From the notebook………….*The appetizers are now being served. District tournaments have started which ultimately leads up to the main course which is the state tournaments for single-A and AA classifications in less than two weeks. Next week all three classifications begin a quest for titles in each respective class as state regional and divisional play begins in earnest.
*I’ve been fortunate enough to talk to lots of people over the past month or so and the over-riding feeling is they would prefer to see the four team format return particularly at the state tournament level. Trimming the qualifiers down from four to three teams in an effort to create a more competitive third place game doesn’t seem to justify the change but I’m sure that will be revisited sooner rather than later.
*A few AA notes…….River Oaks head coach Roger Stockton is back on the bench coaching up the Mustangs after going through a rough week or so with health issues.
Three players come to mind that are critical to the success of their respective teams in post season play. Bowling Green’s path to Indianola will be reliant on the play of center Shod Fortenberry. While Fortenberry doesn’t lead the Buccaneers in scoring his post presence provides much needed balance both offensively and defensively. The senior has been susceptible to early foul trouble as of late and if that trend continues it will limit Bowling Green’s chances.
The Columbia Cougars need a healthy Drew Broome. Broome, a 6’3” senior, has been battling a bulging disc in his back for a few weeks and his reduction in playing time leaves a big hole in the Cougar’s game. Broome played in most of the Cougar’s win over Leake last week and had a double-double.
Glenbrook took a big hit last week when guard DeAngelo McDonald suffered a fractured vertebrae in his back. McDonald is the leading rebounder for the Apaches and his athleticism may be hard to replace as the Apaches gear up to battle River Oaks this Friday night for the district 6-AA title.
The Hillcrest Cougars are hitting their stride at the right time. A big overtime win at Jackson Prep this past Saturday vaulted the Cougars to the #1 slot in the recent Southern Sports & Travel rankings.
*AAA news……Up until last Saturday the most intense and loudest game I had attended this season was the Bowling Green at Brookhaven boy’s battle a few weeks back. I can now attest that the Presbyterian at East Rankin girl’s game this past Saturday has eclipsed that game by quite a few decimals and passion. If anyone says there is no interest in girl’s basketball a few minutes in Pelahatchie would have changed their opinion. It was a clinic in intensity, hustle, defense and most of all, heart. Good news is that these two will more than likely meet again soon.
*Due to the location and the two day dead time between games I’ll probably not be able to provide first round coverage of the state AA tournament in Indianola. The prospect of making the long drive twice in three days coupled with the expenses associated with travel doesn’t seem wise.
*Traffic on Southern Sports & Travel has been heavy. My guess is that when basketball concludes the visits to the site will total more than the 30,000 during football season.
*Baseball season is fast approaching. I’ve posted all AAA and AA schedules that were available. Rosters and any information regarding the upcoming season would be greatly appreciated.
*Any information regarding college signings from MAIS athletes is encouraged. Please email aafandaman@yahoo.com
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See ya somewhere…………
