A bevy of local high school athletes were named to all-star rosters by the Northeast Mississippi Coaches Association and late last week they all competed in their respective all-star games – with some taking home some extra awards.
The Golden Triangle was well represented on the hardwood in the 4A-7A Northeast Mississippi Basketball Coaches Association all-star games with Mackenzie Lowery of Columbus on the Dark team and Jalicia McShane of New Hope on the Light team. Columbus’ Tylan Brown also represented the Falcons on the Light team of the boys all-star game alongside New Hope’s Christian McDavis and Josiah Bluitt. McShane ended the game with Defensive Player of the Game honors and even picked up a collegiate offer from Itawamba Community College. Brown was awarded the Player of the Day award.
The area was also well represented on the sidelines with Columbus boys assistant coach Allen Lewis leading the Light team against Starkville boys assistant coach Chance Collins’ Dark team. Lewis said it was amazing to see the Falcons represented on that stage, especially with some of them walking away with even more honors.
“It was just a great experience to just be able to see those kids and represent Columbus in a big way,” Lewis said. “I think it was a great thing for the community, for the city of Columbus to have someone represent them in a positive way like that. So it was a great opportunity and just a great time getting to see those guys achieving and getting those awards.”
The game was also Lewis’ first time getting to be a head coach, and while surrounded by other talented, veteran coaches he made sure to pick their brains. It was a moment Lewis said he doesn’t take for granted.
“It was really cool getting to work with all of those guys,” Lewis added. “I think I not only really grew a lot as a person, but grew a lot in the coaching game. Being able to have the resources to reach out to those guys when I need something is a great opportunity.”
In the North Mississippi Softball Coaches Association All-Star game, seven from area schools were named as an all-star and played in the games. Camryn Higginbotham, Madison Richardson and Katelyn Hill represented Caledonia; Lexi McBrayer, Tatum McBride and Kaselyn Harcrow represented New Hope; and Sadie Foote was a lone all-star out of Starkville.
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