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!