From the notebook………
*With the 2009/10 athletic season in the books changes are occurring at several schools from renovations to coaching changes. Now the countdown to the 2010 football season can begin………90 days till kickoff!
*Central Private has announced the hiring of Ed Palubinskas as the new head basketball coach. Palubinskas is a renowned basketball guru and former two-time Olympian representing Australia in the 1972 Munich and 1976 Montreal games. Coach Palubinskas played college basketball at LSU and has taught fundamentals of the game to a wide range of athletes ranging from NBA players and college players to high school and junior high kids. He also conducts the Palubinskas Shooting Academy in Baton Rouge which focuses on shooting and offensive skills.
Both my sons attended Ed’s clinics on Saturday’s in Baton Rouge for two summers. He is one of the best teachers and one on one communicators in the field not to mention being very personable. Central Private will see a big increase in scoring with Palubinskas at the helm.

*Wes Prather is now officially the new head basketabll coach at Hillcrest. Prather replaces James Crain who has moved over to Simpson. More on Wes Prather in the upcoming days.
*Winston Academy has hired Harold Wisdom as their new head football coach. Wisdom, who turns 29 later this month, will replace Wyatt Rogers who resigned earlier in the week. Wisdom was recently on the coaching staff at the University of North Alabama.
*Kirk Academy has announced the hiring of Nicki Turnipseed as the new girl’s softball coach and assistant basketball coach. The Lady Raiders open the 2010 softball season on July 30th.
*Artie Cosby has resigned as the boy’s and girl’s soccer coach at Starkville Academy. Robert Gardner will take over the soccer program responsibilities.
*Kirk Academy has announced the renovation of its’ historic gymnasium. The facility has hosted Overall and State Tourneys for the past 40 years and will get a new floor that will give Kirk one of the top playing surfaces in the state. The addition of new bleachers will also be added.
*With the end of the MAIS athletic season comes the realization that I can’t make one of my favorite trips again until football season. Making the drive north to Mendenhall for Simpson games has been a favorite, not just because the folks there are so hospitable but it means a stop at Cowboy Jim’s just north of Prentiss. Best steak I’ve ever had and it’s such a unique place to eat as indicated by the photo below and yes that is a live dog on the roof!

NICE CATCH

Brett Rutland recently snagged this beautiful Bass in the family pond in Jayess, MS

MAIS AA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

Brookhaven wins AA crown

Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
It was the second week in March and the Brookhaven Cougars had just gotten 10-run ruled by Parklane to fall to 2-4. Following that humiliating loss the Cougar baseball team gathered at the school and met for about an hour in what senior Tripp Jolly described as “a come to Jesus meeting.” That meeting was the start of a new season for Brookhaven, one in which the Cougars won 27 of 31 games and that culminated last night with a 4-1 win over second ranked Hillcrest for their first baseball state championship since 1984.
Senior ace Austin Hartzog, coming off a two hit complete game shut out performance over Simpson last week, was to be the ticket to get Hillcrest to a deciding game three last night but Brookhaven combined clutch hitting, stellar fielding and a phenomenal pitching effort from senior Tripp Jolly to win the series 2-0.

(Above) Brookhaven senior Brent Henderson delivers a two run home run
Brookhaven got on the board first in their half of the 1st inning when Will Gatlin’s one out single to right field scored Bubba Keene from second base.
Hillcrest tied the contest at 1-1 in the top of the 2nd inning on a James Adams home run over the right field wall. Hillcrest escaped disaster in the bottom of the inning after Hartzog walked Brent Henderson to load the bases with one out. Bubba Keene hit a hard liner back to Hartzog who doubled up Henderson at first base to close out the Brookhaven threat.
In the bottom of the 4th inning Brookhaven took advantage of two Austin Hartzog walks as Bubba Keene delivered a two out single to center field to score Donovan Lorraine to put Brookhaven up 2-1.
Hillcrest couldn’t crack Brookhaven pitcher Tripp Jolly who was in the midst of retiring 10 of 11 batters until a TJ Knowles infield hit with two out in the top of the 6th inning. Justin Smith then nailed a 2-1 pitch to right field for a single that moved Knowles into scoring position at 3rd base but Hillcrest couldn’t capitalize as Caleb Baucum’s fly out to right field ended the threat.
Austin Hartzog gave way to Baucum in the bottom of the inning after going five full innings. Brookhaven’s Donovan Lorraine drew a lead off walk and advanced to 2nd base on a sacrifice bunt from Will Lucas which brought up senior Brent Henderson. Henderson delivered with a two run homer over the right field wall to increase the Brookhaven lead to 4-1. (Photo above) Brent Henderson is greeted at home plate after hitting a homer
Hillcrest would send only three batters to the plate in the top of the 7th inning. Thomas Woodruff would hit into a double play to end the game as Brookhaven players and coaches rushed the mound to begin the celebration.
Tripp Jolly (photo right) earned the win to finish his senior season with an 8-2 mark. Jolly gave up 1 run on 5 hits, struck out 8 and walked just one batter.
Sophomore Bubba Keene had two singles and Will Gatlin, Tyler Parvin and Donovan Lorraine each had a single to go along with Brent Henderson’s homer.
For Hillcrest Josh Rogers collected two singles and had two stolen bases. TJ Knowles and Justin Smith had singles and James Adams had a homer.
Austin Hartzog of Hillcrest took the loss to finish his senior season at 9-2. Hartzog went five innings giving up 4 hits, 2 runs and striking out 3.
For Brookhaven not only did they win a baseball state championship but they become the first AA school to win state titles in all three major sports in one season. The Cougars finished the season at 29-8 overall under first year coach Casey Edwards.
Hillcrest ends their season at 23-11. (Above) Josh Rogers of Hillcrest gets thrown out by Brookhaven catcher Landon Nettles at 2nd base in the 3rd inning

.
Post game comments:
Brookhaven head coach Casey Edwards
*What turned the season around after a slow start?
“We realized we could be a good team but after a 2-4 start we weren’t very good. We decided we had to work hard and the kids finally started believing they had to work harder because nothing was going to be handed to us. It’s all about them; they came out everyday and worked hard. I don’t recall a bad practice all year. The energy and effort was here everyday. The things that I brought in as a coach was nothing new but they bought into it. Hats off to my guys."
*Pitching
“Jolly and McCollough pitched their best two games in this series after pitching their two worst games against Central Private and Centreville in rounds two and three. We couldn’t have asked for anything more from those two guys. The effort Tyler Parvin gave us in pitching back to back games the same day against Centreville last week was tremendous.”
*Defensive play
“Defensively we basically took a break to rest some guys. We would get in a few reps during the day but not a lot. I’ve never coached a team that looked so bad in warm-ups and in pre-game and then turnaround and look so good in the game. Tonight both Brent Henderson and Bubba Keene made some great outs. They’re both tremendous athletes and there has never been any doubt that they were capable of making those type plays.”
*Pregame
“Today when I walked into the locker room I didn’t like the mood I saw. It seemed non-energetic, not a lay down and quit mood but it wasn’t a real fiery mood either. I then realized when the game got started that it was a focus and a confident mood.”
*Hitting
“Our guys remembered what he (Hartzog) did to us earlier in the season pitching a no hitter so tonight we won a little revenge. We believe we can hit good pitching. O’Bryant of Central Private was good in round two and Centreville’s Cliff Hurst was good in round three.”
Brookhaven senior Will Gatlin (photo right)
“It’s been a Cinderella year. Most kids don’t have a senior year like this. You start off in Pee Wee and Little League and you dream of winning a state championship in at least one sport, now I have two. It’s a surreal feeling.”
Brookhaven senior Tripp Jolly
“I was pretty anxious before the game but not nervous. After the first inning got going I started to get in a groove and felt pretty good. I didn’t know the game was over with at the end because of the confusion with the fly ball but then I heard the umpire say that’s the game. It feels awesome to have two rings.”
Brookhaven senior Tyler Parvin (photo right)
“It felt good knowing we had to come into today and just win one game, it kind of took the pressure off of us a little. We’re overjoyed to win a state championship.”
Brookhaven sophomore Bubba Keene
“I feel good right now, we did it in football and basketball and I was hoping we could do it in baseball and we pulled it out with our pitching and senior leadership. We really came together as a team earlier in the year. It’s been crazy, it can’t get any better.”

.

Photos from last night's game are at

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=13636&id=117067531648513#!/pages/Southern-Sports-Travel/117067531648513

MAIS BASKETBALL

Lauren Kimzey and Sara Waldrip of North Delta signed national letters of intent to play basketball for Northwest Community College Tuesday morning. At the signing were (front, l to r) Michelle Kimzey, Lauren Kimzey, Sara Waldrip, Mary Waldrip; (back, l to r) North Delta head basketball coach Phil Douglas and Keith Waldrip

From the notebook……..
*For MAIS baseball fans championship week is here and four state titles in three classes are on the line as the 2009-2010 athletic season winds to a close. For those who think MAIS baseball takes a back seat to football and basketball the traffic on Southern Sports & Travel would suggest otherwise. The past month has been one of the highest in 16 months with the volume of visitors ballooning week after week.
*The AA State title series will get started on Tuesday as top ranked Brookhaven travels to Jackson to battle second ranked Hillcrest. Brookhaven has advanced with 2-1 series wins over River Oaks, Central Private and Centreville while Hillcrest took a 2-1 series win over Marshall and picked up 2-0 series wins over Manchester and Simpson. Hillcrest has won six straight playoff games since a game one 9-7 loss to Marshall and over the past three games outscored their opponents 35-5.
*I’m still digging through the AA record books to uncover when a school has won a state championship in all three major sports in the same season. Brookhaven is on the brink of accomplishing that lofty feat having won both football and basketball this season. Brookhaven has established themselves as the premier athletic school in class AA and with only baseball remaining they’re just one point from winning their second consecutive MAIS All-Sports Award.
*While Centreville had their hopes of a state championship appearance dashed last week Tiger fans have a lot to look forward to and opposing teams may need to take note. Centreville finished with a 22-11 record and a top five ranking in AA baseball and Coach Jason Horne’s squad is loaded with youth which will put them as favorites to win a state crown in 2011.
*Silliman won its’ 8th straight girls state track title last week under the direction of Coach Sharon Kline. This remarkable achievement deserves tons of recognition and one aspect of the girls track program at Silliman that I learned of recently is the respect and admiration team members have for Coach Kline. It will be interesting to see what school will eventually break the streak and with another strong group of Lady Wildcats progressing it could be a while.
*Marshall head baseball coach Johnny Ray has resigned. This year’s squad finished 27-7 and won the District 1AA title but lost to Hillcrest in three games in round one of the playoffs. Bart Jenkins will be the new head coach in Holly Springs.
*The Hillcrest baseball program has more than just quality athletes and strong fan support. The Cougars have their rally goat which has been a huge part of their post-season. The “Rally Goat” was present in the dugout this past Thursday when Hillcrest eliminated Simpson in Mendenhall for the North AA State Championship. While the stuffed version can been seen in the Cougar dugout on road trips I’m told a live version will be on hand at Hillcrest on Tuesday. When Hillcrest was winning three straight state titles in 2006, 2007 and 2008 each season involved a rally symbol but that tradition was absent last season when a fourth consecutive state title wasn’t fulfilled, hence the “Rally Goat” of 2010.
*I’m putting together a sponsor rate for schools interested in sponsoring Southern Sports & Travel. Space on http://southernsportsandtravel.com/ will be allotted to those schools who wish to purchase sponsor ads which will offset expenses associated with covering athletic events. The SouthernSportsandTravel.com site will also solicit business advertising this summer prior to the 2010 football season. Not only will SouthernSportsandTravel.com enable advertising but the site will provide video and audio reports and interviews beginning with the 2010 football season.

*The Southern Sports & Travel Facebook page is going strong. This tool allows for quick photo uploads for viewing after games and also allows for fan photo uploads. Here's the link:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Southern-Sports-Travel/117067531648513?ref=ts

MAIS BASKETBALL

Oliphant lands with Blossoms

Courtesy of The Bastrop Daily Enterprise, By Marq Mitcham

University of Arkansas at Monticello women’s basketball coach Chris Ratcliff has been searching for a point guard for four years. Ironically, Ratcliff is convinced he found the answer to his team’s most pressing need in his own back yard with a player he has never seen play.

Prairie View point guard Caroline Oliphant signed with the Cotton Blossoms on Thursday morning in the gym where she established herself as the school’s all-time career scoring and assists leader. In five years as a starter, Oliphant led the Lady Spartans to a 142-34 record (.807 winning percentage) while putting up 3,047 career points and handing out 1,117 assists. Despite all of her success on and off the court — she’s a 4.0 student with a 25 ACT score — the recruiting process dragged on for Oliphant. Scholarship offers simply don’t pour in for 5-4 basketball players. Louisiana College, Mississippi College, Loyola (New Orleans) and Delta State all showed interest, but for one reason or another things didn’t pan out. Until late last week, Oliphant appeared to be on her way to ULM as a walk-on. Oliphant’s luck began to change through a chance conversation between ULM head coach Mona Martin and Ratcliff, who doubles as UAM’s athletic director.“ Mona spoke so highly of Caroline,” Ratcliff said. “After talking to Mona, I called a few coaching friends of mine and they all said the same thing.” Ratcliff then called Prairie View coach Dave Farrell to arrange an on-campus visit with Oliphant, who visited the school on Saturday and agreed to sign on Monday. “Chris told me he’s been needing a point guard for four years,” Farrell said. “I said, ‘You have one now.’” Though it took a little longer than she would have liked, Oliphant was pleased with the end result. “I was starting to get a little worried,” Oliphant admitted. “I was getting some offers, but they were all D-3, non-scholarship deals. But I’m happy with the way it worked out. UAM’s small enough, but big enough; far enough from home, but close enough.” Oliphant wasn’t the only one who was happy with the way the scenario ultimately turned out. “This is such a tailor-made situation for Caroline,” Farrell said. “I don’t know if she can start, but she can play right away. When you add it all up, it’s a great situation that just took a little while to come about. “This is why I do this — seeing young people make the most of themselves and being successful.” Added Ratcliff: “We got a big-time steal. If Caroline was two or three inches taller, she would be playing at a big D-1 school. That’s just the nature of this business.” Ratcliff feels fortunate that the nature of the business worked in his favor this time. “We’ve won a lot of games, but the one thing we haven’t had is a point guard who can be a floor general,” Ratcliff said. “I’m looking for the kid who is tough as nails and refuses to lose. Caroline fits that mold. “Caroline brings a passer’s mentality with a scorer’s touch.” Of course, Oliphant’s academic record did not escape Ratcliff’s attention. She plans to major in exercise science at UAM. “Caroline and I really hit it off when she made her visit,” Ratcliff said. “She’s going to help us win games and she’ll graduate. Caroline’s the definition of a student-athlete. “We have a 3.0 team GPA and Caroline’s going to help that. I can’t tell you how happy I am that Caroline has signed with the UAM Cotton Blossoms.” During her high school career, Oliphant was a two-time All-State selection and a five-time All-District honoree. As a senior, Oliphant averaged 22.5 points per game, while shooting 61.4 percent from the floor and 41.4 percent from 3-point range en route to earning her third straight District MVP award. She also chipped in 4.6 steals, 4.5 rebounds and 4 assists per game, while blocking 18 shots. Prior to arriving at Prairie View, Oliphant attended Beekman Elementary and Junior High, where she broke into the starting lineup for the junior high team as a fourth grader. Oliphant was also a standout softball player for the Lady Spartans. A five-year starter at third base, she was a two-time All-State selection and helped Prairie View to its first fastpitch state championship as a senior. Oliphant played in the MAIS All-Star Game in both sports.

(Photo at top) Pictured clockwise from top left are PVA Principal and softball coach Ed Bain, PVA girls basketball coach Dave Farrell, Caroline Oliphant and Kristen Oliphant, the signee’s sister.

NORTH AA STATE PLAYOFFS

Hillcrest wins North State

Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas

The Hillcrest Cougars captured the North State AA Championship last night with an 8-0 win over Simpson in Mendenhall. Senior Austin Hartzog pitched a two hit complete game and struck out eight to improve to 9-1 as Hillcrest swept their second consecutive series to advance to next week’s state championship series against top ranked Brookhaven.
Hillcrest got out to an early 2-0 lead in the 1st inning. Josh Rogers scored from second base on a Simpson throwing error off a Justin Smith grounder with one out. Smith would advance to 3rd on a Caleb Baucum single to left field and then scored on a passed ball at the plate to give Hillcrest a 2-0 advantage.

(Above) Remarcus Stallings of Hillcrest lays down a bunt attempt
Hillcrest added another run in their half of the 2nd inning. Remarcus Stallings hit a leadoff single to right field and advanced to 2nd on a sacrifice bunt from Drew Fountain. Josh Rogers hammered an Austin Herrington pitch to center field for a double scoring Stallings to put the Cougars on top 3-0. A controversial call at the plate followed when TJ Knowles singled to center field and sent a hard charging Josh Rogers around 3rd base. On the throw from center field Rogers and Simpson catcher Michael Kennedy collided at the plate and it appeared that Rogers scored the Cougar’s 4th run of the game but Rogers was called out and ejected for lowering his shoulder on the collision. “It was just one of those things,” said Hillcrest head coach Shane Kelly. “He (Rogers) didn’t mean to but the rule is if you drop a shoulder in that situation you are ejected.” (Above) Hillcrest head coach Shane Kelly argues the Rogers play at the plate
Hillcrest pitcher Austin Hartzog showed why he is one of the top high school pitchers in the state as the Ole Miss signee only allowed one hit through six innings. “My elbow was a little tight before the game and lately I’ve been a little high with my pitches and I’ve been walking batters,” said Hartzog. “I haven’t been giving up many hits but opposing teams have been scoring runs because of the walks. In the 2nd and 3rd innings I was getting worried because I starting walking some guys but in the 4th inning I found my curve ball and I knew then we were pretty set.”
The second ranked Cougars added two more runs in the 5th inning as TJ Knowles, Justin Smith and Caleb Baucum hit three straight singles to load the bases. Austin Hartzog drew a walk to score Knowles and two batters later a perfectly laid bunt by sophomore Thomas Woodruff scored Smith from 3rd base to increase the margin to 5-0.
With Hartzog retiring his 8th straight Simpson batter to end the 5th inning the Cougars added three more runs in the top half of the 6th. Freshman Lee Ogletree led off the inning with a homerun over the center field wall to put Hillcrest up 6-0. TJ Knowles reached base on an infield error and later scored from 3rd base on another Simpson error. Justin Smith added the 8th and final run when he scored from 3rd base when Simpson catcher Michael Kenney’s attempt to throw out Trent Driver at 2nd base with two out failed.
Hartzog yielded only his second hit of the game in the bottom of the 7th inning on a two out single from Corey Herrington.
Hillcrest pounded out 11 hits with four players contributing with multiple hits. Josh Rogers led the Cougars with a double and a single, Caleb Baucum, TJ Knowles and Justin Smith each had two singles.
Hillcrest improves to 23-9 and will look to win their fourth state championship in five years next week against Brookhaven.
Simpson finished out their season at 17-8.

.
Post game comments:
Hillcrest head coach Shane Kelly
“We hit the ball well today and we capitalized off of their errors. After Josh (Rogers) was thrown out in the 2nd inning we could have tanked it but it says a lot about my team to play through that with one of our better players not playing.”
“Brookhaven is a very good team. We’ve played them three times this season. It’s going to come down to whether our pitching can shut down their hitting and we’re going to have to keep hitting the ball like we’ve been doing.”
“Every opportunity we get next week whether it is a bunt to move a runner over or get that clutch hit we have to give ourselves opportunities and take advantage of them.”
“Brookhaven’s guys are probably one through nine a little better hitting team than we are so we can’t let any opportunities get away from us. We must play solid defense and we’ve done that for the most part this year. That’s what we rely on and if our pitchers can handle their hitters it gives our defense a lot of confidence.”
Hillcrest senior Austin Hartzog
“It feels good to win north state. Coming into it we expected to get to the championship and that’s where we’re at now. Basketball hurt us because we fell short in the playoffs and in football we didn’t do well so as seniors we are trying to leave our mark.”
“It’s going to be real special next week because it will be the last time playing with Josh (Rogers) and Caleb (Baucum). We’ve played together for so many years and knowing this will be the last time and we’re playing for a state championship makes it special.”

**Photos from this game can be seen at

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Southern-Sports-Travel/117067531648513?ref=ts

MAIS TRACK

Move over boys

Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas

When the subject of MAIS sports comes up, particularly in class AA, there are schools that dominate the discussion in each of the big three. In football it would be hard not to mention Centreville, in baseball Central Private and basketball there’s Brookhaven. While all three schools have supplemented their respective trophy cases with tons of hardware over the past decade or so none have matched what the girls’ track program at Silliman has accomplished. This past Saturday the Lady Wildcats, under the direction of Coach Sharon Kline, won their 8th consecutive state crown and 10th championship in the past 12 years. On the Silliman campus in Clinton, Louisiana one would only need to walk inside the Wildcat gymnasium and observe the many banners hanging on the walls. Most of them are a result of the success of the girls’ track program. Every January track season begins for those girls not participating in basketball. Coach Kline will have the girls in the weight room working out while doing multiple screening tests to decide who her throwers, jumpers and sprinters will be. An effort is made to get as many 7th graders as possible into the program and even 6th graders for cross country. “Cross country teaches much more than running,” said Kline. “It builds character and discipline and if taught at an early age it is carried with them throughout life.”
Kline’s girls work extremely hard and it has puzzled many track coaches as to how the Silliman coach can get so much work out of her girls. “A track program benefits all programs,” said Kline. “It not only keeps you in shape but it helps with quickness, endurance and helps increase work ethic.”
Over the past twelve years there have been many great accomplishments for Kline and the Silliman program but one group stands out for the track coach. A group of 7th graders that began participating in track in 2003 would eventually be known as “The Dream Team” on campus. “In 2003 I was blessed with a group of 7th graders that made coaching track a pure delight. Most of them continued until their senior year and they would win six state titles.” The influence of the “Dream Team” was such an impression on the younger students that there was a huge response in participation for several years. Kline’s current freshman class reminds her of the “Dream Team” as was evident this past Saturday at the state meet. Of the ten girls that participated half were freshmen.
Several of Kline’s girls have had opportunities to compete at the college level. Most notably Camille Bryan, who set the overall state record in the shot-put, competes for LSU and Katelin Palermo who recently was a heptathlete for LSU. Kameryn Kline and Taylor Tynes received many offers but both decided to end their running careers and focus on school. “If you were to ask any girl that has ever run for Coach Kline they will tell you she is one of the toughest, but one of the most fun,” said former Lady Wildcat Taylor Tynes. “Each member of the team has an individual workout every practice and every practice is different. This year Coach Kline has done it all without even having a track for the team to practice on.”
So move over Centreville, Central Private and Brookhaven…….the girls from Silliman are at the head of the table.
The starting block with Silliman girls track coach Sharon Kline
*How does the future of the girl’s track and field program look at Silliman?
“The future for our track program still looks pretty good. We are only losing one senior.”
*What has been the highest and lowest point in your coaching career at Silliman with regards to track and field competition?
“The highest was when “The Dream Team” broke the 4 x 100 relay record that was originally set in 1977. They did it as seniors and finally had good weather conditions to do it at the state meet.”
“The lowest was back in 2002 when we got 2nd in the state meet only because our senior 300 m hurdler was DQ because she jumped the gun. I hated this for her because she went in seeded as number 1. I fought this rule for about 5 years and they finally changed it about 2 years ago. They even get a second chance in the Olympics and I think high school runners need this especially after working for an entire season.”
*What is critical in winning a state championship at the team level?
“Another reason I think we have some success is that I try my hardest to make them understand that a 6th place finish is extremely important at the state level. Some would not want to participate if they thought they were doing all of this work for a 4th or 5th place finish. We only had 2 first place finishes this year at the state track meet. But at this level it is more of a team sport then an individual sport. Our team finally sees how important it is to get as many points as possible and to get as many as we can to that level.”
*What one thing would you like for people to know about MAIS track and field?
“I truly love this sport – from January to May it consumes my life. My children are all grown now and each year that I think I’m going to retire I get attached to another group. I don’t know how many more years I can keep going but it has definitely been a pleasure.”

MAIS TRACK

Columbia standout signs with William Carey

Columbia Academy’s standout Cross Country and Track distance runner Channing Stringer has signed a scholarship to run Cross Country at William Carey University. Stringer is a 3-time All-MAIS Cross Country runner. He won the individual Cross Country State Championship in leading CA to its third straight AA State Championship this season. Stringer posted the overall fastest time at the State meet.
Stringer helped lead the CA Track Team to its first AA State Championship this season by winning the 1600 and 3200 meter runs. His winning time of 10:45.78 in the 3200 was the fastest time of any class at the meet.
Channing is the first scholarship signee for the newly formed Cross Country program at William Carey.

(Photo above) Left to Right seated: William Carey Cross Country Coach Ben Smith, Channing Stringer, Patty Stringer (Channing’s mother), Standing: CA Headmaster Tom Porter, CA cross Country Coach Duane Powell, CA Track Coach Dan Fails, Kenny Stringer (Channing’s Father)

MAIS BASEBALL

James signs baseball scholarship

Parker James, a standout pitcher and outfielder at Marshall Academy, has signed a baseball grant-in-aid with Blue Mountain College.
James, who helped lead the Patriots to a record-tying 27-7 season, led M.A. in batting with a .402 average and was successful on 24 of 25 stolen base attempts. As a pitcher, James was 6-2 with a 1.30 earned run average, and racked up 57 strikeouts in 49 innings pitched.
BMC coach Curt Fowler said James, 6-3 and 185 pounds, "has all the tools of a great ballplayer."
"He comes from a great program where he played for Johnny Ray," Fowler said. "Parker has speed, a strong arm and good bat, and a great attitude. He'll see a lot of time both in the outfield and on the mound.
"Parker loves to play the game and it shows every time he takes the field."
Coach Ray said James, who was named the most valuable player in District 1-AA and will play in the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools all-star game later this month, makes coaching enjoyable.
"Parker deserves every accolade he gets," Ray said. "At the end of the day you know that he has put everything he has into it. He'll do well at Blue Mountain College."

(Photo above) With James are: (seated) his siter Kayla and mother Shelly James; and (standing) BMC coach Curt Fowler, M.A. coach Johnny Ray, and James’ father Jody James.

MAIS AA PLAYOFFS

Centreville dismantles top ranked Brookhaven

Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
The Centreville Tigers scored five runs and sent ten batters to the plate in their half of the 1st inning en-route to an 11-1 win over top ranked Brookhaven last night in Centreville. Sophomore Cliff Hurst pitched a complete game while scattering seven hits and striking out seven to improve to 9-1 as Centreville takes a 1-0 series lead.
Centreville jumped all over Brookhaven ace Tripp Jolly early. Hunter Travis drew a leadoff walk and advanced to second on a Brad Jelks single to right field. A passed ball allowed Travis and Jelks to advance to 3rd and 2nd and Travis scored on a second consecutive passed ball to give the Tigers a 1-0 lead. Jolly walked Tyler Towles which brought up Cliff Hurst who delivered a stand up double to left field scoring both Jelks and Towles. With two outs, and Jolly struggling to get out of the inning, both Zach Sinclair and Corey Gaulden drew walks to load the bases. Centreville added two more runs as sophomore Ethan Noland drove a single to center field scoring courtesy runner JT Doughty and Zach Sinclair to put the Tigers up 5-0.

(Above) Centreville pitcher Cliff Hurst and 1st baseman Justin Bellue hold a Brookhaven runner in check
Brookhaven got on the board in the top of the 3rd inning when Bubba Keene sent a two out 3-2 pitch to center field to score Hunter Franklin and trim the deficit to 5-1 but the Cougars couldn’t take advantage of scoring opportunities as they left seven runners on base from the 3rd inning on.
Centreville added two more runs in their half of the 3rd inning. With two out Zach Sinclair drew a walk and Corey Gaulden, Ethan Nolan and Hunter Travis hit consecutive singles that scored Sinclair and Gaulden to increase the lead to 7-1.
Two more runs in the 4th inning gave Centreville a 9-1 cushion. Then in the bottom of the 6th, with Brad Jelks on first base, Cliff Hurst smashed a two run homer over the left field wall to draw the curtain early on Brookhaven as the fourth ranked Tigers took an 11-1 win at home. (Above) Centreville's Brad Jelks gets thrown out at 2nd base by Brookhaven catcher Landon Nettles
“I told our guys after the game that I was so proud of them,” said Centreville head coach Jason Horne. “They’ve come together as a team.”
Centreville pounded out ten hits on the night. Cliff Hurst had a double and hit his 12th homer of the season, Ethan Nolan collected two singles as did Corey Gaulden and senior Brad Jelks had a double and single.
Brookhaven was led by Donovan Lorraine’s two singles.
Centreville improves to 22-9 on the season while Brookhaven falls to 25-8. The series now shifts to Brookhaven on Thursday for game two and, if necessary, game three.

.

Post game comments:
Centreville head coach Jason Horne
*How would you sum up the performance of Cliff Hurst tonight?
“Cliff Hurst has been there for us all year on the mound, he’s our number one. He has a torn up elbow but he’s a battler and a scrapper. He is going to get it done anyway he can.”
*Were you happy with the way your guys hit the ball tonight?
“Tripp Jolly is an outstanding pitcher and Brookhaven is a great ball team. We swung it well tonight.”
“You always want to peak late in the season and I think we’re where we want to be, we just have to take care of business Thursday and get to that state championship.”
*What did you tell your guys what they can expect Thursday?
“This is our third time ever to be in a south state championship and I told my guys that from here on out it was going to be one run games, it will be close games and we have to battle, battle, battle and play it to the end and see how it turns out.”
*Who will start game two on Thursday at Brookhaven?
“Brad Jelks will be starting game two on Thursday. He’s a senior and a guy that really came on late. He wasn’t in the rotation during the first part of the season but he’s one of those battlers also.” (Photo at top of page) Centreville players maul teammate Cliff Hurst after a 6th inning two run homer

.

For photos from the game click on the link:

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Southern-Sports-Travel/117067531648513?ref=ts

CHA sophomore keeps family tradition alive

Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas

Central Hinds sophomore Jordan Currie is the 110m high hurdle AA State Champion but it should be of no surprise, it’s in his blood. Currie ran a 15.69 at the MAIS State Track Meet at Mississippi College on Saturday to become a third generation state champion hurdler in the Currie family. Jordan’s grandfather, Lamar Currie, won the 180yd low hurdles state title in 1965 while at Utica High School and Jordan’s father, Clay Currie, was the 1988 400m low hurdle state champion while at Rebul Academy. The elder Currie’s track coach at Utica High was the legendary Joe Walker, Sr. who had the reputation of being one of the best track coaches ever in Mississippi. Jordan’s father, Clay, ran track at Hinds Community College in 1990 and 1991.
Not having a track at Central Hinds makes the accomplishment more impressive for the youngest Currie. Jordan worked on his own and had the help of his father and grandfather but also worked out with runners at Raymond High School three days a week in preparation for events. He also found time to work independently with Coach Billy Lamb of Madison Central to fine tune his faults. All of Currie’s work and dedication paid off this past Saturday and while winning the AA state crown was rewarding the goal is breaking the AA record of 15.20 that has stood since 1972. With two more years of eligibility remaining Currie is right on track.

MAIS PLAYER OF THE YEAR SIGNS

Edwards signs with William Carey

Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas

For high school basketball players all over the country this time of year is one of much anticipation. From early childhood until they’re seniors, countless hours of playing the game that they love has consumed so much of their lives until the thought of not playing the game after high school is painful and hard to fathom for many. But, for a select few, the game not only continues but it also progresses as college awaits for those who have the skill and drive to play at the next level.
For Bowling Green senior Jaron Edwards the day that he and so many like him have dreamed of came on Monday as the two time Southern Sports & Travel 1st team selection and 2010 MAIS Player of the Year signed to play basketball with William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Edwards was surrounded by family, friends and coaches as he officially signed with William Carey head coach Steve Knight on hand.
William Carey competes in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference where they finished 2nd this past season. The Crusaders finished with a 23-8 record overall and with the departure of five seniors of whom all were guards Edwards will get his opportunity to play.
“For a high school kid he is a highly skilled player,” said WCU head coach Steve Knight. “He’s not looking to score the whole time although he scores a lot of points and he gets other players involved.” When asked about what other traits made Edwards an appealing recruit Knight said, “He has good vision and he’s a complete player and we saw that when he came to work out against older players and JUCO transfers. He held his own and I think his skill level will help him progress quicker than maybe someone that just has individual skills and not a team concept.”
Choosing where to play college basketball can be difficult and heading into Edward’s senior season the pressure that came with recruiting was multiplied by the high expectations of the Bowling Green basketball team. Edwards enrolled at Bowling Green as a junior and not many knew much about him other than he transferred from Pine High School which is a neighboring town in Washington Parish. Edwards also walked into a program that had lost six seniors from a squad that had gone 33-3 but lost in the state semi-finals. By the midpoint of his junior season word had spread about his ability and Edwards erased some painful memories for Bowling Green fans by leading the Buccaneers to a South State Championship and a state semi-final appearance where they fell to Chamberlain-Hunt in double overtime.
Edwards led Bowling Green to its’ second straight South State title this season and its’ first state championship finals appearance in a decade. But with his senior season came immense pressure. “Having seen our seniors not make it to the state championship game last season really bothered me,” said Edwards. “I put more pressure on myself to make it this season and with recruiting it was hard sometimes. We we’re struggling at one point during the season and we just had a sit down and decided to just have fun and that’s when we started our run at the end of the season.”
Asked if the added pressure of recruiting affected his game this season Edwards said, “Yes it did at times, when we played some big games it bothered me and the team as well but we all talked as a team and knew we weren’t having fun. I knew I didn’t like to lose and I was pushing everybody else and I was worried too much about myself but after we all sat down we started to roll.”
Edwards will focus on adding some bulk and getting stronger this summer. “I want to go in and put on some weight and get stronger, work on my quickness, footwork and improve my defense because I’ll be playing against top notch players,” said Edwards.
Expectations as a college freshman? “I want to work hard because I want to start playing next season. I want to get some playing time because I’ve never sat on the bench so I’m going to work hard to earn playing time.”
Edwards will join fellow Washington Parish native Drew Meyerchick who was 2nd in scoring for WCU last season.

One on one with Jaron Edwards

*Who has been the biggest influence on you with regards to basketball?

"My mom and Uncle Jim. My mom has really done alot for me, she's been my biggest critic. She tells me what I'm doing wrong and what I'm doing right. My uncle had cancer a few years ago and the way he came back taught me alot about having to fight and battle for things."

*How much of your life has been focused on basketball?

"Alot but God comes first. He's given me the talent to play basketball and he is the reason I'm on this earth."

*What led you to Bowling Green?

"I wanted to come here a long time ago because some of my friends were here. I wish I would have come sooner because it's been a great experience."

*What did you know about Bowling Green before enrolling?

"I knew Bowling Green had a winning program and great coaches and it was a great fit for me."

*When did recruiting start?

"I started AAU ball in the 8th grade and I played every summer since then. I started getting recruited in my 10th grade year."

*How hard is it on a student-athlete having to be prepared for the classroom, basketball and recruiting?

"This season has been more difficult than in the past because you want to put so much into basketball but at the same time you have to keep your grades up in school. I'm a BETA student but it's been hard to maintain my grades and then you have the post season tournaments which take alot of time also."

*What have you enjoyed the most over the past two seasons?

"It's been great to wear that Bowling Green uniform every night and playing here. I can't remember one game that we didn't have a big crowd come watch us play."

*Describe your feelings when you committed to William Carey.

"I was happy, real happy. It's a good feeling knowing you're getting a free education and playing basketball. It's been an experience like I've never had before, it's been awesome."

*Why did you choose William Carey?

"It's close to home, great facilities, great coaching staff and I know a few of the players. It looked like a great home to me because I'm used to a small school."

*What other schools were you considering?

"Mississippi College, University of Mobile and Delta State."

*Does hard work pay off?

"Yes sir, it pays off tremendously. I've worked my butt off since the 8th grade and I know there are things I need to work on. I'm working hard so hopefully it will pay off my freshman year in college."

(Photo at top of page) Seated with Jaron Edwards are his parents Dawn Seal and Todd Edwards. Standing is AAU Coach Chris Reed, William Carey Head Coach Steve Knight and Bowling Green Coach Pat King.

MAIS 2010 OVERALL TRACK MEET RESULTS

http://www.msais.org/mailouts/overalltrackresults2010.pdf