From the Notebook.........

>Links to past Overall Champions and State Champions in all classes have been posted on the right side of the website. Ultimately the plan is to attach footnotes to each team with small tidbits of information such as some of the players and coaches who were part of each particular squad or high scorers in title games. With each year that passes more and more information is lost. If anyone wants to contribute any info on a team they are familiar with please email aafandaman@yahoo.com so it can be added.

>It’s been a several years since we’ve seen this much parity in girls basketball, more so amongst Class AAA and AA squads. Brookhaven is coming off an incredible 2011 run and had reeled off eight straight wins against Class AAA opponents dating back to last season’s Overall Tourney before falling to MRA this past week. Bowling Green made the drive to Jackson earlier in the month and picked off Jackson Prep and Kirk pulled an upset of Class AAA third ranked Pillow on Saturday. The past nine Overall Tournaments have resulted in five Class AAA, three Class AA and one Class A champion.  Picking a clear cut favorite for the Overall Tournament beginning on February 27 will be a tough task but Starkville sure has the swagger of front runners. The Lady Vols are the total package in all phases of the game but throw together the top five or six teams in classes AAA and AA and you have yourself a donnybrook.

>It would easy to assign the term “pressure packed” to the upcoming Class AA North State Tournament to be held in Batesville in two weeks, more specifically on the girls side. Five of the top seven teams in Class AA will be amongst those assembled to decide which four will advance to the state tournament in Grenada.

In the south both Brookhaven and Bowling Green are heads above the best squads in their region but there is a stark contrast with regards to their counterparts in the north where a bevy of talented teams exist.

If the North State Tourney started today a round two “go home” game between top ranked Leake and fifth ranked Kirk would take place. It’s unfathomable to think that Leake, winners of six straight state titles, or Kirk, coming off a big upset win over Class AAA third ranked Pillow, could see their season end.

Of course of all this is conjecture at this point as seeding will not be determined until after next week’s district tournaments but there will be some sweaty palms and butterflies will be plenty when crunch time comes calling.

>A great way to show support for MAIS basketball players for the upcoming four week tournament season is through a player ad on Southern Sports & Travel. More people will see a player ad on Southern Sports & Travel in one 24 hour period than will see during most tournament programs for the length of that tournament. Click on the player sample ad on the right side of the website for design and rate information.

>During the January 26 meeting of the MAIS Athletic and Activities Committee a motion to move fast pitch softball to the spring failed to garner the required votes.

>The Track Committee recommended adding pole vault and triple jump to girls’ events for the 2012 track season. The committee also recommended changing hurdle heights to match the National Federation heights.

>The Southern Sports & Travel All MAIS basketball teams will be announced immediately following the Overall Tournament as will the Player of the Year for girls and boys.

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God is great!

.See ya somewhere…….

Brumfield inks with Pearl River CC

Jake Brumfield of Adams Christian has signed a letter of intent to play baseball at Pearl River Community College.

(Above) Left to right: Stephanie Brumfield (Mother), Jake Brumfield, Spanky Brumfield (Dad)

Standing: Kyle Lindsey (PRCC pitching coach), Josh Hoffpauir (PRCC head coach), Hunter McKeivier (Adams Christian head coach)

Starkville too much for Presbyterian

Southern Sports & Travel

The Starkville Academy Lady Vols knew all too well the perils of tangling with a wounded and dangerous opponent as they made the three hour trek south to Hattiesburg to take on Presbyterian Saturday afternoon. Presbyterian, playing without one of the better players in the MAIS in Trista Magee, battled the top ranked team in Class AAA to a three point game by halftime but second half turnovers and a big fourth quarter from Starkville paved the way for a 56-38 road win for Coach Glenn Schmidt’s Lady Vols.

Presbyterian got off to a steady start as the Lady Bobcats put up a 4-2 lead two minutes into the opening quarter behind two buckets from Monica Breland but Starkville would take their first lead of the afternoon on an April Burney 3-pointer from the key and a 10 foot baseline jumper from sophomore Sallie Kate Richardson at the 5:32 mark for a 7-4 advantage.

(Above) Starkville sophomore Sallie Kate Richardson (#24) led all scorers with 17 points

Presbyterian quickly put up five unanswered points to retake the lead at 9-7 but top ranked Starkville finished the opening quarter strong.

April Burney canned a 3-pointer from the corner to give Starkville the lead at 10-9 and following a Presbyterian turnover Nora Kathryn Carroll drained a 3-pointer from the top of the key at the 2:54 mark to extend the spread to 13-9. Anna Prestridge capped an 8-0 Starkville run with two free throws to end the quarter with the Lady Vols holding a 15-9 edge.  

Starkville threatened to pull away from Presbyterian in the early stages of the second quarter. Tiffany Huddleston’s driving lay-in at the 5:51 mark gave Starkville a 19-11 lead but the Lady Vols couldn’t shake Presbyterian.

The Lady Bobcats got a basket in the paint from Molly Speed followed by Hannah McCarter’s shot off the glass from close range to pull PCS to within four points at 19-15 with 4:16 remaining in the half.

(Above) Monica Breland (#24) of Presbyterian attempts to shoot over Starkville's Nora Kathryn Carroll

Presbyterian would cash in on a Starkville turnover and close to within two points at 21-19 on two Monica Breland free throws at the 2:08 mark.

Anna Lea Little sank two free throws of her own to give Starkville a little breathing room at 23-19 with just under two minutes left in the half and the Lady Vols would take a narrow 23-20 lead into the locker-room after Presbyterian’s Landon Garner  hit on one of two free throws to close out the scoring in the first half of play.

The first three minutes of the third quarter would prove to be a precursor for Presbyterian as the Lady Bobcats had four turnovers on their first four possessions and Starkville capitalized in a big way.

April Burney drilled a 3-pointer from the wing and then had a halfcourt steal and lay-up to give Starkville a 28-20 lead with just over two minutes gone in the quarter.

Sallie Kate Richardson took advantage of another PCS turnover as the sophomore center hit a turnaround jumper from 8 feet to give the Lady Vols a ten point lead at 30-20.

Starkville capped a 10-0 run on Nora Kathryn Carroll’s 3-pointer from the corner to give the Lady Vols a 33-20 lead and force Presbyterian into a timeout with 4:51 left in the quarter.

Presbyterian came out of the timeout and promptly went on a 12-5 run to close the deficit to 38-32.

(Above) Starkville's Tiffany Huddleston (#21) rips down a rebound in the second half

A Sallie Kate Richardson offensive rebound and put back with 33 seconds on the clock enabled Starkville to take a 40-32 lead into the final quarter.

Any hope in Presbyterian making a fourth quarter charge was quickly dashed as Starkville exploded with a 12-0 run to start the final quarter. Anna Prestridge’s 15 foot jumper would cap the run at the 4:15 mark and give Starkville their biggest lead at 52-32.

Starkville dominated on the defensive end as the Lady Vols held Presbyterian to just one basket through the first six minutes of the final quarter and improved their overall record to 27-3 and 11-0 in district play with a 56-38 win.

Starkville was led by Sallie Kate Richardson who had a game high 17 points, April Burney added 11, Anna Lea Little and Nora Kathryn Carroll had 7 each, Tiffany Huddleston 6, Anna Prestridge 4, and Lauren Atwell and Julianne Jackson with 2 apiece.

Monica Breland led Presbyterian  with 15 points, Molly Speed chipped in with 12, Hannah McCarter had 6, Reagan Dykes and Hannah Sellers 2 each and Landon Garner 1.

Starkville will host Heritage on Tuesday while Presbyterian (17-7 & 5-4) will entertain Parklane.
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.Post Game with Starkville head coach Glenn Schmidt

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Four Copiah standouts sign with Co-Lin

Seated from left are Co-Lin signees from Copiah Academy: Elizabeth Cliburn, Meghan Johnson, Kacie Berry and Morgan Brown. Shown with the athletes are Co-Lin head softball coach Allen Kent, left and Copiah softball coach Terry Bauer.

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Courtesy of The Copiah County Courier

Copiah Lincoln Community College head softball coach Allen Kent announced the signing of four Copiah Academy standout players on Tuesday. Pitcher Meghan Johnson, catcher Kacie Berry and outfielders Elizabeth Cliburn and Morgan Brown round out the quartet joining the Lady Wolves.
"I've been watching these players for many years now, and we're glad they've decided to be a part of our program. Not only have they enjoyed success in school ball, they've continued to improve with travel ball, as well," Kent said.
The players were part of this past season's AAA state championship team.
Johnson was 19-4 with a save in 2011. Her 1.88 ERA led the team. In 130 innings pitched, she gave up only 108 hits, 60 runs and 37 walks. She struck out 56 and gave up no home runs. She allowed opponents a meager .214 batting average. At the plate Johnson hit .374 with 10 doubles and 2 triples while driving in 35 runs. "Meghan has several pitches in her arsenal that are very effective against good opponents. She is a welcome addition to our pitching staff. And, she fields her position well," Kent stated.
Berry hit .362 and finished with 12 doubles and 23 RBI's. In the field she had 20 assists and a .971 fielding percentage. "(Kacie) is athletic, has a strong arm and handles the catching duties very well. We are looking for her to possibly call many of the pitches. At the plate, we know she is capable of putting up good offensive numbers, too," Kent said.
Cliburn batted .381 in an injury-limited senior season. "When she's healthy, she's really a tough out," Kent said.
Brown blistered the ball with a .407 batting average in 2011. She hit safely 55 times and drove in 24 runs. At centerfield, she garnered 38 put outs, 7 assists and a .957 fielding average. "Morgan is another slapper with great speed. She moved to the left side of the plate last summer and made a nice transition," Kent noted.
Kent is entering his tenth season as head coach of the Lady Wolves. His squads have earned playoff berths in 7 seasons and have been ranked nationally for 8 years. Kent has coached three teams to state titles and has earned 2 region titles. In 2006, the Lady Wolves roared to a third place finish in the National Tournament, with the help of three former Lady Colonels–Jackie Stowe Johnson, Holly Pyles Bridges and Annie Selman Delaughter. In 2008, the Lady Wolves earned national runners-up, the highest by any Co-Lin team in any sport in school history.
"We are excited to have these players join our program. We've had good success with Copiah grads in the past and feel like we'll continue that with this bunch," Kent said.
The Lady Colonels are coached by Terry Bauer, who has won two state state championships (2004, 2011) in softball one (2011) in baseball.
Johnson is the daughter of Bruce and Selena Johnson of Crystal Springs. Cliburn is the daughter of Steven and Stephanie Cliburn of Hazlehurst. Brown is the daughter of Michael and Stacy Brown of Byram. Berry is the daughter of Jeff and Tracy Berry of Hazlehurst.

Myers signs with Southwest

Harley Myers of Russell Christian has sign a letter of intent to play softball with Southwest Mississippi Community College. 

Myers is pictured above with parents Tim and Angela Myers; Standing: Russell Christian softball coach Larry Lippert and and Southwest coach Sha Johnson.

Simpson late surge tops Wayne in overtime

Southern Sports & Travel

In there were any questions as to how big Friday night’s District 4-AA matchup between fifth ranked Wayne and sixth ranked Simpson was look no further than Simpson head coach James Crain after the game. Crain had just watched his team win a 58-53 overtime thriller in a game that the Cougars trailed the majority of.

“We needed this win,” said Crain. “If we lost tonight we would probably have had no chance at a #1 seed heading into the tournament.”

Simpson junior Josh Hankins poured in 18 of his 20 points in the second half and overtime and the Cougar defense played a huge role in wearing down Wayne during a critical fourth quarter stretch. “We did well with our pressure defense and I think that played a part in the late stages of the game in Wayne getting worn down,” said Crain.

(Above) Josh Hankins (#23) of Simpson battles for a second half rebound

Simpson would take a 2-0 lead on two Garrett Taylor free throws one minute into the game but the Cougars wouldn’t see the lead again until nearly the end of regulation as Wayne looked sharp on both ends of the court from the onset.

Simpson had no answer early on for the combination of point guard Tim Coaker and forward Toby Roach as the two seniors worked the inside-out game with effectiveness. Coaker’s assist to Roach gave the Jags their first lead at 4-2 and Wayne finished the first quarter with a 6-0 run to take a 16-7 lead into the second quarter.

Simpson’s cure for cold perimeter shooting was clear, drive to the basket. Garrett Taylor’s driving lay-in, plus one, got the Cougars off to a solid start to begin the second quarter and Simpson narrowed the deficit to five points at 20-15 on Andrew Berry’s drive with 4:25 remaining in the half but Wayne finished strong. Toby Roach’s basket in the paint, plus one, helped the Jags close the quarter with an 8-4 spurt to go up 28-19 at the half.

Wayne looked ready to widen the gap in the third quarter as they answered Simpson basket for basket in the early stages but with the Jags enjoying a nine point cushion at 32-23 and 5:31 left in the quarter Simpson started warming up from the perimeter.

Walt Prince drained a 3-pointer from the wing and at the 2:12 mark Garrett Taylor knocked down a 15 footer from the baseline to pull the Cougars to within four points at 34-30. Prince hit another 3-pointer with one minute left in the quarter to cut the margin to 36-33 but Wayne closed out with an Austin Willey basket and a Tim Coaker free throw to take a 39-33 advantage into the fourth quarter.

Simpson had little success in getting closer than six points during the first four minutes of the fourth quarter and after a Tim Coaker drive gave Wayne a 46-39 lead Simpson was in danger of losing twice to the Jags in two weeks.

(Above) Simpson's Tyler King (#25) drives to the basket in the second half

All was about to change. Simpson closed to 46-43 as Josh Hankins hit on one of two free throws and Garrett Taylor knocked down three free throws after getting fouled attempting a 3-pointer.

After Toby Roach hit a free throw Simpson pulled to within two points at 47-45 as Hankins hit two from the charity stripe with 2:49 remaining in regulation and Simpson tied the game at 47-47 on two Garrett Taylor free throws following a Wayne turnover at the 2:20 mark.

Wayne quickly regained the lead at 48-47 as Tim Coaker hit the front-end of a one & one but Simpson countered with an Andrew Berry bucket in the paint forcing Wayne to call time-out with 43 seconds remaining in regulation and down 49-48.

The Jags missed a lay-in with 21 seconds left but regained possession and Tim Coaker would be fouled on a drive in the paint sending the senior to the free throw line where he canned both free throws to give Wayne the lead at 50-49 and forcing a Simpson timeout with 13 seconds left.

Josh Hankins' drive to the rim missed but the junior pulled down the offensive rebound and was fouled with 2.3 seconds remaining. Hankins then hit the first of two free throws but missed the second sending the game into overtime tied at 50-50 as Wayne was unable to get a shot off with 1 second left.

Hankins more than made up for the missed free throw as the junior picked up a driving basket, plus one, to start the four minute overtime period to give Simpson their biggest lead of the game at 53-50 with 3:09 left in overtime.

The Cougars expanded their lead to 55-50 as Joshua Broadhead stole the ball at halfcourt and drove in for a score with 1:23 remaining.

Wayne’s only basket in the overtime period came with 43 seconds left and Hankins sealed the deal with two free throws in the closing seconds to give Simpson a big 58-53 district win.

(Above) Simspon coach James Crain yells out directions in the closing minutes

“When you shoot 5/25 in the first half you just have to come out after halftime and simply make shots,” said Simpson head coach James Crain. “We did that and we executed well down the stretch.”

Crain’s post-game appearance was in stark contrast to his pre-game appearance as the long time coach looked as if he himself had played but there was no hiding his satisfaction in getting the win. “This was our biggest home game this season and the atmosphere was the best. We appreciate our students coming out and supporting us.”

Simpson was led by Josh Hankins with 20 points, Garrett Taylor added 16, Walt Prince had 9, Tyler King 8, Andrew Berry 4 and Joshua Broadhead 2.

Toby Roach led Wayne with 20 points, Tim Coaker and Austin Willey had 13 each, Brett Chandler 5, Garrick Malone 3 and Brent Graham 2.

Simpson improves to 18-5 overall and 4-1 in district play. The Cougars will host Laurel Christian on Tuesday.

Wayne slips to 16-5 and 5-2.

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Simpson remains perfect in district

Southern Sports & Travel

Auguste Knight and Brittany Gardner each scored 13 points to lead tenth ranked Simpson to a 66-38 win over Wayne last night in Mendenhall. Eleven Simpson players scored as the Lady Cougars tightened their grip on District 4-AA in improving to 5-0 with three district games remaining.

Simpson raced out to an early 9-2 first quarter lead fueled by Auguste Knight’s 3-pointer and fast break basket with just over four minutes played in the quarter. Wayne managed to get within four points at 11-7 on a Kelsie Heinkel basket but the Lady Jaguars were no match for Simpson, who have won six of their last seven games.

(Above) Brittany Gardner (#34) of Simpson does damage in the paint

Simpson produced an 18-2 run that started at the end of the opening quarter and was capped off by two Abby Dunston free throws at the 5:22 mark of the second quarter to give the Lady Cougars their biggest lead at 29-9.

Simpson started the third quarter with a 37-20 advantage and outscored Wayne 18-2 in the quarter to take a 52-22 lead en-route to the win.

Auguste Knight and Brittany Gardner led Simpson with 13 points each, Hallie Stubbs and Natalie Sullivan had 6 apiece, Lauren Griffin and Kasey McWilliams 5 each, Lacey Thames, Micah Windham and Madelyn Cliburn 4 each, Abby Dunston and Callie Martin 3 each.

Wayne was led by Cassie Dew with 12 points, Kelsey Proctor 9, Kelsie Heinkel 7, Callie Bunch 5, Shelby Humphrey 3 and Maegan McCarty 2.

Simpson improves to 16-7 overall and will host Laurel Christian in District 4-AA action Tuesday.

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Perry inks with Co-Lin

Christopher Perry of Adams Christian has signed to play baseball with Copiah-Lincoln Community College.

Standing left to right: Coach Case (Co-Lin), Adams Coach Hunter McKeivier, Eric Perry (Brother), and Rick Fife (Adams A.D.)

Sitting: Dawn Perry ( Mother), Christopher Perry, and Gus Perry (Father)

Heidelberg's Rogers signs with Holmes

Kelsey Rogers of Heidelberg Academy has signed with Holmes Community College. Kelsey is the daughter of Ray and Kathy Rogers. Kelsey is a pitcher and played centerfield for Heidelberg Academy Lady Rebels. She was also selected as a MAIS All-Star and First Team All District. Parents Kathy Rogers and Ray Rogers sitting next to Kelsey Rogers signing. Behind to the left is Coach Ricky Casey Head Coach Holmes Community College  and on the right Coach Nancy Brashier Heidelberg Academy.

Towles signs with Southwest Mississippi

Centreville catcher Tyler Towles has signed a letter of intent to play baseball with Southwest Mississippi Community College. Towles is seated with his parents, John and Jackie Towles of Gloster, Mississippi. Standing are SWMCC Baseball Coach Ken Jackson and Centreville Headmaster Bill Hurst, Assistant Coach Mark Mann, and Head Coach Jason Horne.

Rebels edge Cougars in Class AA heavyweight battle

Southern Sports & Travel

Two of the top teams in Class AA knocked heads last night for the third time this season as second ranked Brookhaven visited third ranked Central Private and for those basketball fans who wanted to see a preview of what the state tournament next month in Grenada holds they got their money’s worth. With 23 lead changes, 5 ties and neither team able to gain more than a five point lead, the game wasn’t decided until the final seconds.

Central Private senior Alex Overs scored 18 points and dished out 7 assists and the Rebels outscored Brookhaven 11-6 in the fourth quarter en-route to a 56-52 win.

Central Private got out to an early lead as a fast break basket from Luke Fryoux put the Rebels up 6-4 two minutes into the game but perimeter shooting was about to heat up for both squads.

Brookhaven took their first lead of the night at 7-6 on a Gage Posey 3-pointer from the wing at the 5:35 mark and following a Central Private turnover Posey spotted up and drained another 3-pointer from the same spot to put the Cougars on top 10-6.

(Above) Piers Carroll (#35) of Central Private gets a big basket in the closing seconds

Luke Fryoux answered for Central Private as the senior nailed a 3-pointer of his own to keep the Rebels close at 10-9.

Central Private took the lead at 13-12 on an Alex Overs turnaround jumper from 10 feet with 3:21 remaining in a well played first quarter. The remainder of the quarter included six consecutive lead changes, the sixth coming on a Simpson Anderson tip in with 46 seconds left to give Central Private a 20-19 lead heading into the second quarter.

Christian “Bubba” Keene quickly put Brookhaven back on top at 22-20 to start the second quarter as the senior drained a 3-pointer from the wing less than one minute in but neither team would manage to mount a run of more than four points.

The back and forth continued as Central Private got a 17 foot fall away jumper from Simpson Anderson and a Matt Myers basket in the paint to send the lead back in Central Private’s direction at 26-24 with 4:15 left in the half.

Brookhaven took control at the 2:22 mark of the quarter. Zac Smith’s 3-pointer was quickly followed by a Bubba Keene jumper from the elbow giving the Cougars a little breathing room at 33-29.

After an Austin Pierce assist to Alex Overs trimmed the deficit to 33-31, Brookhaven took their biggest lead of the half at 36-31 on another Gage Posey 3-pointer from the wing with just 7 seconds remaining but Central Private got what was a most critical basket as Austin Pierce canned a 3-pointer from the corner as time ran out to pull Central Private to within two points at 36-34 as both teams hit the locker-rooms.

(Above) Brookhaven's Gage Posey (#11) drives on Alex Overs of Central Private

Brookhaven again stretched their lead to five points at 39-34 on a Brennan Miller 3-pointer 45 seconds into the third quarter but it was obvious neither team would be pulling away from the other.

Central Private countered with an Alex Overs 18 foot jumper from the baseline and an Overs assist to Piers Carroll to keep the Rebels close at 39-38 with 6:29 remaining in the quarter.

After Brookhaven had taken a 41-40 lead Central Private managed to produce a mini run of 6-2 to grab a 46-43 lead with 1:24 left in the third quarter.

Two free throws from Brookhaven’s Gage Posey closed the third quarter with Central Private clinging to a narrow 46-45 advantage.

The lead changed hands three times during the first three minutes of the fourth quarter but after Brookhaven’s Zac Smith hit a 3-pointer from the wing to give Brookhaven a one point edge at 50-49 Central Private would capitalize on Brookhaven miscues.

Alex Overs converted on a hard drive to the basket following a Brookhaven turnover at the 2:11 mark and Overs converted on one of two free throws following another Brookhaven turnover to give Central Private a 52-50 lead with 1:40 remaining in regulation.

After Brookhaven missed on a long 3-point attempt Central Private increased their lead to 53-50 as Piers Carroll hit on one of two free throws with 1:12 left.

(Above) Central Private's Piers Carroll (#35) and Simpson Anderson (#5)

Brookhaven would get their final basket of the night in dramatic fashion as Zac Smith stole an inbounds pass underneath the Brookhaven basket and found brother Brock Smith for an easy lay-in to cut the Central Private lead to 53-52 with 43 seconds remaining.

Central Private’s Piers Carroll broke loose inside the paint to score a critical bucket with 29 seconds left to give the Rebels a 55-52 lead.

Brookhaven’s 3-point attempt to tie the game fell short and the Cougars were forced to foul Alex Overs who canned one of two free throws to seal the win for Central Private.

Alex Overs led all scorers with 18 points to lead Central Private, Piers Carroll added 14, Simpson Anderson 11, Luke Fryoux and Matt Myers 5 each and Austin Pierce 3.

Brookhaven (18-3) was led by Gage Posey with 16 points, Brock Smith 12, Bubba Keene 7, Matthew Evans and Zac Smith 6 each and Brennan Miller 5.

Brookhaven travels to Natchez on Friday to take on Adams Christian in District 5-AA action while Central Private (20-4) will travel to Bowling Green on Monday for a big District 6-AA matchup.

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Post game with Central Private head coach Henry Gantz

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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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