Columbus beats Starkville to reach state title game

JACKSON — Columbus High School boys basketball coach Anthony Carlyle addressed two numbers in his speech before his team played Starkville at the Mississippi Coliseum.

Defense sends Falcons back to title game

JACKSON — Columbus High School senior Robert Woodard II has no problem being on a defensive-minded basketball team.

Starkville learns from losses early in season

When the Starkville High School boys basketball team carried a lead into the final minute of a regular-season basketball loss at Columbus in November, coach Greg Carter was pleased.

Falcons have been preparing to face Yellow Jackets again

Columbus High School boys basketball coach Anthony Carlyle started preparing for tonight’s Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 6A State tournament game against Starkville nine months ago.

MSU softball has big game tonight vs. Boston College

A non-conference softball game in March rarely becomes a “make-or-break” situation for a Southeastern Conference team.

That being said, Mississippi State (16-3) will play host to Boston College (6-9) at 6 tonight at Nusz Park in a big game.

Player of Week: Thompson helps push Starkville to Class 6A Final Four

STARKVILLE — Starkville High School girls’ basketball coach Kristie Williams knew as the season grew longer, and the opposition got better, senior center Kirsten Thompson would play a critical role on her team.

Plenty of local flavor at basketball tournaments in Jackson

Hundreds of players and coaches began the season with a dream of playing in the Big House.

Longtime home of the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) State tournament, the old arena holds a special place in the hearts of many.

Defense has Columbus boys flying high

While the Columbus High School boys basketball team is making a return to the Big House after a one-year absence, a handful of Falcons still know their way around Mississippi Coliseum.

Ranked tests await MSU softball team

STARKVILLE — Through the first two weeks of the season, the Mississippi State softball team has hovered just outside the national rankings.

New Hope edges Ripley in Class 4A playoff thriller

New Hope High School boys’ basketball coach Drew McBrayer boasts a senior-laden squad this season.

Columbus basketball squads win pair of region titles

BATESVILLE — It was late in the evening and that sinking feeling had set in on the Oxford sidelines.

New Hope boys edge Louisville to reach title game

MACON — New Hope High School seniors Tyler Stevenson and Kyree Fields realize no major changes are coming to their basketball team.

Noxubee County basketball teams lose close games

MACON — Noxubee County High School basketball coach Danny Crawford is happy his Tigers will get a second chance in the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 4A, Region 4 tournament tonight.

Crawford was quick to remind the Tigers there will be no such second chance next week.

Starkville High’s Temple signs with Northeast Mississippi CC

STARKVILLE — Starkville High School boys’ basketball coach Greg Carter is having to do less coaching of Jordan Temple these days.

MSU softball rides pitching to 4-0 start

STARKVILLE — While the season is way too young to make projections, it is safe to say the Mississippi State pitching staff is off to a good start.

Columbus sweeps into finals of district tournament

BATESVILLE — Columbus High School junior Greg King has never enjoyed playing basketball more.

When one asks about his toughness playing defense for one of the state’s premier teams, a bright smile lights up his face.

EMCC coach offers his roadmap for success

While it is easy to get caught up in the accomplishments of the East Mississippi Community College in Buddy Stephens’ 10 seasons as head coach, Stephens likes to warn of the pitfalls of success.

Starkville Academy girls reach title game; boys will play for third

Starkville Academy junior Aubree Campbell believes her team can compete for championships when it chooses to play defense.

“When we put our mind to playing defense, we can be really good,” Campbell said. “Playing great defense for four quarters has not come easy for this team. When we lock down, we can compete with anybody.”

Heritage Academy boys rally for victory

Heritage Academy boys basketball coach Russ Whiteside wasn’t worried at halftime of his team’s game Thursday night.

Concerned? Yes. Worried? No.

MSU softball set to open season with Classic

STARKVILLE — With Division I softball programs being allowed 56 regular-season games, coaches always have a backup plan in case replacement opponents are needed late in the season.