State’s softball coaches trying to help fast-pitch grow
STARKVILLE — Mississippi State University first-year softball coach Vann Stuedeman preaches “living in a moment.”
In her opinion, now is the moment for Mississippi high school softball to take the next step and to become a power on the national stage. While Stuedeman builds MSU into a perennial contender, she hopes improved play by teams in the state of Mississippi will help facilitate her program’s growth.
Defending champion South Carolina sweeps MSU
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Mississippi State University baseball team scored two runs in the ninth inning Sunday but couldn’t muster enough offense to overtake the No. 7 University of South Carolina in a 6-4 loss at Carolina Stadium.
MSU (21-15, 5-10 Southeastern Conference) suffered its first sweep in league play this season, while the two-time defending national champion Gamecocks improved to 27-10 and 8-7.
MSU, Alabama complete softball sweeps
OXFORD — Cranking out a team-high 14 hits in a Southeastern Conference game, the Mississippi State University softball team completed a three-game series sweep of the University of Mississippi with a 10-3 victory Sunday at the Ole Miss Softball Complex.
The win helped MSU (25-19, 8-14 Southeastern Conference) surpass last year’s win total of 24 in 56 games.
Local players earn all-state honors
The Starkville Academy girls basketball team used a group approach all the way through a historic season.
West Point drops early game to Caledonia
CALEDONIA — West Point High School baseball coach Buddy Myers saw his team simply going through the motions.
Columbus pitching shuts down Caledonia
On senior night at Sammy Fletcher Field, Columbus High left-handed pitcher Tyler Blevins took the baseball and completely shut down a confident Caledonia High lineup.
Caledonia wins twice at New Hope
With just a week left until the start of the postseason, Caledonia High School softball coach Robin Elmore was eager for a crisp performance at the New Hope High School tournament.
Defense dominates scrimmage
STARKVILLE — Under the lights of Davis Wade Stadium, Mississippi State senior defensive back Darius Slay was still able to remain in the shadows of the coverages to cause multiple turnovers in a Friday night spring football scrimmage.
MSU’s tight ends more visible in spring
STARKVILLE — The tight end classroom at the Mississippi State University football team’s practice facility doesn’t have many people in the seats.
However, just because position coach Scott Sallach doesn’t have a lot of bodies doesn’t mean player development has taken a dip.
Uncertainty at back end of MSU’s rotation
STARKVILLE — The Mississippi State University baseball team had a lot of time to contemplate its starting pitcher for game three Sunday of its weekend series against the University of South Carolina.
It still hasn’t come up with an option.
Columbus’ Thomas growing in strength, confidence
At 6-foot-5, 300 pounds, Jake Thomas is a quarterback’s best friend anywhere on the offensive line.
But Thomas figures to become an even more imposing presence in a number of areas for the Columbus High School Falcons as he continues to mature into his body.
West Point’s Davis signs with EMCC
WEST POINT — Wilma Davis watched, learned, and waited as a junior.
With a point guard like Kelsei Ewings, sometimes you only need to make sure you were running to get open looks at the basket.
Houston rallies past Caledonia in softball
CALEDONIA — Caledonia High School fast-pitch softball coach Robin Elmore was pleased with almost every aspect of her team’s game Thursday night.
Elmore enjoyed everything except the final score.
Ole Miss has competitive spring football practice
OXFORD — The University of Mississippi football team had its final practice Thursday before its second scrimmage of the spring season Saturday.
Schaefer adds Harris to MSU women’s basketball coach staff
STARKVILLE — Mississippi State women’s basketball coach Vic Schaefer announced Wednesday the hiring of Texas A&M assistant coach Johnnie Harris as his as associate head coach.
Three-way tie atop NeSmith Series
CARTERSVILLE, Ga. — There still is a three-way tie for the points lead after Week 2 of the 2012 NeSmith Chevrolet Weekly Racing Series season.
The top three drivers have a win and a second-place finish to tally 99 points after the first two weeks, and just five points separate the top 10.
Family ties brought Banks back to MSU for senior season
STARKVILLE — The answer is simple.
Johnthan Banks could have bypassed his senior season with the Mississippi State University football program and declared for the NFL draft. The 6-foot-2 cornerback likely would have had a strong chance to make a NFL roster and get paid a lot of money to play the game he loves.
MSU, Ole Miss softball coaches set for first taste of rivalry
Neither Mississippi State University first-year softball coach Vann Stuedeman nor University of Mississippi first-year softball coach Windy Thees was born in the state of Mississippi.
Starkville’s Brown signs with ICC
STARKVILLE — The Starkville High School girls basketball program will miss Brittany Brown.
But Brown’s example will live on, especially after the senior leader signed a scholarship Wednesday to play basketball at Itawamba Community College in Fulton.
ICC’s Hoskins signs with SE Louisiana
FULTON — Itawamba Community College women’s basketball All-American Jameika Hoskins fulfilled a dream of playing Division I basketball Wednesday when she signed with Southeastern Louisiana in the media room at the Davis Event Center.