Summer helps prepare top softball players

STARKVILLE — Leake Academy pitcher Hannah Moore and Starkville Academy shortstop Mary Austin Barber are highly regarded senior softball players.

Each played a major role this summer helping their travel ball squads compete for regional and national championships. Now, they are back with their high school teams and things have taken a slight turn.

Prep players want softball back in Olympics

STARKVILLE — While the Summer Olympic Games have been plagued by controversies in gymnastics and badminton, no such ill will has developed on the softball diamond.

Defending champ EMCC gets top billing

After more than four months of celebrating the school’s first national championship, the East Mississippi Community College football team has about four weeks to prepare for its 2012 season opener at 7 p.m. Aug. 30 against Pearl River C.C. at Sullivan-Windham Field in Scooba.

Love feels good about Starkville’s chances

STARKVILLE — For Starkville High volleyball coach Lauren Love, the season is off to a strong start even though Lady Jackets haven’t played a match.

Barber will look to lead Starkville Academy softball

STARKVILLE — Starkville Academy shortstop Mary Austin Barber understands she will need to take on a leadership role this season.

However, since she is the only senior on the 2012 fast-pitch squad, Barber will be happy to get some help from her friends.

Southeastern Drive Time set to turn 7

STARKVILLE — With summer school classes winding down, activity on some parts of the Mississippi State University campus has slowed to a snail’s pace.

The same can’t be said for the offices of radio station WMSV 91.1 FM, which is in the heart of the campus. Just outside the station’s broadcast booth, Anthony Craven and Steve Ellis sit around a table and plan that day’s edition of Southeastern Drive Time, a one-hour call-in sports show, heard at 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Sharing a love for the outdoors

North Mississippi native Jay Stokes remembers the thrill of killing his first deer when he was 10 years old.

Now, Stokes is spending a large part of his adult life making sure hundreds of young people all over the Golden Triangle and beyond can feel that same thrill.

Stuedeman continues to build MSU softball

Mississippi State University head softball coach Vann Stuedeman recently completed her first season with the Bulldogs. MSU finished 33-24 and 12-16 in Southeastern Conference play, and returned to postseason play for the first time since 2009.

MSU saw its season end with a pair of losses in the Eugene Regional, hosted by the University of Oregon.

Today, Stuedeman reviews her first season as a head coach on the collegiate level, and looks ahead to 2013.

Hughey makes Oak Hill winner

WEST POINT — When completing his degree work at Mississippi State University, Stan Hughey thought he was preparing for a long baseball coaching career.

ACHIEVING HER GOALS: Hebron Christian’s Nichols ready for next step

PHEBA — Hebron Christian School basketball player Tori Nichols was not persuaded by Southern Arkansas University’s athletic facilities.

Instead, an animal or two helped tip the scales.

Moore, Thomas led Immanuel Christian

STEENS — Immanuel Christian senior boys basketball player Ross Moore never doubted he would return to the court.

However, Moore wasn’t sure his shooting touch would return when he was back in uniform.

Immanuel Christian coach Billy Thomas shared those concerns. Thomas knew Moore would bring leadership to the squad, but he knew the team also needed the offensive touch Moore could provide to help put the Rams over the top.

Thomas keeps busy schedule to keep Rams at top

STEENS — When making dinner arrangements with Columbus businessman Billy Thomas, you might want to call well in advance.

In addition to being a owner of Benco Foods, Thomas devotes quite a bit of time at his other job: boys basketball coach at Immanuel Christian.

Columbus 9-year-olds ready for battle

The temperature is not the only place where things are beginning to heat up.

STINGING THE COMPETITION: Starkville High wins All-Sports Award for Class 5A

STARKVILLE — Starkville High School athletic director Stan Miller does not believe in symbolic awards.

EMCC football looks to make most of four home games this season

The Lions sleep tonight.

However in two months time, the noise will be overwhelming as a second football season gets underway at East Mississippi Community College’s new Sullivan-Windham Field.

A sparse four-game home slate highlights a nine-game 2012 regular-season schedule, released Friday by the school.

Area teams hoop it up at Itawamba CC

Starkville High School boys basketball coach Greg Carter is placing a little more emphasis on summer basketball this year.

EMCC’s Neely ready for next step

Kate Neely is ready for the next chapter in her life.

After four seasons as softball coach at East Mississippi Community College, Neely is ready to switch gears and move into another position on campus. EMCC officials are presently taking applications for the softball coaching vacancy and hope to have a new coach in place by mid-July.

Former Bulldog Kelly will showcase food products

Reggie Kelly likes to cook.

Now, the longtime NFL player and former Mississippi State University standout is sharing some of his secrets in the kitchen.

Schmidt’s positive message helped keep SA girls focused

STARKVILLE — Glenn Schmidt has been blessed a number of ways as a coach.

Patterson, Columbus girls have goals left to accomplish

Columbus High School girls basketball player Kiandria Patterson has a busy senior year lined up.

Patterson plans to do her best in the classroom, to graduate from high school, and to find a place to play college basketball.