Central Private heads north for prestigious tourney

The Class AA top ranked Central Private Rebels will be competing in the 21st annual USA Classic hosted by Christian Brothers High School of Memphis, Tennessee this week. The tournament will take place at USA Stadium in Millington and it will be the Rebel's second appearance in the prestigious tournament.

Sixteen highly competitive teams from all over the nation will travel to the Mid South to participate.

USA Stadium was once the home for USA Baseball from 1986 through 1996 and has hosted over 350 players who played Major League Baseball. Eighteen foreign countries have sent their national teams to Millington to play and 26 national championships have been decided at USA Stadium. More than 40,000 different college, high school, foreign, and Olympic players have played in Millington.
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USA CLASSIC TOURNAMENT INFO

Huddleston signs with State

Starkville Academy senior Tiffany Huddleston recently signed to play soccer at Mississippi State.

South wins All-Star Soccer matchup 5-3

Jackson Prep's Westin Graves and A.J. Arnold of Jackson Academy were recently named south and north MVP's of the 2013 MAIS Soccer All-Star game.
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Photo courtesy of William Roberts

Southern Sports & Travel Player of the Year

Maggie Proffitt of Starkville Academy is the Southern Sports & Travel Girl’s Player of the Year.

The 5’9” senior guard led Starkville Academy to a perfect 43-0 record and a second consecutive Overall Championship this season.

Proffitt led the Lady Vols in scoring with a 17.5 points per game average on what many consider the best girls team in the 44 year history of the MAIS but the shooting guard also displayed her skills in other aspects of the game.

Proffitt, who scored double digits in 38 of Starkville’s 43 games, averaged 4.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.1 steals over the course of the season. Her stats coupled with her shooting percentages made her a threat from anywhere on the court.

The senior shot 54% from the field, 46% from beyond the 3-point line and converted on 83% on her free throws.

While Proffitt’s offensive stats were impressive, so too were her season turnovers numbers. Remarkably Proffitt played in 12 games without a turnover, 13 games with only 1 turnover and committed just 2 in the Overall Tournament.

A transfer from Columbus High, Proffitt had no trouble fitting in with head coach Glenn Schmidt’s scheme.

“Maggie fit in with our team perfectly,” said Starkville head coach Glenn Schmidt. “We didn't change anything we did. She fit into our system and adapted to the things we did. Her strengths are her offensive skills, shooting percentage average and passing abilities and her desire to win. She has the knack of making timely plays and feeding off of other players who are making them. She learned our defensive plan and became a big part of our help defense. She has worked on her game for years and will continue to improve. It's been a pleasure to coach her.” 

Proffitt, who signed with the University of Central Arkansas early on in the season, displayed flashes of her ability to be dominant during the season and one such performance was in a 71-43 win over Jackson Prep in early February.

She scored a season high 35 points and handed out 8 assists which was also a season best. More impressive was her hitting on 15 of 19 shots from the field.

“When Maggie first came and talked to us during the summer Coach Schmidt asked her what her goals were for her senior season,” said Starkville assistant coach Kayla Mosely. “Maggie responded with "I want to win a state championship." I knew from that moment Maggie would be the perfect fit with us because her goals and the goals we had already set for ourselves coincided. Maggie fit right in with the girls too, on and off the court. It didn’t take long at all to build the chemistry they had. One thing that impresses me most about Maggie is the time she spends on her game outside of our team practices. If we take days off, she doesn't. She was always finding a gym to shoot in or an outside court to play a game on. She doesn't do this because she's necessarily "training". She just loves to play that much. It's fun to watch a kid enjoy the game so much. The Lady Vols are very glad Maggie came to be a part of us and I feel very fortunate that I got to coach such a good player and kid.”

“Ten good questions for Maggie Proffitt”

How long did it take for you to mesh with the other girls after transferring in from Columbus High?

“After transferring from Columbus High it did not take long to mesh with the girls at all. I was kind of unsure of what to expect coming in as a senior to a program that was already very strong and had several talented players but as soon as we started to practice and play together, I felt as though we had great chemistry and were going to be a team that could do special things if we put our minds to it.”

What were your expectations of Starkville Academy and Coach Schmidt?

“When I sat down and met with Coach Schmidt prior to deciding where I would transfer the next year, she told me that if I decided to come to Starkville Academy, it wasn't going to be easy. I knew that I would have to work hard and that I was going to have to give 100% in everything that I did. When I made the decision to attend SA, I knew that I was going to be playing for a great coach and was going to learn a lot to help further my game.” 

How much fun was it playing this season knowing early on that you would be playing at the University of Central Arkansas?

“It was so much fun and definitely a relief knowing that I will be playing basketball at the University of Central Arkansas. It definitely took a lot of pressure off of me, knowing that I did not have to prove anything to anyone. I could just take one game at a time and focus on playing the best I could to help get the win for my team.” 

What do you want to major in and what field do you want to pursue?

“Right now, I am unsure of what I want to major in and what field I want to pursue. If I had to decide today, I believe I would want to major in kinesiology, and then after graduating from Central Arkansas, attend physical therapy school.” 

As this season went on how much pressure was associated with going undefeated?

“I don't believe there was any pressure when it came to being undefeated. Towards the beginning of the season I don't think that any one of us ever thought that we would go the whole season without losing a game. It just wasn't something that we talked about. When tournament time came around, although we weren't really "allowed to talk about it", I definitely think that it was in the back of our heads and was motivation to help us finish the year strong. We as a team always talked about how we had worked too hard and come too far to lose now.” 

Who was the one person on the team that made you laugh the most and why?

“It's very hard to choose just one person, but if I had to choose I would have to say the one person on the team that made me laugh the most was Sallie Kate Richardson. We always found a way to make weight lifting or a tiring practice somewhat fun, even if we weren't supposed to. Whether it was taking pictures before games, singing on the bus, or dancing in the locker room, she definitely was always able to make me laugh.”

Who was the one player on the team you wouldn't want to face as an opponent?

“One person that I wouldn't want to face as an opponent is Alex McCafferty. Not only is she probably 4 inches taller than me, but she could probably bench press me with one hand. I have never seen a girl her age that is as strong as she and I would not want to have to face her because she would most likely demolish me.” 

How was your experience playing for Coach Schmidt and what do you feel like you learned playing for her?

“I loved every minute of playing for Coach Schmidt. Although it was tough, I definitely have learned a lot and it has not only made me a better player, but a better person as well. When transferring schools, I was looking for a very disciplined team where I was going to learn the game. While playing for Coach Schmidt, that is definitely what I got.”

What is the one moment or thing about this season that you will always remember?

“The one moment that I will always remember is winning the Overall State Championship. What made this moment so memorable was that we were having to face Presbyterian Christian School for the fourth time that year; coming off of a very close game in the AAA State Semifinals where we were down to them by twelve late in the fourth quarter. We knew that we were going to have to come out and play our very best to beat them, and that's exactly what we did.”

What do you see yourself doing in ten years?

“In ten years, I hopefully see myself having just graduated from physical therapy school and working to further my career.”
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In determining the Southern Sports & Travel Player of the Year twenty four coaches were polled. 

In the polling 73% selected Maggie Proffitt followed by Anna Lea Little, Mackayla Dykes and Trista Magee.
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Sponsored by

Southern Sports & Travel Player of the Year

Simpson Anderson of Central Private School is the Southern Sports & Travel Boy’s Player of the Year.

The 6’3” senior guard recently led Central Private to the school’s first ever Overall Championship and a 29-4 record.

Anderson averaged 19.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists a game but performed at his best during big games.

Anderson averaged just over 32 points and 8 rebounds in Central Private’s two wins over defending Overall Champion Jackson Prep.

Saving his best performance for the biggest game of his high school career, Anderson scored 36 points (six 3-pointers) in the Rebel’s 74-67 Overall Championship win over Prep and wowed the A.E. Wood Coliseum crowd with his ability to hit long range 3-pointers during critical moments of the game.

The senior averaged 20 points and 7 rebounds in Central Private’s Overall Tournament wins over MRA, Parklane and Jackson Prep.

Anderson’s ability to take over a game whether it be with long range 3-pointers, driving the lane or a thunderous slam dunk truly makes him the best all-around and most complete player in the MAIS.

“I remember the first time I met Simpson Anderson 3 years ago,” said Central Private head coach Henry Gantz. “It’s amazing how far he's come and how much he's accomplished. We've had a unique relationship because in some sense both of our careers grew together. We've both lived our highs and lows together.  He also is a three year starter for Central Private School and he has put this program on his back and has turned the Rebel basketball program into the power that it once was in the early 2000's. He has hit so many big shots and made so many big plays that it became routine to his team to watch. I watched the Overall Finals game last night on DVD and he literally made so many big plays that its mind boggling. I watched reactions from the crowd (good and bad) when he was hitting timeline 3's and people are just shaking their heads in awe, however the Central Private bench and our fans saw Simpson just being himself, he's been doing it for three years,” said Gantz.

During Anderson’s three years as a starter the Rebel’s went 87-15 and 24-0 in district play and while fans will look back and see Central Private etched in the MAIS books with the title “2013 Overall Champions” next to it what they will not see is the path the Rebels took in accomplishing that goal.

One example was a February 13^th Class AA South State Tournament elimination game with highly touted Trinity Episcopal. The matchup was a highly intense “go home” game with the loser having their season end. In that game Anderson scored 31 points (six 3’s) and grabbed 12 rebounds in leading Central Private to a 72-43 win.

“A coach can’t ask for a player to be a better teammate either,” said Henry Gantz. “He has played with some great talent at Central Private and he has accepted every role he's had, whether it be a spot up shooter, switching to point guard in the middle of a game, or being our center in the pick-n-roll. He has amazed many fans throughout his career and I am excited to watch him at the college level, I have no doubt in my mind that Simpson will hit a timeline shot to send his team to the NCAA tournament or something special like that. I don't think the area will soon forget the name Simpson Anderson, I know I never will.”

“Ten good questions for Simpson Anderson”

How much fun was it playing for Coach Gantz?

“It was extremely fun, I do love him.”

Who was the one person on the team that made you laugh the most and why?

“Thomas Kelly, he always made Coach Gantz mad and it made me laugh to see him get in trouble.”

Who was the one player on the team you wouldn't want to face as an opponent?

“It’s got to be Liam Thomas or Jaydyn Cohen. I wouldn't want to play offensively against Liam but I wouldn't want to guard Jaydyn.”

What did the loss to Marshall in the state championship game do for the team's confidence?

“That’s a good question, it didn’t really boost my confidence and I felt awful the whole way home, until the next day Coach sent me a text message that really fired me up. He had me believing again.”

What is the one moment or thing about this season that you will always remember?

“Winning the Gold Ball.”

How did the death of Brice Harris affect the team?

“It brought the team closer together and it gave us something to fight for. We always feel like people are against us and this inspired us even more.”

How satisfying was it winning south state this year over Brookhaven after losing to them two years ago in a "go home" game?

“It was a GREAT feeling, I enjoyed every second of it.”

Did you know before the Overall Tournament that no Louisiana team had ever won the Overall Championship?

“I had no clue, I knew that if we won overall it would be our first in school history. Coach Gantz always preached to us that we needed to leave our own mark.”

Where will you be attending college?

“I am still going on recruiting visits but I've got it narrowed down to three schools. My coach will kill me if I release that information.”

What do you see yourself doing in ten years?

“I think in ten years I can be oversees playing professional ball. If that doesn't work out I want to be a forensic scientist.”
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In determining the Southern Sports & Travel Player of the Year twenty four coaches were polled. Simpson Anderson received the most votes with Liam Thomas of Central Private and Josh Williams of Jackson Prep garnering second and third place results.
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Sponsored by

Southern Sports & Travel 2013 All-MAIS Girls Team

Southern Sports & Travel 2013 All-MAIS Boys Team

SOUTH TAKES 3 OF 4 IN ALL-STAR BASKETBALL

By James Ethridge

FLOWOOD - The South All-Stars took three of four of the games played Friday in the A. R. Smithers MAIS All-Star Basketball Games played at the Fortenberry Gymnasium on the campus of Jackson Prep.

CLASS A GIRLS - South 67, North 54

South MVP Madison Mault (Lamar Christian) scored a team-high 18 points to lead the South to victory.

After spotting the North to an early 1-0 lead, the North went ahead to stay with an 8-0 run. Six of those points came courtesy of Tori Earnhart (Veritas). The South built up a 13-point lead at half time, 30-17.

A foul-marred game in the first half as a total of 24 fouls were whistled against the two teams, resulting in a total of 30 free throws.

The South led as much as 17 on several occasions in the second half.

Garnering MVP honors for the North was Jacquelyn Brooks (Strider), who had a game-high 19 points.

Earnhart contributed 10 points to the South cause.

CLASS A BOYS - North 90, South 73

North MVP Derek Martin (Tri-County) had a game-high 19 points to lead the North to victory. Martin was one of four North All-Stars to score in double-digits.

The South led for most of the first half before Brady Chambley (Winona Christian) scored off a rebound to give the North a 27-26 lead with 5:04 left in the first half. Grant Campbell (West Memphis Christian) converted a steal with 4:42 left to give the North its largest lead in the first half at 29-26.

The score was tied at 33-33 when South MVP Ted Brisco (Porter's Chapel) took matters into his own hands, with a jumper, a 3-pointer, and a dunk in the span of 1:15 to give the South the lead at 40-33 with less than a minute to play. A couple of lay ups from C. J. Miller (Central Holmes Christian) cut the South lead to 40-37 at the half.

After five ties and a lead change in the first eight minutes of the second half, the North west ahead to stay when Martin made a lay up to make the score 56-54 with 11:45 left in the game.

The North lead ballooned to 20, at 90-70, before Kyle Russell (Russell Christian) made a 3-pointer at the buzzer to put the final score of 90-73 on the board.

Miller had 15 points, Campbell had 14 points, and Jalin Lindsey (Clinton Christian) had 13 for the North.

P. J. Lassiter (Porter's Chapel) led the South scoring with 17 points. Tre Collins (Newton County Academy) contributed 11 points as well.

CLASS AA-AAA GIRLS - South 78, North 63

Anna Lea Little (Starkville Academy) scored 12 points to lead the South to victory.

The teams see-sawed throughout the first half as there were six ties and six lead changes. The North held its last lead when Shay Atkins (Oak Hill) converted two free throws to make the score 25-24 with 2:11 left.

The South went ahead for good when Nikki Worthey (Adams County Christian) converted a layup from an assist by Mackayla Dykes (Bowling Green) to make the score 26-25 with 1:54 left in the first half.

The South had as much as a 17-point lead in the second half.

Kim Klunk (Parklane) led all scorers with 15 points, while Maggie Proffitt (Starkville Academy) contributed 14 points and Caroline Haik (Bowling Green) added 10 points to the South cause.

North MVP Anna Katherine Nowell (Leake Academy) scored only six points.

Mollie Blair (Jackson Academy), Tori Hines (Madison-Ridgeland Academy), and Atkins each scored 11 points for the North.

CLASS AA-AAA BOYS - South 90, North 66

South MVP Liam Thomas (Central Private) scored only 10 points, but it was his defensive presence that made the difference, as he blocked several shots and collected several defensive rebounds.

The teams exchanged leads for the first ten minutes of the game. a 3-pointer by Matthew McMullan (Jackson Academy) tied the game at 20-20 with 9:38 left in the first half.

The South went ahead to stay with a 10-0 run over the next two-and-a-half minutes. The first seven of those points were scored by Simpson Anderson (Central Private) as he converted an offensive rebound, converted a slam dunk off an assist by Josh Williams (Jackson Prep), and made a 3-pointer to give the South a 27-20 lead with 8:03 left in the half. Ty Quick (Copiah) scored the other three in that run with a layup off an assist by Gage Posey (Brookhaven Academy) and a free throw. The North could get no closer than five for the remainder of the half.

The North got as close as four in the second half when Jordan Hubbard (Madison-Ridgeland Academy) made a 3-pointer to make the score 48-44 with 15:12 left in the game. The South then went on a 13-0 run to extend the lead to 61-44 with 11:34 left. Lee Ogletree (Hillcrest Christian) scored the first six of those points. The North could get no closer than seven for the rest of the game.

Ogletree led the South charge with 18 points, followed by Williams with 17, and Anderson with 15.

North MVP Peyton Lewis (Marshall Academy) led all scorers with 20 points. Hubbard contributed 10 for the North.

All Star game MVP's

Tri-County's Derek Martin and Ted Brisco of Porter's Chapel were named the North and South Class A All-Star game MVP's.

They are pictured above with Dr. Allen Smithers of Presbyterian Christian and David Derrick of the MAIS.
(Photo Courtesy of Brooke Martin)

All-Star game MVP's

Marshall's Peyton Lewis and Liam Thomas of Central Private were named the North and South All-Star game MVP's.

They are pictured above with Dr. Allen Smithers of Presbyterian Christian and David Derrick of the MAIS.

(Photo courtesy of Linda McKinney)

Watts signs to run track at Ole Miss

Columbia Academy senior Jon Luke Watts has signed to run Cross Country and Track at Ole Miss.  Watts was the most heavily recruited Distance Runner in the state of Mississippi. 

Seated left to right: mother, Kellie Watts, Jon Luke Watts, father, Todd Watts

Standing Left to right: brother, Alexander Watts, Cross Country Coach, Duane Powell, former Headmaster, Tom Porter, Track Coach, Dan Fails, brother, Ladner Watts

MAIS Girls named to Clarion-Ledger All State Soccer

Olivia Mabry
Lamar School - Senior
Forward - 1st Team

Tiffany Huddleston
Starkville - Senior
Forward - 1st Team

Ann Hilton Buckner

Jackson Prep - Junior

Defender - 2nd Team

Perfect 43-0, let the debate begin

Southern Sports & Travel

The Starkville Academy Lady Vols have officially taken their seat at the table of the best MAIS girls teams in history following a 54-33 defeat of Presbyterian Christian yesterday at A.E. Wood Coliseum on the campus of Mississippi College.

Like a fine tuned machine Starkville shook of a 10-9 late first quarter deficit against Presbyterian and went on a 27-5 run that extended through the third quarter and virtually cemented a second consecutive Overall Championship.

Starkville extended their win streak to 52 games and became the first girls team to repeat since Jackson Academy in 2002.
Saturday's win completed a two year stretch that included two Overall Championships, two Class AAA State Championships and an 81-5 record.

The debate will now begin as to where this Starkville team falls with regards to best ever in the 44 year history of the MAIS girls basketball.

“They’re the best in the history of Glenn Schmidt,” said an emotional Starkville head coach Glenn Schmidt following the game. “I’m endeared to them for what they’ve done. We never wanted to compare ourselves to anybody else, we never wanted to go by other people’s goals.”

It will be hard to argue where this team stands as they had the best shooting guard in Maggie Proffitt, the best center Sallie Kate Richardson, arguably the best play making point guard Tiffany Huddleston and one of the very best all-around players in Anna Lea Little this season.

Facing Presbyterian for the fourth time this season, and twice in the last eight days, Starkville got off to a rather slow start which according to head coach Glenn Schmidt is not unusual.

Presbyterian looked to build off of their semi-final win over Leake Academy on Friday and got out to the start they had hoped for.

Hannah McCarter kicked off the scoring with a basket in the paint less than one minute into the opening quarter and Trista Magee’s driving lay-in at the 5:34 mark gave the Lady Bobcats an early 4-0 edge.

Hannah Sellers converted on one of two free throws to extend the lead to 5-0 before Starkville got on the scoreboard with a Sallie Kate Richardson 15 foot jumper with 4:53 left in the quarter.

Presbyterian pushed out to their biggest lead at 9-2 following a Hannah Sellers basket and a Lillie Waites transition lay-in at the 2:58 mark but the inevitable was on the horizon.

Anna Lea Little’s offensive rebound and put back was quickly followed by a Nora Kathryn Carroll 3-pointer from the wing to pull the Lady Vols to within a bucket at 9-7 with 2:12 left in the quarter.

Hannah McCarter’s free throw with 1:35 remaining gave Presbyterian a 10-7 lead but Starkville finished the quarter strong.

Sallie Kate Richardson scored in the paint and Tiffany Huddleston nailed a straight away 3-pointer from the top of the key with 47 seconds left to give Starkville their first lead at 12-10 as the quarter expired.

Starkville would totally dominate the second quarter.

Maggie Proffitt hit a 12 foot jumper from the baseline one minute into the quarter to start what would be a 12-0 Lady Vol run.

Tiffany Huddleston’s steal and lay-in at the 3:58 mark doubled up the score at 20-10 and Sallie Kate Richardson’s turn-around jumper in the paint capped a 12-0 run to give the defending champions a 24-10 advantage with 1:48 remaining in the first half of play.

Starkville closed the half on an Anna Lea Little long 3-pointer from beyond the top of the key with four seconds left to give the Lady Vols a 29-14 cushion at intermission.

Starkville opened the second half in stark contrast to how they opened the first quarter.

Sallie Kate Richardson served up an assist to Maggie Proffitt following a Lady Bobcat turnover and Anna Lea Little canned two free throws to extend the lead to 33-14 less than two minutes into the second half.

Richardson would score off an offensive rebound and Proffitt hit two free throws to finish off an 8-0 opening third quarter run that would give Starkville their biggest lead at 37-14 with 4:48 remaining in the quarter.

Starkville took a 43-23 lead into the championship quarter.

Presbyterian’s Reagan Dykes scored in the paint to open the final quarter but the Lady Vols responded with an 8-2 run to take what would be their biggest lead of the afternoon at 51-27 with 4:56 remaining in regulation and Presbyterian would get no closer than twenty one points down the stretch.

“We play in a really tough league and we don’t shy away from any of it,” said Glenn Schmidt. “I think that’s what has helped us with our ability to handle pressure.”

Maggie Proffitt led Starkville with a game high 17 points along with 5 rebounds, Sallie Kate Richardson added 12 points and 7 boards, Tiffany Huddleston had 9 points and 10 rebounds, Anna Lea Little had 9 points and 6 rebounds and Nora Kathryn Carroll finished with 7 points.

Trista Magee led Presbyterian (29-7) with 11 points, Hannah Sellers had 7, Hannah McCarter 5, Reagan Dykes 4 and Lilly Waites, Monica Breland and Holly Hawkins each had 2.

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Post Game with Starkville Head Coach Glenn Schmidt

Post Game with Starkville senior Anna Lea Little

Post Game with Starkville senior Maggie Proffitt

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Starkville Academy - 2013 MAIS Overall Champions

Central Private stuns Prep, claims Overall Championship

Southern Sports & Travel

In the 44 year history of MAIS basketball no Louisiana boys team has ever hoisted the Gold Ball, until now.

The Central Private Rebels overcame a nine point halftime deficit to capture the 2013 MAIS Overall Championship with a come from behind 74-67 win over defending champion Jackson Prep.

Just one week after falling to Marshall in the Class AA State Championship game Central Private did what most considered a long shot, upending a Jackson Prep squad that goes ten deep and has one of the premier players in the MAIS, Josh Williams.

Just don’t tell Central Private head coach Henry Gantz this was an upset.

“When you beat a team twice in one season and they don’t beat you it’s not an upset,” said an overjoyed Gantz minutes after winning the school’s first ever Overall Championship.

Gantz was referring to the January 4th 78-73 win over Prep that many considered would be a huge motivating tool for Jackson Prep heading into yesterday’s matchup and after an alley-oop slam dunk by Josh Williams at the end of the first half put Central Private in a nine point hole at halftime it looked like the defending champions were two quarters away from earning another Gold Ball.

In a nip and tuck first quarter that included four ties Central Private would never lead.

Prep got out to a 7-2 lead in the opening three minutes of the game as Josh Williams attacked the rim for two baskets and Richard Baird nailed a 3-pointer from the wing.

Central Private would run off an 8-3 run over the next three minutes to knot the game at 10-10 with 3:03 remaining in the quarter but couldn’t grab the lead away from Jackson Prep.

After a Liam Thomas bucket in the paint tied the game for the fourth time at 14-14 Prep closed the quarter with a Gene Wood 3-pointer from the wing to give the Patriots a 17-14 edge after one quarter of play.

Central Private opened the second quarter with a Syrshawn Fitch offensive rebound and put back and after Prep’s Ryan Buchanan answered with an 18 foot jumper the Rebels would grab their first lead of the game.

Fitch dished up an assist to Liam Thomas in the paint and at the 5:01 mark Simpson Anderson drained a long 3-pointer from the wing to give Central Private their first lead at 21-19.

The Rebel lead was short-lived as Prep answered with a Cade Noble 3-pointer and a Josh Williams hard drive to the bucket to give Prep a 24-21 lead with 3:57 remaining in the half.

Simpson Anderson drilled a 3-pointer from the wing to tie the game at 24-24 but this would be the last tie of the evening but more alarming for Central Private was 6’10” center Liam Thomas picking up his third foul with 2:48 left in the half.

Jackson Prep produced a 10-2 run over the remaining 2:48 of the half which was capped with the Josh Williams highlight reel alley-oop slam to give the Patriots a 35-26 lead at intermission.

Central Private watched the deficit swell to fifteen points just over one minute into the third quarter as Cade Noble and Ryan Buchanan hit 3-pointers on the Patriot’s first two possessions but Jackson Prep would soon endure something they haven’t done all season, get dominated in the second half.

Richard Baird’s tip in at the 3:52 mark gave Jackson Prep a 45-31 lead and with the final quarter just on the horizon the A.E. Wood Coliseum crowd seemed predisposed to what the outcome would be.

After the final 3:52 had expired in the third quarter the crowd had moved to the edges of their seats.   

Thomas Kelly hit a critical 3-pointer from the wing to give Central Private a much needed basket and after Prep answered with a Wic Smith baseline driving lay-in the Rebels would control the rest of the quarter.

Simpson Anderson scored off a transition basket and followed that lay-in with one from close range to pull the Rebels to within single digits at 47-38.

Following a Jackson Prep turnover Liam Thomas scored off an offensive rebound and a Simpson Anderson offensive rebound slam dunk at the 1:24 mark brought the Rebels to within five points at 47-42 and ignited the Rebel faithful.

Syrshawn Fitch’s fast break basket made it 47-44 with just over a minute left but Prep seemed to have weathered the storm as Richard Baird’s offensive rebound and lay-in gave the Patriots a little breathing room at 49-44 with 43 seconds left in the quarter.

That breathing room was quickly suffocating as Simpson Anderson drained a long 3-pointer from the wing at the buzzer to get Central Private within two points at 49-47, the closest since 3:16 of the second quarter.

Central Private finished the quarter with a 16-4 run and after losing the turnover battle in the first two quarters of play the Rebels would win that battle in the third.

The final eight minutes of play started with a Josh Williams jumper from 17 feet but was answered by Central Private as Simpson Anderson hit a 3-pointer to pull the Rebels to within a point at 51-50 and provide those in attendance with a sneak peek of what was to come.

Each team swapped a free throw and with 5:38 remaining in regulation Jackson Prep was clinging to a 52-51 advantage.

That would be Prep’s last lead of the game and the Patriots would uncharacteristically continue to lose the turnover battle in the second half and for a brief moment their composure.

A technical foul on Jackson Prep senior Josh Williams at the 5:26 mark would result in two Jaydyn Cohen free throws to give Central Private their first lead since 5:01 of the second quarter.

Cohen followed with two more free throws to give the Rebels a 55-52 lead but with 4:28 left in the game Simpson Anderson did the unthinkable.

The 6’3” senior pulled up from 30 feet and launched a straightaway 3-pointer that produced a collective gasp from the crowd but more importantly stretched the Central Private lead to 58-52.

Anderson made Prep pay with a steal and lay-in to give the Rebels their biggest lead at 60-52 but with 3:19 remaining Jackson Prep still had life.

A Josh Williams driving lay-in would give the Patriots their first points since the 6:07 mark and after two Liam Thomas free throws pushed the Rebel lead back to 62-54 Prep made their move.

Ryan Buchanan scored in the paint with 2:31 remaining and Josh Williams would do the same at the 1:59 mark to get Prep to within four points at 62-58 but Central Private would answer each Patriot score with one of their own down the stretch.

Jaydyn Cohen would slip backdoor to score and after Prep’s Josh Williams hit one of two free throws Cohen served up an assist to Thomas Kelly who had slipped behind the Patriot defense to extend the Rebel lead to seven points at 66-59 with just over one minute to play.

Ryan Buchanan hit from 17 feet and Prep immediately called time-out with 49 seconds left.

Jackson Prep quickly fouled Jaydyn Cohen but the senior point guard canned both free throws to push the lead back to seven points at 68-61.

Prep wasn’t ready to fold as Wirt Dunbar hit a 3-pointer from the corner to cut the deficit to 68-64 with 36 seconds to go but Central Private would go 6/8 from the free throw line down the stretch to earn a 74-67 win.

In the win Central Private guard Simpson Anderson made a strong case for player of the year as the senior did what he had done all season in big games, deliver.

The senior scored a game high 36 points, 20 in the second half, and went 12/19 from the field including 6/13 from the 3-point line.

Jaydyn Cohen added 12 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists, Syrshawn Fitch had 11 points, Liam Thomas scored 10 points along with 8 rebounds and 8 blocked shots and Thomas Kelly had 5 points.

Central Private (29-4) went 17/20 from the free throw line.

Jackson Prep (35-4) was led by Josh Williams with 23 points, Ryan Buchanan and Richard Baird added 11 each, Gene Wood 8, Wirt Dunbar and Cade Noble 6 apiece and Wic Smith 2.

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Post Game with Central Private Head Coach Henry Gantz

Post Game with Central Private senior Simpson Anderson

Post Game with Central Private senior Liam Thomas

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Central Private School - 2013 MAIS Overall Champions

Prep, Starkville both look to repeat

Southern Sports & Travel

It was Final Four Friday yesterday in Clinton, Mississippi as the top four boys and girls teams in the MAIS met to decide who would advance to the championship round and a run at the Gold Ball.

When all was said and done last year’s Overall Champions, the Jackson Prep Patriots and the Lady Vols of Starkville, both won their respective games and will get the opportunity to win back-to-back championships this afternoon on the campus of Mississippi College.
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Jackson Prep 62 Marshall 48

Josh Williams scored 18 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and dished out 5 assists as Class AAA top ranked Jackson Prep defeated Class AA number one Marshall.

Marshall ran out to an early 7-0 lead in the first three minutes of the contest before Josh Williams heated up from the perimeter connecting on two 3-pointers and a fast break lay-in to pull the Patriots to within a point at 9-8 with 3:30 left in the opening quarter.

Prep would grab their first lead of the game at 10-9 on two Gene Wood free throws but the Patriots would see Marshall close the quarter with a 7-2 run to end the first eight minutes of play with a 16-12 advantage.

Marshall pushed their lead to 21-12 to open the second quarter as Brad Bennett canned a 3-pointer from the wing and then scored at close range with 6:24 to go in the half  but Prep would rally with a 13-4 run to close the half with the game all tied up at 25-25.

Ryan Buchanan’s bucket in the paint forty seconds into the third quarter gave Jackson Prep the lead at 27-25 and it was a lead they never relinquished.

Prep stretched their lead to ten points at 40-30 at the 1:49 mark of the quarter following five straight turnovers by Marshall.

Marshall wrapped up the quarter with an 8-2 run to trim the deficit to 42-38 but that would be as close as they would get.

Prep (34-3) outscored Marshall 20-10 in the fourth quarter to advance to today’s final.

Josh Williams led Prep with a game high 18 points, Cade Noble added 10, Ryan Buchanan 9, Richard Baird and Gene Wood 7 each, James Young 4, Wirt Dunbar, Wic Smith and Camp Geary had 2 apiece and Will Keeler 1.

Marshall (35-4) was led by Brad Bennett with 15, Dakota Dailey had 14, Peyton Lewis 7, Thomas Faulkenberry 4, Antonio Love, Randy Love, Devonte Smith 2 and Jacob Driggers 2 each.

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Starkville 68 Bowling Green 54

Starkville combined to hit eleven 3-pointers from the field and led most of the way in improving to 42-0 and extending the state’s longest winning streak to 51 games.

Maggie Proffitt and Nora Kathryn Carroll each scored 20 points and Sallie Kate Richardson recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds as Starkville held off several Bowling Green runs through three quarters of play.

Bowling Green’s only lead would be at 2-1 but Starkville’s perimeter shooting was the difference in a well played first half.

Maggie Proffitt connected on two 3-pointers in the first quarter and Nora Kathryn Carroll drained one as Starkville took a 14-9 lead into the second quarter.

Starkville threatened to pull away during the first four minutes of the quarter as the Lady Vol’s torrid shooting continued.

Carroll hit another 3-pointer and Anna Lea Little connected on two 3-pointers to spark a 13-6 run to give Starkville their biggest lead at 27-15 with 4:22 remaining in the first half but Bowling Green would not go away.

Consecutive 3-pointers from Reagan Moody and Kristina Jerrell pulled the Class AA State Champions to within six points at 27-21 at the 2:17 mark.

Starkville would take that same six point spread at 33-27 into intermission.

The Lady Vols would manage to increase their lead by just one point in the third quarter as both teams virtually played to a dead heat heading into the final eight minutes of play with the defending Overall Champions maintaining a 48-41 lead.

Bowling Green outscored Starkville 5-2 in the first minute of the fourth quarter to pull to within four points at 50-46 but Starkville would stretch their lead to 59-50 with 3:06 remaining in regulation.

Bowling Green pulled back to within seven points at 59-52 following a Melissa Crowe basket in the paint but Starkville wrapped up the semi-final win with a 9-2 run down the stretch to take a 68-54 win and advance to today’s final.

Starkville was led by Maggie Proffitt and Nora Kathryn Carroll with 20 points each, Sallie Kate Richardson had 13 points and 10 rebounds, Anna Lea Little 8 points and 11 rebounds and Tiffany Huddleston had 7 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists.

Mackayla Dykes led Bowling Green (37-2) with 14 points, Caroline Haik and Melissa Crowe had 10 each, Kristina Jerrell 8 and Reagan Moody and Ashley Foret 6 each.
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Central Private 57 Parklane 36

Central Private outscored Parklane 19-4 in the first quarter and never looked back as the Rebels advanced to today’s final where they will looking to win the school’s first ever Overall Championship.

Liam Thomas scored 14 points, grabbed 21 rebounds and blocked 14 shots as Class AA second ranked Central Private improved to 28-4.

The Rebels pushed their lead to 24-4 in the second quarter as Jaydyn Cohen converted on a transition basket and nailed a 3-pointer from the corner less than three minutes in.

A Liam Thomas basket in the paint extended the advantage to 26-4 with 3:03 to go in the half and the Rebels would take a commanding 29-9 lead into intermission.

Central Private opened with a 7-0 run to start the third quarter and grow the lead to 36-9 and would take a 40-18 lead into the final quarter.

Parklane outscored Central Private 18-17 in the fourth quarter.

Central Private was led by Jaydyn Cohen with a game high 16 points and 7 assists, Liam Thomas recorded a triple-double with 14 points, 21 rebounds and 14 blocked shots, Simpson Anderson had 8 points and 8 rebounds, Sryshawn Fitch and Thomas Kelly had 6 each, Loyd Ussery, Davonte Scott and Daniel McNamara had 2 apiece and Jordan Bowers 1.

Spencer Remley led Parklane (24-11) with 10 points, Zach Stutzman had 6, Philip Strawn 5, Tyler Stutzman and Brady Lea 4 each, Seth Travis 3 and Robert Pickett and Dan Gill 2 apiece.

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Post Game with Central Private Head Coach Henry Gantz

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Presbyterian 50 Leake 38

Trista Magee and Hannah Sellers combined for 33 points and 15 rebounds as Class AAA third ranked Presbyterian defeated Class AA runners-up Leake to advance to today’s championship game against defending Overall Champion Starkville. It will be the fourth meeting between the two teams this season.

In a hard fought, physical battle Presbyterian overcame a 9 turnover first quarter and a seven point halftime deficit to earn the right to play for their second Overall title in six years.

Presbyterian started out the third quarter looking at a 22-15 deficit but the Lady Bobcats would turn in one of their better defensive efforts of the season in the second half against Leake.

The Lady Bobcats trimmed the Leake lead to 22-20 as Trista Magee canned 5/6 free throws with just over half the quarter gone and a Hannah Sellers driving lay-in with 53 seconds remaining would knot the game at 22-22.

After Anna Kat Nowell hit one of two free throws to put Leake back on top at 23-22 Presbyterian ended the quarter with a Monica Breland bucket at close range to give the Lady Bobcats their first lead since the first quarter at 24-23.

Presbyterian limited Leake to one point in the pivotal third quarter.

Leake would find themselves down 28-25 just over one minute into the final quarter but an Anna Kat Nowell offensive rebound and put back and Chloe Thaggard’s free throw at the 6:01 mark knotted the game at 28-28.

Presbyterian responded with two Trista Magee free throws and a huge Reagan Dykes 3-pointer from the wing following a Leake turnover to push the Lady Bobcat lead to 33-28 with 5:16 remaining in regulation.

Hannah Sellers added two free throws to cap a 7-0 Presbyterian run and give the Lady Bobcats their biggest lead of the afternoon at 35-28.

After a Mary Grace Key free throw Presbyterian increased their margin to 38-29 on another Reagan Dykes 3-pointer with 4:21 left in the contest.

Leake would get no closer than eight points as Presbyterian improved to 29-6 with a 50-38 win.

Trista Magee led Presbyterian with a game high 19 points and 9 rebounds, Hannah Sellers had 14 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists, Reagan Dykes added 11 points, and Monica Breland, Holly Hawkins and Lilly Waites each had 2 points.

Leake (40-2) was led by Anna Kat Nowell and Mary Grace Key with 11 points each, Hannah Peoples added 9, Katie Webb, Hannah Moore and Khristen Evans 2 apiece and Chloe Thaggard 1.

Today’s girls championship game will tip at 1:00 pm while the boy’s will follow at approximately 3:15 pm.

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Post Game with Presbyterian Head Coach Missy Bilderback