Simpson improves to 16-5 with road win
Southern Sports & Travel
The sixth ranked Simpson Cougars got all they wanted from Columbia for three quarters last night but managed to pull away in the fourth quarter behind Austin Douglas and Garrett Taylor’s combined 27 points to get a 63-51 road win and improve to 16-5 on the season.

Columbia took a 2-0 lead on Logan Cooke’s 12 foot jumper but Simpson would control much of the opening quarter as they put together a 10-2 run with 6’8” junior Bubba Edmundson accounting for six points in the paint to take a 14-4 lead with just over a minute left. Brooks Robinson’s 3-pointer from the top of the key would cut the Simpson margin in half at 14-7 to end the opening quarter of play.

Simpson jumped out to a 21-9 lead less than two minutes into the second quarter. Nate Ashley and Walt Prince nailed 3-pointers to spur a 7-2 run and Simpson appeared to be in full control in a physical first half that included 34 free throws between both teams but Columbia got the hot hand and climbed back into the game.

Following two free throws from Columbia’s Kyle Smith, Alex Price canned a 3-pointer from the wing at the 5:49 mark to cut the deficit to 21-14 and Price hit another 3-pointer following a Kalin McKenzie free throw to pull Columbia to within three points at 21-18.

(Above) Simpson's Austin Douglas (#34) had 14 fourth quarter points

PJ Hammond’s steal and lay-in at the 5:10 mark finished off an 11-0 Columbia run and narrowed Simpson’s lead to just one point at 21-20.

Simpson was unable to shake Columbia but maintained a lead until late in the half when a Kalin McKenzie baseline drive knotted the contest at 26-26 with 36 seconds remaining.

Columbia grabbed their first lead since 2-0 on two Brandon Bell free throws with 4 seconds left to take a 29-28 lead into halftime.

Columbia got off fast to start the third quarter as Alex Price hit another 3-pointer to give CA their biggest lead at 32-28 but Simpson ran off five straight points to retake the lead at 33-32 with 5:18 remaining in the quarter.

Columbia answered back with a Brandon Bell 15 foot jumper and an Alex Price lay-in off a Simpson turnover to go up 36-33 but baskets would come at a premium for Columbia over the next four minutes of the quarter.

Walt Prince drained a long 3-pointer from the wing to tie the game at 36-36 and a floater in the lane from Simpson’s Josh Hankins gave the Cougars a 38-36 lead.

Simpson quickly pushed their lead to 42-36 as Tyler King served up an assist to Hankins and Andrew Berry pulled down an offensive rebound and scored with 2:59 left in the quarter.

Simpson increased their lead to eight points at 46-38 on two Garrett Taylor free throws but Columbia stayed close as Alex Price hit his fourth 3-pointer of the night to close the quarter down by five points at 46-41.

(Above) Columbia's Alex Price (#10) led all scorers with 15 points

Columbia got to within three points at 46-43 to start the final quarter as a Brooks Robinson transition bucket got the home crowd fired up but Simpson responded with a 10-0 run fueled by Austin Douglas who scored eight of those points and notched an assist on the other basket to propel Simpson to a 56-43 advantage with 3:15 remaining in the contest.

After Columbia’s Adam Ham hit a 3-pointer Simpson reeled off six straight points to take their biggest lead of the night at 62-46 with just over one minute remaining en-route to the 63-51 win.

Austin Douglas led Simpson with 14 points, Garrett Taylor had 13, Bubba Edmundson 8, Tyler King and Nate Ashley 7 each, Josh Hankins 6, Walt Prince and Andrew Berry 3 apiece and Joshua Broadhead 2.

Columbia (9-12) was led by Alex Price with 15 points, Brandon Bell 10, Kalin McKenzie 6, Brooks Robinson 5, Garrett Magee and Adam Ham 3 each, Kyle Smith, Logan Cooke and PJ Hammond each had 2 and Josh Broom 1.

Simpson will travel to Copiah Thursday while Columbia will host Adams Christian in District 5-AA action tonight.
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Simpson clutch down the stretch

Southern Sports & Travel

The Simpson Lady Cougars overcame a sluggish first quarter to get a 41-33 road win at Columbia last night. Lauren Griffin led tenth ranked Simpson with 10 points as eight different Lady Cougars led a balanced attack in defeating ninth ranked Columbia.

Columbia got off to a quick start in building an early 10-2 lead behind the play of freshman Anna Wilks and senior Sissy Price.

Simpson countered with a critical 5-2 run to end the quarter as Abby Dunston converted in the paint and Kasey McWilliams drained a 3-pointer from the top of the key to narrow the deficit to 12-7.

(Above) Auguste Knight (#24) of Simpson shoots over Columbia's Clare Herring (#12)

Anna Wilks’ fast break basket to start the second quarter pushed the Columbia lead back to seven at 14-7 but Simpson’s defensive pressure started taking a toll on Columbia. Simpson held Columbia scoreless the remaining six minutes of the quarter and started warming on the offensive end as well.

After a Callie Martin free throw Simpson cut the margin to 14-10 on a Hallie Stubbs basket in the paint and then at the 3:57 mark Stubbs nailed a baseline jumper to pull Simpson to within two points at 14-12.

Simpson tied the game after Brittany Gardner fought for a loose ball and scored with just over one minute left in the half and the Lady Cougars took their first lead of the night as Hallie Stubbs scored off an offensive rebound with 39 seconds left to end the half on top 16-14.

Simpson maintained the lead throughout the early stages of  the third quarter and took their biggest advantage at 21-16 on a Lacey Thames 3-pointer from the wing at the 4:41 mark but Columbia fought back.

Anna Wilks fired back with a 3-pointer to keep Columbia within striking distance and regained the lead at 24-23 on two Wilks free throws with 2:04 left in the third quarter.

(Above) Columbia freshman Anna Wilks (#5) drives in the first half

Columbia extended their lead to three points at 26-23 on a Dianna Hobgood jumper from 8 feet but Simpson countered with a Lauren Griffin basket from 18 feet and an Auguste Knight jumper in the paint to go back in front at 27-26 with 28 seconds remaining in the quarter. Columbia knotted the game at 27-27 on a Clare Herring free throw.

Columbia took the lead at 28-27 on a Sissy Price free throw one minute into the final quarter but that would be the last lead Columbia would enjoy on the night. Simpson produced a 10-3 run that was capped on two free throws from Kasey McWilliams at the 1:21 mark of the quarter and the Lady Cougars hit on 8/9 free throws down the stretch to take a big 41-33 road win back to Mendenhall.

“I thought we made some good adjustments during the game,” said Simpson head coach David Granville. “We showed a good ability to apply pressure and shoot free throws in the fourth quarter and it’s a win against a good team and a great coach.”

Simpson improves to 14-7 on the season and was led by Lauren Griffin’s 10 points, Kasey McWilliams added 7, Auguste Knight, Hallie Stubbs and Brittany Gardner each had 6 points, Lacey Thames 3, Abby Dunston 2 and Callie Martin 1.

“We get back into district play Friday at home against Wayne and our goal is to go undefeated in district and I think our girls are prepared,” said Granville.

Columbia falls to 13-7 and was led by Anna Wilks with 12 points, Sissy Price 10, Dianna Hobgood 6, Clare Herring 3 and Greta Carley 2.

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Bowling Green wins 17th straight

Southern Sports & Travel

The Bowling Green Lady Bucs rolled into Centreville last night sporting a 20-1 record, a Class AA #1 ranking and riding a 16 game winning streak but struggled in picking up a 42-32 district win over the home-standing Lady Tigers. Freshman Reagan Moody and sophomore Melissa Crowe combined for 23 points to lead Bowling Green to their 21^st win of the season but more importantly 4-0 in District 6-AA play.

Centreville looked to be up to the challenge as the Lady Tigers got a 3-point bucket from Katie Berry and a steal and lay-in from Tori Rouse to take a quick 5-0 lead just over one minute into the contest.

(Above) Reagan Moody (#13) led Bowling Green with 12 pts

Bowling Green got on the board at the 5:18 mark on a Reagan Moody free throw and the Lady Bucs then reeled off 13 straight points as five different players contributed to a 14-0 run to take a 14-5 advantage with 41 seconds left in the opening quarter of play.

Centreville’s Katie Berry halted the run with a basket in the paint at the 23 seconds mark but Bowling Green closed the quarter on a Caroline Haik offensive rebound and put back to give the Lady Bucs a 15-7 lead in a quarter of play in which six different Bowling Green players notched a basket.

After two Ashton Crum free throws trimmed the deficit to 15-9 to start the second quarter Bowling Green stretched their lead to ten points at 19-9 on a Melissa Crowe bucket and a Caroline Haik assist to Crowe at the 5:55 mark but Centreville kept it close as Renee Miley canned a 17 foot jumper and Harley McKey hit two free throws to narrow the margin to 19-13 with 3:21 left in the half.

Centreville would head into the locker room at the half down 23-17 following a Tori Rouse bucket off a Bowling Green turnover.

Centreville’s late second quarter momentum carried over into the start of the third quarter. Harley McKey hit on one of two free throws to cut the lead to 23-18 ten seconds into the quarter and after a Melissa Crowe lay-in at the 7:02 mark put Bowling Green back up by seven at 25-18 the Lady Tigers drew to within four points on a Katie Berry 3-pointer from the wing.

(Above) Centreville's Katie Berry (#11) had a game high 21 points

Bowling Green stretched back out to a 29-21 advantage on Caroline Haik’s offensive rebound and put back and a 10 foot jumper from Ashley Foret but the Lady Bucs couldn’t shake Centreville.

Centreville entered the final quarter down eight points at 33-25 but Bowling Green’s Reagan Moody drained a 3-pointer from the wing to push the lead to 36-25 just thirty seconds into the quarter.

Centreville managed to get back to within eight points on a Katie Berry drive with 3:57 remaining but would get no closer as Bowling Green picked up their 21^st win of the season with a 42-32 road win.

Bowling Green was led by Reagan Moody with 12 points, Melissa Crowe added 11, Caroline Haik 6, Mackayla Dykes 5 and Ashley Foret and Breanna McNeese 4 each.

Katie Berry led Centreville with a game high 21 points, Tori Rouse had 4, Harley McKey 3 and Ashton Crum and Renee Miley 2 apiece.

Bowling Green improves to 21-1 and 4-0 in district play. The Lady Bucs will host rival Oak Forest on Tuesday.

Centreville falls to 0-4 and will host Silliman on Tuesday.

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Bucs edge Centreville for district win

Southern Sports & Travel

Bowling Green went into Centreville last night looking to pick up a win to stay within one game of district leading Central Private and the eighth ranked Buccaneers got it, but it wasn’t easy. Sophomore Patrick Roublow scored 19 points to lead Bowling Green to a 48-41 win in a game that produced 12 lead changes and 10 ties.

Bowling Green got out to an early 5-3 lead on Austin Knight’s 3-pointer from the wing at the 5:26 mark of a tight opening quarter but Centreville would put together an 8-2 run over the next three minutes to take an 11-7 lead.

(Above) Bowling Green's Patrick Roublow (#2) gets a 2nd half basket

Bowling Green reclaimed the lead at 15-13 on a driving lay-in from Mac McElveen with less than one minute remaining in the quarter but Centreville answered with a Cale McKey basket in the paint to send the game into the second quarter tied at 15-15.

Neither squad mounted an offensive spurt in the second quarter as both teams traded three baskets each to end the first half tied at 21-21.

Bowling Green looked to take control midway through the third quarter after Centreville had taken a 27-25 lead on Chance Humphrey’s 8 foot basket off the glass. Drew Varnado drained a 3-pointer from the wing and a steal and lay-in from Patrick Roublow gave the Bucs a 30-27 lead and some momentum with 2:33 left in the quarter but Centreville would stay close.

With Bowling Green holding on to a 32-28 lead Centreville finished the quarter with two Chance Humprey’s buckets to pull to within two points at 34-32.

After Bowling Green pushed their lead back to four points one minute into the final quarter at 36-32 on a Patrick Roublow fast break bucket Centreville mounted a 5-0 run on a Michael Keith basket, plus one, and Jake Darden’s lay-in at the six minute mark to retake the lead at 37-36 but that would be the Tigers last lead.

(Above) Corey Gaulden (#11) of Centreville with a shot off the glass in the 1st half

Bowling Green finished the last five minutes of the contest with a 12-4 run as four different Buccaneers contributed down the stretch to seal up a hard fought 48-41 District 6-AA road win.

Sophomore Patrick Roublow led Bowling Green with 19 points, Mac McElveen and Jarrell Mark each had 7, Austin Knight and Drew Varnado  5 apiece, Keith Dufrene 3 and Alex Keaton 2.

Chance Humprey led Centreville with 16 points, Corey Gaulden added 8, Jake Darden 7, Michael Keith 5, Dustin Williams 3 and Cale McKey 2.

Bowling Green improves to 14-6 overall and 4-1 in district play. Next action for the Bucs will be Oak Forest on Tuesday in Franklinton.

Centreville slips to 0-5 in district and will host Silliman Tuesday.

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Kirk Invitational Action

Pillow turns back Kirk to remain unbeaten

Southern Sports & Travel

Two of the best girls teams in their respective classes went to war in round one of the Kirk Invitational Tournament last night in Grenada. The Pillow Lady Mustangs, undefeated and ranked number one in Class AAA, got all they wanted from Class AA fourth ranked Kirk as they held on to win 64-56 before a big and boisterous crowd.

Seniors Kristen Stephens and Walker Kimes combined for 26 points as the top ranked team in the MAIS remained undefeated in improving to 19-0 on the season. The Lady Mustangs will face off with North Delta today.

Kirk looked ready to give Pillow their first loss of the season last night as the Raiderettes quickly established why they are serious contenders to win a Class AA State Championship.

(Above) Pillow's Kristen Stephens (#12) looks to drive past Emily Lundy (#2) of Kirk

Kirk struck early as Carmen Woods drained a 3-pointer from the deep corner just twenty seconds into the game. The Raiderettes were successful in maintaining an up-tempo pace with Pillow early on and it was evident as they built a 15-7 lead following two Carmen Woods free throws at the 3:22 mark.

Walker Kimes hit a 3-pointer from the top of the key and Avery Alderman sank a 17 foot jumper to pull Pillow to within three points at 15-12 at the 2:37 mark but Kirk answered with five straight points of their own to take a 20-12 lead with 1:57 remaining in a high scoring first quarter.

Kirk took a 24-16 eight point cushion into the second quarter but Pillow stepped up their intensity and defensive pressure quickly.

Sage Greenlee’s steal and lay-in started the second quarter for Pillow and Walker Kimes did the same as the Lady Mustangs quickly cut the deficit in half at 24-20 less than one minute into the quarter.

Turnovers continued to plague Kirk and Pillow capitalized. Sage Greenlee sank a 3-pointer from the wing to pull Pillow to within one point at 24-23 forcing a Kirk timeout with 6:11 left in the half.

After a Carmen Woods free throw Pillow took their first lead of the night at 26-25 on a Kristen Stephens 3-pointer from the wing at the 5:08 mark.

The remaining five minutes of the half provided three ties and two lead changes as the teams went chest to chest in an intense and physical battle.

After two Carmen Woods free throws tied the game at 30-30 Pillow took their biggest lead of a closely played first half on a Kristen Stephens 3-pointer with 1:08 remaining to go up 33-30 but Kirk answered.

Hayden Grantham scored in the paint for Kirk with 47 seconds remaining and Emily Lundy picked up a fast break basket with just six seconds left to give the Raiderettes a 34-33 halftime lead.

Kirk would add three free throws during the first two minutes of the third quarter to extend their lead to 37-33 but Pillow’s pressure and bench depth started taking a toll on Kirk.

Kristen Stephens canned another 3-pointer and Avery Alderman’s bucket at the 4:49 mark gave Pillow the lead at 38-37. That lead grew to 43-37 as Pillow capped a 10-0 run on Merritt Belk’s 15 foot jumper with 3:31 left in the quarter.

Kirk closed out the quarter on a Carmen Woods fast break bucket off a Pillow turnover and Daniella Dipalo’s transition basket at the 1:05 mark to trim the lead to 45-43 but Pillow's Qua’Niya Head got a basket in the paint to wrap a physical third quarter with the Lady Mustangs on top 47-43.

Pillow threatened to gain separation in the opening minutes of the final quarter. Merritt Belk’s offensive rebound and put back gave the Lady Mustangs a six point cushion at 49-43 and following two Daniella Dipalo free throws Pillow increased their lead to 52-45 on a Walker Kimes 3-pointer from the top of the key.

After two Kirk free throws Pillow would grab their biggest lead of the night. Christian Robertson’s baseline drive was followed up by a Qua’Niya Head bucket to extend the Pillow lead to 56-47 with 4:52 remaining in the game but the Lady Mustangs couldn’t shake Kirk.

The Raiderettes pulled back to within six points at 58-52 on a Carmen Woods bucket on the block with four minutes left but Kirk couldn’t capitalize on four Pillow turnovers down the stretch.

Kirk failed to cut into that six point deficit on four trips down the court following those four Pillow turnovers during a two minute span and the Lady Mustangs went 4/4 on the line in the last 30 seconds to secure a 64-56 win.

Kristen Stephens led Pillow with 15 points, Walker Kimes added 11, Sage Greenlee, Qua’Niya Head and Christian Robertson each had 8, Merritt Belk 6 and Avery Alderman and Chloe Bush had 4 each.

Kirk (17-4) was led by Carmen Woods who had a game high 26 points, Daniella Dipalo added 8, Emily Lundy 7, Hayden Grantham 6, Jordan Rutland 5, Beth Boxx 3 and Beth Tillman 2.

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Oak Hill erupts in second half for win

Southern Sports & Travel

Oak Hill broke open what was a close first half against home-standing Kirk last night in the Kirk Invitational Tournament to record a 47-28 win and improve to 12-6 on the season. Sophomore AJ Jones had a game high 18 points to lead the seventh ranked Raiders who will take on Pillow this evening.

Neither squad could garner any separation in a close back and forth first quarter that would end tied up at 10-10.

Kirk would grab their first lead of the evening at 14-12 on Jake Poe’s steal and basket with 4:51 remaining in the second quarter and immediately extended that lead to 16-12 on a Drew Tillman 17 foot jumper.

Oak Hill’s first half struggles on the offensive end continued as the Raiders misfired on four free throws to end the half down 18-17 to Kirk.

The second half was a different story for Oak Hill. The Raiders gave up a Kirk free throw to begin the third quarter but it was all Oak Hill from that point on. AJ Jones reeled off a 12 foot jumper off the glass and provided two fast break baskets to give the Raiders a 23-19 lead with 5:43 left in the quarter.

Conner Baird’s offensive rebound and put back at the 1:56 mark of the quarter capped a 16-0 Oak Hill run that pushed the Raiders lead to 33-19. Oak Hill finished the quarter on an AJ Jones basket in the paint to take a 35-24 lead into the final quarter.

Kirk would get no closer in the final quarter as Oak Hill’s defense yielded just two baskets in the final eight minutes to take a 47-28 win.

AJ Jones led Oak Hill with 18 points, Reid Posey added 14, Bradley Allan 3, John Williamson, Jacob Dickens, Jeb Stevens and John Wilborne all had 2 each.

For Kirk (8-6) Sayle Roberts had 13, Drew Tillman 7, Tyler Kirk 4 and Jake Poe and Reid Walker 2 apiece.

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North Delta upends Oak Hill at Kirk Invitational

Southern Sports & Travel

North Delta seniors Bradi Beard and Laci DuBravec combined for 33 points and drained six 3-pointers between them as the eighth ranked Lady Wave topped fifth ranked Oak Hill 51-47 in round one action of the Forty Second Annual Kirk Invitational Tournament in Grenada last night.

Last night’s battle could be a preview of the type of basketball to be expected when post season play rolls around next month as the intensity was that of a post season state tournament atmosphere between two very seasoned and determined squads.

North Delta and Oak Hill battled back and forth in a fast paced opening quarter in which the two squads produced three ties and three lead changes. Oak Hill grabbed the biggest lead of the quarter at 9-6 on a Tori Ellis 3-pointer from the wing at the 2:15 mark but that slim advantage was short lived as North Delta finished the first quarter with an 8-3 run spurred on by a 3-pointer from Bradi Beard and another from Claire Gant as time expired to give the Lady Wave a 14-12 lead after one quarter of play.

North Delta exploded to start the second quarter with a 9-0 run. Laci DuBravec drilled a 3-pointer from the corner and Bradi Beard converted on a transition basket. Katelyn Still then served up an assist to Hanna Greenlee in the paint and DuBravec sank a 12 foot jumper to give North Delta a 23-12 lead with less than three minutes gone in the quarter.

After Oak Hill threatened to produce a run of their own with two consecutive buckets North Delta finished the last four minutes of the quarter much like they started it. DuBravec canned a 3-pointer from the wing at the 3:43 mark to put North Delta up 26-16 and following an Oak Hill free throw DuBravec drained another 3-pointer, this one from the top of the key. North Delta capped an 8-1 quarter ending run on Bradi Beard’s driving lay-in with 8 seconds remaining in the half to give the Lady Wave a 31-17 advantage at the break.

Oak Hill could do little to close the gap in the third quarter but after North Delta grabbed their biggest lead of the night at 40-24 on a Bradi Beard basket at the 3:09 mark a momentum shift begun to take place. Oak Hill closed out the third quarter with an 8-2 run to get the deficit back to ten points at 42-32.

North Delta’s struggles at the free throw line (5/13) in the fourth quarter allowed Oak Hill an opportunity to finish strong. The Lady Raiders got within eight points at 47-39 on a Shay Atkins 8 foot baseline jumper with 3:12 remaining and cashed in on a North Delta turnover with a Tori Ellis floater off the glass to trim the deficit to 47-41 with 2:21 left.

After each squad traded a free throw North Delta extended their lead to 50-42 on a Hastings Neal jumper from the baseline but Oak Hill quickly got to within striking distance as Anna Ready hit a 3-pointer from the corner and Tori Ellis drained two free throws with 59 seconds remaining to make it 50-47.

North Delta added a free throw with 17 seconds remaining as the Lady Wave held off Oak Hill’s comeback attempt to take a 51-47 win and improve to 16-7 on the year.

North Delta’s Bradi Beard led all scorers with 17 points, Laci DuBravec added 16 (Four 3’s), Hanna Greenlee and Hastings Neal had 6 apiece and Claire Gant and Katelyn Still 3 each.

For Oak Hill (15-5) Tori Ellis and Shay Atkins each had 14 points, Anna Ready 9, Rachel Herndon 5, Codi Williams and Lauren Billington had 2 each and Maegen Ellis 1.

North Delta will take on Pillow this evening while Oak Hill will battle Kirk.

.Post Game: North Delta head coach Phil Douglas

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Lamar outlasts Leake in thriller
Southern Sports & Travel

For the fifth ranked Lamar Raiders it seemed as though they were more than ready to put the holidays behind them and focus on making a strong January run in preparation for the post season. It couldn’t have been more evident after the Raiders jumped all over Leake in the first quarter of last night’s nightcap in Meridian but what looked like the makings of a blowout transformed into a thrilling double overtime battle royal as Lamar held on to improve their season record to 11-4 with a 70-65 win.

Lamar junior Jorden Andrews and Leake senior Wesley Webb had an old fashion shoot out as both carried their squads throughout the matchup. Andrews led Lamar with 28 points but also was masterful in driving the lane and handing out assists while Leake’s Wesley Webb ripped six 3-pointers and totaled 35 points on the night as both seemed unstoppable.

(Above) Jorden Andrews (#5) of Lamar gets to the rim in the second half

Lamar exploded in the first quarter and set the tone quickly as Casey Key drained a 3-pointer from the wing just ten seconds into the game followed by a soft floater in the paint from Jorden Andrews to give the Raiders a 5-0 lead at the 6:47 mark.

A Wesley Webb jumper from the wing got Leake on the board on the ensuing possession but Lamar continued  their torrid pace as Jorden Andrews scored  three consecutive buckets to help build a 14-2 lead at the 3:00 mark. Leake drilled two 3-point baskets in the final two minutes to stem the Raider’s momentum and end the quarter down 16-7.

Lamar would grab their biggest lead at 22-7 as Andrews served up an assist to John Whittle and Andrews would sink a 17 foot jumper from the wing to start the second quarter. Andrews would dial up another assist to Jonathon Young at the 5:42 mark to give the Raiders a 15 point cushion.

Enter Leake’s Wesley Webb. The senior quickly scored six straight points, all on fast break transition buckets, to trim the deficit to 22-13 with 2:30 left in the half. With Lamar holding a ten point lead at 25-15 Webb torched the Raiders once again. Webb drained a 3-pointer from the top of the key and then converted on two free throw attempts with 45 seconds remaining to pull the Rebels to within five points at 25-20. After a Lamar free throw gave the Raiders a six point lead Webb would pull down an offensive rebound and score to cap a 15-4 Leake run to end the half with Lamar clinging to a 26-22 lead.

Both squads virtually matched baskets in a fast paced third quarter with Leake pulling to within one point at 32-31 on an Aaron Shepard offensive rebound and put back at the 4:01 mark but Lamar managed to stretch the advantage to 39-34 by the end of the third quarter.

Leake quickly cut the deficit to 39-38 on Austin Shepard’s lay-in and Alex Shepard’s baseline drive with less than a minute gone in the fourth quarter. The Rebels grabbed their first lead of the night at 44-43 at the 4:41 mark on Wesley Webb’s 3-pointer from the wing.

(Above) Wesley Webb (#10) of Leake gets two of his 16 first half points

Leake threatened to put the fifth ranked Raiders away with just over two minutes remaining in regulation and a ton of momentum as Aaron Shepard canned a 15 footer to put Leake up 47-43 but Lamar stormed back behind the solid floor direction of junior guard Jorden Andrews.

After Lamar’s Blane Morgan sank a floater in the paint to cut the lead to 47-45 Andrews served up a beautiful assist to Jonathan Young to knot things up at 47-47 with 55 seconds remaining.

Leake responded as Austin Shepard scored in the paint with 39 seconds left to put the Rebels back up at 49-47 in a wild fourth quarter. Leake would regain possession after a Lamar missed shot but the Rebels missed a golden opportunity as they failed to convert on the front end of a one and one at the free throw line.

Following a Lamar timeout with 17 seconds remaining the Raiders got a huge basket from an unsuspecting player as Barrett Dudley hit a driving basket in the paint with 6 seconds on the clock to tie the game at 49-49 and send the contest into overtime.

In the hotly contested four minute overtime period it was Lamar who appeared to be on the verge of sealing the deal as a Blane Morgan 3-pointer from the wing with 53 seconds showing on the clock gave Lamar a 56-53 lead.

After Alex Shepard’s driving bucket off the glass trimmed the Lamar lead to 56-55 Lamar gave themselves a little more cushion at 58-55 as Jonathan Young scored from inside with 26 seconds remaining but Leake senior Wesley Webb calmly found his spot on the wing and popped a long 3-pointer to tie the game at 58-58 and 17 seconds left in the first overtime period.

Lamar’s attempt to win it fell short at the buzzer sending the game into the second overtime period.

(Above) Lamar's Malik Lee (#31) soars over Leake's Aaron Shepard during the second half

Amazingly the lead would change hands six times in the second four minute overtime period but the critical moment came on a Barrett Dudley basket off a Leake turnover with 49 seconds left to give Lamar a 66-65 lead.

After a Leake missed shot Jorden Andrews iced the win on a hard driving lay-in at the rim, plus one, with 34 seconds remaining to give the Raiders a 69-65 lead.

Jonathan Young added a free throw at the 17 seconds mark to give Lamar a hard fought 70-65 double overtime home win.

“We can teach our kids how to pass and shoot but either you know how to win or you don’t,” said Lamar head coach Charles Shaffer. “I was very pleased with how well we started, we shot well and defended well but we hit a lull and Leake capitalized.”

Lamar was led by junior Jorden Andrews with 28 points. “Jordan makes us go,” said Shaffer. “He’s a very unselfish player and I’m very proud to see how he’s progressed.”

Blane Morgan added 12 points for the Raiders, Jonathan Young had 11, Malik Lee and Casey Key 5 apiece, Barrett Dudley 4, Trevor Boling 3 and John Whittle 2.

For Leake (12-6) Wesley Webb had a game high 35 points, including six 3’s, Alex Shepard added 13, Aaron Shepard 9 and Austin Shepard 8.

Lamar will travel to take on Sylva Bay on Thursday and Leake will host Copiah Friday.

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Leake takes road win over Lamar

Southern Sports & Travel

For a quarter and a half  last night Lamar had done what most have not this season against second ranked Leake, keep within striking distance of the Class AA defending state champions. Unfortunately for the Lady Raiders they would succumb to the defensive pressure and up-tempo brand of basketball that Leake is known for in falling 58-28 in Meridian.

Junior guard Anna Nowell scored 16 points and Leake produced a 22-5 second quarter run en-route to improving their overall mark to 17-2 on the season.

(Above) Anna Nowell (#21) of Leake launches a jumper from 15 feet

Lamar used a deliberate and patient strategy early on as the Lady Raiders kept pace with Leake. Olivia Mabry’s fast break lay-in at the 4:49 mark knotted the contest at 5-5 but Leake demonstrated how explosive they could be as Hannah Moore had a put back off an offensive rebound, Mary Grace Key converted on a fast break basket and Anna Nowell drained a jumper from 15 feet to give the Rebelettes a 11-5 advantage with 3:22 remaining in the opening quarter.

Leake later stretched their lead to 17-7 on a Hannah Moore baseline jumper from 17 feet but Lamar finished the quarter with a Natalie Williams free throw and an Olivia Mabry driving basket to keep the Lady Raiders close at 17-10.

Two Mabry free throws cut the deficit to 17-12 to start the second quarter but that would be as close as Lamar would get as Leake outscored Lamar 20-5 the remaining 5:38 to give the Rebelettes a 39-17 cushion at the halfway point of the game.

(Above) Anna Nowell (#21) of Leake with a lay-in in the second quarter

Leake started the third quarter just as they closed the second, on a run. Anna Nowell got a quick lay-in to start the quarter and got another fast break bucket with an assist from Hannah Peoples to give Leake their largest lead at 43-19 with just over six minutes remaining in the quarter. Leake dominated the quarter outscoring Lamar 17-2 to take a 56-19 lead into the final period en-route to the 58-28 win.

Anna Nowell led Leake with 16 points, Hannah Moore added 10, Hannah Peoples, Chloe Thaggard and Mary Grace Key each had 8, Khristen Evans 4 and Katie Webb 2.

Natalie Williams led Lamar (9-9) with 11 points, Olivia Mabry added 9, Lallie Bennet 3, Jamesia Kenny and Allison Justus 2 each and Madison Lee with 1.

Next up for Leake will be Copiah on Friday in Madden while Lamar will travel to Sylva Bay on Thursday.

Girls basketball to take center stage to begin new year

Southern Sports & Travel

In twelve of the last thirteen seasons two schools have dominated Class AA girls basketball but this season is shaping up to be one in which five or six teams have a legitimate shot at hoisting the state championship trophy on February 25 in Grenada. Since the 1998-99 season only one team other than Leake or Brookhaven has been fortunate enough to claim the Class AA title, Cruger-Tchula won the crown in 2000-01.

While many seem to throw their attention at boys basketball when February rolls around this season may produce a state tournament like basketball purists haven’t seen in many years. The usual cast of two dominant teams has been replaced with a bevy of teams that have earned their places at the table which makes handicapping the favorite nearly impossible.

What has contributed to the large pool of contenders this season? Several factors have contributed, including losses of key players due to graduation from both Leake and Brookhaven. Also one would be remiss in ignoring the influx of developing young talent amongst others squads.

Top ranked Bowling Green have established themselves as serious contenders with multiple wins over defending Overall Champion Brookhaven and quality victories over Riverdale and Parklane. Head coach Pat King has done an exemplary job at infusing youth with one of the better point guards in the MAIS in junior Mackayla Dykes but what gets lost sometimes is just how good this team is defensively at shutting down scorers.

Sitting at #4 in the Class AA rankings is Kirk at 17-3. The Raiderettes have two key factors going for them. Other than key wins over Oak Hill, North Delta and Class A champ Delta this season, Kirk will have the luxury of staying at home and playing on their home court during the state tourney. Kirk head coach Mike Reans will rely on the senior leadership of 5’10” guard Carmen Woods who is averaging just over 16 points a game to direct his squad through post season play. Kirk will be looking for their first state crown since the 1987-88 season.

Fifth ranked Oak Hill fell to eventual state champion Leake last season in the semi-finals of the state tournament at Brookhaven but head coach Stan Hughey has nearly his entire squad back and the Lady Raiders announced to the world back on December 16 that they are contenders by defeating Leake 61-57. In that game sophomore Maegen Ellis led Oak Hill with 21 points. Oak Hill enters the homestretch at 15-4 and is led by senior Tori Ellis who is averaging 15 points and 8 rebounds per contest.

If you’re looking for dark-horses Riverdale and North Delta have to be in the conversation.

Over the past dozen years Riverdale has done plenty to establish themselves as a perennial power in Class A basketball with two state titles and an Overall Championship in 2003 but the move up in classification to AA leaves unanswered questions. Head coach Nathan Collinsworth wisely entered his squad in the Brookhaven Holiday Tournament and the Lady Rebels answered those questions by finishing third and racking up wins over Class AAA opponents East Rankin and Parklane in the process. Riverdale resumes play this week ranked #6 and with a 16-1 mark. Their lone loss of the season came to top ranked Bowling Green in that very tournament. Two seniors anchor the Rebel’s scoring attack. Melissa Savell is averaging 13 ppg while Morgan Garrett is going for just under 13 ppg.

North Delta has quietly been going about their business in Batesville while compiling a 15-7 record but the eighth ranked Lady Wave have done so while battling lots of injuries and a tough early season schedule. Head coach Phil Douglas lost his starting sophomore center, Erin Snider, to a torn ACL earlier in the season and will rely on the shooting of seniors Bradi Beard (13 ppg) and Laci DuBravec (10 ppg) to propel North Delta through a January run. Hosting the North AA Tournament this season could benefit North Delta and increase their chances at advancing to the state tourney. Look for a strong finish from the Lady Wave.  

Two other squads who have produced impressive records are Prairie View (14-1) and Adams Christian (19-2) but both need wins over quality opponents to make their case as contenders.

That leaves the two “elephants in the room” if you will, Leake and Brookhaven. The intimidation factor alone could be a major hindrance to opponents when the opening tip takes place next month in Grenada. Seeing an opponent with Leake or Brookhaven across the front of a uniform can cause players palpitations during post season play and how well those without tournament experience are prepared could dictate their success.

An insight into the great competition in Class AA girls basketball could be provided this week as Southern Sports & Travel provides coverage of second ranked Leake at Lamar and then heads to Grenada for the Kirk Invitational Tournament on Friday and Saturday which includes Kirk, Oak Hill, North Delta and Class AAA top ranked and undefeated Pillow.

Buckle your seat belts, the road to the state tourney could get bumpy!

Bowling Green rolls past Silliman

Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas

The top ranked girls team in Class AA showed little signs of any holiday rust as the Bowling Green Lady Bucs crushed Silliman 54-17 in first round action of the Brookhaven Holiday Tournament yesterday. Junior guard Mackayla Dykes led all scorers with a game high 24 points as Bowling Green improved to 15-1 on the season and will battle undefeated Riverdale today in round two play.

(Above) Bowling Green's Mackayla Dykes led all scorers with 24 points

Bowling Green didn’t take long to flex their muscle as four different starters scored during the first four minutes of the opening quarter. Dykes drained a 3-pointer from the wing and Caroline Haik hit an 8 foot jumper from the baseline to get things going early on. Two consecutive backcourt steals from Ashley Foret and Ragen Moody resulted in lay-ins to give Bowling Green a quick 9-0 advantage.

Kaitlyn Weaver got Silliman on the board with a 17 foot jumper at the horn but the Lady Wildcats had seen Bowling Green post a 19-2 lead after one quarter of play.

Bowling Green quickly pushed the advantage to 25-2 to start the second quarter as Breanna McNeese and Ashley Foret combined for the first six points of the quarter for the Lady Bucs. Bowling Green would finish the half much the same as they started it, with a Mackayla Dykes 3-pointer, to give the top ranked Lady Bucs a commanding 30-4 halftime lead.

Melissa Crowe’s jumper from the elbow midway through the third quarter pushed the lead to 38-6 and Bowling Green ended the quarter on a Caroline Haik basket to wrap up the quarter on top 50-11.

(Above) Bowling Green's Melissa Crowe (#12) and Ashley Foret (#14) pressure Silliman's Ashley Hurst

Ashley Hurst and Addie Roberts led Silliman in the final quarter with baskets as the Lady Wildcats took a hard 54-17 loss at the hands of the top ranked team in Class AA.

Dykes led all scorers with 24 points, Caroline Haik, Melissa Crowe, Ashley Foret and Breanna McNeese all had 6 each and Ragen Moody, Lexie Volz and Kaley Creel had 2 apiece.

For Silliman Addie Roberts had 7 points, Kaitlyn Weaver 3, Kylee Dempsey, Bradleigh Brignac and Ashley Hurst each had 2 points and Sunne Pace 1.

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Riverdale remains perfect with narrow win
Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas

The sixth ranked Class AA Riverdale Lady Rebels took on Class AAA foe East Rankin yesterday in first round action of the annual Brookhaven Holiday Tournament and came away with a narrow 60-55 double overtime win to remain undefeated at 15-0. Kallie Bethard had a game high 20 points to lead Riverdale to the win and a date with top ranked Bowling Green this evening.

Riverdale got out to an early 5-2 lead over the Lady Patriots in the early stages of the opening quarter but East Rankin would register an 11-2 run during a three minute span to take a 13-7 lead with 1:17 left in the quarter. Two Kristen Byrd baskets spurred the run and Karlie Coghlan’s soft floater in the lane capped the scoring to give East Rankin a six point cushion.

(Above) Riverdale's Morgan Garrett (#3) launches a 3-pointer in the second overtime period

Riverdale’s Rebekah Burleson slowed the run with a lay-in off an East Rankin turnover with 13 seconds left in the quarter but Rachel Savage’s fast break basket at the horn gave East Rankin a 15-9 lead after one quarter of play.

Riverdale answered with an 8-2 run to open the second quarter to knot things up at 17-17 behind Melissa Savell’s strong inside game but East Rankin battled back.

Karleigh Keeton hit a jumper from the elbow and then Keeton served up an assist to Kaila Knight to give ERA a 21-17 lead with 1:43 remaining in the half. Following a Kristen Byrd free throw that gave ERA a 22-17 lead both squads traded  baskets in the final 21 seconds to send the teams into the locker-room with East Rankin holding a 24-19 advantage.

Riverdale would trim the deficit to two points on three occasions during the third quarter but East Rankin fired back each time. The Lady Patriots got a critical 3-pointer from Karlie Coghlan from the top of the key with 31 seconds left in the quarter to send the game into the fourth quarter with ERA on top 33-29.

Riverdale caught fire early in the fourth quarter as Kallie Bethard converted a basket in the paint one minute into the quarter and Bethard drained a 3-pointer from the corner thirty seconds later to give Riverdale their first lead since the 4:29 mark of the opening quarter. The lead would change hands on four more occasions during the final six minutes of regulation but with the contest tied at 39-39 and 47 seconds remaining Bethard canned another 3-pointer from the corner to give the Lady Rebels a 42-39 lead.

(Above) Karlie Coghlan (#4) of East Rankin drives for a basket in the first half

East Rankin got a quick 10’ jumper from Kristen Byrd with 29 seconds left in regulation to trim the lead to 42-41. ERA quickly put Riverdale on the free throw line where Melissa Savell hit one of two free throws to make it 43-41 and 26 seconds remaining.

East Rankin got off an open shot with 10 seconds remaining but the ball hit the side rim right into the hands of Kaitlyn Busby who got around a Riverdale defender for the rebound and converted to tie things up at 43-43 with 7 seconds remaining.

Morgan Garrett’s long 3-pointer at the buzzer hit the front rim sending the contest into overtime.

East Rankin threatened to hand out Riverdale’s first defeat midway through the first overtime period as the Lady Patriots garnered a 51-47 lead after two Karleigh Keeton free throws at the 1:19 mark but Riverdale’s Morgan Garrett had other ideas. The senior canned a 3-pointer from the corner at the 1:04 mark and after ERA scored a basket in the paint to increase the lead to 53-50 Garrett hit another 3-pointer from the same spot to tie the game at 53-53 with 15 seconds remaining in the first overtime period.

(Above) Riverdale's Melissa Savell (#33) looks to drive in the second half

After an East Rankin turnover Riverdale’s shot attempt at the buzzer failed to draw rim and the contest went into the second overtime period.

Riverdale drew first blood as Kallie Bethard drained a 3-pointer from the wing 45 seconds into the period to give the Lady Rebels a 56-53 lead.

Kristen Byrd of East Rankin converted on a jump hook in the paint to trim the deficit to 56-55 with 2:41 remaining but Riverdale would close out by hitting on 4/5 free throws to take a hard fought 60-55 double overtime win.

Kallie Bethard led Riverdale with a game high 20 points, Morgan Garrett added 19, Melissa Savell 12, Rebekah Burleson 5 and Allie Brotherton 4.

For East Rankin (3-10) Kristen Byrd had 14, Karlie Coghlan 12, Kaitlyn Busby 10, Karleigh Keeton 8, Brittney Vinzant 7 and Rachel Savage and Kaila Knight 2 each.

Southern Sports & Travel 2011 Player of the Year

Simpson running back Cade Eiland

Simpson tailback Cade Eiland is the 2011 Southern Sports & Travel Player of the Year. Eiland rushed for over 2,600 yards and 30 touchdowns and led Simpson to a perfect 14-0 season and the Class AA State Championship.

The senior, who has been at Simpson since the 3^rd grade, has epitomized what football is all about under head coach Billy Wayne Hankins.

“Cade is definitely one of the three or four best backs I have coached. He has a great combination of quickness and surprising power for his size. I think the thing that sets him apart from most is his vision. He has a knack for seeing the opening and when he does he goes,” said Hankins.

Eiland’s toughness was on full display last season when he suffered a torn ACL in the regular season finale against Lamar. The junior sat out the first round of the playoffs but re-entered the starting lineup in round two and recorded yet another 100 yard rushing performance despite the bad knee. “That kind of toughness is what we preach at Simpson, 99% of players would have been finished,” said Coach Billy Wayne Hankins. “Cade is very determined and always finds a way to get things done.”

Eiland had surgery to repair the torn ACL soon after the season ended but to Eiland the injury wasn’t all negative. “It was tough at first,” said Eiland, “but my getting hurt actually made me a better running back this season. I lost a little speed because of the injury but I ran the ball much harder to make up for that loss of speed. I knew I would have to break tackles and run harder to compensate.”

The improved Cade Eiland was never more obvious then when it mattered the most this season. Eiland ripped Trinity’s defense for 208 yards in a 23-7 South State championship win and in his final game Eiland punished defending state champion River Oaks for 213 yards in a 29-15 Class AA State title win.

“Although Cade wasn’t a vocal leader on the team he was a leader by example. Our other players always knew that when the lights came on Friday night they were going to get the best Cade had to give,” said Hankins.

Playing football at Simpson can be rewarding but there is always lots of pressure that comes with it. “There’s always a lot of pressure,” said Eiland. “People were predicting a state title before we had even played a scrimmage. That’s all people were talking about around town. It was the first thing people would ask us, are we going to win state?”

That kind of pressure is at times hard to manage but it comes with success. “You have got to win at Simpson,” said Eiland. "That’s how it is, we’re not going to lose. It’s a lot of pressure but we did it.”

Last season’s disappointment helped elevate Simpson’s team to another level. “We had a lot of juniors last season and after our playoff loss we all made the decision that we were not going to get beat this year. We were successful at instilling that mindset in our underclassmen and they took it and went with it.”

Most casual football fans don’t understand the physical toll inflicted on arguably the best running back in the MAIS over the course of 14 games. “On Saturdays I am beat up,” said Eiland. “It takes a few days before I’m over the bruises and beating that playing running back involves but I still love it.”

What Eiland also loves is the feeling he gets late in a football game when he can sense the defense is tiring and getting worn down. “It’s the best feeling in the world when I’m lined up in the backfield and can sense the defense is getting worn down,” said the senior. “I always look at the linebackers and I can tell who is worn out and I’m running right at them and when I break that tackle and I know I’m gone, that’s a great feeling.”  

While the state championship win over River Oaks was special it may not have been the most satisfying win for Eiland. That would be the south state win over much heralded Trinity. “We all knew Trinity was a good team but not many people thought we would beat them.”

The Trinity win was the most satisfying but the toughest this season was Simpson’s week nine 21-14 win over Class AAA MRA. “MRA was a very fast and hard hitting team and that was our toughest game this season,” said Eiland.

This past season has also been one in which a special bond existed between player and head coach. Eiland says his relationship with head coach Billy Wayne Hankins has been special. “Over the past year Coach Hankins has been a father figure to me, he has taken care of me like his own son and he always calls to make sure I’m doing the right things, grades are good and I’m staying out of trouble.”

That sentiment is the same when talking with Coach Hankins. “Usually the really great players are also quality people and that’s true with Cade. He and my son are close and to be honest he is like another son to me. Cade is a very special player but also more importantly a special individual.”

Eiland says he will be enrolling in college after graduation but he is undecided as to where. Now that his high school football days are over Eiland can focus a little more on some things he enjoys such as hunting, fishing and his friends and family.

Eiland understands how special the moment is. “I’m a senior and it felt great to win that last game. I know that 20 years down the road it’s going to mean so much to everybody because this is the biggest thing to ever happen to us.”

Eiland finished his career at Simpson with 5,725 rushing yards and 62 touchdowns.

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