Brookhaven Tournament Finals

Rebels roll in Brookhaven
Central Private jumped out to a 6-0 lead and never looked back as the top ranked Rebels beat Brookhaven 73-53 to win the Brookhaven Christmas Tournament. All five Rebel starters hit double digits on the night as Central Private upped their season mark to 16-2.
The Rebels set the pace from the opening tip as junior Lance Wicker drained 3-pointers from the wing on Central Private’s first two possessions. After Brookhaven senior Sidney Chaffin’s lay-in pulled the Cougars to within four points at 11-7 at the 3:30 mark Central Private finished the opening quarter with a 9-2 run. Simpson Anderson drained a 15 footer, Jake Flaggert converted in the paint, Wicker hit his third 3-pointer of the quarter and Dave Jackson’s steal and slam at the buzzer gave the Rebels a 20-9 advantage after one quarter of play.
Brookhaven pulled to within striking distance at 24-18 on Gage Posey’s 3-pointer midway through the quarter but Central Private closed out the 2nd quarter as they did the 1st, with a run. A 10-2 run capped off by Lance Wicker’s fourth 3-pointer of the half gave the Rebels their biggest lead at 34-22 at the halfway point. Central Private demonstrated what all the buzz has been about during the first four minutes of the 3rd quarter as they exploded with a 13-2 run to take a commanding 47-24 lead. Simpson Anderson drained a long 3-pointer and both Jake Flaggert and Dave Jackson had impressive slams during the run.
Central Private took their biggest lead of the night at 69-42 on a Taylor Fletcher driving basket with just over five minutes remaining in the game.
Lance Wicker led Central Private with 19 points (five 3-pointers), Simpson Anderson, Dave Jackson and Taylor Fletcher each had 13, Jake Flaggert added 12, Luke Fryoux and Austin Pierce had 2 apiece.
Sidney Chaffin led Brookhaven (7-5) with 19 points, Gage Posey added 18 (three 3-pointers), Brock Smith 7 and Matthew Evans, Jeff Rushing, Will Hickman and Brennan Miller 2 each.
Both teams will be playing district opponents next week. Central Private will travel to Silliman on Tuesday while Brookhaven will host Bowling Green that same day.

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Leake remains perfect
Top ranked Leake overcame turnovers and first half foul trouble to take a 43-36 win over 2nd ranked Brookhaven to win the Brookhaven Christmas Tournament. Hannah Peoples and Jenny Wilbanks combined for 27 points as the defending Class AA state champions improved to 22-0 and look primed to make a run at their sixth straight state crown.
With Leake on top 4-1 midway through the opening quarter Brookhaven went to a zone press that was effective in forcing Rebelette turnovers. The Lady Cougars capitalized on the turnovers and took their first lead at 6-4 on Anna Mangold’s lay-in with 3:14 left in the quarter. Leake closed out the 1st quarter with a 3-pointer from sophomore Hannah Peoples at the buzzer to regain the lead at 10-9.
Peoples would give Leake a six point cushion at 18-12 with a 3-pointer from the top of the key three minutes into the 2nd quarter but Brookhaven answered as senior Anna Mangold reeled off three straight baskets to knot the contest at 18-18 with 1:28 remaining in the half. Each squad traded baskets and free throws in the last 55 seconds of the quarter to send the game into halftime tied at 22-22.
Leake turned up the defensive pressure and Shelbi Horn drilled three jumpers as the Rebelettes went on top 28-22 and held Brookhaven scoreless through nearly six minutes of the 3rd quarter. Terah Winborne’s 3-pointer from the wing at the 2:04 mark pulled the Lady Cougars to within three points at 28-25 and Laura Beth Wright added two free throws to narrow the deficit to one point with 1:46 remaining in the quarter.
Leake answered with consecutive jumpers from senior Jenny Wilbanks to increase the lead to 32-27 and Hannah Peoples once again drained a 3-pointer at the horn to give the defending champs a 35-27 lead heading into the final quarter. Leake took their biggest lead of the night at 38-27 ten seconds into the final quarter as Peoples hit a 3-pointer from the corner but Brookhaven rallied with a 9-0 run. Winborne canned a 3-pointer from the wing, Anna Mangold and Laura Beth Wright hit 3 of 4 free throws and Mary Lindsey Magee’s offensive rebound and put back, plus one, pulled the Lady Cougars to with two points at 38-36 with 4:46 remaining.
That would be as close as Brookhaven would get as Leake held the Lady Cougars scoreless the remaining four minutes of the game. Leake’s Anna Nowell converted on a basket in the paint and later hit 1 of 2 free throws and Hannah Peoples sank a jumper from the elbow to secure a 43-36 win.
Peoples had a game high 14 points, Wilbanks added 13, Shelbi Horn 8, Shelby Howard 5 and Anna Nowell 3.
Anna Mangold and Terah Winborne had 12 each to lead Brookhaven (13-2), Laura Beth Wright added 8 and Mary Lindsey Magee 4.
Next up for Leake will be a District 3-AA matchup with Lamar in Madden while Brookhaven hosts Bowling Green in a District 4-AA meeting.

Brookhaven Tourney Semi-Finals

Leake pummels Marshall
Jenny Wilbanks continued her dominating play as the Leake senior went off for 34 points in a 51-27 win over Marshall. The top ranked Rebelettes jumped out to a quick 8-0 lead while holding Marshall to one free throw in the opening quarter and the Lady Patriots had no answer for Wilbanks who scored 12 of Leake’s 16 first quarter points.
Wilbanks scored 11 second quarter points to give Leake a 28-10 halftime advantage.
Leake went on a 10-0 run to start the final quarter and extended their lead to 45-19 en-route to a 51-27 win to push their season mark to 21-0.
Anna Nowell added 7 points for the Class AA defending champions, Hannah Peoples and Shelby Howard had 4 each and Shelbi Horn 2.
Callie Clanton led Marshall (11-7) with 15 points, Kelsey Shaw and Elizabeth Skelton had 5 each and Megan Anderson 2.

Brookhaven second half batters Delta
In last night’s semi-final action Brookhaven’s Terah Winborne was unstoppable as the junior had a game high 27 points in leading the 2nd ranked Lady Cougars to a 66-40 win over Class A and top ranked Delta.
Brookhaven had trouble shaking the defending Class A state champions in the first half and with just under three minutes left in the 2nd quarter a Marley Anne Schiele 3-pointer from the wing pulled the Lady Raiders to within five points at 23-18.
Brookhaven quickly extended their lead to 33-23 to start the second half on two free throws and a steal and basket from Laura Beth Wright. Mary Lindsey Magee’s offensive rebound and put back with 1:23 left in the quarter gave the Lady Cougars their biggest lead at 48-32. Delta would get no closer as Brookhaven cruised to a 66-40 win to improve to 13-1.
Laura Beth Wright added 14 points for Brookhaven, Anna Mangold 13, Mary Lindsey Magee 8, Anna Lofton and Summer Calhoun 2 each.
Morgan Shook led Delta (16-6) with 23 points, Marley Anne Schiele added 13 and Whitney Corbin and Forest Gurley had 2 each.

Trinity pushes Central Private to two overtimes

Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
Just over three weeks ago Class AA and top ranked Central Private drilled Trinity to the tune of 110-76 and while the Rebels defeated the Saints again in yesterday’s semi-final contest the path in getting that victory was much different. Central Private advanced to the finals with a heart thumping 69-68 double overtime win over Trinity in the best matchup of the Brookhaven Christmas Tournament.
Central Private seemed stunned as Trinity ran out to a 10-0 opening quarter lead behind the hot shooting of junior guard Tip McKenzie. The Rebels didn’t notch a basket until the 4:05 mark when Jake Flaggert scored on a driving lay-in to make it 10-2. Trinity closed out a strong first quarter on a Kent King 3-pointer from the corner to give the Saints their biggest lead at 21-8.

Central Private exploded with a 15-1 run behind the play of senior Taylor Fletcher over the first five minutes of the second quarter to pull to within one point at 23-22 and knotted the game at 25-25 on a Simpson Anderson transition basket plus one with 1:44 remaining in the half.
Trinity hit 3 of 4 free throws in the final minute to take a 28-25 lead into halftime.
Trinity produced a 7-1 run to start the 3rd quarter and pushed their advantage to 35-26 with 5:25 remaining in the period.
Jake Flaggert’s lay-in off the glass and Dave Jackson’s offensive rebound and basket at the 2:29 mark pulled the Rebels back to within four at 36-32 but Trinity kept Central Private at bay as Tip McKenzie’s steal and basket and two free throws gave the Saints a 40-32 cushion with just over one minute left in the quarter.
Central Private got a critical 3-pointer at the buzzer from Lance Wicker to close the gap to 40-35 heading into the 4th quarter.
Sophomore Jake Flaggert gave Central Private their first lead of the game at 45-44 on a driving basket with 2:49 left in regulation.
With the Rebels hanging on to a 48-46 lead and 7 seconds remaining, Givonni Dent was fouled in the backcourt but missed the front end of a 1&1. Trinity was awarded the ball with 2.2 seconds remaining after Central Private couldn’t pull down the missed free throw and Kent King found Givonni Dent in the paint on a well executed inbounds play to knot the game at 48-48 at the buzzer.
Trinity regained the lead at 50-48 on two King free throws to start the four minute overtime period and at the 2:39 mark held a 52-50 advantage following a Tanner Cage jumper in the paint.

Luke Fryoux, fresh off the bench, drilled a 3-pointer from the corner to put Central Private back on top at 53-52 at the 2:16 mark. Following a Trinity turnover Simpson Anderson hit two free throws to give the Rebels a 57-54 advantage.
Both teams traded turnovers and a free throw apiece and with Central Private holding on to a 58-55 lead Givonni Dent calmly drained a 3-pointer from the top of the key at the buzzer to send the game into double overtime at 58-58.
Tanner Cage gave Trinity a three point lead at 65-62 on a driving lay-in with 1:20 left in the second overtime but Central Private countered with baskets from Simpson Anderson and Jake Flaggert to put the Rebels on top for good at 66-65 with 30 seconds remaining.
Flaggert added two free throws and Taylor Fletcher added one to give the Rebels a 69-65 lead with 8 seconds left. Tip McKenzie drilled a 3-pointer at the buzzer for Trinity to finish off a Brookhaven Christmas Tournament classic.
Jake Flaggert led Central Private (15-2) with 21 points, Taylor Fletcher added 18, Simpson Anderson 10, Lance Wicker and Dave Jackson had 8 each and Luke Fryoux 4.
Tip McKenzie had a game high 23 points to lead Trinity (9-3), Givonni Dent added 14, Kent King 13, Tanner Cage 11, LJ Trimble 5 and Jake Winston 2.

Brookhaven holds off Leake
The defending Class AA state champions earned a 55-49 semi-final win over a scrappy Leake Rebels squad last night but not many expected the visitors to be within three points with 40 seconds remaining in the game. Brookhaven canned 3 of 4 free throws in the final 30 seconds to secure the win and earn a spot in the finals.
Brookhaven started off on fire as the Cougars raced out to an 8-0 lead as four of the five starters each converted on a basket in the first three minutes of the quarter. Leake put together a 7-0 run to pull within four points at 17-13 with 39 seconds left in the period but a Matthew Evans 3-pointer from the wing at the buzzer provided the Cougars with a 20-13 lead heading into the second quarter.

Brookhaven looked primed to pull away in the first two minutes of the second quarter as Brock Smith converted on a transition basket and then canned two free throws to put the Cougars up 26-16 with 6:06 left in the half but Leake wouldn’t go away. The Rebels closed out the half with a Ryan Sessums 12 footer and a Wesley Webb fast break basket to keep within striking distance at the halfway point at 36-29.
Brookhaven took their biggest lead at 46-33 at the 3:22 mark of the 3rd quarter on a Brennan Miller 3-pointer from the wing but Leake answered by trimming the deficit to 46-38 with a 3-pointer from Austin Shepard and two Ryan Sessums free throws to finish out the quarter.

Wesley Webb got Leake to within four points two minutes into the final quarter with a 3-pointer from the wing and Hank Coleman sank two free throws on the next possession to make it 50-48 with 4:54 remaining. Leake’s shooting went dry as the Rebels could only muster a free throw the remaining four minutes and Brookhaven converted on 3 of 4 free throws and got a Sidney Chaffin basket to take a 55-49 win.
Brennan Miller led Brookhaven (7-4) with 18 points (four 3 pointers), Sidney Chaffin and Brock Smith added 10 each, Chandler Rogers had 8, Gage Posey 5 and Mathew Evans 4.
Wesley Webb paced Leake with 14 points, Ryan Sessums and Grant Wilson had 8 each, Austin Shepard and Hank Coleman 6 each, Aaron Shepard 5 and Joshua Peoples 2.

Brookhaven Christmas Tourney

The 2010 Brookhaven Holiday Christmas Tournament has completed day two of competition. Day two got off to a rousing start as Marshall's Elizabeth Skelton hit an 8 footer at the buzzer to beat Centreville 39-38 in overtime.

In the second girls contest Class A & top ranked Delta held off Bowling Green 48-44 to improve to 16-5. Whitney Corbin and Marley Anne Scheile each had 13 points to lead Delta while Bowling Green sophomore Mackayla Dykes had a game high 21 points.

In a boys showdown between top five ranked squads in their respective classes Trinity (9-2) overcame a 14 point halftime deficit to beat Marshall 75-64. Trinity's Tip McKenzie continued his torrid play as the junior led all scorers with 26 points. Taylor Maurey paced Marshall (13-3) with 24 points.

The defending Class AA state champion Leake Rebelettes improved to 20-0 with a 60-37 win over East Rankin. Jenny Wilbanks led Leake with 25 points while sophomore Hannah Peoples hit five 3-pointers en-route to 17 points. Kaitlyn Coghlan led East Rankin with 16 points.

Leake's boys had little trouble in defeating Kirk 67-40 behind Wesley Webb's game high 20 points. Aaron Shepard added 13 and Ryan Sessums chipped in with 11. Sayle Roberts led Kirk with 13 points.

The Brookhaven Lady Cougars exhibited why they'll be serious contenders to win a state championship as they dismantled Prentiss 77-27. Laura Beth Wright paced Brookhaven with 16 points, Terah Winborne added 14 and Anna Mangold 10. The 2nd ranked Lady Cougars improved to 12-1.

In the boys nightcap Central Private and East Rankin didn't disappoint the large crowd as they combined for 152 points. The Class AA and top ranked Central Private Rebels broke open what had become a two point game midway through the 3rd quarter to win 84-68 and improve to 14-2 on the season. Simpson Anderson led Central Private with 23 points, including five 3-pointers, Jake Flaggart added 19, Dave Jackson 17, Taylor Flecther 14 and Lance Wicker 8. East Rankin was led by Tyler Rhodes with 23 points and Jacob Weldon with 22.

Beard out at Bowling Green

Bowling Green head football coach Brett Beard has resigned according to Buccaneer Athletic Director Chris Bird.

"Coach Beard will be seeking a position in the public school system," said Bird.

Beard compiled an 18-17 record and three playoff appearances in his three seasons at Bowling Green.

"We're accepting resumes and will begin the interview process next month," said Bird.

Beard's replacement could be named in late January.

From the notebook…….
**My apologies go out for the lack of updated basketball scores over the past several days. I took a much needed four day break and headed northeast to Boston to attend the Patriots and Packers game and do a little site seeing. I also picked up a few new slang words while there but I’ll reserve caution and use them only when irritability sets in.

(Above) Cheers in Boston where "Everybody knows your name."

**The new Southern Sports & Travel basketball rankings will be posted Wednesday evening and then every Sunday night until the end the 2010/11 basketball season. A big push to post Class AAA and Class AA district standings will be made after Christmas. Sorry Class A, at this point taking on that challenge would take the help of many people.
**If you wanted parity in boy’s basketball this season you may get your wish. I’m going on record in saying that while MRA is the team to beat don’t be surprised if there are serious contenders from both Class AA and A at the Overall Tournament in February. Oak Forest upsets Jackson Prep then losses to Bowling Green, Hillcrest beats East Rankin who beats Brookhaven and Prep beats Hillcrest in a tight one. How’s that for parity?
**On the girl’s side it’s apparent that MRA has distanced themselves a bit from the other Class AAA squads. In Class AA it’s Leake and Brookhaven and everyone else at this point in the season. Delta, Claiborne and Riverdale are outclassing most of their opponents in Class A and Trinity is getting better each week.
**Upsets that occur will be sent out via twitter beginning next week.
**Readers will see three new businesses advertising on Southern Sports & Travel over the next few days. Please support them whenever possible. Without the schools who have generously offered to sponsor Southern Sports & Travel and the opportunity to attract more business advertising, all the travel and time covering MAIS athletic events would be impossible.
**Anyone interested in doing short game articles of their school’s basketball team and having 18,000 readers view it each month can email me at aafandaman@yahoo.com to get set up.
**With the 2010 football season in the books there will obviously be coaching changes. As most know, Columbia Academy has named Brookhaven assistant Kenny Williams as their new head coach. I’ll have more on Coach Williams next week.
**Please continue to send in photos and/or articles on MAIS players in any sport signing scholarships to continue their athletic careers.
**I’ll be heading north next week to take in the Brookhaven Christmas Tournament. There are some great matchups that may give a glimpse as to what we all could see in February.(Above) Gillette Stadium in Foxboro

Vanderburg signs with Delta State

Marshall Academy senior Josh Vanderburg has signed a scholarship to play baseball for Delta State. Vanderburg is a catcher for new head coach Bart Jenkins.

Seated L-Head Coach Bart Jenkins R-Catcher Josh Vanderburg
Standing L to R- Jane Hubbard (Marshall Academy Headmaster), Renee Vanderburg (Mother), Hunter Vanderburg(RHP/INF Brother 10th grade),Johnathan Vanderburg (Father)

Southern Sports & Travel 2010 Player of the Year

Trinity quarterback Givonni Dent

Givonni Dent has been selected as the 2010 Southern Sports & Travel Player of the Year. The Trinity Episcopal senior led the Saints to back to back Class A State Championships, in 2009 and this year’s squad that produced an unblemished 15-0 record.
The soft spoken quarterback passed for 22 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions on the season along with 8 rushing touchdowns but playing the quarterback position hasn’t always been his preference. “I didn’t play any football until the 8th grade and the first time I played quarterback was in the 9th grade but I would rather play wide receiver or running back,” said Dent.
Dent’s transformation at quarterback since enrolling at Trinity as a sophomore has been nothing short of remarkable.
“Givonni’s progress since the 10th grade has been amazing,” said Trinity head coach David King. “He has grown leaps and bounds not only on the football field but in the classroom and it’s been because of hard work and dedication.”
Dent’s abilities were on full display in two of Trinity’s biggest wins of the regular season. In week seven Class AA and 2nd ranked River Oaks made the trip to Natchez for a much anticipated matchup between two unbeatens. In that game Dent put together one the best performances of any MAIS player during the 2010 season.
Against the team that would ultimately win the Class AA Championship the senior passed for 342 yards and 2 touchdowns, rushed for 105 yards and 2 touchdowns and had 2 interceptions on defense in a 42-21 thumping of River Oaks.
Dent further solidified his standing as one of the premier players in the MAIS the following week as the Saints traveled to Brookhaven to face the defending Class AA Champion and top ranked Brookhaven Cougars. The task was a huge test for Trinity as they looked to halt Mississippi’s longest high school winning streak which stood at 22 games and contain one of the better quarterbacks in the state, Brookhaven senior Chandler Rogers.
Dent directed his squad to a 34-28 upset and in doing so passed for 283 yards and 3 touchdowns.
According to Dent those two wins over the top two teams in Class AA on successive Fridays and a South State Championship win over Sylva Bay will stand out as the biggest wins while at Trinity.
Asked about who has been his biggest influence over the past three seasons Dent said, “It’s been special teams and strength and conditioning coach Bill James. I knew Coach James before coming to Trinity and he has helped me so much with being mentally and physical ready on the field.”
Having produced a 38-5 record and two state titles as starting quarterback over the past three seasons the senior has received lots of attention from college recruiters. Not only has Dent’s numbers on the offensive side of the football been an attraction but his 12 interceptions and stellar performance on defense has drawn serious looks. Four of those interceptions were returned for touchdowns and a fumble recovery returned for a score upped his total to five defensive touchdowns on the season. The senior picked off interception number 13 during the recent MAIS All-Star game in which he was named the South Defensive MVP.
Dent has received offers from Delta State, Alcorn, Southeastern Louisiana University and Bethune-Cookman but remains undecided and will wait until the national signing date gets closer to make a decision.
When I posed the question that ten years from now when he looks back at his high school football days at Trinity what he would remember most the senior replied, “Most definitely winning back to back state titles.”

*Note*

In selecting the 2010 Southern Sports & Travel Player of the Year seven objective individuals took into consideration 2010 stats, leadership, post season success and value to their team.

Hillcrest tops Simpson in district battle

Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
Not often is the first district game of the season filled with an emotional charge that permeates throughout a gymnasium but that was the case in last night’s intense battle between District 3-AA heavyweights Hillcrest and Simpson. The significance of winning last night’s matchup at Hillcrest was huge in two respects for both squads. Getting the upper hand in district play is crucial and the return of former Hillcrest head coach James Crain who took over the helm at Simpson last spring added to the playoff type atmosphere.

(Above) Hillcrest senior Preston Haynes with 2 of his game high 18 points
In the end, two top five Class AA teams battled as if it were February and Hillcrest gave their first year head coach Wes Prather something to be elated about as the 3rd ranked Cougars held off 4th ranked Simpson in a 56-48 dogfight.
The first basket of the game would not come until the 6:10 mark of the opening quarter when Hillcrest senior Preston Haynes drained a 3-pointer from the wing. In a quarter that saw the lead change hands seven times Simpson would finish with the upper hand on a Devin Millis 3-pointer from the wing with 39 seconds left to give SCA a 14-12 advantage heading into the second quarter.

(Above) Devin Millis (#21) of Simpson just misses on a block attempt of a Preston Haynes (#12) lay-in
Hillcrest reeled of three straight baskets to start the second quarter and take an 18-14 lead. After Simpson’s Cory Herrington drained a 3-pointer to trim the lead to 18-17 Hillcrest put together a 9-2 run as Preston Haynes converted on two baskets and served up an assist to Grant Baker for another to move out to a 27-19 lead.
Simpson stayed close and a Devin Millis 10 footer off the glass with 17 seconds remaining in the half pulled the Cougars to within six points at 29-23 heading into the break.
Simpson rallied in the third quarter on the hot shooting of Devin Millis. The 6’3” senior nailed down three jumpers and at the 1:46 mark canned two free throws to tie the game at 35-35. (Above) Austin Herrington (#31) of Simpson with a 1st quarter drive
Hillcrest converted on 2/4 free throws in the last minute of the quarter to take a 37-35 advantage into the final eight minutes.
Following a Garrett Taylor free throw that trimmed the lead to 37-36 to start the final quarter Hillcrest exploded with nine quick points. Lee Ogletree scored on an inbounds play, Preston Haynes deposited a transition basket, Chris Prather converted a free throw, Malcolm Hopkins set up Ogletree with an assist and a Haynes steal and basket gave Hillcrest their biggest lead at 46-36 with 5:45 remaining.
Hillcrest extended their lead to 50-38 at the 3:58 mark on Lee Ogletree’s basket in the paint and Simpson would get no closer than five points. Hillcrest junior Ben Lewis would put an exclamation on the game with a dunk to close out a 56-48 home district win over Simpson. (Above) Ben Lewis (#30) of Hillcrest slams home the last basket
Preston Haynes led Hillcrest with 18 points, Ben Lewis added 12, Lee Ogletree 9, Terrance Staten 7, Chris Prather 5, Robert Johnson 3 and Grant Baker 2.
Drew Millis had 18 for Simpson, Austin Herrington 10, Josh Hankins 8, Cory Herrington 5, Garrett Taylor 3 and Dylan Kennedy and Josh Broadhead 2 each.
Hillcrest improves to 8-2 and 1-0 while Simpson suffers their first loss and falls to 10-1 and 0-1.

Post Game with Hillcrest coach Wes Prather

Hillcrest battles Simpson to overtime

Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas

The senior-freshman duo of Amber Divinity and Christina Berryhill combined for 32 points as the Hillcrest Lady Cougars edged Simpson 49-44 in overtime last night in Byram. It was the District 3-AA opener for both squads and the atmosphere reflected how critical gaining an early December win in district play was.
Simpson would control early on in the opening quarter as sophomore Brittany Gardner accounted for six points to give SCA a 7-4 lead with just under five minutes gone.
Hillcrest took their first lead at 7-6 on two Kayla McAdams free throws but Simpson would close the quarter with a Lauren Griffin offensive board and put-back to take a slim 12-10 lead into the second quarter.

(Above) Hillcrest senior Amber Divinity (#3) with a 2nd quarter drive

With Simpson clinging to a 14-10 lead at the 6:55 mark of the second quarter Hillcrest freshman Christina Berryhill took charge. Berryhill drained a 3-pointer from the top of the key and converted a basket off a steal to push the Lady Cougars to a 15-14 advantage. Berryhill’s driving basket with 1:27 remaining in the half gave Hillcrest their biggest lead at 23-16 as the Lady Cougars produced a 13-4 run to end the half on top 26-18.
Amber Divinity’s offensive rebound and basket halfway through the third quarter gave Hillcrest a nine point cushion at 28-19 but Simpson started heating up. Lauren Griffin canned a 3-pointer from the wing and both Callie Martin and Griffin pulled down offensive rebounds and scored to narrow the deficit to 28-26 with 1:48 left in the quarter. (Above) Hillcrest freshman Christina Berryhill (#12) drains a 3-pointer
Simpson would draw even with Hillcrest at 33-33 at the 4:11 mark of the fourth quarter on a Lauren Welch 3-pointer from the wing and took the lead on Brittany Gardner’s bucket at 35-33 following a Hillcrest turnover.
In a fourth quarter that was tied two times and produced five lead changes it came down to clutch shooting from both squads to extend the contest into overtime. With Hillcrest hanging on to a 38-37 lead Simpson senior Lauren Welch sank a 3-pointer from the corner with 59 seconds remaining to put SCA on top 40-38.
Hillcrest knotted the game at 40-40 as Christina Berryhill calmly canned two free throws with 41 seconds remaining in regulation.
Two minutes into the overtime period and tied at 42-42 Hillcrest senior Amber Divinity’s half court steal and lay-up gave the Lady Cougars a slim two point lead but an offensive rebound and score from Simpson sophomore Brittany Gardner evened the score again at 44-44 with 1:22 remaining.
The final 21 seconds of the overtime period is where the Hillcrest senior-freshman combination of Divinity and Berryhill shined. Berryhill drilled a 3-pointer from the wing as the Hillcrest student body erupted and Divinity canned two free throws with 9 seconds left to seal up a big District 3-AA battle over Simpson at 49-44.

(Above) Callie Martin (#23) of Simpson gets a jumper off
Divinity and Berryhill each had 16 points to lead Hillcrest. Kristen Kliesch added 8 points, Kayla McAdams 7 and Jaden Goff 2.
Brittany Gardner led Simpson with 12, Lauren Welch added 10, Lauren Griffin 8, Kasey McWilliams 5, Hallie Stubbs 4, Abby Dunston and Callie Martin with 2 each and Natalie Sullivan 1.
Hillcrest improves to 5-4 and 1-0 while Simpson falls to 6-2 and 0-1.

Brozovich of Washington inks with DSU baseball
Courtesy of Kenny Mister, The Southern Press
GREENVILLE — Most high school athletes are thankful to get interest from colleges in one sport. But Eric Brozovich isn’t most athletes.
The Washington School senior baseball and football standout said he received interest from several colleges in both sports. But when it came down to his true passion, he knew his love for throwing a baseball was greater than launching a football.

And on Wednesday afternoon, he answered the final question: What college should he attend?
Brozovich signed a scholarship to play baseball at nearby Delta State.
“I just wanted to stay close to home,” said Brozovich, who has been the Generals’ go-to guy on the diamond and the gridiron. He was Washington School’s ace pitcher last season and has led the Generals to two MAIS state state titles in three years as quarterback.
Brozovich said he considered going with football, but he couldn’t overlook his love for baseball.
“I like football, but I have a deep passion for baseball, so I’m pretty sure I made the right decision,” he said.
It was also good news for Washington School baseball coach Jeff Walls, who once pitched for DSU and helped lead the Statesmen a Gulf South Conference title in 2000.
“It’s a real exciting day for me because I know what’s in front of him. And I really think he’s going to fit in there,” said Walls. “And it’s a place where I’ll get to go watch him play.”
Brozovich said he will be on the mound at DSU, but Statesmen coach Mike Kinnison will also give him the opportunity to branch off to other positions.
“(Coach Kinnison) said I can try dual positions, so I’m going to try that out and see where that goes,” said Brozovich.
Brozovich, who was named the Delta Democrat Times’ Pre-season Offensive Player of the Year in football, is quite talented on the gridiron as well.
So, what are what chances DSU fans will see him on under center one day in Cleveland?
“There’s still a slight chance,” said Brozovich. “....Right now probably not, but you never know. Things change.”

Leake outlasts Canton in three overtimes
Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
Just two weeks ago most of the Leake Academy boy’s basketball team was playing for a Class AA state championship, last night the Rebels overcame a 10 point third quarter deficit to take a 63-58 triple overtime win on the road over Canton.
Wesley Webb and Ryan Sessums teamed up for 46 points as the Rebels improved their record to 3-5 but most importantly upped their District 3-AA mark to 2-0. In posting a 2-0 district record the Rebels have needed four overtime periods as a Tuesday night encounter with Lamar resulted in a 73-66 overtime win.
Canton looked sharp in getting out to an early 6-2 lead following a Calvin Brown 17 foot jumper three minutes into the contest but Leake began showing signs that the rust was giving way as they knotted the game at 9-9 with a Ryan Sessums offensive rebound and put back at the 3:08 mark. (Above) Canton's Manning James (#24) hits over Wesley Webb (#10) of Leake
Canton would inch their way back to a six point advantage at 15-9 with baskets from Brown and Manning James and took a 15-11 lead into the second quarter.
Canton opened the second quarter on fire as Nathan Simpson canned a 10 footer from the baseline. Taylor Pierce converted on a fast break basket and Chris Reed nailed a turn-around jumper in the lane to give the Panthers their biggest lead at 21-11 and forcing Leake to burn a timeout to regroup just one minute into the quarter.
Leake inched their way back and at the 1:45 mark trimmed the deficit to 23-19 on a Joshua Peoples turn-around jumper from 10 feet. Aaron Shepard’s basket from the elbow with under ten seconds remaining in the half pulled the Rebels to within two points at 27-25 but Canton finished the half with a half court heave from Taylor Pierce at the buzzer to give the Panthers a 30-25 halftime cushion.
Canton matched their biggest lead of the game after a Manning James 3-pointer from the corner and a James floater in the lane pushed the lead to 37-27 with 5:15 remaining in the third quarter but Leake hung around with baskets from Wesley Webb and Joshua Peoples as the Rebels ended the quarter down 39-31. (Above) Canton's Nathan Simpson (#5) just gets a shot off over Joshua Peoples (#43) of Leake
Leake pulled to within four points at 43-39 halfway through the fourth quarter as Grant Wilson served up Ryan Sessums with an assist and Sessums canned two free throws with just over two minutes left in regulation to cut the lead to 43-41.
A Canton turnover with 55 seconds remaining set the stage for Leake junior Wesley Webb who nailed a 15 foot jumper with 35 seconds remaining to tie the game at 43-43. Canton’s last second attempt at a game winner would fall short.
Leake senior Joshua Peoples canned a 3-pointer from the wing nine seconds into the overtime period as the Rebels took their first lead since 7-6 at the 3:55 mark of the first quarter. The Rebels increased their lead to 48-43 on a Ryan Sessums offensive rebound and put back at the 3:16 mark but Canton fired back with a 3-pointer from Manning James and a Calvin Brown floater in the lane to knot things up at 48-48 with 2:33 remaining.
With the game tied at 50-50 Canton chewed up clock to set up a last second attempt but could not convert as the game headed into its’ second overtime.
Each team could only muster a basket each in the second overtime as the tempo was controlled by Canton’s slow down to offset the loss of Chris Reed who had fouled out in the first overtime period. Taylor Pierce of Canton hit a 12 foot jumper and Leake’s Austin Shepard converted in the paint to provide the lone baskets of the period. (Above) Wesley Webb (#10) of Leake scores the Rebel's go ahead basket in the third overtime period
Canton canned four unanswered free throws and with 1:35 remaining in the third overtime period enjoyed a 58-54 lead but the Panthers would not score again as Leake junior Wesley Webb drilled a 3-pointer from the top of the key, converted on a steal and hit four free throws to closed out the game with a 9-0 run to take home a 63-58 district win.
Webb led all scorers with a game high 26 points, Ryan Sessums added 20, Joshua Peoples had 11, Aaron Shepard 4 and Austin Shepard 2.
Canton was led by Manning James with 19 points, Calvin Brown had 12, Taylor Pierce 11 and Chris Reed and Nathan Simpson 8 each.
Leake will be in action this evening as they host Mt Salus before traveling to Hebron tomorrow.
Canton (6-3 & 0-1) will host Lamar tomorrow.

Top ranked Leake hammers Canton
Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
The Leake Rebelettes improved their season mark to a perfect 14-0 last night with a 76-25 pounding of Canton. Jenny Wilbanks and Hannah Peoples combined for 44 points as the Rebelettes upped their District 3-AA record to 2-0.
Canton did all they could to stay close in the early going and two minutes into the opening quarter tied the game at 4-4 on a Katie Pepper basket. Leake’s pressure defense kicked in soon after and following three consecutive Jenny Wilbanks baskets the Rebelettes saw their lead increase to 18-8 with just over two minutes left in the quarter. Leake took a 23-9 lead into the second quarter and promptly produced a 23-4 run as Wilbanks and Hannah Peoples heated up from 3-point range to push the advantage to 46-13 by the half.
Leake was led by Hannah Peoples with a game high 24 points, Jenny Wilbanks added 20, Hannah Moore 9, Shelbi Horn, Kristen Chipley and Amber Pierce 5 each, Shelby Howard 4, Anna Crawford 3 and Anna Nowell, Carly Thomas and Madison Powers all had 2 each.
Katie Pepper and Bailey Russell had 6 apiece for Canton and Jordan Ray added 5.
Next up for Leake is a home date with Mt Salus today and a visit to Hebron on Saturday.
Canton (10-5 & 0-1) will host Lamar in a District 3-AA matchup tomorrow.

*2010 ALL-MAIS FOOTBALL TEAM

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*NEW ATHLETIC ALIGNMENT

MRA sweeps Prep in overtime thrillers
Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
Madison-Ridgeland Academy made the short drive to Flowood last night and came away with two thrilling overtime wins over Jackson Prep.
MRA senior guard Caleb Miskelly led the Patriots with 26 points as the Patriots edged out Jackson Prep 58-51 in overtime while junior guard Anna Claire Henderson hit a 12 foot bank shot at the buzzer to propel the Lady Patriots to a 46-45 overtime win.

Boy's action......
In a matchup that pitted top ranked Jackson Prep against second ranked MRA the first half of play lived up to the hype associated with the early season encounter between the two AAA powers. Five minutes into the opening quarter a Justin Malone basket in the paint gave MRA a 10-5 lead but Prep would answer with two Thomas Dunbar baskets to close out the 1st quarter with the defending Overall Champions holding on to a 10-9 advantage. (Above) Caleb Miskelly of MRA (#13) halts the shot of Prep's Thomas Dunbar
Jackson Prep took their first lead of the night at 12-10 on a Travis McCain 3-pointer from the wing just 10 seconds into the 2nd quarter but that lead would be short lived as MRA went on a 10-2 run, six of those points coming from Caleb Miskelly, to take a 20-14 lead with 3:50 remaining in the half. Prep answered with a Ryan Buchanan 18 foot jumper and De Graeber’s drive with 2:26 left trimmed the deficit to 20-18. Prep knotted the score at 20-20 as Graeber served up an assist to Thomas Dunbar on the Pat’s next possession but MRA would take a 22-20 lead into the break on a Justin Malone basket in the paint.
Matt Porter’s 3-pointer from the corner halfway though the 3rd quarter gave MRA their biggest lead at 31-24 and it looked as though MRA and their pressure defense would allow them to pull away from Jackson Prep as they took a 37-29 cushion into the final quarter of play. (Above) Prep's De Graeber (#12) scores 2 of his 18 points on the night
Alec Rawlings nailed a basket to give MRA their biggest lead of the night at 39-29 with 6:53 remaining but Prep stormed back with an 8-0 run to cut the MRA lead to 39-37 forcing the Patriots to call a timeout to regroup with 4:34 left in regulation.
MRA would extend the lead back out to five points at 46-41 following a Caleb Miskelly steal and lay-in with 1:46 remaining but Prep wouldn’t go away.
After each squad traded baskets to make it 48-43 Prep finished with a flurry. After canning the first of two free throws De Graeber’s second attempt was strong off the rim but Ryan Buchanan pulled down the rebound and converted to narrow the deficit to 48-46. Following an MRA turnover Graeber’s driving basket tied the game at 48-48 with 54 seconds remaining in the 4th quarter. Caleb Miskelly’s desperation heave at the buzzer fell short to send the game into overtime. (Above) MRA senior center Justin Malone (#34) added 14 points
Justin Malone’s lay-in to start the overtime period gave MRA a slim 50-48 lead but Graeber tied the game as he drove and hit a basket over Malone with 2:33 remaining.
MRA controlled the next two minutes as Caleb Miskelly hit two buckets and a free throw and Tyler Cummins converted on a basket, plus one to ice the win.
Miskelly had a game high 26 points to lead MRA, Justin Malone added 14, Matthew Camp had 6, Tyler Cummins 5, Alec Rawlings 4 and Matt Porter 3.
De Graeber led Prep with 18 points, Thomas Dunbar added 11, Ryan Buchanan 10, Clay Hubbard 5, Douglas Haick and Travis McCain 3 apiece and Gage Ray 1.
MRA improves to 6-4 while Jackson Prep slips to 9-2.
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Post game interview: **MRA boys coach Richard Duease

Girl's action.........

In what proved to be the game of the night MRA was in complete control throughout the first 31 minutes of the contest but that final minute of regulation saw Jackson Prep overwhelm MRA with three straight baskets to send the game into overtime.
Neither squad could establish any separation in the opening quarter and with just over five minutes gone Prep grabbed a brief 7-6 lead on Elizabeth Wade’s 3-pointer from the wing. MRA finished the final two minutes with a 6-0 run to take a 12-7 lead into the 2nd quarter.

(Above) Prep's Elizabeth Wade (#20) guarded by Jessica Whitehead (#24) of MRA
MRA stretched their lead out to seven points at 16-9 following two Anna Claire Henderson free throws at the 5:13 mark of the 2nd quarter but Prep would outscore MRA 8-6 to stay within striking distance at 22-17 at the half.
MRA would extend the margin back to seven points at 24-17 on a Caroline Kerley 10 foot jumper to start the 3rd quarter but Prep hung around and pulled to within two points at 31-29 on consecutive baskets from Emily Russell and Evans Horsley with 1:42 left in the quarter.
MRA appeared to be control as the Lady Patriots held a 41-35 lead with 1:01 left in regulation.
With 36 seconds remaining Laurel Bane converted on a basket to trim the lead to 41-37. After a tie ball gave possession back to Jackson Prep sophomore Keavy Noblin went baseline and scored with 19.6 seconds left to make it 41-39.

(Above) MRA junior Haley Cox spots up for a 3-pointer in the 1st half
Prep immediately regained possession on MRA’s inbound pass as Laura Lee Smith stole the pass and scored to tie the contest at 41-41 with 8.6 seconds left in regulation.
In the four minute overtime period Haley Cox would put MRA on top converting on one of two free throws but Laurel Bane’s drive and lay-in gave Jackson Prep a 43-42 lead, their first since a 7-6 lead midway through the 1st quarter.
Jessica Whitehead nailed down two free throws to put MRA back on top with 43 seconds remaining in overtime. Jackson Prep’s shot attempt at the 9.2 second mark went array and MRA would use a timeout to set the table for the remaining seconds in overtime and holding a slim 44-43 lead.
MRA then turned the ball over on the inbounds play and compounded the turnover with a backcourt foul with 6.3 seconds remaining putting Prep’s Laura Lee Smith at the free throw line. Smith calmly sank both free throws to give Prep a 45-44 lead as the home crowd went into hysterics.

(Above) Laura Lee Smith (#14) of Prep with a 1st half jumper
Those 6.3 seconds was all the time guard Anna Claire Henderson would need as the junior pulled up from 12 feet on the right side of the lane and went glass at the buzzer to give MRA a dramatic 46-45 overtime road win.
Caroline Kerley led MRA as the senior had 14 points, Haley Cox added 13, Tori Hines and Anna Clair Henderson had 6 apiece, Jessica Whitehead 5 and Marye Mitchell 2.
Elizabeth Wade led Jackson Prep with 13 points, Laurel Bane added 11, Laura Lee Smith 9, Evans Horsely 8 and Keavy Noblin and Emily Russell 2 each.
MRA upped their season mark to 9-1 while Jackson Prep fell to 10-3.
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Post game interview: **MRA girl's coach Stephen Force

From the Notebook……..
**The South’s 27-21 win over the North in last week’s All-Star game signaled the end of the MAIS 2010 football season. Congratulations to state champions Jackson Academy, Pillow, River Oaks and Trinity. The 2010 season was in complete contrast to the 2009 campaign that seem to provide rain each Friday night.
**Seven players are being considered for the 2010 Southern Sports & Travel Player of the Year. A group of seven objective individuals will determine that player based on statistics, leadership and value to their team. The player will be announced next week.
...Finalists:
...Dylan Cruz of DeSoto
...Givonni Dent of Trinity
...Tip McKenzie of Trinity
...Cody Prewitt of Sylva Bay
...Chandler Rogers of Brookhaven
...Teshadi Talton of River Oaks
...Ja’Quez Taylor of Pillow
**River Oaks is the first Louisiana team to win a Class AA title since the 2002 Oak Forest squad that beat North Delta 17-14. The Mustang’s last state championship was in 2005 in Class A.
**Trinity captured back to back titles and the school’s fifth state crown with a win over Tri-County. The Saints, under the direction of head coach David King, have won four Class A state championships in the past ten seasons.
**The month of November proved to be record breaking for Southern Sports & Travel. The site received over 18,000 visits during the month and as basketball gets into everyone’s system that mark could get eclipsed in January and February.
**Lots of hours have been spent recently in an effort to compile basketball data on all three classes in an attempt to track all the teams throughout the season. I have been burning up the fax machine, email and text messages and for the most part have been met with lots of cooperation, however, for some bizarre reason there are some who want nothing to do with providing any information on their school.
**I’d like to send out a message to the MAIS with regards to the Overall Basketball Tournament in February. Much more needs to be done to celebrate such a great tournament for the fans and students particularly at halftime of the boy’s and girl’s championship games. There’s no reason the arena should resemble a wake during halftime on Championship Saturday.
**Please send photos and information for any MAIS athletes signing scholarships to aafandaman@yahoo.com.

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See ya somewhere.........

Dailey records 900th win against Magnolia Heights
Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
Most often in competitive sports slogans and phrases are thrown about in an effort to provide motivation to teams from junior high all the way up to the professional ranks. Not always do those slogans have a deep seeded meaning that those particular teams can reach around and ride throughout a season with success. There are however exceptions and Marshall head basketball coach Craig Dailey’s “We Believe” program has withstood the test of time throughout an 18 year coaching career that has produced nine state championships, numerous district titles and now, at the age of 40, 900 coaching wins.
Marshall swept Magnolia Heights tonight in Holly Springs to give Coach Dailey his 899th and 900th win. The Lady Patriots (8-5) won 40-30 while the Patriots improved to 10-1 with a 55-36 win.
A coaching career that began as an assistant to Mike Reans and Frank Miller at Delta Academy in 1992, Dailey took the girls head coaching position at New Albany High School the following year but made his way back to Marks, Mississippi to take over the entire Delta Academy basketball program the following year. It was there that Dailey’s “We Believe” program was born and every player since then has heard the story of what inspired the program. It was the death of Dailey’s mother his senior year and the lessons he learned from dealing with such a tragic loss that provided the inspiration to instill in his players to believe in something greater than themselves. In Dailey’s 12 seasons at the helm Delta won 9 state championships and were Overall runners up three times.
That belief was epitomized by a special player in Dailey’s first season at Marshall Academy in 2005. Graham Carson passed away in a car accident at the age of 18. “She had a zeal and energy that has never been touched before,” said Dailey. “She would be found at 6:00 a.m. shooting on the Gun after a bad shooting night. There have been kids with more talent, but none with more heart or more of a love for the game.”
Now in his sixth season at Marshall, Coach Dailey’s teams have won 8 district championships (Girls 4 & Boys 4) and three boy’s North State titles. In the 2008-09 season Marshall’s girls came within a basket of defeating Leake for the Class AA state crown.
If you’ve never had the pleasure of watching an individual that is a master of his craft it won’t take long to see that at a Marshall basketball game as Dailey paces the bench giving out instructions or working the officials with both skill and a glare that would rival a pit bull.
On a personal note….I first saw Coach Dailey during the state tournament at Brookhaven a few years back and my first observation was that he had to be unapproachable due to his intensity during the game. Last fall I received a hand written note from him with encouragement and support for my effort with Southern Sports & Travel. I’ve had the pleasure of talking with him several times since then and can attest that he is a special individual that any kid would love to play for. So here’s a big “Shout Out” to Coach Dailey on his 900th career win and wishing him 900 more.