Articles by Scott Walters
Transfer McFarland turns into leader for West Point
WEST POINT — West Point High School boys basketball coach Brad Cox knew little about A.J. McFarland’s ability to fit in with his basketball team when he arrived on the school’s campus in August.
McFarland’s father had played at West Point and his family still had ties to the area. However, finding a fit for the 5-foot-10 senior point guard was going to be a work in progress for the transfer from Ridgeland High.
Turns out, McFarland has grabbed the leadership role and the Green Wave have followed quite nicely.
Holiday tournaments attract top talent, keep teams sharp
Olive Branch High School girls basketball coach Blake Jones has a new holiday tradition.
“My favorite games of the season are the games we play in the Travis Outlaw tournament every year,” Jones said. “(Starkville High) coaches Kristie Williams and Greg Carter put on a great event. It is the best tournament in the state. I don’t know how more people haven’t found a way to get here and play. It’s just an overall incredible experience.”
MSU men’s basketball enters conference play on win streak
STARKVILLE — Mississippi State freshmen basketball players Malik Newman and Quinndary Weatherspoon are aware of the recent struggles of the men’s basketball program.
Walters column: New Year’s wishes for those on the local sports scene
As we ring in 2016, here is hoping to another exciting year in the world of sports.
No. 2 New Hope basketball drops matchup with No. 1 Neshoba Central
Neshoba Central High School boys’ basketball coach Jerry Byrd knew the challenge of facing the state’s second-ranked team on its home floor.
A Bulldog rout: Dak leads MSU to win in final game
Mississippi State sent senior quarterback Dak Prescott out a winner Wednesday.
No. 2 Starkville girls fall in heavyweight battle with No. 1 Olive Branch
STARKVILLE — Olive Branch High School junior Myah Taylor feels right at home at Humphrey Coliseum.
Starkville squads sweep Outlaw Tournament openers
STARKVILLE — When all else was failing, Starkville High School senior Keith Harris had a plan.
Top girls matchup set for Outlaw’s Slam Dunk at Hump
Starkville High School girls basketball coach Kristie Williams believes in the “one-game-at-a-time” mantra.
However, Williams quickly admits the second of her team’s two games in the Travis Outlaw Slam Dunk at the Hump holiday hoops tournament should be a dandy.
No. 2 Starkville (11-0) will face No. 1 Olive Branch (14-0) in a potential Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 6A state tournament matchup. That game will be at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Godfrey’s blast earns No. 1 status
New Hope High School senior baseball player Will Godfrey doesn’t need a lot of time to recall the biggest hit of his baseball career.
“The home run against Oxford will always be the highlight of my baseball career,” Godfrey said. “To have that hit against one of our main rivals — to do that at home and have it win the game — that is exciting.”
Carter guides Starkville boys to state title
Starkville High School boys basketball coach Greg Carter knows the difficulty of beating a quality opponent on a consistent basis.
During a standout career at Mississippi State, Carter and the Bulldogs played many postseason games where one team tried to continue its dominance over another.
As the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 6A state tournament unfolded last spring, it was apparent Starkville most likely would have to defeat region rival Madison Central to capture the state championship.
Walters column: Several teams shooting for basketball championships
With Christmas decorations now half-price and everybody lining up New Year’s plans, it’s time to take a break and answer some of the more pressing questions from the area prep scene.
Hill has breakout season for Falcons
The hard work is just beginning for Columbus High School junior running back Kylin Hill.
In his first two seasons as coach, Randal Montgomery has built a winning culture for the school’s football program. The Falcons have slowly learned how to win. As the wins have mounted, so has the confidence.
Drake helps push West Point back to top
WEST POINT — Even though his high school football career is over, Jeffrey Drake is still working hard for West Point High School.
Drake finished his standout career as one of Class 5A’s best players. However, the senior wide receiver/defensive back believes it is his responsibility to push returning teammates to be the best they can be next season.
Montgomery helps Columbus reach new level
Randal Montgomery enjoyed three seasons of success as head football coach at Hazlehurst High School.
When hired almost 24 months ago at Columbus High, he brought the same blueprint for success.
“Columbus is like any other place in high school football,” Montgomery said. “It doesn’t really matter what type of quality the football team was in the past. Hazlehurst had been a strong program, but we tore it down and built it back up. You have to break it down and build it back to up to enjoy success and to really make it your own program.”
Small Schools All-Area Player of Year: Chrestman makes most of chance at Starkville Academy
STARKVILLE — Colt Chrestman had a heart-to-heart with then-Starkville Academy football coach Jeff Terrill when he in eighth grade.
Starkville knocks off No. 1 Columbus
STARKVILLE –The Columbus High School boys basketball team entered its game Saturday against Starkville with new uniforms, a new coach, and the state’s top ranking.
But Starkville still has the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 6A state championship trophy in its case.
Playing its most complete game of the season, No. 4 Starkville proved it intends to defend that title by notching an 80-61 victory at the Bee Hive.
6A State champs: Yellow Jackets bring home the trophy
Starkville High School sophomore Andreus Swanigan knew his teammates needed him.
With leading rusher Avery Brown slowed by injury, Swanigan felt the onus of the rushing game falling squarely on his shoulders.
Deputies searching for two suspects in Sunday double homicide
June 29, 2025
By
