmas Classic provided those players a learning experience.
Richardson leads East Oktibbeha at Horne tournament
Geonte’ Richardson was given the green light by his coach to shoot the 3-pointer.
He didn’t hold anything back Saturday.
Richardson hit three from long range in the first quarter to help the East Oktibbeha High School boys basketball team build a 12-point lead en route to a 65-54 victory against Holt (Ala.) High at the 13th annual Joe Horne Columbus Christmas Invitational.
It’s raining threes for MSU men
STARKVILLE — Mississippi State’s men’s basketball team knows there will be times it doesn’t shoot well from beyond the 3-point line.
Even though the Bulldogs enjoy shooting a Southeastern Conference-best 42 percent (104 of 248) from 3-point range, they understand it will be difficult to keep up that pace.
Terrill will bring attitude change to Starkville Academy
STARKVILLE —Jeff Terrill believes it will take more than just a coaching change to reverse the fortunes of the Starkville Academy football program.
He said it also is going to take a change in attitude.
Stewart shines for MSU men
STARKVILLE — Barry Stewart has a continuous motor.
It was in high gear Wednesday night for the Mississippi State men’s basketball team.
Not only did Stewart have to chase Wright State guard Troy Tabler around the court, but he also saved enough energy to lead the Bulldogs with a season-high 21 points in an 80-69 victory in front of a crowd of 4,721 at Humphrey Coliseum.
Terrill introduced as new Starkville Academy football coach
STARKVILLE — Starkville Academy introduced Jeff Terrill as its next football coach at the school this morning.
Terrill replaces Brian Sims, who resigned in November after two years as the Volunteers’ football coach.
Top JUCO QB recruit will wait to make choice
Cam Newton is keeping his options open.
The quarterback from Blinn (Junior) College in Texas has decided to delay his decision until early next week about where he’ll play his last two years of college football.
Newton had scheduled a press conference for Tuesday to announce which four-year school he planned to attend, but those plans changed.
Riek ready to make debut for MSU men
STARKVILLE — John Riek’s heavy accent can make him a little difficult to understand.
But Mississippi State’s 7-foot-1 freshman center from Khartoum, Sudan, hopes his play on the basketball court tonight speaks clearly.
Terrill expected to be named Starkville Academy football coach
STARKVILLE — The search didn’t last a month, but it appears Starkville Academy has found its man to lead the football program.
Jeff Terrill, who has experience coaching on the junior college level, is expected to be introduced as the Volunteers’ new coach at 11 a.m. Thursday.
Torbush leaves MSU for Kansas
The University of Kansas introduced Turner Gill as its new football coach Monday.
Gill then introduced his two coordinators. One of them — Carl Torbush — couldn’t be there because he hadn’t arrived.
MSU’s Johnson earns SEC men’s honor
STARKVILLE — Ravern Johnson is picking up his game.
The Mississippi State junior guard’s improved play is helping him earn awards.
Johnson learned by text message Monday he had been named Southeastern Conference Player of the Week after his performances against DePaul and UCLA.
Report says Torbush leaving MSU for job at Kansas
It appears Carl Torbush’s stint as the defensive coordinator for the Mississippi State football team is over after only one season.
Foundation set for MSU
STARKVILLE — Dan Mullen believes the foundation has been laid for Mississippi State football program.
The former assistant coach at the University of Florida saw many positive signs in his first year as head coach of the Bulldogs, and he plans to build on them in the coming months.
Record crowds at Davis Wade Stadium, the accomplishments of senior running back Anthony Dixon, the emergence of young players, and MSU’s season-ending 41-27 victory against the University of Mississippi encouraged Mullen.
Victory causes East Oktibbeha coach Brooks to smile
CRAWFORD — East Oktibbeha High School girls basketball coach Randy Brooks has accepted it will be a learning process for his team this season.
That’s why a win like the one the Lady Titans got Saturday night put a smile on his face.
It was almost not a happy situation.
After jumping out to a 20-point lead in the first half of its game against rival West Oktibbeha High School, East Oktibbeha held on for a 52-51 victory.
MSU’s Lee candidate for Rudy Award
STARKVILLE — Tyson Lee remembers seeing the movie “Rudy” and he loved it.
Now the Mississippi State quarterback has a chance to win an award named after the film.
Lee, of Columbus, has been nominated for the third-annual Rudy Award as announced by The Rudy Foundation. The award honors student-athletes who demonstrate character, courage, contribution and commitment for their teams. Those traits were exhibited by Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger in the movie. Ruettiger was a character who beat all odds to play in a college football game.
Immanuel finishes strong to beat Starkville Christian
Immanuel Christian coach Billy Thomas got something more out of a pair of underclassmen during Thursday night’s game against Starkville Christian School.
Sophomore Ross Moore had 17 points to lead the Rams and junior Justin James added 12 points to defeat the visiting Cougars 50-44.
James had a pair of baskets and two free throws to get the fourth quarter started, then Moore had five-straight points to give Immanuel a 39-35 lead with 4 minutes and 16 minutes remaining in the game.
MSU’s Johnson continues to improve on defense
STARKVILLE — Ravern Johnson understands the importance of playing defense.
The Mississippi State junior guard never has been afraid to shoot the basketball, but defense hasn’t always come as easily for him.
Even though the benefits don’t always show up in the boxscore, Johnson has learned concentrating on defense can make a difference.
MSU’s Mullen surprised to be linked to Kansas job
STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen appeared surprised his name surfaced last week in connection with the vacancy at the University of Kansas.
Not long after Kansas announced the resignation of Mark Mangino, Mullen’s name surfaced as a possible replacement in an Associated Press story by Doug Tucker.
Mullen quickly put those rumors to rest and said he hadn’t been in contact with anyone at Kansas. He said his family loves living in Mississippi.
MSU’s Sherrod, Dixon make Coaches All-SEC Team
STARKVILLE — Mississippi State offensive coordinator Les Koenning realizes how important junior offensive tackle Derek Sherrod is for the Bulldogs.
Other coaches from around the Southeastern Conference have learned how valuable Sherrod is to the Bulldogs as they picked him on the All-SEC second-team on a list released Tuesday.
“I’m very proud of him,” Koenning said. “It’s a great honor for him and this football team. It was a reward and a good deal for him. I know he’s proud of it and he’s well deserving.”