Stuedeman, MSU ready for year two

STARKVILLE — When Mississippi State University named Vann Stuedeman as its softball coach, her tasks included changing the belief system and helping return the Bulldogs to the postseason.

Hard work pays for Richardson, Lady Vols

STARKVILLE — Starkville Academy junior Sallie Kate Richardson rang in the New Year in what her coach called a “slight shooting slump.”

EMCC football team adds four new assistants

In his five seasons as head coach, Buddy Stephens has placed the East Mississippi Community College football program among the nation’s elite.

The Lions have won two state championships, two bowl games, and one national championship. While the success of the program starts with a high talent level, continuity on the coaching staff has been another key element.

Starkville basketball teams sweep Noxubee County

STARKVILLE – Avonte’ Amos and Ravonte’ Gandy knew there would be valleys when they took over leadership roles.

Still, the lone seniors on the Starkville High School basketball team feel like the Yellow Jackets are peaking at the right time.

Further proof of that belief took place Friday night as Starkville played arguably its most complete game of the year in a 72-48 victory against Noxubee County at the Bee Hive.

Prep basketball: Starkville Academy sweeps Heritage Academy

Starkville Academy boys basketball coach Mark Alexander begged senior Carnail Minor to play with more urgency.

West Point boys use pressure to beat Oxford

WEST POINT – West Point High School boys basketball coach Brad Cox sometimes feels like a child with a new toy car.

The question is how fast can he make it go?

In his third season as coach of the Green Wave, Cox and his players like to go fast. Whether it’s on offense or defense, the key to success is getting things done quickly.

Starkville Academy sweeps Presbyterian Christian

STARKVILLE –Up in Volunteer Loft, the Starkville Academy student section goes wild when the girls basketball team makes a 3-pointer.

Cheer leaders throw T-shirts into the stands and the junior high students go mad wild over a chance to grab some free clothing. There is even a chant of “Maggie” reserved for when newcomer Maggie Proffitt makes a basket.

Columbus breaks through against Starkville in overtime

After waiting several seasons for a basketball win over arch-rival Starkville, the Columbus High School boys’ team was more than willing to wait four more minutes.

Starkville opens state title defense in boys soccer

STARKVILLE — Instead of backing away from its status as defending state champions, the Starkville High boys’ soccer team has embraced that role.

Albritton feels Starkville girls have been tested

Starkville High girls soccer coach Anna Albritton feels her squad is battle-tested.

Starkville will find out if that is good enough for postseason success at 6 tonight when it plays host to Oxford in the opening round of the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 5A North State playoffs.

Starkville’s Wilson raises level to earn spot in starting lineup

STARKVILLE — On the football field, a quarterback is in charge of making sure all players are in the right position to make plays.

Starkville High School’s Caleb Wilson has taken that same hankering for detail to the basketball court and is quietly emerging as a leader for the Yellow Jackets.

Starkville High basketball sweeps West Point

STARKVILLE – Starkville High School sophomore Caleb Wilson has already gained notoriety in football circles.

On Saturday night, the sophomore showed he can play some basketball, too.

Wilson scored 15 points, cause havoc on the defensive end and provided a big spark as Starkville defeated West Point 69-59 at the Bee Hive.

Stuedeman, MSU softball geared up for 2013

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State University assistant softball coach Alan Reach summed up the cornerstone of the MSU softball program succinctly Friday.

Berry doubles up for Columbus High basketball

Deep down inside, Columbus High School boys basketball coach Sammy Smith thought the Falcons could play championship-caliber basketball this season.

As the season progressed, Smith realized Devin Berry would play a huge role in shaping those fortunes.

New Hope boys rally past Oxford

New Hope High School senior Chris Mosley stands 6-foot-3 and weighs about 170 pounds.

Mosley has a thin upper body but a deadly jump shot. On Friday night, he also proved his massive wingspan is broad enough to carry his team.

New Hope girls rout Oxford

Girls basketball players at New Hope High School had a message to send Friday night.

The Lady Trojans needed 43 seconds to deliver it.

New Hope scored the game’s first six points and never looked back, rolling to a 79-35 victory against Oxford in a showdown between Class 5A, Region 2 leaders.

Offensive lineman Jackson will return to MSU for senior season

STARKVILLE — Fundamentally, Mississippi State University junior offensive guard Gabe Jackson made the same decision teammate Johnthan Banks made one year ago.

Columbus basketball extends win streaks in sweep of Grenada

Columbus High School basketball player Roshad Meeks would make a great party planner.

Berry leads CHS boys past Tupelo

Standing at 6-foot-7, it isn’t hard to find Columbus High School senior Devin Berry on the basketball court.

Tupelo knew where Berry was when the teams met Friday night in Class 6A, Region 2 action. However, the Golden Wave couldn’t prevent Berry from having his way.

Another double-double by Berry (15 points, 12 rebounds) and a 13-0 run midway through the third quarter lifted the Falcons to a 42-37 victory.

CHS girls hold on to beat Tupelo

With one of the state’s premier players in the lineup, the Columbus High School girls basketball team has to get others players involved.

After All-State guard Kiki Patterson scored 23 points in the first half Friday night, Tupelo made a defensive adjustment. The Lady Falcons then had to count on others to complete a 50-49 Class 6A, Region 2 victory.