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.

Presbyterian softball standout signs

Presbyterian softball standout Ramsi Dykes has signed on to play softball at William Carey University.
Pictured: Seated from left to right Donna Dykes (mother), Ramsi Dykes, Bob Dykes (father); Standing left to right Craig Fletcher (WCU assistant coach), Wendy Hogue (WCU Head coach), Gary Harris (PCS softball coach).

Photo courtesy of Ty Allushuski, Lamar County Times

Sills Signs with Mississippi Delta

Central Hinds offensive lineman Austin Sills has sign to play football at Mississippi Delta Community College. Pictured above: Central Hinds Head Coach Todd Montgomery, Austin Sills and Headmaster Steven Harrell.

Southern Sports & Travel Player of the Year signs

Trinity quarterback Givonni Dent has signed with Southeastern Louisiana University to play football. Standing from left, Gabrielle Knight, Lucinda Knight, Patricia Dent, Vincent Knight Jr., Vincent Knight Sr., Coach David King and Cadonna Knight.

Photo courtesy of Vincent Knight

Mitchell signs with Mississippi Delta

Central Hinds offensive lineman Nick Mitchell has signed to play football at Mississippi Delta Community College. Above L to R: Central Hinds Head Coach Todd Montgomery, Nick Mitchell and Headmaster Steven Harrell.

Tunica brothers sign with East Central

Freeman and Stephen Gray of Tunica have signed on to play football at East Central Community College.
Seated from left to right: Stephen Gray, Tanja Spencer (mom), Freeman Gray
Standing from left to right: Junior Spencer (step father), Ed Beach (Headmaster), and Jimmy Hicks (Head football coach)

Farrior inks with Hinds Community College

Hunter Farrior of Central Hinds has signed a scholarship to play football at Hinds Community College.
Left to right: Front row- Bill Farrior (father), Hunter Farrior, JJ Farrior (mom). Back row- Steven Harrell (headmaster), Todd Montgomery (head coach)

Four Oak Forest Yellow Jackets Sign Today

Seated from left, Sawyer Wynn signed a football scholarship with Southwest Community College, Christopher Gill signed a baseball scholarship with Southwest Community College, James Peterson signed a baseball scholarship with The University of Louisiana-Lafayette and Drew Misita signed a football scholarship with Southeastern Louisiana University. Standing is Oak Forest football Offensive Coordinator Coach Edwin Reeves.

Photo courtesy of Alissa Cannon of The Amite Tangi Digest

Rogers signs with Copiah-Lincoln

Brookhaven quarterback Chandler Rogers has signed to play football at Copiah-Lincoln Community College. Seated above: Jeff Rogers (Dad), Chandler Rogers and Karen Rogers (Mom), Standing: Brookhaven Coach Herbert Davis and Brookhaven Assistant Coach Robert Young.

Signings

Football
*Trevor Watkins - Sylva Bay - Jones County CC
*Simeon Wright - Sylva Bay - Jones County CC
*Mac McDonald - Magnolia Heights - Northwest Mississippi CC
*Chandler Rogers - Brookhaven - Copiah-Lincoln CC
*Givonni Dent - Trinity - Southeastern Louisiana University
*Drew Misita - Oak Forest - Southeastern Louisiana University
*Justin Malone - MRA - Mississippi State University
*Sawyer Wynn - Oak Forest - Southwest CC
*Cody Prewitt - Sylva Bay - Ole Miss
*Ja'Quez Taylor - Pillow - Mississippi Delta CC
*Luke Kimmel - Pillow - Quachita Baptist University
*Brandon Milner - Pillow - East Central CC
*Freeman Gray - Tunica - East Central CC
*Stephen Gray - Tunica - East Central CC
*Jack Tharp - MRA - Delta State University
*Hunter Farrior - Central Hinds - Hinds CC
*Nick Mitchell - Central Hinds - Mississippi Delta CC
*Austin Sills - Central Hinds - Mississippi Delta CC
*Michael Brinson - University Christian - USM
*Michael Hardy - Greenville Christian - Mississippi Delta CC
*Justin Leavy - Greenville Christian - Mississippi Delta CC
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Baseball
*Chris Gill - Oak Forest - Southwest CC
*Jason Milton - Bowling Green - Southwest CC
*Brandon Austin - Parklane - Southwest CC
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Softball
*Ramsi Dykes - Presbyterian - William Carey
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Please email signing photos to aafandaman@yahoo.com

The Latest

**A discussion board has been added to Southern Sports & Travel. Please feel free to post announcements or issues relating to MAIS athletics. The link is located on the right sidebar of the website or just click on "discussion board" above.

**Brookhaven quarterback Chandler Rogers is expected to sign with Copiah-Lincoln.

**Pillow Academy boy's head basketball coach Steven Makamson has announced his resignation effective at the end of the season. Makamson is in his sixth season and has compiled a 102-69 mark and two Overall Tournament appearances.

**PLEASE TEXT ALL TOURNAMENT SCORES AND POST SEASON "SHOUT OUTS" TO 985-750-3455

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.

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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.

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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.
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.
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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)