The Final From the Notebook………
**Just a one week ago Brookhaven had dropped a narrow 51-47 loss to then undefeated Leake in the Class AA State Championship game. Fast forward one week and the Lady Cougars are Overall Champions after knocking off the best Class AAA had to offer in MRA, Presbyterian and Jackson Academy. Having to play in the shadows somewhat during the past several seasons due to the success of the Brookhaven’s boy’s program the girls have left their permanent stamp on MAIS basketball.
**Speaking of girl’s basketball, how about the success Delta continues to have in Class A basketball? All they’ve done is win 9 of the last 13 Class A titles. Big “Shout Out” to Head Coach Barry Finnie!
**Heidelberg Academy made their first Overall appearance in the school’s 42 year history. Head Coach Alan Prunera did a fantastic job overcoming tremendous odds in directing his squad through the post-season.
**The beat goes on for MRA as they did what most expected in winning their 5th consecutive Overall crown.
**Just 27 months ago Southern Sport & Travel was launched with the hopes of providing not only a data-base for MPSA/MAIS supporters to acquire information about other schools but to also provide much deserved recognition to MPSA/MAIS student-athletes. Struggling to garner a mere 200 hits a month in the beginning, the site soon saw modest gains as more on site athletic coverage was provided during basketball post season.
Growth continued through the 2009 football season and nearly doubled as the 2010 basketball playoffs got underway. While the 2010 baseball season was expected to see a slide in hits to the website, levels stayed surprisingly strong.
The 2010 football season looked to reach big numbers from the onset and by the time playoffs rolled around in November just over 18,000 viewers visited the site that month alone.
As was the case just a year ago, basketball has exceeded football in traffic to Southern Sports & Travel even though coverage was slightly down due to various reasons. Over 23,000 visitors took the time to take in the website this month.
With the growth of the website improvements such as video and audio clips were added along with a facelift to the appearance of the site, not to mention covering more Class AAA and Class A events.
Unfortunately what did not accompany the huge growth in visitors and improvements to the site was support through advertising and other venues. Sponsorship ads purchased mostly by Class AA schools were greatly appreciated but the revenue associated with those ads only supported the cost of the website through football season. Not to mention the fact that some of the ads on the site went unpaid for.
After years of personally supporting the costs associated with Southern Sports & Travel in an effort to provide what I have always felt was a huge void with regards to MPSA/MAIS athletics, coverage will cease following this baseball season. Any baseball scores received will be posted.
Although there have been some big bumps in the road and hurdles to jump I’m optimistic and hopeful that in the near future the vast information gap that has existed within the MPSA/MAIS will be improved and I hope Southern Sports & Travel played a small role in doing that.
For that to happen changes need to take place and those that resist the technology that affords MPSA/MAIS athletes to gain recognition need to swallow their pride or push aside their ego and conform. If the change doesn't occur, the gap between the schools with vast means and the schools with little will continue to widen.

I'll soon be directing my energy and resources in another direction.
To the many friends I have been so blessed to make over the past two years….God Bless.

Comments:
Anonymous said...
Although I understand what you stated, just want you to know your site, the hours, and your efforts have been appreciated by many and wished more could have been done to allow your work here to continue.

Brookhaven Fan
D. Keene

Anonymous said...
This is so sad. I love your website. Even when my son was not participating in the MAIS I viewed your site several times a week to keep up with all the other players and schools. The MAIS is small enough that you get to personally know and follow players from all the schools directly thru Southern Sports & Travel. I really appreciate the coverage and your time that you have given to these deserving athletes and will miss this site very much. If I may ask.....is there anyway that we may possibly be able to save this site? What would it take?

Anonymous said...
Thank you for all that you have done to promote our schools and athletes. I have truly enjoyed and appreciated all that you have done!!!!

Anonymous said...
If there is anyway to save the site let us know.

Jeff King said...
Your website is very beneficial to MAIS Athletics. It has been very beneficial to me personally as well. Thanks for all that you do.

Anonymous said...
Everyone from Columbia that really keeps up with MAIS athletics looks at your site almost daily. Is it something you are burnt out on, or is it something that is costing you too much time, effort, and money to keep doing. If it is just a sponsor thing, I think there are a lot of people, including myself, that would love to help support the site that don't really know the costs of doing it. Regardless, thanks for all the wonderful things you have done for MAIS athletics
Reid Mccay


Anonymous said...
Everyone here at Manchester Academy as well in this part of the state are extremely sad about the news. You have no idea how much the MAIS community appreciates all that you do for our kids and schools. I for one am truly appreciative. The articles you write are amazing, it makes one feel as if they were there. I hope that there is something that can be done to keep it going. You are an asset. The MAIS office should emply you themselves or pay for your the cost of your site because no one else can cover the league like you can.

Thanks for everything,
Russell Cruise

Anonymous said...
I will certainly miss your site and all the positiveness you have given to MAIS athletics. You will be missed and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Thanks for all the great reads and for keeping sports writing interesting and positive for our children!

Lisa from the North AA


Anonymous said...
Really hate to hear you're closing down the site. The work you have done has been fabulous, and you've brought much benefit to our student/athletes, the schools they represent, and the families/friends that support them. I know that all of us who have watched you work and have enjoyed the product you have produced have been amazed at the time, energy and effort you've put into the site. What would it take to keep the site going? How many additional sponsorships would you need to make it viable? What other venues of supporting the site are there? I'd love to do what I reasonable could to help make this worth your while. You've certainly done a great work with the site, and if it does close down it'll be missed sorely.

ken powell

Class AA Baseball Rankings

#1) Centreville Tigers
The Centreville Tigers have some unfinished business this season. After getting out to a 1-0 series lead over Brookhaven in last season’s state semi-finals the Tigers dropped the series 2-1 and ended their run with a 22-11 record under Head Coach Jason Horne.
With seven starters returning and the addition of junior southpaw and LSU signee Hunter Devall the Tigers are the favorites to win the Class AA State Championship.
Complimenting Devall in the pitching rotation will be fellow junior Cliff Hurst. Hurst (9-1) had a dominating 2010 season on the mound and at the plate.
#2) Brookhaven Cougars
The defending Class AA State Champions finished with a 29-8 mark last season and open up the 2011 campaign with some holes to fill. Head Coach Casey Edwards will look to replace starting pitchers Tripp Jolly and Tyler Parvin and clutch hitters Will Gatlin and Brent Henderson.
Returning this season is Christian Keene who is among the top 15 juniors in the state. Keene excelled in centerfield last season and will work into the pitching rotation this year.
#3) Simpson Cougars
Advancing to the Class AA semi-finals last season the Simpson Cougars couldn’t match up with the strong pitching rotation they faced against state runners up Hillcrest but the 2011 season has much promise as the Cougars return seven starters from last year’s 17-8 squad under the direction of Head Coach Britt Hederman. Look for Simpson to be the early favorites in District 3AA.
#4) Marshall Patriots
With the success of the Marshall basketball program baseball in Holly Springs has been a little slow in developing but first year Head Coach Bart Jenkins likes his young talent and will be working to replace starting pitchers Parker James, who is playing baseball at Blue Mountain College, and southpaw Will Patton who is pitching at Mississippi Delta CC. Also gone are infielders Tyler Childers, Jake Omedeo and Caleb Byrd.
The young talent that Jenkins is excited about could pay big dividends as the season progresses. Senior Josh Vanderburg will anchor the Patriot defense behind the plate and Aaron McAlexander could be one of the better sophomores in the MAIS and with the addition of junior Kevin Fitzpatrick at shortstop the Patriots (27-7 in 2010) could be serious contenders in the North when April rolls around.
#5) Central Private Rebels
The Central Private Rebels will be looking to recapture that dominance that propelled them to four straight state championships from 2005-08. Head Coach Jason Kinchen has to replace six seniors from last season’s 19-8 squad that fell to Brookhaven in the state quarter-finals and with a roster that consisted of just four juniors in 2010 look for the Rebels to make a late season run as this young squad gets some innings under their belts.
#6) Hillcrest Cougars
The rich tradition of Hillcrest baseball enters a new chapter as the Cougars look to replace the most dominant pitching rotation in Class AA last season. Hillcrest Head Coach Shane Kelly will have the daunting task of replacing Austin Hartzog (Ole Miss), Josh Rogers (Southern Miss) and Caleb Baucum (Hinds CC) on the mound.
Compounding problems is the fact two of those starting pitchers were among the leading hitters as Baucum hit .429 and Rogers .398 on the season.
The Cougars finished their 2010 run with a 23-11 record and fell to Brookhaven in the Class AA State finals. While pitching will be a big concern they do return an influx of talent. Leading that talent will be senior and Hinds CC signee Justin Smith who led the team in hitting last season at .434 and a .655 slugging average.
#7) River Oaks Mustangs
Finishing District 6AA runners-up and dropping a competitive three game series in round one of the playoffs to Brookhaven last season has brought high hopes at River Oaks entering the 2011 campaign. Mustang Head Coach Michael Johnston has 6 starters returning and his entire pitching rotation from last year’s 16-10 squad. Expect to see River Oaks get off to a slow start but pick up steam as March nears.
#8) North Delta Green Wave
Although North Delta finished 13-8 overall and fourth in the highly competitive District 1AA last season the Green Wave are amongst the most talked about teams in the North Region of Class AA baseball. Pitching will be the strongpoint for North Delta in 2011 as they rely on Northwest Mississippi CC signees Jim Tom Copeland and Ethan Taylor to carry the load on the mound.
#9) Bowling Green Buccaneers
First year Head Coach Matt Sessions has six returning starters from last season’s squad that made a playoff appearance and finished 2nd in District 4AA. Back is hard throwing and Southwest CC signee Jason Milton on the mound. Milton should get lots of run support from a strong top of the hitting order as Russ Smith enters his sophomore season after dinging 9 homers as a freshman in 2010. Also complimenting Smith will be senior Cruz Serigne who has shown great power hitting during preseason.
#10) Indianola Colonels
The Indianola Colonels finished the 2010 regular season as District 1AA runners-up and defeated Carroll in the first round of the playoffs. Although they fell to Simpson in the quarter-finals the Colonels finished a strong 18-13. With six starters returning, but no power hitters, Head Coach Clete Putnam will rely on “small ball” to manufacture runs. Back will be senior shortstop Zach Whitfield who led Indianola with a .400 batting average last season. The Colonels will not have much room for error in the tough District 1AA race but look for a solid performance in 2011.

State Championship trophy heading to Holly Springs
Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
The Marshall Patriots have a motto that is embroidered on their uniforms that reads “We Believe” and that belief in the program and each other paid off on Saturday night as Marshall defeated Simpson 55-45 to win their first Class AA State Championship since 2002. Having played four tension packed games in six days which included a 57-41 win that ended Brookhaven’s six year reign at the top of boy’s Class AA basketball, a win over last season’s state runners-up Bowling Green and two wins over Simpson, an emotionally drained Marshall Head Coach Craig Dailey had nothing but praise to describe the effort his group that he dubbed his “Grasshoppers” put forth during an intense and exhausting week of basketball.
For the first five minutes of the opening quarter against a Simpson team that Marshall had edged 52-46 in the North AA Championship just this past Monday, it looked like a donnybrook was unfolding to claim the state championship.
Four lead changes during those five minutes produced what most had come to see, high intensity pressure basketball but after Austin Herrington’s baseline driving basket and an offensive rebound and put back on the following possession gave Simpson an 8-7 lead at the 4:15 mark of the quarter Marshall did what they had done to Brookhaven, drive to the basket and hit timely 3-point shooting. (Above) Peyton Lewis (#40) of Marshall pulls down a rebound
Marshall grabbed a 10-8 lead on Dakota Dailey’s 3-pointer from the wing and following a Kevin Fitzpatrick free throw the Patriots pushed the lead to five points at 13-8 on Chase Ferrell’s basket in the paint with 2:46 left in the quarter.
After Austin Herrington’s lay-in pulled Simpson back to within three points at 13-10 Marshall reeled of five straight points as Ferrell went glass in the paint and Dailey drilled his second 3-pointer of the quarter to give the Patriots an 18-10 lead after one quarter of play.
Michael Layton of Simpson scored on an inbounds play 45 seconds into the 2nd quarter but Marshall would increase their margin to 23-12 on a driving basket from Dakota Dailey and Dailey then collected his third 3-pointer of the half at the 6:12 mark to give the Patriots their biggest lead.
Marshall’s Chase Ferrell (Photo below) cashed in on a Simpson turnover at the 3:22 mark to push the lead to 27-14 and a Kevin Fitzpatrick offensive rebound and lay-in would cap a 13-2 Marshall run to give the Patriots their biggest lead of the half at 31-14 with 49 seconds remaining. Garrett Taylor’s steal and basket as the half ran out halted the Marshall run but Simpson faced a 31-16 halftime deficit.
Simpson quickly trimmed the deficit to ten points at 31-21 on a Devin Millis basket on the block, an Austin Herrington free throw and two Garrett Taylor free throws with 6:41 remaining in the 3rd quarter but Marshall answered by once again extending their lead. Chase Ferrell’s transition basket and a Taylor Maurey slicing drive through the Simpson defense gave the Patriots a 35-21 advantage at the 5:36 mark.
Maurey’s ability to penetrate the Simpson defense in the paint proved costly for the Cougars as the senior guard cashed in twice more in the quarter to help Marshall maintain a 41-28 lead heading into the final quarter of play.
Marshall would grab their biggest lead of the night at 45-30 on a Taylor Maurey drive to the rim with 6:12 remaining in regulation and the Patriots once again displayed how complete a team they are by nailing 10/13 free throws in the quarter to preserve a 55-45 win.
This marks Craig Dailey’s tenth State Championship and first in Class AA.
Marshall was led by Dakota Dailey (Photo above) with 16 points, Taylor Maurey added 15, Chase Ferrell 10, Kevin Fitzpatrick 9, Peyton Lewis 3 and Matt Rappa 2.
Simpson was led by Devin Millis with a game high 18 points, Austin Herrington added 9, Garrett Taylor 8, Josh Hankins 4, Michael Layton 3, Nate Ashley 2 and Cory Herrington 1.
The Class AA State Champions improved to 31-7 and will take on Trinity in the Overall Tournament on Tuesday.
Simpson (25-11) will face off with Jackson Prep also on Tuesday.

*Note*

Marshall's leading scorer in the Class AA State Tournament was 8th grader Dakota Dailey who was just moved up to the varsity squad following the junior varsity season. It may mark the only time in MPSA/MAIS history an 8th grader has done this.

(Photo at top of page: Taylor Maurey (#24) of Marshall defends Austin Herrington (#31) of Simpson

Post Game Comments:

*Marshall Head Coach Craig Dailey

*Marshall senior Taylor Maurey

Leake surges in last minute to capture sixth straight
Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
The top ranked Leake Rebelettes saw their five year reign as state champions in serious jeopardy Saturday afternoon in the finals of the Class AA State Tournament against 2nd ranked Brookhaven. Having watched Brookhaven erase a six point deficit with a furious 12-4 run to take a 47-45 lead late, Leake responded with a Jenny Wilbanks steal and a Hannah Peoples four point play with 1:06 remaining in regulation to propel Leake to a 51-47 win and an unprecedented sixth straight girl’s state championship and thirteenth overall.
Brookhaven got the start they had hoped for in the opening quarter as the Lady Cougars got out to an 8-4 lead following a Mary Lindsey Magee jumper in the paint, plus one, with five minutes gone in the quarter, but Leake responded. Jenny Wilbanks (Photo below) sank a jumper from the elbow at the 2:38 mark and sophomore Hannah Peoples pulled down two offensive rebounds in the final two minutes of the quarter and converted on both to give the Rebelettes a 10-8 lead heading into the second quarter. Brookhaven opened the second quarter on fire as Terah Winborne took charge. The junior converted on a fast break, canned two free throws and drained a 3-pointer from the wing at the 6:37 mark to give the Lady Cougars a 15-10 lead.
Brookhaven would take their biggest lead of the half at 22-16 on a Mary Lindsey Magee floater in the lane, plus one, with 3:22 remaining.
Leake pulled back to within two points at 22-20 on sophomore Anna Nowell’s fast break basket with 1:55 left in the half but Brookhaven still maintained the momentum and at the 1:34 mark of the second quarter Leake Player of the Year candidate Jenny Wilbanks picked up her fourth foul.
Brookhaven immediately capitalized as Anna Mangold’s offensive rebound and put back extended the lead back to 24-20. Following two Hannah Peoples free throws, Brookhaven would finish the half on a Terah Winborne driving bucket in the lane to take a 26-22 lead into the locker-room.
Leake exploded to start the second half of play. Jenny Wilbanks nailed a 3-pointer from the corner to pull the Rebelettes to within one point at 26-25. After a Laura Beth Wright 3-pointer pushed the Brookhaven lead back to four points at 29-25, Wilbanks drained another 3-pointer and Hannah Peoples hit one from the deep corner to give Leake a 31-29 lead at the 6:01 mark of the 3rd quarter.
After Brookhaven tied the game at 31-31 on two Anna Mangold free throws, Peoples’ jump shot from beyond the 3-point line hit bottom again to give Leake their biggest lead of the game at 34-31 with 5:09 left in the quarter. Brookhaven fired back as Mary Lindsey Magee canned an 18 foot jumper and Anna Mangold (Photo above) converted in the paint to give the Lady Cougars a 35-34 advantage with 2:51 left.
The lead changed hands once again as Jenny Wilbanks finished the 3rd quarter with a driving lay-in and an offensive rebound and put back to give the top ranked Rebelettes a 38-35 lead heading into the final quarter of play.
Leake took their biggest lead of the game at 41-35 on a Hannah Peoples 3-pointer from the corner to start the 4th quarter.
With 5:11 remaining in regulation, and facing a six point deficit, Brookhaven produced a 10-2 run. Marian Allen drained a 3-pointer and Anna Mangold’s turnaround basket on the block pulled Brookhaven to within one point at 43-42. Terah Winborne then served up an assist to Mary Lindsey Magee at the 3:52 mark as Brookhaven regained the lead at 44-43.
After a Jenny Wilbanks basket in the paint put Leake back on top at 45-44, Terah Winborne canned a 3-pointer from the wing that brought down the house and gave the Lady Cougars a 47-45 lead with 2:31 remaining.
Brookhaven would regain possession following a Leake missed shot but turned the ball over on a Jenny Wilbanks steal with 1:22 on the clock. Following a Leake timeout Hannah Peoples delivered on a designed play set up by Head Coach Doyle Wolverton. Peoples’ received a pass on a curl to the wing that gave the sophomore just enough space to launch her trademark jumper. Not only was Peoples’ jumper on target at the 1:06 mark but she was fouled in the process.
After Peoples sank a free throw to cap a four point play to put Leake up 49-47, Jenny Wilbanks would get behind the Brookhaven defense on a transition basket with 33 seconds remaining to give the Rebelettes a 51-47 cushion and seal the deal.
Leake wins their sixth straight Class AA title and improves to 42-0 entering next week’s Overall Tourney.
Jenny Wilbanks led all scorers with 23 points, Hannah Peoples had 22, Shelbi Horn added 4 and Anna Nowell 2.
Brookhaven (27-4) was led by Terah Winborne with 19 points, Anna Mangold added 12, Mary Lindsey Magee 10 and Marian Allen and Laura Beth Wright 3 each.
Leake will take on Trinity at the Overall Tournament on Tuesday while Brookhaven will play MRA on Wednesday.

(Photo at top of page) Leake's Hannah Peoples

Post Game Comments:
*Leake Head Coach Doyle Wolverton
*Leake senior Jenny Wilbanks

Leake Academy - Class AA 2010/11 State Champions
Marshall Academy - 2010/11 Class AA State Champions

New champion will be crowned in Class AA
Marshall ends Brookhaven’s run
Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
There was chest-to-chest man defense and a spread offense in the last of two semi-final games at Brookhaven last night but the squad executing that defense and offense was the Marshall Patriots who ended Brookhaven’s six year consecutive Class AA State Championship run with an impressive 57-41 win to advance to today’s title game with Simpson.
Marshall’s relentless pressure defense kept Brookhaven from achieving any rhythm offensively throughout last night’s matchup and a patient and opportunistic offense propelled Marshall to their biggest win since winning the Class State Championship in 2002.
The lead swapped hands three times in the first 3 and 1/2 minutes of the opening quarter. Brookhaven grabbed an early 3-2 lead on a Sidney Chaffin slam dunk off a fast break and then again at 5-4 at the 5:12 mark when Gage Posey converted on a back-door lay-in.

Marshall started to settle in as did their defense. Taylor Maurey’s driving basket at the 4:47 mark gave Marshall a 6-5 lead, one they would not relinquish the remainder of the game.
With 4:02 remaining in the opening quarter and Marshall holding a slim 8-7 lead the Patriot’s offense starting hitting on all cylinders.
Dakota Dailey, an 8th grader, sparked Marshall with a quick 3-pointer from the wing after entering the game at the three minute mark. Following a Brookhaven turnover in the backcourt Dailey nailed another 3-pointer from the wing to extend Marshall’s lead to 14-7 with 2:37 remaining in the quarter. Marshall sophomore Peyton Lewis would can a 3-pointer with 1:48 left in the first quarter to give Marshall an 18-9 lead and the Patriots would capitalize on a Cougar turnover when Taylor Maurey drove the lane and cashed in to give Marshall their biggest lead at 20-9 and cap off a 12-2 run.
Brock Smith hit two free throws to close out the opening quarter with Marshall holding a 20-11 advantage.

Marshall continued their assault to start the second quarter. Peyton Lewis sank his second 3-pointer one minute into the quarter to give the Patriots a 23-11 lead and forcing a Brookhaven time-out.
Brookhaven would manage a Sidney Chaffin free throw at the 6:01 mark but after each team traded turnovers Marshall spread the court at the 5:39 mark and burned over three minutes before a turnover gave possession back to Brookhaven with 2:17 left in the half.
Unable to capitalize on the Marshall turnover, Brookhaven saw their deficit grow to sixteen points as Taylor Maurey sank two free throws and Dakota Dailey hit his third 3-pointer of the half to send Marshall into the locker-room holding a shocking 28-12 lead.
Peyton Lewis pushed the lead to 30-12 on Marshall’s first possession of the third quarter as the sophomore converted in the paint.
With 5:58 remaining in the quarter Brookhaven finally found rhythm on offense. Sidney Chaffin’s offensive rebound and put back started a 9-2 Cougar run that trimmed the deficit to 32-21 with 1:56 left in the quarter.
Gage Posey hit a 3-pointer from the corner to pull the Cougars to within ten points at 34-24 but a Kevin Fitzpatrick offensive rebound and put back closed the third quarter with Marshall holding a 36-24 lead.

Marshall made a strong push to put the game away to start the final quarter. Kevin Fitzpatrick hit two free throws and scored a basket in the paint and Peyton Lewis hit one of two free throws to give the Patriots a 41-24 spread at the 6:56 mark.
Brookhaven managed to get to within ten points at 45-35 on a Gage Posey basket with 2:43 remaining in regulation but Marshall would hit on 10/12 free throws down the stretch to salt away the game and advance to the Class AA State Championship game with a 57-41 win.
Marshall, ranked #2 by Southern Sports & Travel, improved to 30-7 and will play Simpson tonight at 7:15 pm in the state title game.
The Patriots were led by Dakota Dailey who had a game high 17 points, Taylor Maurey added 14, Peyton Lewis 13, Kevin Fitzpatrick 10 and Chase Ferrell 3.
Brookhaven finishes a remarkable six year run with a season mark of 17-11. The Cougars will play West Memphis in the consolation game today at 6:00 pm.
Sidney Chaffin and Gage Posey led Brookhaven with 13 points each, Will Hickman added 8 and Brock Smith 7.

Post Game Comments: Marshall Head Coach Craig Dailey

Simpson punches ticket to title game
Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
The Simpson Cougars advanced to the Class AA semi-finals with a 78-63 win over West Memphis on Thursday night but in that win they suffered a late game injury as sophomore point guard Josh Hankins went down with an a severely sprained ankle. In last night’s semi-final matchup with West Memphis Hankins started the contest but left after only a few possessions. Enter fellow sophomore Walt Prince who along with junior Garrett Taylor knocked down eight 3-pointers on the night as the 6th ranked Cougars advanced to the Class AA State Championship game with a 75-66 win over #7 West Memphis.
Simpson raced out to a 10-3 lead three minutes into the opening quarter of play behind the torrid shooting of Taylor and Prince but a soft floater off the glass from 12 feet out and a 3-pointer from West Memphis senior David Robilio kept the Black Knights within striking distance and with 1:34 remaining in the first quarter the Simpson lead was 19-12.

Simpson finished the quarter strong as Garrett Taylor converted on one of two free throws and Michael Layton’s bucket, plus one, at the one minute mark would send the Cougars into the second quarter maintaining a 23-12 lead.
West Memphis got two quick baskets to start the second quarter as a Robilio assist to Will Riley and a Robilio baseline floater seemed to signal a change in momentum but another Garrett Taylor 3-pointer squashed any momentum change. Taylor’s third 3-pointer of the half came at the 1:37 mark of the quarter to give Simpson their biggest lead at 36-22.
West Memphis closed out the half with a critical basket from senior Aaron Crouch and two Robilio free throws to pull to within ten points at 36-26.
Simpson stretched back out to a 39-26 lead 40 seconds into the third quarter as Taylor connected on his fourth 3-pointer of the game but West Memphis erupted with a 16-3 run over the next five minutes to knot the game at 42-42.
Cory Herrington converted two free throws as Simpson regained the lead at 44-42. West Memphis senior Aaron Crouch then hit a floater in the lane to tie the game at 44-44 with 1:02 left in the quarter.
Simpson would end the quarter with a Devin Millis basket in the paint with 15 seconds remaining to take a slim 46-44 lead into the final quarter of play.
Simpson quickly pushed out to a six point cushion at 50-44 on a Millis bucket and a Cory Herrington driving lay-in 50 seconds into the fourth quarter.
After Aaron Crouch drilled a 3-pointer from the corner to cut the lead in half Walt Prince of Simpson answered with a 3-pointer of his own and Devin Millis would add two free throws to give the Cougars some breathing room at 55-47 with 6:16 remaining in regulation but the Black Knights weren’t going away.

David Robilio got cooking as the senior scored the Black Knight’s next nine points to trim the deficit to one point at 57-56 with 4:04 left but Simpson was relentless in attacking the basket and Cory Herrington and Austin Herrington pushed the Simpson transition game to an eight point lead at 71-63 with less than a minute left in regulation.
David Robilio of West Memphis would log his 35th point of the night on a long 3-pointer with 17 seconds left to close out the scoring at 75-66. Simpson will battle Marshall tomorrow night at 7:15 pm and will be looking to claim their first state championship since 2001.
Garrett Taylor led Simpson (25-10) with 22 points, including four 3-pointers, senior Devin Millis added 17, Cory Herrington 15, Walt Prince 12 (All 3-pointers), Austin Herrington 6 and Michael Layton 3.
David Robilio led West Memphis (21-10) with a game high 35 points, Aaron Crouch added 12, Jordan Blann had 9, Will Riley 5, TJ Newcomb 4 and Grant Campbell 1.
West Memphis will take on Brookhaven in the consolation game starting at 6:00 pm.

Post Game Comments: Simpson Head Coach James Crain

Leake advances and seeking sixth straight title
Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
The Leake Rebelettes overcame a sluggish first half to defeat 4th ranked Oak Hill 56-32 yesterday in the Class AA State semi-finals at Brookhaven. The win sets up a rematch of last season’s championship game between top ranked Leake and 2nd ranked Brookhaven.
A Jenny Wilbanks trademark basket off the glass got the Rebelettes on the board quickly to start the semi-final game against Oak Hill but the Lady Raiders hung close throughout the opening quarter. Anna Ready canned a 3-pointer from the wing to give Oak Hill an early 3-2 advantage but that would be their only lead as the Leake defense began producing turnovers.
Leake reeled off an 11-1 run with perimeter shooting from senior Shelbi Horn who drained a 3-pointer from the corner and hit a 10 foot jumper at the 3:13 mark to give the five time defending Class AA Champions a 13-4 cushion.
Oak Hill stopped the run with a 3-pointer from Rachel Herndon and managed to stay close as two Herndon free throws finished off the scoring in the opening quarter with Leake maintaining a 17-9 lead.
The combination of Jenny Wilbanks and Shelbi Horn enabled Leake to extend their lead to eleven points at 25-14 as Horn capitalized on an Oak Hill turnover with a lay-in with 1:29 left in the half. Following an Anna Ready bucket that cut the deficit back to single digits at 25-16 Leake finished the half with a Wilbanks turnaround jumper from the baseline and Anna Nowell’s steal and lay-up to push the lead to 29-16 as the quarter ended.
The third quarter belonged to Leake as the Rebelettes exploded with a 12-2 run that was capped off by Shelby Howard’s basket from close range at the 1:34 mark to expand the lead to 41-18.
Shelby Howard’s transition basket, plus one, gave Leake their biggest lead of the night at 52-27 with 4:51 remaining in the game.
Leake (41-0) was led by Jenny Wilbanks who had a game high 25 points, Shelby Howard added 13, Shelbi Horn 9, Anna Nowell 5 and Hannah Peoples 3.
Oak Hill (26-10) was led by Rachel Herndon with 8 points, Tori Ellis added 7, Anna Ready 5, Maegen Ellis and Paige Dawkins 3 each and Lauren Billington, Codi Williams and Katelyn White each had 2 points.
Leake will battle Brookhaven for the Class AA State Championship today at 2:15 pm.
Oak Hill will take on Kirk in the consolation game starting at 1:00 pm this afternoon.

Post Game Comments: Leake Head Coach Doyle Wolverton

Brookhaven shuts down Kirk to advance
Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
Brookhaven rolled past Kirk 42-17 in girl’s Class AA semi-final action this afternoon at the John R Gray Gymnasium in Brookhaven. The 2nd ranked Lady Cougars used a smothering defense that limited the 3rd ranked Raiderettes to just four points in the first half. With the win Brookhaven advances to tomorrow’s state championship game for the second consecutive season where they will face a familiar opponent, the five time defending state champion Leake Rebelettes.
Brookhaven got out to a 5-0 opening quarter lead on a Laura Beth Wright jumper in the paint at the 2:13 mark and held Kirk scoreless until Kelsey Marter’s banker in the paint with 37 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
The Lady Cougar’s dominant defensive pressure continued in the second quarter and a 5-0 run gave Brookhaven their biggest lead at 11-2 with 3:37 remaining in the half. A Carmen Woods bucket in the lane at the 3:12 mark halted the run but Brookhaven closed the half on a Laura Beth Wright driving floater in the lane and Anna Lofton’s lay-in to boost the lead to 15-4 with 1:09 left in the quarter. Brookhaven grabbed their biggest lead of the game at 17-4 on an Anna Katelyn Mangold basket on the block to start the third quarter. Kirk then reeled off consecutive baskets from Beth Tillman and Carmen Woods that trimmed to deficit to 17-8 forcing a Brookhaven timeout.
Following the timeout Brookhaven produced a 9-3 run to close out the third quarter with a 26-11 advantage.
Haley Langston’s jumper from the elbow gave Brookhaven their biggest lead at 42-17 with 2:52 remaining in the contest.
With the win Brookhaven improves to 27-3 and will look to unseat Leake Academy in the Class AA State finals tomorrow.
Anna Katelyn Mangold led Brookhaven with 14 points, Laura Beth Wright added 8, Mary Lindsey Magee and Anna Lofton had 6 apiece, Haley Langston 4, Summer Calhoun 3 and Terah Winborne 1.
Carmen Woods led Kirk (29-11) with 8 points, Beth Tillman added 4, Kelsey Marter 3 and Rachel Hamilton 2.
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Post Game Comments: Brookhaven Head Coach Barry Gray

Brookhaven extends the pain, Hillcrest out
Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
On a cool blustery January Saturday evening three weeks ago Brookhaven had just dropped an 80-70 road loss to Trinity in Natchez to fall to 11-9. The six time defending Class AA Champions had suffered a tough road loss to Bowling Green the previous night and looked to be in disarray. The chatter was rampant and the time to declare that the run had ended seemed to be at hand.
Flash forward to last night and those losses seem to be years removed as Brookhaven has made a statement over their past six games that if they’re going to relinquish their perch atop Class AA basketball it will take a monumental effort to unseat them.
Hillcrest was another in a line of top Class AA squads to discover the difficulty of eliminating Brookhaven at a state tournament as two Brock Smith free throws with 4 seconds remaining in regulation ended 4th ranked Hillcrest’s season and sent Brookhaven into the semi-finals with a dramatic 31-30 win.
Hillcrest grabbed an early 2-0 lead on a Spencer Burroughs offensive rebound and put back just over one minute into the opening quarter of play but Hillcrest would experience the same frustration Central Private saw just six days ago when Brookhaven ended their season. A slow deliberate spread offense with the objective being backdoor lay-ins saw Brookhaven take a 6-3 lead on a Brock Smith assist to a cutting Matthew Evans. (Above) Kevin Nunn (#13) of Hillcrest launches a 3-point attempt
In what would prove to be an effective tool against the Hillcrest defense Brookhaven converted on a well devised in-bounds play underneath their own basket as Jeff Rushing found an open Matthew Evans for a lay-in and an 8-3 lead at the 2:18 mark of the quarter.
Terrance Staten’s basket in the paint pulled Hillcrest to within three points at 8-5 but Brookhaven’s ability to get easy baskets out of a spread offense that has been to this point unstoppable extended the lead to 12-5 on a Sidney Chaffin lob to Brock Smith and Matthew Evans’ backdoor assist to Chaffin to end the opening quarter of play.
Sidney Chaffin sank one of two free throws following a Hillcrest technical foul to give Brookhaven their biggest lead at 17-8 with 3:33 remaining in the half but Hillcrest began showing signs of strengthening on the defensive end. Hillcrest canned 4 of 6 free throws off of Brookhaven turnovers the remaining two minutes of the quarter to trim the deficit to 18-12 at the half.
Brookhaven quickly pushed their lead to 20-12 on a Sidney Chaffin baseline drive but Hillcrest began grabbing momentum. A Ben Lewis jumper from the elbow and a Terrance Staten offensive rebound and put back pulled Hillcrest to 20-16 with 4:48 remaining in the quarter.
Lewis brought the Hillcrest crowd to their feet on a steal and basket at the 2:50 mark and Preston Haynes drained a 3-pointer from the corner to finish off a 9-0 run and give Hillcrest a 21-20 lead, their first since 2-0. (Above) Jeff Rushing of Brookhaven finds Matthew Evans on in-bounds play
Brookhaven would regain the lead at 23-21 on a Matthew Evans basket, plus one, with 54 seconds left to wrap up the third quarter.
Following a Terrance Staten free throw, Brock Smith’s driving lay-in extended the Brookhaven lead to 25-22 with 5:40 remaining. Preston Haynes collected his second 3-pointer of the contest as the senior drilled one from the wing to knot the game at 25-25.
Brookhaven managed to stretch back out to a four point advantage at 29-25 as Brock Smith and Jeff Rushing each canned two free throws but at the 1:50 mark Hillcrest got a big 3-point basket from junior Robert Johnson to pull the Cougars to within one point at 29-28.
Hillcrest cashed in on a Brookhaven turnover and retook the lead at 30-29 on a Spencer Burroughs 17 foot jumper with 1:12 remaining in regulation as the crowd in the Gray Gymnasium reached fever pitch.
Brookhaven remained in their spread offensive set and burned off nearly one minute off the clock before calling a timeout with 15 seconds remaining. Hillcrest’s near steal and deflection out of bounds on the baseline with 7 seconds remaining set up Brookhaven underneath their own basket. (Above) Brookhaven's Matthew Evans (#4) executes with a backdoor lay-in
Brookhaven then executed what they’ve been so successful at doing the entire post-season as Jeff Rushing found a cutting Brock Smith under the basket. Smith was fouled with 4.3 seconds remaining in regulation and calmly sank both free throws as Brookhaven regained the lead at 31-30.
Following a Hillcrest timeout the Cougars’ last ditch effort fell short just a few feet from the basket as time expired and the Brookhaven faithful went wild.
Since falling to 11-9 after the loss at Trinity on January 22 Brookhaven has reeled off wins over Columbia, Simpson, top ranked Central Private, River Oaks and Hillcrest to improve to 17-10 and will take on 2nd ranked Marshall Friday night in the Class AA semi-finals.
Brock Smith led Brookhaven with 12 points, Matthew Evans added 10, Sidney Chaffin 5 and Gage Posey and Jeff Rushing 2 each.
Preston Haynes led Hillcrest (25-5) with 8 points, Robert Johnson added 7, Terrance Staten 6, Ben Lewis 5 and Spencer Burroughs 4.

Oak Hill advances on buzzer beater
Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
If the opening game of the Class AA State Tournament in Brookhaven yesterday is a precursor to what the remainder of the week holds, take a deep breath, it could be wild.
Oak Hill topped Bowling Green 45-43 in opening play in the girl’s bracket on a 17’ jumper from sophomore Anna Ready with 3 seconds remaining in a nail-biter that produced 11 lead changes and was tied 11 times. The game winner followed a 3-pointer from Bowling Green sophomore Mackayla Dykes with 19 seconds remaining to tie the game at 43-43.
Oak Hill wrapped up a physical opening quarter, in which the Lady Raiders shot 10 free throws, holding a slim 9-8 lead and stretched their lead to 12-8 as Rachel Herndon drained a 3-pointer from the top of the key 24 seconds into the second quarter.

(Above) Tori Ellis (#3) of Oak Hill led the Lady Raiders with 11 pts
With Oak Hill clinging to a 13-10 at the 6:15 mark Bowling Green would finish the quarter on a 9-4 run on a 3-pointer from Beth Reedy, two Mackayla Dykes free throws and Melissa Crowe’s two transition baskets to give the Lady Bucs a 19-17 advantage at the half.
Melissa Crowe’s driving bucket to start the third quarter gave Bowling Green the biggest lead either team would enjoy at 21-17.
With Bowling Green maintaining a slim three point lead at 29-26 Oak Hill reeled off five straight points. Following a Maegen Ellis free throw the Lady Raiders cashed in on two consecutive Bowling Green turnovers as Tori Ellis and Maegen Ellis both converted on lay-ups to regain the lead at 31-29 with 1:21 left in the quarter.
Mackayla Dykes’ 7 footer off the glass knotted the game at 31-31 but Oak Hill would take a 33-31 lead into the final quarter on a Shay Atkins basket in the paint with 22 seconds remaining.
Bowling Green fired off four straight points to start the fourth quarter to regain the lead at 35-33 but the Lady Bucs would enjoy that lead for just over one minute as a Tori Ellis 3-pointer from the wing put Oak Hill back on top at 36-35 with 5:58 remaining and an Ellis steal and lay-in gave the Lady Raiders a slim three point cushion at 38-35.

(Above) Mackayla Dykes (#2) of Bowling Green splits two Oak Hill defenders
Beth Reedy’s driving basket and 3 of 4 free throws from Mackayla Dykes on Bowling Green’s next three possessions gave the Lady Bucs a 40-38 advantage with 2:11 left in regulation but that would be the last lead Bowling Green would take.
Anna Ready nailed a 3-pointer from the wing at the 1:27 mark to put Oak Hill back on top at 41-40 and with 45 seconds remaining Tori Ellis expanded the lead to 43-40 as the junior canned two free throws.
Bowling Green answered with time at a premium. Mackayla Dykes was perfect on a 3-point attempt from the wing with a hand in her face to tie the game for the eleventh time at 43-43 with 19 seconds remaining.
Following an Oak Hill timeout the stage was set as the Lady Raiders quickly worked the ball down court and Tori Ellis found sophomore Anna Ready open on the wing and delivered the assist for the game winner from 17 feet as time ran out.
With the win Oak Hill (26-9) advances to the semi-finals and will take on top ranked Leake who defeated Prairie View 74-43 yesterday.
Tori Ellis and Maegen Ellis each had 11 points to lead 4th ranked Oak Hill, Rachel Herndon added 9, Paige Dawkins and Anna Ready had 6 apiece and Shay Atkins 2.
Bowling Green (20-11) and ranked #5 was led by Mackayla Dykes with 20 points, Melissa Crowe and Caroline Haik had 8 each and Beth Reedy 7.

Game Winning Shot Below

Saints recapture swagger, advance to face Wayne
Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
Coming off a dramatic double overtime loss to Tunica just five days ago the 3rd ranked Greenville Christian Saints knew Tuesday’s first round Class A State matchup with 2nd ranked Claiborne was a loser go home game. The motivation from that loss was revealing as the Saints took the lead for good five minutes into the opening quarter and kept Claiborne in check en-route to a 61-55 win to advance to the second round where they’ll face a hot 7th ranked Wayne squad.
Claiborne’s Oliver Willis got off to a scorching start as the senior scored the Rebel’s first seven points to grab a 7-6 lead with 3:09 remaining in the first quarter. Greenville Christian recaptured the lead on a Harry Williams driving bucket and the senior guard promptly converted a half court steal into a quick lay-in to put the Saints on top 10-7 at the 2:45 mark. Mike Hardy hit on one of two free throws to increase the lead to 11-7 but an Oliver Willis steal and basket pulled the Rebels to within two points at 11-9. Greenville Christian would answer and grab their biggest lead on a Hunter Burford 3-pointer from the deep corner to end the opening quarter with the Saints maintaining a 14-9 advantage. Greenville Christian threatened to pull away to begin the second quarter. Following a Claiborne free throw the Saints extended their lead to 17-10 on another Burford 3-pointer and at the 5:33 mark Mike Hardy’s basket in the paint pushed the lead to 19-10.
That nine point lead evaporated quickly as Claiborne capitalized on three consecutive Greenville Christian turnovers and reeled off six straight points, all coming from Oliver Willis, to trim the deficit to 19-16 with 3:25 left in the half.
Greenville Christian answered the challenge and produced a 10-0 run to extend the lead back out 29-16 behind an effective transition game fueled by the play of Harry Williams and junior Steven Suber. The Saints sprinted into the locker-room at the half with a comfortable 30-19 lead.

2nd Half.........
Willie Dean’s lay-up in transition and a Justin Leavy free throw at the 4:04 mark gave the Saints their biggest advantage at 38-22. Claiborne closed the third quarter with a 3-pointer at the buzzer from Jack Colvin to bring the spread back to twelve points at 43-31.

Claiborne managed to pull to within seven points at 57-50 following a Taylor Tuggle 3-pointer from the wing with 1:29 remaining and although Greenville Christian converted on just 4/12 free throws the final 1:24 Claiborne couldn’t capitalize as the Rebels season ended at the hands of Greenville Christian 61-55.
Greenville Christian (30-4) was led by junior Willie Dean with 15 points, Harry Williams and Hunter Burford had 13 each, Steven Suber 10 and Justin Leavy and Mike Hardy 5 apiece.
Oliver Willis led Claiborne (26-3) with 21 points, Ray Malone added 11, Jack Colvin and Taylor Tuggle had 7 each, Jadarius Willis 6 and Jesse Beard 2.
Greenville Christian will take on Wayne (22-5) Thursday at 6:30 pm.

Post Game Comments: GCS Head Coach Calvin Knight

From the Notebook…..
**Southern Sports & Travel has received record numbers of visits over the past two weeks and with basketball season at its’ peak those numbers will spike even higher as the 2011 Overall Tournament draws near. To the many readers each month......Thank you!
**Along with growing numbers comes a higher demand for information and I was very happy this past week that the MAIS linked Southern Sports & Travel to their home page. Additionally, the MAIS has requested that all schools begin reporting scores to Southern Sports and Travel which should speed up the time it takes for readers to find results.
**Nine games in 32 hours that began on Friday with a Presbyterian/MRA girl’s matchup at 1pm followed by a speedy exit that led me north to Grenada and the Class AA North State Tournament at Kirk Academy rounded out the day. On Saturday a drive from Grenada to Columbia for the finals of the Class AA South State Tournament capped off lots of miles and little sleep. This week Benton is on the radar on Tuesday for Class A action and Brookhaven and Madison-Ridgeland for Class AA & AAA play the remainder of the week.
**Upsets dominated the headlines this past week as three top ranked squads were defeated. Presbyterian’s girls were dealt a loss at the hands of MRA on Friday and Class A #1 Greenville Christian lost to Tunica on Saturday, but in case you’ve been under a rock the past few days the biggest upset in many years came on Thursday night as Brookhaven toppled Class AA #1 Central Private. Just as Hillcrest was preparing to take over the top spot in Class AA the Cougars were upset by Marshall on a 3-pointer at the buzzer. This post-season is shaping up to be a special one and the biggest question yet to be answered is…..will MRA’s streak end?
**Baseball preseason rankings have been delayed due to the enormous demand with the ongoing basketball post season. The new target date is February 20th.
**Schools interesting in supporting Southern Sports & Travel can call 985-750-3455 or email aafandaman@yahoo.com for sponsorship ad rates. Business ad rates are also available for those businesses wishing to support Southern Sports & Travel.

Columbia makes case for best in state
Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
Columbia, Mississippi was the setting last night for the Class AA South State Championship matchup between 3rd ranked Columbia and #7 Brookhaven. Columbia overcame a 10-7 opening quarter deficit with a 16-2 second quarter run that helped propel the Cougars to a 46-30 win to earn their first South State title since 1996.
Columbia ran out to a 5-2 lead thanks to a quick start from senior point guard Tanner Pace who sank 3 of 4 free throws and drilled a 17’ jumper during the first three minutes of play, but Brookhaven would control the remaining five minutes of the opening quarter. Gage Posey’s steal and basket pulled Brookhaven to within one point at 5-4 and after a Christian Robbins offensive rebound and put back pushed the Columbia lead back to 7-4 Brookhaven closed out the quarter strong. Jeff Rushing served up an assist to Matthew Evans and a Sidney Chaffin hard drive to the rim gave Brookhaven an 8-7 lead with 2:12 remaining in the quarter. Brock Smith’s bucket with 3 seconds left ended the opening quarter with Brookhaven enjoying a 10-7 advantage. Brookhaven expanded their lead to 12-7 on a Posey offensive rebound and put back 15 seconds into the second quarter and with Columbia’s 6’10” senior Christian Robbins on the bench with two early fouls Brookhaven seemed to have captured the momentum.
Enter Columbia sophomore Alex Price who quickly changed the flow of the game and ignited the huge Columbia crowd on hand. Price methodically sank a 3-pointer from the wing at the 6:50 mark to halt a Brookhaven 8-0 run. Tanner Pace then converted a Brookhaven turnover into a bucket to tie the game at 12-12 and Price hit another 3-pointer from the same spot on the floor to give the Cougars a 15-12 lead that they would not relinquish.
With Columbia holding a 20-14 advantage Price would send the Columbia student section into a frenzy as the sophomore drilled his third 3-pointer of the quarter with 39 seconds remaining to give Columbia their biggest lead at 23-14.
Brookhaven would pull back to within six points at 23-17 to begin the third quarter as Brock Smith converted on one of two free throws and hit a 12’ jumper over Christian Robbins, but the deficit quickly swelled back to twelve points as Cole Oglesbee and Tanner Pace drained 3-pointers on consecutive Columbia possessions. Columbia pushed their lead to 33-19 to end the third quarter as an Oglesbee to Taylor Fortenberry assist expanded the lead to fourteen.
Brookhaven fired off six straight points to begin the final quarter of play. Gage Posey canned a 3-pointer from the top of the key and Sidney Chaffin’s basket off a loose ball, plus one, pulled Brookhaven to 33-25 with 4:45 left in regulation.
The remaining 4:45 would belong to Columbia. The Cougars hit 11/14 free throws down the stretch along with a Christian Robbins basket to seal up a 13-5 run to end the game with Columbia capturing the Class AA South State Championship with a 46-30 win.
Tanner Pace led Columbia with 13 points, Alex Price added 12 (Three 3’s), Christian Robbins had 10 points and 13 rebounds, Taylor Fortenberry 6, Cole Oglesbee 3 and Jas Stringer 2.
Brookhaven was led by Brock Smith with 14 points, Gage Posey added 9, Sidney Chaffin 5 and Matthew Evans 2.
Columbia (27-5) will enter the Class AA State Tournament at Brookhaven next week as the top seed from the south while Brookhaven (16-10) will fill the #2 seed.

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Post Game Comments: Columbia Head Coach Reid McCay

Lady Cougars capture top seed
Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
A stingy defense and the play of seniors Anna Katelyn Mangold and Mary Lindsey Magee, who combined for 29 points, lifted 2nd ranked Brookhaven to a 48-36 win over 9th ranked Bowling Green to win the Class AA South State Championship in Columbia on Saturday.
Brookhaven earned their 11th South State title in the past 13 years and will enter next week’s state tourney in a familiar position, the #1 seed from the south.
While Brookhaven managed to capture the top seed in Class AA South on Saturday it wasn’t an easy task as the Lady Cougars had their hands full with a much improved Bowling Green squad. Bowling Green grabbed an early 5-4 lead on Beth Reedy’s 3-pointer from the wing but Brookhaven’s strategy was clear from the onset as post players Mangold and Magee dominated the paint early on as the two seniors scored Brookhaven’s first 13 points, but with 2:54 remaining in the opening quarter the Lady Cougar’s were clinging to a 13-11 lead.
Following a Summer Calhoun free throw that extended the lead to 14-11 Bowling Green knotted the contest on a Melissa Crowe driving lay-in, plus one, with 45 seconds left in the quarter.
Brookhaven regained the lead on a Terah Winborne driving basket off the glass at the 24 second mark and Mary Lindsey Magee hit on one of two free throws to give the Lady Cougars a 17-14 lead after one quarter of play.
Magee and Anna Katelyn Mangold both hit short jumpers to give Brookhaven their biggest lead at 21-14 less than two minutes into the second quarter but the Lady Cougars couldn’t shake Bowling Green. Caroline Haik’s jumper from the elbow and two Beth Reedy free throws pulled Bowling Green to within five points twice in the final half of the quarter but a Terah Winborne baseline drive with 5 seconds left sent the 2nd ranked Lady Cougars into the locker-room holding a seven point advantage at 29-22.
Brookhaven would grab their biggest lead of the game at 34-24 at the 5:20 mark of the third quarter on a Terah Winborne 3-pointer from the corner but Bowling Green answered with a 9-0 run sparked by Melissa Crowe’s driving floater over Anna Katelyn Mangold to pull the Lady Bucs to within one point at 34-33 with 1:37 left in the third quarter.
Brookhaven closed out the scoring in the quarter on a Marian Allen 3-pointer from the corner to take a 37-33 lead.

Mary Lindsey Magee and Anna Katelyn Mangold both converted baskets in the paint to start the fourth quarter to give Brookhaven some breathing room at 41-33 just over one minute in.
Bowling Green would pull to within six points at 41-35 on two Caroline Haik free throws at the 5:27 mark but Brookhaven would finish with a 7-1 run capped off by Terah Winborne who canned 4 of 4 from the line the final one minute of play to give Brookhaven a 48-36 win.
“Bowling Green played really well today,” said Brookhaven head coach Barry Gray. “They made us have to play at another level and our post play and defensive effort was good.”
Brookhaven improves to 25-3 heading into next week’s Class AA state tournament at Brookhaven as the top seed from the south while Bowling Green falls to 18-11 and will be the #2 seed.
Mary Lindsey Magee had a game high 17 points to lead Brookhaven, Terah Winborne added 13, Anna Katelyn Mangold had 12, Marian Allen 4 and Summer Calhoun and Anna Lofton had 1 apiece.
Bowling Green was led by Mackayla Dykes and freshman Melissa Crowe with 11 points each, Caroline Haik and Beth Reedy had 5 apiece and Laken Adams 4.

Laurel Christian Takes Division II Soccer Title

Laurel Christian won the MAIS Division II Overall State Championship on Saturday by defeating Central Hinds 2-1. The Lions wrapped up the 2010-2011 season with a 13-2 record.

MRA upsets top ranked Presbyterian

Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas

The 4th ranked MRA Lady Patriots came out of a 15-13 halftime deficit and pounded top ranked Presbyterian with a 15-0 third quarter run to upset the Lady Bobcats 44-28 in Class AAA Division I semi-final action on the campus of Jackson Prep yesterday afternoon. A balanced scoring attack and a stifling defense that caused major headaches throughout the second half for Presbyterian propelled a now healthy MRA squad to their 27th win of the season and a date with Jackson Academy in the finals this afternoon. Jackson Academy upset 2nd ranked Jackson Prep to earn the other finals spot. (Above) Anna Claire Henderson (#5) of MRA goes strong to the rim
Trista Magee would give Presbyterian an early 8-7 lead with a 3-pointer from the wing but Magee would leave the game after picking up her 2nd foul of the quarter at the 2:52 mark. The Lady Bobcats would add to their lead by hitting on 3 of 4 free throws but MRA would knot the game at 11-11 on a jumper from Haley Cox and an Anna Claire Henderson 8’ jumper at the buzzer to end the opening quarter of play.
Neither squad found the basket during a nearly four minute opening stretch of the 2nd quarter that saw each team turn the ball over on consecutive possessions. Erin Holifield’s assist to Monica Breland in the paint put Presbyterian on top 13-11 at the 4:17 mark and two Allison Dueitt free throws increased the lead to 15-11. MRA would capitalize on Presbyterian’s 5th turnover of the quarter as Haley Cox served up an assist to Marye Will Mitchell to pull MRA to within two points at 15-13 to end the half.
Presbyterian would get a basket from Erin Holifield ten seconds into the 3rd quarter to give the Lady Bobcats a 17-13 cushion but MRA caught fire both offensively and defensively. Anna Claire Henderson canned two free throws and junior Jessica Whitehead drilled two 3-pointers from the top of the key on consecutive possessions to give MRA a 21-17 lead with 6:28 remaining in the quarter. Marye Will Mitchell sank a 17’ jumper and Whitehead collected her third 3-pointer of the quarter to push the lead to 26-17 with just over four minutes left in the half. MRA completed a 15-0 run on a Mitchell 18’ jumper following a Presbyterian turnover to give MRA a 28-17 advantage. Presbyterian broke the run on Erin Holifield’s basket in the paint to close out the 3rd quarter with MRA holding a 28-19 lead. (Above) MRA senior Caroline Kerley (#25) scored 10 pts in the win
Following a Trista Magee jumper from the baseline that started the scoring in the final quarter MRA produced a 9-0 run to take their biggest lead of the afternoon at 37-21 with 3:18 remaining in regulation.
Presbyterian would pull to within thirteen points with just under two minutes remaining but MRA added three free throws in the closing seconds to take a big 44-28 semi-final win.
MRA received balanced scoring from its’ starting five. Caroline Kerley, Anna Claire Henderson, Jessica Whitehead and Marye Will Mitchell each had 10 points and Haley Cox added 4.
Presbyterian was led by Trista Magee’s 10 points, Erin Holifield added 6, Monica Breland 5, Logan Venus 4 and Allison Dueitt 3.
MRA improves to 27-8 while Presbyterian falls to 21-6.
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Post Game Comments: MRA Head Coach Stephen Force

Raiderettes advance at North State AA

Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas

The 3rd ranked Kirk Raiderettes advanced to the North State Class AA semi-finals but it wasn’t easy as Lamar gave the host team all they wanted for one half of play. Kirk senior Kelsey Marter led all scorers with 17 points and helped fuel a dominating second half in which the Kirk defense held Lamar to three points en-route to a 40-23 win to improve to 27-9 on the year.
Lamar used a 14-6 run, sparked by sophomore Olivia Mabry midway through the 2nd quarter to pull to within one point at 19-18 with 1:44 left in the half and would go into halftime trailing by just three points at 23-20. Kirk increased their lead to 25-20 on Audra Woods 8 footer at the 5:10 mark of the 3rd quarter and went up 27-20 on an offensive rebound and put back from Carmen Woods. Following a Lamar free throw Kirk would finish the quarter with two free throws from Kelsey Marter and an offensive rebound and score at the buzzer from Woods to send Kirk into the final quarter with their biggest lead at 31-21.
Olivia Mabry’s steal and lay-in at the 6:45 mark of the 4th quarter got Lamar to within eight points at 31-23 but they would get no closer as Kirk ran off nine straight points to end the contest in what would be their biggest lead of the night at 40-23.
Kelsey Marter led Kirk with 17 points, Carmen Woods added 12, Allye Lundy had 7 and Audra Woods 4.
Olivia Mabry’s 9 points led Lamar, Allison Justus and Miller Watkins had 5 each and Natalie Williams and Madison Lee 2 apiece.
Kirk will take on 4th ranked Oak Hill in the semi-finals today. Oak Hill improved to 23-8 with a 51-38 win over Hillcrest in the early game yesterday.

Simpson and West Memphis will meet in north semis

Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas

The 6th ranked Simpson Cougars pounded District 2AA top seed Oak Hill 70-30 in 2nd round action last night. Seniors Devin Millis and Austin Herrington combined for 37 points as the Cougars advance to the semi-final round and qualify for the Class AA State Tournament next week at Brookhaven. Simpson’s pressure defense and transition game helped build an early 15-2 advantage midway through the opening quarter of play and the Cougars took a 20 point cushion into the locker-room at the half en-route to the 40 point victory.
Devin Millis led Simpson with a game high 19 points, Austin Herrington added 18, Garrett Taylor had 12, Walt Prince 8, Josh Hankins 5 and Josh Broadhead and Michael Layton 4 each.
Zach Bryan led Oak Hill with 10 points.
Simpson improves to 22-9 and will battle West Memphis in North State semi-final action tonight in Grenada.

West Memphis punched their ticket to the state tournament with an 82-54 win over Carroll. Senior David Robilio and sophomore Grant Campbell combined for 42 points as the 8th ranked Black Knights upped their season mark to 20-7 under first year head coach Jeff Dalton.
West Memphis had their hands full with Carroll early on. The #3 seed from District 2AA matched baskets with West Memphis through the first half of the opening quarter and took their one and only lead at 13-12 on a Nicholas Mumme fast break bucket at the 3:40 mark but West Memphis finished the quarter with an 8-0 to take a 20-13 lead into the second quarter. David Robilio’s assist to Will Riley to start the second quarter extended the West Memphis advantage to 22-13 but Carroll fought with the aid of two Mumme 3-pointers and with four minutes left in the half the Rebels had trimmed the deficit to 25-23.
West Memphis finished the half with a 10-4 run that was capped off by a Robilio soft floater off the glass from 8’ out to give the Black Knights a 35-27 halftime lead.
Carroll stayed within striking distance in the 3rd quarter as the Rebels kept West Memphis from pulling away. Breland Marett’s 15’ jumper closed out a 3rd quarter that saw West Memphis increase their lead by three points to 53-42.
With West Memphis maintaining a 65-52 lead midway through the 4th quarter the Black Knights closed the door on Carroll by finishing the game with a 19-2 run to take the 28 point win.
David Robilio of West Memphis led all scorers with 22 points, Grant Campbell added 20, Jordan Blann and Aaron Crouch had 12 apiece, Will Riley had 8, Zach Jones 6 and TJ Newcomb 2.
Breland Marett led Carroll with 13 points, Nicholas Mumme had 11, Peyton Banes and Hayden Harrell had 9 each, Adam Jennings 7 and Justin Blaylock 5.

Shockwaves in Columbia, Brookhaven upsets Rebels
Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
If you felt the earth shake last night just past 9:00 pm it was due to an enormous eruption inside a packed and tension laden Columbia Academy gymnasium. In what many are calling one of the biggest upsets in recent MAIS history the 7th ranked Brookhaven Cougars took down top ranked Central Private 29-25 in a classic “David versus Goliath” matchup to advance to the semi-finals of the South State Class AA tournament, but more importantly the Cougars qualified for the Class AA State tournament to be held at Brookhaven next week.
With the stunning defeat Central Private’s season ends and Brookhaven’s quest for a 7th consecutive state championship is alive and well.
Speculation was rampant leading up to the contest as to what strategy would be employed by Brookhaven to match the explosive Central Private offense. That speculation ended quickly as Brookhaven displayed superior patience and discipline on their first possession of the night and took a 2-0 lead on a Gage Posey lay-in with just over two minutes gone in the opening quarter.
Central Private answered with a Lance Wicker 3-pointer from the wing for their first basket of the night at the 5:35 mark.
Brookhaven’s spread offensive set paid dividends as Gage Posey converted on another basket created off a back screen, plus one, to put the Cougars back on top 5-3 with 2:55 left in the first quarter. (Above) Brookhaven's Sidney Chaffin (#33) shoots over Taylor Fletcher of CP
Central Private knotted the contest at 5-5 as Jake Flaggert and Taylor Fletcher each hit one of two free throws on consecutive possessions but another backdoor basket, this time from Brookhaven junior Brock Smith, would send the Cougars into the second quarter holding a 7-5 advantage as the Brookhaven faithful were ecstatic and Central Private fans had looks of concern.
Central Private gave Rebel fans what they had hoped for in the second quarter. Jake Flaggert and Taylor Fletcher each drilled 3-pointers to spearhead a 10-2 run that gave the Rebels a 15-9 lead with 53 seconds remaining in the half.
The half would end with what Brookhaven head coach Dale Watts described as a critical basket as Gage Posey victimized the Central Private defense with yet another back door lay-in with 9 seconds remaining to trim the deficit to 15-11 at the halfway point.
In what proved to be one of the more curious strategies of the game Central Private came out in the third quarter in a spread offense and burned nearly two minutes off the clock culminating on a missed jumper from Simpson Anderson. Brookhaven would strike first in the quarter at the 4:08 mark as junior Jeff Rushing converted on a baseline drive to cut the Central Private lead to 15-13 and Sidney Chaffin’s 10’ turn-around jumper off the glass tied the contest at 15-15 with 1:13 left in the third quarter. That would cap the scoring in a quarter that saw Central Private go scoreless. (Above) Dave Jackson (#15) of Central Private with a lay-in
The level of tension reached fever pitch as Brookhaven quickly got a back door bucket from senior Sidney Chaffin and Gage Posey’s lay-in following a Central Private turnover with 6:41 remaining capped a Brookhaven 8-0 run to give the defending champions a 19-15 cushion.
Brookhaven took their biggest lead of the night at 27-21 with 2:39 remaining in the game as Brock Smith capitalized on a Central Private turnover with a lay-in but Central Private fired back with an offensive rebound and put back from Taylor Fletcher and a Dave Jackson basket with 2:01 left cut the deficit to 27-25.
That would be Central Private’s last score of the night. Neither squad could cash in on multiple turnovers down the stretch but Brookhaven’s Jeff Rushing would ice the game with two free throws with 13 seconds remaining to give Brookhaven a shocking 29-25 upset win.
With the win Brookhaven improves to 15-9 while Central Private ends their season at 27-3.
Brookhaven was led by sophomore Gage Posey who had a game high 11 points, Sidney Chaffin added 8, Jeff Rushing and Brock Smith 4 each and Matthew Evans had 2.
Taylor Fletcher led Central Private with 8 points, Jake Flaggert and Lance Wicker added 6 apiece, Simpson Anderson had 3 and Dave Jackson 2.
Brookhaven will take on River Oaks this afternoon in semi-final action.

Postgame Comments: Brookhaven Head Coach Dale Watts

River Oaks tailback Teshadi Talton signs

River Oaks tailback Teshadi Talton has signed to play football at Northwest Mississipi Community College in Senatobia. Talton is pictured above with River Oaks head coach Robert Hannah.