Junior Varsity "Shout Outs"

The Columbia Academy junior varsity girls team just won the Distrcit 4-AA crown and finished the season with a 25-1 record under Head Coach Paul Pace.

.

The Marshall Patriots junior varsity boys won their 7th consecutive District 1-AA title and finished the season 18-1 under Head Coach Craig Dailey. Marshall's junior varsity boys are 143-8 and 94-3 in district play during that seven year span.

.

The North Delta Lady Wave junior varsity squad just won their third straight district championship and have posted a 70-5 record over the past three seasons under North Delta Head Coach Phil Douglas.
.
The Bayou Academy junior varsity Lady Colts wrapped up an 18-5 season under the direction of Head Coach Phillip Adams and came up just four points short in the district tournament championship game. Bayou's junior varsity squad had an amazing turnaround after winning just two games last season.

.

The Deer Creek junior varsity Lady Warriors completed the 2010/11 season winning the District 2-A championship with a 19-1 record under Head Coach Scott Poole.

.

The Leake junior varsity Rebelettes took home the District 3-AA crown with a win over Simpson to finish a perfect season at 29-0 under Head Coach Doyle Wolverton.

.

The Simpson Cougars junior varsity boy's team under the direction of Head Coach James Crain won the District 3-AA championship with a win over Hillcrest to finish the season a perfect 22-0.

.

Both Heidelberg Academy junior varsity squads won the District 8-A championships. The boys, under Head Coach Alan Prunera, defeated Laurel 42-29 to finish the season at 21-7 while the girls, under Head Coach Nancy Brashier, beat Laurel 52-18 to end the season with a 23-3 mark.

Late MRA basket halts Pillow surge
Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
With 3:17 left in the game the Pillow Lady Mustangs were staring at a nine point deficit and had just watched MRA reel off seven straight points to take control of a close battle between two top five Class AAA squads. Three minutes later Pillow tied the game at 54-54 on Qua Niya Head’s offensive rebound and put back. Pillow seemed to have all the cards as they quickly regained possession with a half court steal and 19 seconds remaining in the game but that steal and possession quickly switched hands as MRA junior Anna Claire Henderson got a steal of her own and got a quick outlet pass to Tori Kennington. Kennington then found an open Marye Will Mitchell who laid in the game winner at the buzzer as MRA won 56-54 in dramatic fashion.
After a first half that went back and forth with neither squad able to build a sizable lead Pillow would grab a brief advantage at 35-32 with just over a minute gone in the third quarter on Kristen Stephens’ 12 foot jumper. That lead evaporated quickly as MRA junior Jessica Whitehead drilled a 3-pointer from the wing to knot the contest up at 35-35. (Above) MRA's Anna Claire Henderson (#5) penetrates the Pillow defense
With the game tied at 37-37 MRA would end the final 3:49 of the third quarter with a 7-2 run with baskets from Anna Claire Henderson, Caroline Kerley and Whitehead to take a 44-39 lead into the final quarter of play.
MRA maintained that five point cushion until the 6:31 mark of the fourth quarter when Pillow answered with a Qua Niya Head jumper from 18 feet and a Christian Robertson free throw following an MRA turnover to pull to within two points at 47-45.
MRA responded with an offensive rebound and lay-in from Anna Claire Henderson and a Jessica Whitehead 3-pointer from the top of the key. The Lady Patriots capped off a 7-0 run on Tavyn Lovitt’s 19 foot jumper with 3:15 remaining to take what most thought was a comfortable 54-45 lead only to see Pillow reel off nine straight points to set up the dramatic 56-54 finish.
Caroline Kerley led MRA with 15 points, Anna Claire Henderson added 13, Jessica Whitehead had 12, Marye Will Mitchell had 6 including the game winner, Tori Hines 5, Tori Kennington 3 and Tavyn Lovitt 2. (Above) Walker Kimes (#24) of Pillow looks for an opening
The 5th ranked Lady Patriots improved to 22-8 & 9-3 and will host Marshall on Monday.
Holly Ann Pannell led Pillow with a game high 24 points, Qua Niya Head added 13, Kristen Stephens 9, Christian Robertson 3, Katy Coleman and Kara Mae Bowden with 2 each and Walker Kimes 1.
Pillow slips to 20-6 & 10-2 and will host Magnolia Heights on Tuesday.

(Photo at top of page) MRA senior Caroline Kerley (#25) gets a shot off over Kristen Stephens (#12) and Devin Mitchell (#34) of Pillow

Patriots extend streak to 65
Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
The four time defending Overall Champion Madison-Ridgeland Patriots won their 65th straight game over MAIS opponents on Saturday evening with a 73-61 win over Pillow. Seniors Caleb Miskelly and Justin Malone combined for 46 points as MRA shook off several Mustang runs to improve to 22-10 overall and 12-0 in conference with one week remaining in regular season play.
In the early going it looked as though MRA was primed to eliminate any thoughts Pillow had of leaving town having ended the Patriot’s win streak. Following two minutes of cold shooting from both squads Caleb Miskelly drilled a 3-pointer from the corner and Justin Malone muscled his way for two quick baskets to give the champs a 7-0 advantage with 4:51 remaining in the opening quarter of play.
Jackson Pannell got the Mustangs on the board with a 3-pointer from the wing at the 4:04 mark to spark a 7-3 run that trimmed the deficit to 10-7.
After MRA had gone up 15-7 on a Miskelly 3-pointer and two free throws from the senior point guard, Pillow closed the quarter with a Ja’Quez Taylor 3-pointer and a steal and lay-in from senior Sam Shipley with 7 seconds on the clock to stay within striking distance at 15-12 heading into the second quarter. (Above) MRA senior Caleb Miskelly scrambles for a loose ball
Pillow completed a 10-0 run that began in the final minute of first quarter with a Shipley 3-pointer from the wing and Gaston Lyon’s drive and lay-in around Justin Malone that gave the Mustang’s their first lead at 17-15 one minute into the second quarter.
That lead didn’t last long as Justin Malone used his big frame to dominate the paint on three consecutive possessions. Malone’s offensive rebound and put back knotted the game at 17-17 and the senior big man then produced two straight 3-point plays around the rim to push MRA to a 23-17 lead with 5:32 left in the half.
MRA enjoyed their biggest lead of the half at 34-22 as result of a Tyler Cummins 3-pointer and a Malone free throw at the 1:43 mark. The Patriot’s closed the first half with a 14-5 run to take a 37-24 lead into the locker-room.
MRA extended their lead to 52-34 in a 15-10 third quarter in which Malone and Miskelly accounted for 13 points.
Alec Rawlings gave MRA their biggest lead of the night at 55-34 on a 3-pointer to start the third quarter but Pillow caught fire. Jackson Pannell drilled two 3-pointers from the wing and senior guard Ja’Quez Taylor converted on two driving baskets to pull the Mustangs to 55-44. Two Gaston Lyons free throws at the 5:24 mark completed a 12-0 run forcing an MRA timeout after the Patriot’s 21 point lead had been shaved to nine points at 55-46.

(Above) Pillow's Landon Taylor (#14) fronting MRA's Justin Malone

Pillow would get no closer the remaining five minutes as MRA repeatedly burned the Mustangs in the paint. Pillow had no answer for Malone’s presence on the block and Miskelly’s frequent drives to the rim heightened the pressure on the Mustang defense.
With the win the top ranked Patriots improve to 22-10 and 12-0 in conference play.
Justin Malone had a game high 24 points, Caleb Miskelly added 22, Tyler Cummins had 11, Kamry Owens 7, Alec Rawlings and Hadley Kelsey had 3 each and Connor Ruwe 2.
Pillow (14-11 & 8-4) was led by Ja’Quez Taylor with 20 points, Sam Shipley added 17, Jackson Pannell 14 and Gaston Lyon 7.
Next up for MRA will be a home date with Marshall on Monday while Pillow will host Magnolia Heights on Tuesday.

Top ranked Presbyterian rolls on senior night
Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
The Presbyterian Lady Bobcats extended their winning streak against MAIS squads to 15 last night with a 53-33 home win over East Rankin on senior night at Rees Gymnasium in Hattiesburg. The large crowd on hand witnessed five seniors play their last game on their home court as Presbyterian improved to 21-4 with two regular season road games left on the schedule before post season play gets into full swing.

All five Lady Bobcat seniors started the game but it didn’t take long for Presbyterian fans to see one of the most promising players in the MAIS take the court. Trista Magee, a 6’ tall eighth grader whose play and poise resembles that of a polished senior, complimented the game high 19 points that senior Erin Holifield put up with 19 points of her own as the top ranked Lady Bobcats broke open a close first half game to win their final home game of the season.
Holifield scored seven of Presbyterian’s first eleven points as the Lady Bobcats built an 11-2 lead halfway into the opening quarter.
East Rankin’s Carlee Westberry answered as the senior nailed a 3-pointer from the corner and then hit a 15’ jumper to pull the Lady Patriots to within four points at 11-7 with 3:45 remaining in the quarter.
Trista Magee served up Erin Holifield’s fourth basket of the quarter and Logan Venus hit a 12’ jumper to give Presbyterian a 15-7 advantage after one quarter of play.
Monica Breland’s close range bucket gave Presbyterian their biggest lead at 17-7 one minute into the second quarter as the Lady Bobcats threatened to break things open but East Rankin stayed close with timely perimeter shooting. Kaitlyn Busby drained a 12’ jumper and Kaitlyn Coghlan followed with a jumper from the elbow at the 5:33 mark to trim the deficit to 17-11. Trista Magee pushed the Presbyterian lead back to nine points with a 3-pointer from the wing but Carlee Westberry fired back with a 3-pointer from the top of the key to keep the Lady Patriots within six points at 20-14. Both squads traded baskets to end the half with Presbyterian holding a 22-16 lead.

East Rankin struck first in the third quarter on a Rachel Glass fast break basket as the Lady Patriots were only two baskets from pulling even but they would get no closer due in part to the play of Magee and Holifield.
Magee converted on a 10’ jumper, plus one, and canned two free throws on the Lady Bobcat’s following possession to extend the lead back to 27-18.
After a Carlee Westberry jumper from the elbow with 1:33 remaining in the quarter pulled East Rankin back to within six points once again, Erin Holifield drained a 3-pointer from the wing to give the Lady Bobcats a 37-28 cushion going into the fourth quarter.
Trista Magee’s fast break lay-in, plus one, gave Presbyterian their biggest lead of the night at 44-30 with 4:50 remaining in regulation and the Lady Bobcats finished the game with a 9-3 run to take the 53-33 victory.
Erin Holifield and Trista Magee shared game high honors with 19 points each, Monica Breland and Joyce Smith added 4 apiece, Logan Venus had 3 and Allison Dueitt and Katie Molpus 2 each.
Kristen Byrd led East Rankin with 13 points, Carlee Westberry had 10, Kaitlyn Coghlan 4 and Brianna May, Rachel Glass and Kaitlyn Busby all had 2 each.
(Photos above) Erin Holifield (#20) in the top photo and Trista Magee (#2) in bottom photo each paced Presbyterian with 19 pts.

Post Game Comments: Presbyterian Head Coach Missy Bilderback

Bobcats top East Rankin, back on track
Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
It was senior night at Rees Gymnasium on the campus of Presbyterian Christian last night and two seniors fueled 4th ranked Presbyterian to a 72-55 win over East Rankin. Gage Garner and Cade Martin shared game high honors as the two seniors each scored 21 points as the Bobcats improved to 18-6 with two regular season games remaining on the schedule.
Garner set the tone early as the senior guard hit 3-pointers on Presbyterian’s first two possessions and a James Akers transition basket off an East Rankin turnover pushed the Bobcats out to a quick 8-2 advantage less than two minutes into the contest.

East Rankin would answer with two free throws from Jacob Weldon and a Thomas Flickner offensive rebound and lay-in to pull to within two points at the 5:18 mark but Presbyterian finished the opening quarter with an impressive 21-6 run that featured the talents of senior point guard James Akers who executed the Bobcat transition game and helped build a 29-12 lead heading into the second quarter.
East Rankin fired off seven straight points to trim the deficit to ten points at 29-19 to begin the second quarter but Presbyterian reeled off a 15-0 run with perimeter shooting and a stifling defense that resulted in easy fast break baskets to give the Bobcats their biggest lead of the half at 44-19 with 2:16 remaining.

Caleb Bedford’s 3-pointer from the wing and his 15 footer off the glass with 17 seconds left in the quarter pulled East Rankin to 44-24 at the halfway point.
East Rankin held their ground in the third quarter as the Patriots outscored Presbyterian 16-12 and appeared to have found an offensive rhythm heading into the final quarter down 56-40.
East Rankin would get no closer than 13 points in the final stanza as Presbyterian cruised to a 72-55 win.
Presbyterian was led by Gage Garner and Cade Martin with 21 points each, Hunter Hawkins added 17, James Akers 9 and Drew Deen and Tanner Myatt had 2 each.
Next up for Presbyterian is a road trip to Hancock on Tuesday.
Jacob Weldon led East Rankin with 15 points, Tyler Rhodes added 11, Blake Hill 10, Thomas Flickner and Caleb Bedford had 8 each, Tyler Madden 2 and Tyler Gray 1.
East Rankin will travel to Newton today and will host Jackson Prep on Tuesday.
(Photos above) Top: Cade Martin (#25) of Presbyterian gets tied up by East Rankin's Tyler Rhodes (#11) Bottom: Presbyterian point guard James Akers (#5) drives to the basket

Post Game Comments: Presbyterian Head Coach Gary Harris

Balanced attack propels Rebs to 20th straight win
Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
All five Central Private starters hit double digits scoring as the top ranked team in Class AA pulled away in the fourth quarter to beat Trinity 81-62 in Central last night. Central Private won its’ 20th straight game in improving to 25-2 on the season.
Unlike the December 29th double overtime meeting between Central Private and Trinity in which the Saints ran out to a quick 10-0 lead, last night’s first quarter went back and forth and produced nine lead changes and was tied twice.
Trinity would grab their fifth lead of the opening quarter at 16-15 on a Kevin Brown jumper from 15 feet. A transition lay in from Tip McKenzie and Tanner Cage’s soft floater in the paint at the 1:07 mark gave Trinity their biggest lead at 20-15. Lance Wicker of Central Private closed out the first quarter scoring on a fast break basket to pull the Rebels to within three points at 20-17 heading into the second quarter.
Central Private exploded with a 20-2 run through the first seven minutes of the second quarter to take a 37-22 lead. Jake Flaggert spear-headed the run as the 6’5” sophomore contributed with seven points in the quarter and the Rebel defense held Trinity scoreless until a Tip McKenzie free throw at the 2:59 mark.
Trinity closed with baskets from Tanner Cage and senior LJ Trimble to pull the Saints to within nine points at 37-28 by the half. (Above) Taylor Fletcher (#23) of Central Private attempts to alter the shot of Trinity's Givonni Dent (#24)
Trinity’s nine point halftime deficit was quickly erased as the Saints came out of halftime on fire. Scoring came from five different players as Trinity produced a 9-0 run to knot the game at 37-37 with 5:28 remaining in the third quarter. Tip McKenzie’s driving basket gave Trinity a 41-39 advantage at the 3:34 mark but that would be the Saint’s last lead of the night.
Simpson Anderson’s 3-pointer from the wing broke a 43-43 tie with just over two minutes left in the quarter and the Rebels finished the quarter with a 6-2 run to take a 53-46 cushion into the final quarter.
A Givonni Dent basket in the paint to begin the fourth quarter narrowed the margin to 53-48 but Central Private erupted with a 22-5 run capped off with a Simpson Anderson 3-pointer to extend the lead to 75-53 with 2:30 remaining en-route to the 81-62 win.
“Pregame I felt our guys weren’t on the same wavelength,” said Central Private head coach Ed Palubinskas. “We’ve had a few guys sick and I had to make some adjustments on what we did as compared to what we were able to do when we played before. Trinity is a very good athletic team and are capable of giving us trouble but it was a nice win for us. We eliminated their outside game and didn’t think they could sustain things by just doing it inside.”
Jake Flaggart of Central Private led all scorers with 20 points, Simpson Anderson added 19, Taylor Fletcher 16 and Dave Jackson and Lance Wicker each had 13 on the night. (Above) Trinity's Tanner Cage (#5) goes airborne
Central Private will close out the regular season at ASC on Friday and will host Bowling Green on Saturday.
Givonni Dent led Trinity (21-5) with 14 points, Tanner Cage added 12, Tip McKenzie 10, LJ Trimble 8, Kent King 7, Trae McKenzie 4, Jake Winston 3 and Kevin Brown and Zach Rachel with 2 apiece.
Trinity will travel to Parklane on Saturday to close out their regular season play.

Palubinskas re-energizing Central Private basketball

Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas

With less than two weeks until district tournament action begins no other team has created more conversation than the Central Private Rebels. Sporting a 23-2 season record and ranked #1 in Class AA the Rebels have reminded many die hard Central Private fans of years gone by with an up tempo, high scoring brand of basketball that helped Rebel teams win four straight state championships from 1999-2002.
The 2010-11 version are the favorites to win the school’s fifth state title and serious challengers for an Overall crown next month.
When the topic of Central Private arises throughout many MAIS basketball venues the tone varies from skepticism to a tempered hostility. For those who have only heard accounts of the talent that has been assembled in Central a skeptic tone arises with doubts that they are truly as advertised. Others who have attended a Central Private game, or competed against the top ranked team in Class AA, sometimes exude an attitude towards them like a new neighbor that may have a nicer home and car.
Central Private head coach Ed Palubinskas is back for a third stint after previously coaching at the school in the 70’s and 90’s and he makes no apologies about his vision for reinvigorating the once dominant program. For those who have only had a brief encounter with Palubinskas it can be a bag of mixed emotions trying to size up the former LSU Tiger and two time Australian Olympic team member. Some see arrogance and others encounter a sometimes undetectable sense of humor but after talking with him for 30 minutes to an hour about basketball or life, one leaves with a deeper understanding of his background and his gift in the area of reaching kids and furthering their development on and off the court.
I was elated recently when I received an email response from one of my childhood heroes. I took a shot at emailing former LSU head basketball coach Dale Brown about Ed Palubinskas not expecting a response. The next day the reply was in my inbox.
“Darron, Eddie Palubinskas is highly intellectual, extremely competitive, confident, superb teacher, creative, hard working, honest, a winner, and effervescent to the point he can be easily misunderstood as a know it all. If I was going into combat or competition of any kind I would want him on my team. He is strong willed and when he gets knocked down you can rest assured he will be back on his feet because of his grit,” said Brown.
Palubinskas pours excitement when discussing this year’s Central Private squad but he is equally excited about next season and the opportunity to be even better.
.

Talkin Basketball with Ed Palubinskas

Smith inks with Hinds Community CollegeHillcrest senior Justin Smith has signed a baseball scholarship with Hinds Community College.
Seating (left to right) Ben Smith, Justin Smith, Kim Smith
Standing (left to right) Sam Temple, (HCC) Shane Kelly( Hillcrest), Dan Rives,( HCC)

Columbia sweeps Simpson
Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
The 3rd ranked Columbia Cougars rolled into Mendenhall last night and left with a 68-31 pounding of 5th ranked Simpson. Columbia jumped out to an early 12-3 lead halfway through the opening quarter and never looked back as senior Tanner Pace led the Cougars with a game high 19 points.

(Above) Josh Hankins of Simpson gets a shot off over Columbia's Christian Robbins (#0)
Taylor Fortenberry put Columbia up with two quick baskets less than one minute into the game but Simpson’s Cory Herrington answered with a 3-pointer from the wing in what would prove to be a fast paced first quarter. Herrington’s basket would be as close as Simpson would get on the night as Columbia’s defensive pressure and hot shooting from the perimeter stifled the home-standing Cougars throughout.

(Above) Columbia's Taylor Fortenberry drives for 2 of his 8 points on the night
Four of five Columbia starters hit buckets in what would be a 20-11 first quarter. Christian Robbins’ offensive rebound and put back at the 2:33 mark of the second quarter gave Columbia their biggest lead of the half at 29-15.
Columbia erupted in the third quarter as seniors Tanner Pace (right) and Christian Robbins combined for 16 points and the Cougars outscored Simpson 21-6 to take a commanding 53-25 advantage into the final quarter.
Columbia bested Simpson 15-6 in the fourth quarter to take a 68-31 win and improve to 18-4 on the season.
Pace led all scorers with 19 points, Robbins added 12, Cole Oglesbee had 11, Taylor Fortenberry 8, Brooks Robinson 7, Brandon Bell 4, Alex Price 3 and Jas Stringer 2 and Josh Broom 2 each.
Michael Layton led Simpson (17-4) with 8 points, Garrett Taylor added 7, Devin Millis and Josh Hankins 4 each, Cory Herrington 3, Tyler King and Austin Herrington 2 apiece and Walt Prince 1.

In girl’s action……
Columbia withstood a Simpson 9-3 run late in the fourth quarter to hold on to a 45-40 win on the road. Senior Ashton Scarborough led the Lady Cougars with a game high 22 points as Columbia upped their season mark to 14-5.
Columbia jumped out to an early 5-0 lead on a Hannah Martin 3-pointer from the top of the key and a Clare Herring jumper from the elbow. Simpson closed the opening quarter strong as baskets from Lauren Griffin and Natalie Sullivan enabled SCA to keep close in what would be a 10-6 Columbia lead heading into the second quarter.

(Above) Simpson's Abby Dunston (#14) is slowed by Columbia's Clare Herring (#12) and Hannah Martin (#21)
Columbia stretched out to a 15-8 lead on a Sissy Price jumper at the 6:02 mark of the second quarter but an 8-0 Simpson run gave SCA their first lead of the night at 16-15 with just under three minutes left in the half. Buckets from Abby Dunston, Brittany Gardner, Lauren Griffin and a baseline drive by Dunston completed the run.
Simpson’s lead was short-lived as Ashton Scarborough of Columbia closed the half with six points to give the Lady Cougars a slim 21-18 halftime advantage.

(Above) Simpson's Brittany Gardner (#34) shoots over Sissy Price (#15) of Columbia
Columbia managed to increase their led to 33-27 heading into the final quarter and threatened to break things open after Scarborough canned two free throws at the 4:44 mark of the fourth quarter to give Columbia breathing room at 39-31.
Simpson responded with baskets from four different players and methodically cut into the Columbia lead. Lauren Griffin’s jumper from the elbow at the 4:27 mark trimmed the deficit to 39-33 and a Brittany Gardner lay-in in the paint on the following possession pulled Simpson to within four points at 39-35.
Following two Meredith Bass free throws to push the Columbia lead back to six at 41-35 Simpson senior Lauren Welch drilled a 3-pointer from the wing to cut the deficit in half at 41-38 with 1:41.
Columbia’s Clare Herring then hit on one of two free throws but Simpson pulled to within a basket as Natalie Sullivan’s drive at the 37 second mark made it a 42-40 game.
Simpson would get no closer and Columbia converted on 3 of 4 free throws to secure a hard fought 45-40 road win.
Columbia’s Ashton Scarborough (right) led all scorers with 22 points, Hannah Martin added 9, Meredith Bass had 6, Sissy Price and Clare Herring had 3 each and Kelsey Cooper 2.
Abby Dunston led Simpson (10-7) with 12 points, Natalie Sullivan chipped in with 9, Brittany Gardner 7 and Lauren Griffin and Lauren Welch had 6 each.

Post game with Columbia head coach Reid McCay

From The Notebook...........

**Leake girl’s head coach Doyle Wolverton has been re-admitted back into the hospital. Coach Wolverton had another stint put in due to a torn artery and is doing much better. He is at St. Dominic in Jackson. Coach Wolverton is in our prayers.
**James Thurman is the new head football coach at Riverdale Academy. Thurman is from Minden and was the head coach at Woodlawn in Shreveport. It’s the same High School that Terry Bradshaw attended.
**Received official word from the MAIS that Alpha Christian has dropped their basketball program.
**Three players that have been critical to their teams’ success this season seem to be getting better each week.
>Greenville Christian’s Harry Williams has been on a roll this season. The senior is averaging just under 32 points a game and was ever so close to a quadruple double in the top ranked Saint’s win over Deer Creek earlier in the week. “Harry is absolutely the heart and soul of our team. He’s a great kid and an unbelievably hard worker. He’s the kind of player that can completely take over a game. Even when he doesn’t have a big scoring night he always leaves his mark on the game. He brings it every single night. We wouldn’t trade him for anything,” said Greenville Christian head coach Calvin Knight.
>West Memphis has been a huge surprise in boy’s Class AA this season. The Black Knights have posted a 13-5 record and are coming off winning the Kirk Tournament in which they had wins over North Delta and Pillow. The spark plug that makes the West Memphis engine run is senior David Robilio. Robilio missed the first ten games of the season with a fractured wrist and just returned on December 28th. In the eight games since his return the Black Knights are undefeated and the senior is averaging 29.4 points a game. “I watched a lot of film from last year and David could score but his effort on defense needed improvement. His scoring is certainly helping this year but his effort on defense and his leadership are really what has made us better since his return. Also, he watched his teammates step up while he was out and I think his level of respect and trust for them went to a new level,” said West Memphis head coach Jeff Dalton.
>In MAIS basketball there’s one particular player that is ginning up lots of attention on the court. The Lady Bobcats of Presbyterian have built a 15-4 record and a #2 ranking in Class AAA and a primary reason has been the play of an eighth grader. Trista Magee may be an eighth grader but she plays with the poise of a senior. At 6’ tall Magee is averaging 15.2 points a game and is coming of a 23 point performance in Presbyterian’s 49-39 win over East Rankin and 16 points in a 41-19 win over Parklane. Presbyterian head coach Missy Bilderback said, “Trista is a joy to coach. She plays with such enthusiasm and confidence. She is a skilled player that loves to compete, and has stepped up huge for us so far this season. It’s amazing what she is doing at her age, but for her it’s all about having fun and helping her team win.”
**There are many ways to support Southern Sports & Travel. Sponsorship ads and business ads help immensely in keeping the site operating but as the site continues to grow, attracting business advertising is critical. Please do all you can to patronize those businesses that advertise on Southern Sports & Travel.

Williams takes the reign at Columbia
Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
Brookhaven defensive coordinator Kenny Williams has been formerly introduced as the new head football coach at Columbia Academy. The 31 year old is anxious to get started rebuilding the Cougar football program and has already spent time studying film and meeting with staff. Williams said he’s been focusing on where to place kids and that he’ll do what’s best for the Columbia football program in doing so. Having been on the job for just over one week Williams said, “I’ve been welcomed with open arms from the folks at Columbia and the kids have responded well to what I’m asking of them.”

While this will be Williams’ first head coaching job the Mississippi College graduate has a solid pedigree to fall back on. Williams has had coaching stints at Pillow, Heritage, Central Holmes and Mississippi College, but the most notable has been the recent three years at Brookhaven.
Williams is more than eager to talk about how valuable the past three seasons have been. “I’ve learned from one of the best coaches in the MAIS,” said Williams speaking of Brookhaven head coach Herbert Davis. “He’s a brilliant man and because of him I’ve learned the value of how to be prepared as a coach each week and how to prepare your players.”
The main objective at the onset will be changing attitudes with regards to Columbia football according to Williams. “Instilling the belief that they will win will be key. We’ll work on changing attitudes and helping the kids acquire the mentality that they know they will win. Lots of times the team with the most talent doesn’t win but rather the team with the toughest mentality.”
When asked about the type of offense that Columbia supporters and fans can expect to see Williams said, “There will be lots of similarities to Brookhaven’s offense and we’ll stress enthusiasm and discipline with a focus on fundamentals.”
The Richland High School graduate said he felt the time was right in accepting a head coaching position but leaving so many kids that he bonded with at Brookhaven wasn’t easy. “When you win a state championship you build a special bond with the kids so it can be hard. I love all those kids.”
Williams will also be taking over the Columbia Academy Athletic Director duties.

*Photos courtesy of Sherylyn Evans

Talkin Basketball with Brett Rutland

A midseason review of the 2010/11 MAIS basketball season and the upcoming playoffs