STARKVILLE – Gavin Ware knows what it is like to sit on the bench and watch his teammates try to win playoff games without him.
The Starkville High senior center is using the helpless feeling he endured last year after he suffered a severe knee injury before the beginning of the Class 6A postseason.
“It’s just a blessing to be able to compete for state and to play again for that matter,” Ware said. “I’ve been staying in the gym, getting better and just waiting for this time to come around.”
Ware, who two months ago signed a National Letter-of-Intent with Mississippi State University, led all scorers with 16 points in the Yellow Jackets’ 62-30 victory over Canton in the Region 3 title game at Neshoba Central High School. The 6-foot-8 post presence was dominant on both ends of the floor against Canton 300-pound center McDarion Abron.
It was a dunk by Ware and his aggressive defensive rotation that ended with a rebound that jumpstarted a 40-4 run to end the contest.
“We just came out and created that chemistry,” Ware said. “Once we started knocking down some buckets then it was time to put it away for us.”
Knowing that runs like that don’t happen but once in a long while, SHS coach Greg Carter knows his team has to be prepared to execute from the opening tip in what is now a one-and-done tournament format.
“Once we did start scoring and the floodgates just opened,” Carter said. “I expect to see the same game plan (from opponents) down the road.”
The Yellow Jackets will continue their 2012 postseason run by hosting Lake Cormorant tonight in a Class 5A North semifinal contest that begins at 7 p.m.
Lake Cormorant won the Region 1 regular season title thanks to the return of guard Johnny Edwards after suffering a broken wrist during the school’s football season. Edwards’ outside shooting continues to add a new dimension to the high-low game between point guard Alfonso Pratt and forward David McKnight.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
