Starkville High looks to expand Outlaw tournament

STARKVILLE — Starkville High School Athletic Director Stan Miller already sees a problem with the third annual Travis Outlaw Slam Dunk at The Hump Tournament, set for December.

However, the event’s organizer is happy to have it.

Bulldogs entertain Privateers

STARKVILLE — After the final seconds ticked off in Mississippi State’s stunning loss to Alabama A&M Sunday afternoon, freshman Gavin Ware summed up his squad’s situation rather quickly.

Plenty of local sports drama for fans in 2012

While area fans flocked in December to prep basketball holiday tournaments, there was still an occasional question or reference back to “the game.”

Already a month old, the Thanksgiving weekend Starkville High School-West Point High football game for the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 5A North State championship is standing the test of time as a classic.

Starkville, New Hope learn through tournament losses

STARKVILLE — New Hope played its most complete game at the Travis Outlaw Slam Dunk at The Hump tournament Friday afternoon.

Falcons win defensive struggle

STARKVILLE — Quite often, 35 points will not make a basketball coach very happy.

Columbus High boys basketball coach Sammy Smith loved every one of his team’s 35 points Friday morning.

Heritage saved best for last

When Heritage Academy first-year football coach Barrett Donahoe coached his first football game with the Patriots, he had some candid observations.

Local teams fall in opening round of Travis Outlaw

STARKVILLE — Even though Christmas Day has come and gone, several area basketball teams were still in the charitable mood Wednesday afternoon at Humphrey Coliseum.

Gartman helps revive tradition at Pickens Academy

CARROLLTON, Ala. — Tradition.

When Pickens Academy asked John Gartman to take over as the school’s head football coach, Gartman listed tradition as the No. 1 factor in saying yes.

Brown, Steele power Tornadoes

REFORM, Ala. — Pickens County High School junior running back Jermarcus Brown calls his team “one big family.”

Senior lineman Terrien Steele claims the squad has success because it stays together through the good and the bad times.

Local teams will convene at The Hump for Outlaw tournament

STARKVILLE — Once the decorations are tucked away and Santa Claus bids farewell, basketball will return to the forefront at Mississippi State University’s Humphrey Coliseum.

A full week of basketball will tip off Wednesday with the second Travis Outlaw Slam Dunk at The Hump tournament, hosted by Starkville High School. The three-day event will feature three games a day through Friday.

Starkville boys lose to Noxubee County, Holt (Ala.)

The Noxubee County High School boys basketball team will get a lot of strong offensive nights from Jamarri Johnson.

Now, coach T.J. Billups is making sure Johnson’s supporting cast is just as capable.

Columbus splits on day one at Joe Horne

Columbus High School boys basketball coach Sammy Smith really likes when his team finds its defensive identity.

The Falcons found just that in the fourth quarter Friday of a nip-and-tuck battle at the Joe Horne Christmas Invitational.

Ware has career day in MSU victory

JACKSON — Gavin Ware has the unique opportunity to play college basketball at his hometown university.

However, the former Starkville High School All-State performer decided to have his coming-out party two hours down the road.

EMCC players reach next level

STARKVILLE — East Mississippi Community College lineman Martavius Foster likes to travel.

Battle-tested teams highlight field at Horne Classic

Gerald Glass considers himself a teacher first and a coach second.

Noxubee County boys beat New Hope; NHHS girls win again

MACON — Noxubee County High School boys basketball coach T.J. Billups gave his squad high marks for end-game execution Tuesday night.

EMCC quartet captures honors

For 15th-ranked East Mississippi Community College, postseason hardware in football is quickly becoming the norm.

Defense helps MSU women beat FAU

STARKVILLE — With a young team, Mississippi State University women’s basketball coach Vic Schaefer knew this season would be full of teaching moments.

However, the first-year coach couldn’t have imagined the moments would come at such a fast and furious pace.

Pickens County one step from title game

REFORM, Ala. — When the final seconds ticked off in last season’s third-round playoff loss to Sweet Water, the Pickens County High School players vowed to return.

Championship week arrives for Jackets

Starkville High School football coach Jamie Mitchell knew the ball was in the right place late in Friday night’s North State Class 5A championship game.