Trinity tops Marshall to capture tourney title

By Kent Knee

The Trinity Episcopal Varsity Saints basketball team faced Marshall Academy from Holly Springs, MS at the Brookhaven Academy Holiday Invitational Tournament last night and won 60-47.  The Saints defeated Marshall Academy about a month ago for the State A Football Championship.  

Four Trinity players were in foul trouble, but settled down and finished with no player fouling out.  The Saints were awarded the tournament trophy. 

Tommy McCoy led Trinity scoring with 22 points. Arzell McCoy had 14 points and 8 rebounds. Wyatt Boothe scored 10 points, Trey Hall had 8 points, and Michael Whitley added 6 points. Trinity did not complete a 3 point shot, but made 14 of 20 free throws for 70%.  

Dakota Daily scored 22 points for Marshall.  Other Patriot scorers were Andrew Harrington with 12 points, and Christian Compton with 8 points.  

The Saints are now 10-0 for the 2013-14 basketball season.

Marshall falls to 8-2.

COMPILATION OF MAIS RECORDS NEEDED

Southern Sports & Travel is working on compiling MAIS/MPSA individual records in football and basketball. Record keeping is so vital in preserving the history of the MAIS and having those resources available for readers and supporters of the association is critical and creates a perception that past contributions of so many great athletes is worthy of recognition.

This task should also include coaching and team records that may have stood for many years such as consecutive wins, etc.

It will be a daunting task to say the least but it's an obvious area that needs attention.

Please feel free to call or text 985-750-3455 or email aafandaman@yahoo.com with any information relating to the areas of football and basketball.

Thanks,

Darron Thomas

Simpson contenders in wide open AA title race

Southern Sports & Travel

It had all the trappings and intensity of a late February post season matchup on Friday night in Mendenhall and when all was said and done sixth ranked home standing Simpson edged third ranked Leake 68-65 in overtime to improve to 9-4 on the season.

Simpson would lead the entire first half but Leake stepped up its’ game coming out of intermission.

“It was definitely a big win for us,” said Simpson head coach James Crain. “I thought tonight at times we played pretty good, I was real pleased we could hang on and pull that game out.”

Simpson got out to a 9-3 lead through the first five minutes of the opening quarter behind the inside play and offensive rebounding of Daniel Taylor, Jake Brown and Austin Douglas and would grab their biggest lead of the quarter at 19-12 when freshman Sam McWilliams canned his second 3-pointer of the quarter at the horn.

Daniel Taylor of Simpson looks to drive past Leake's Tristan Hernandez

After Leake’s Alex Shepard opened the second quarter by canning two free throws Simpson would reel off three straight baskets to take their biggest lead of the night at 25-14 with 5:32 remaining in the half but Shepard was about to heat up.

The junior spearheaded an 11-5 Rebel run to close out the half and pull Leake to within five points at 30-25 at the halfway point of the contest.

“They have one of the best players (Shepard) in the league,” said Crain. “We tried to stay in front and not let him penetrate, we tried to keep him pushed out as much as we could.”

With Simpson maintaining a 40-36 edge at the 2:06 mark of the third quarter Leake would produce a 9-3 run.

Brandon Johnson drained a 3-pointer from the wing and was on the receiving end of an Alex Shepard assist on a fast break to give the Rebels their first lead of the game at 41-40 with 1:11 left in the quarter.

Shepard capped the 9-3 run with a signature 15 foot jumper from the elbow at the buzzer to give Leake a 45-43 advantage heading into the fourth quarter.

Simpson quickly regained the lead at 46-45 as Sam McWilliams hit a 3-pointer from the corner just 30 seconds into the quarter.

A Chipper Jones bucket in the paint put Leake back on top at the 6:56 mark but Simpson appeared to take control when Daniel Taylor’s offensive rebound and put back with 3:41 remaining in regulation gave the Cougars a 57-49 cushion but what ensued was a Leake 9-1 run capped by two Alex Shepard free throws as a result of a technical assessed on Simpson head coach James Crain with 1:43 left in regulation to tie the game at 58-58.

Austin Douglas would hit on one of two free throws to give Simpson a 59-58 edge but Leake regained the lead at 60-59 on two more Shepard free throws with 55 seconds remaining.

The lead quickly swapped hands again as Austin Douglas scored from the paint at the 36 seconds mark to put SCA up 61-60.

Alex Shepard (Photo left) would draw a foul with 27 seconds remaining but could only convert on one of two free throws and the contest would enter the four minute overtime period notched up at 61-61.

Peyton Sullivan’s transition basket at the 2:37 mark of the overtime period gave Simpson a 63-61 lead, one they would not relinquish as the Cougars held on for a tough 68-65 overtime win.

When asked how long it would take his Simpson squad to gel following the long post season football stretch Crain responded, “I hope that by the time January rolls around we’ll keep our heads above water and start being able to play with some folks.”

Simpson’s Friday night overtime win over Leake was followed by a 56-39 road win over Bowling Green on Saturday, the Cougar’s fifth win in its’ past six games.

Daniel Taylor paced Simpson with 23 points, Sam McWilliams 17 (5 three's), Austin Douglas 11, Peyton Sullivan 9, Jake Brown 6 and Ryan McElroy 2.

Leake (10-3) was led by Alex Shepard with a game high 24 points, Chipper Jones added 21, Brandon Johnson 10, Tristan Hernandez 8 and William Johnston 2.

Simpson and Leake will both be in action again following Christmas in the annual Simpson Christmas Tournament that runs December 27 through the 30.

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Post Game with Simpson Head Coach James Crain

From the notebook.................

With football season officially completed it's time for the grueling three month stretch that is MAIS basketball. I often share with the many kind folks I chat with at football games about just how difficult and draining basketball season can be, particularly the four week span of post season tournaments that culminates with the Overall Tourney each March.
Another very difficult task is, and has been, posting basketball districts and records during the season and with only approximately 60% participation from schools/coaches reporting scores that endeavor is all but dead.  Class AAA is possible due to someone who always steps up and volunteers to help in any way he can and that is East Rankin head basketball coach Michael McAnally. Big "Shout Out" to Coach Mac for always willing to lend a hand!
Coaches in Classes AA & A who wish to help out can contact me at 985-750-3455 or email me at aafandaman@yahoo.com.
Schools who choose to not participate in providing scores can easily set up a school Twitter account, Facebook athletic page or sign on with MaxPreps to post their teams scores each night. 
Stressing to MAIS member schools the importance of reporting athletic scores is an area in which the MAIS has failed mightily and one only has to look no further than the largest publication in the state, the Clarion Ledger, to see the total lack of MAIS coverage in the area of simply reporting athletic scores. It appears that the situation is regressing when only a handful of MAIS basketball scores appear in each daily publication.
My understanding is that one duty assigned in the MAIS AAC handbook is for a particular position holder to be responsible for working with the media in promoting MAIS athletics. Whether the term "media" only entails The Clarion Ledger one only knows but I sincerely hope this duty is taken seriously for the betterment of MAIS athletes. 
I have posted a link to the AAC handbook at the top of the page in the tabs sections and hope folks will take the time to educate themselves on their MAIS. 
I was deeply disturbed recently when I received a call from a parent of an MAIS athlete who said he called the MAIS office requesting information regarding what player held a particular MAIS record in football and the parent was told to call the Clarion Ledger.
I would think the thousands of MAIS parents paying tuition each month would demand more, particularly those who are student-athletes. 
I offer kudos to the MAIS for the recent press conference prior to the state championship football games but when the largest publication in the state can't offer up just one question to one of the premier football programs in the MAIS, Simpson Academy, there is a larger problem in the area of promoting the association and that has to be addressed internally by MAIS leadership.
The Southern Sports & Travel link has been removed from the MAIS website and I respectfully request that schools simply do what others have begun doing and that is adding the SS&T link onto their school's websites.
Part two of my series entitled "Can Quality Leadership & Apathy coexist?" will be posted soon. I feel confident it will not be received well from some but I offer up my opinions with good intentions and do my very best to be factual. I've always been obsessed with why mediocrity is often accepted and thinking outside the box is taboo for some.
Finally, from time to time I feel the need to post the following only because some folks like shortcuts instead of doing hard work:
All articles and photos posted on Southern Sports & Travel, unless otherwise noted, are property of Southern Sports & Travel and can only be copied and/or used with permission. That includes any news publications, school associations or individuals who chose to use material without issuing credit to the individual who performed the hard work.
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God is Great!!!!!
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See ya somewhere..........................

Referee collapses during varsity game

Southern Sports & Travel

An MAIS referee collapsed during last night's varsity girls game between West Memphis Christian and Lee (AR).

Gary Cordell started experiencing blurred vision in one eye during the second quarter of the girls varsity game and that quickly spread to his other eye according to Cordell, whom I spoke with this morning.

The next thing Cordell remembered was a team of people around him working on him.

According to West Memphis Christian Athletic Director Chris Norton several well trained parents were in attendance and did a great job of providing the necessary care.

The games were being played at Mid-South Community College in West Memphis, Arkansas last night and the games were immediately postponed until a further date.

Last word on Cordell's condition was positive and that he was responsive and alert according to West Memphis A.D. Chris Norton.

Please keep Mr. Cordell in your prayers.

Southern Sports & Travel Player of the Year

Simpson Academy tailback/linebacker Daniel Taylor is the 2013 Southern Sports & Travel Player of the Year. The 5’ 11” 200 lb. senior led the Simpson Cougars to the Class AA State Championship and the District 4-AA title.  Taylor is an MAIS All State first team selection and was selected to the MAIS All-Star squad.

In helping win the school’s sixth state championship Taylor did what he had done the entire 2013 season in rushing for 150 yards on 29 carries and scoring 2 touchdowns but the senior also helped in limiting Centreville to 7 points by recording 7.5 tackles from his linebacker position in the 20-7 victory.

Taylor rushed for an MAIS 4^th best 1,905 yards on the season but during the playoffs the tailback proved why he is the best overall football player in the MAIS by producing in big games.

In Simpson’s four game playoff run Taylor averaged 157 yards rushing a game and scored 9 touchdowns while also spearheading one of the best defenses in the MAIS and rarely ever leaving the football field.

Taylor’s 2,185 all-purpose yards and 22 touchdowns coupled with 82 tackles defensively, including 4 sacks and 11 tackles for a loss, made the senior a clear choice for the 2013 Southern Sports & Travel Player of the Year.

“Daniel is the type of player that enjoys everything about football from practice to games which makes him a lot of fun to coach,” said Simpson head football coach Winston Mullins. “Daniel was a work horse for us all year long and there were times he didn't come off the field and when you did take him out he didn't understand because he wanted to play every snap. He was a leader for our team not so much by what he said but because he just played so hard and along with his other teammates refused to lose. His importance to our team goes without saying. He wore many hats and played all out 100 percent all of the time. To describe Daniel I would use the words warrior, dedicated, teammate, and winner. He is a player I have enjoyed coaching because of the way he plays the game all out every play. He plays the game the way it should be played. Daniel and his senior brothers will be missed at Simpson but they have shown our underclassmen what it takes to be successful and for that I will be forever grateful.”

The selection of the 2013 Southern Sports & Travel Player of the Year was one of the more difficult in recent years due to the large number of players who produced outstanding seasons.

The process used in determining this season’s player of the year included but was not limited to: 1) Individual statistics, 2) Strength of competition, 3) Polling of more than a dozen coaches.

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In depth with Daniel Taylor:

Who has been the biggest influence in your life and why?

My dad, James “Buckus” Taylor, has been the biggest influence in my life.  Through tough love and discipline, he has taught me to work hard to achieve my goals. 

Who has been the biggest influence with regards to athletics and why?

My brother, Garrett Taylor has been the biggest influence with regards to athletics.  He is the one that got me interested in sports.  At a young age, he began teaching me about sports and continues to encourage me today. 

Athlete you would most like to sit down and have a conversation with and why?

Tim Tebow – I would like to talk to him about life in general.  He seems to have a great outlook on life. 

Hobbies?

I enjoy playing and watching all sports. 

Favorite subject in school and why?

Government – It is my favorite subject because I have an interest in current events. 

When did you first play football and where?

5^th grade at East Rankin Academy

Toughest opponent this season and why?

Lamar School – They were a very physical team with lots of speed. 

How long have you been at Simpson?

I came to SCA the 2^nd semester of 8^th grade. 

Best memory of SCA?

My sophomore year, SCA won the state championship in football.  This was also my brother’s senior year.  It was special being on the same team together. 

Plans after high school?

Attend junior college - Undecided about major

Describe your relationship with Coach Mullins & Coach Hankins and the job they have done with you personally and the football program at SCA.

Coach Hankins is a great motivator.  He has worked hard to teach the football players to be disciplined. 

Coach Mullins gets very fired up about football.  His attitude about the game is contagious. 

Both of these coaches are great men.  Each player knows that the coaches would do anything for them on or off the field.  They have the best interest of each player in mind. 

What do you see yourself doing in ten years?

I would like to be coaching football and working with students. 

Who is the best athlete in your family?

With having five siblings, we each have our strengths.  My sister Allison was very aggressive on the basketball court, the twins Jamey and Juley were very small and fast which allowed them excel in track, and myself and Garrett are very well rounded and flexible which allowed us to participate in all sports. 

Family members

Father – James “Buckus” Taylor

Mother – Morgan Taylor

Sister - Allison Taylor McDaniel and husband Grant McDaniel

Sister - Jamey Taylor Anthony and husband Jay Anthony

Sister - Juley Taylor Steed and husband Shannon Steed.  Niece Stella Steed. 

Sister - Alyssa Taylor

Brother - Garrett Taylor 

Tragedy strikes Prentiss Christian

Southern Sports & Travel

From Prentiss Christian School Headmaster Danny Quick:  

Last Wednesday, Prentiss Christian School tragically lost a member of our family.  Junior cheerleader and softball player Kaylan Ainsworth was involved in a fatal automobile accident. 

Our school family is attempting to cope with our loss.  Our faith is strong; we believe that God gave us Kaylan and her smile for a time that was determined by Him and that in her passing, we are to strive to be stronger. 

Kaylan never met a stranger, had a smile for EVERYONE, and had Christ in her heart. She is in paradise.

On behalf of Prentiss Christian School and Kaylan's family, thank you for the comfort we have found in knowing that we are and will continue to be in the thoughts and prayers of all in the MAIS.

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Kaylan Reid Ainsworth

December 8, 1996----------December 5, 2013

We love you, you are our heart.

Please keep Kaylan's family and her friends at Prentiss Christian in your prayers.

Two hardwood coaches answering higher calling

Southern Sports & Travel

Two MAIS schools will be replacing their head basketball coaches, one sooner than the other.

Ben’s Ford Christian School and Parklane Academy will each eventually have new faces directing their boys basketball squads.
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Ben’s Ford head coach Shadd Pittman will end his four year stint at the Bogalusa, Louisiana school on December 26^th while Parklane’s Chris Weaver will finish out the 2013/14 season before departing after ten seasons.

Both Pittman and Weaver will be answering the call to the ministry.

Pittman is flying out the day after Christmas for Murrietta, California where he will serve as associate pastor at Murrietta Valley Church near Temecula. The 30 year old guided Ben’s Ford to an 18-13 record last season and the school’s first ever state tournament appearance.

“I’m anxious to spend Christmas with my family and excited to get started following where God leads me to,” said Pittman.

Steven Wade will assume the duties of head coach following Pittman’s departure.
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Parklane head coach Chris Weaver’s travels will be much shorter than that of his colleague at Ben’s Ford.

Weaver has accepted the position of Children’s Minister at First Baptist Church in Summit, Mississippi.

The 44 year old is in his tenth year at Parklane and began to feel his calling during last year’s basketball season.

“Last year I felt the calling and as the season wore on things got more and more clear,” said Weaver. “I surrendered in April.”

Weaver said he hopes to finish the season on a high note, one similar to last season’s squad that advanced to the Overall Tournament.

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Both Pittman and Weaver are to be commended and looked upon as positive examples for our youth as to what priorities we should all serve.

Basketball season and reporting scores

Southern Sports & Travel

If you've seen the DISH commercial on television where a couple is talking about having to drive 15 miles in order to check their email because of the poor service they used to receive that is in a sense the predicament I've been in since November 11th. Only difference is my DISH service is great but my AT&T internet and cell service has been horrible since then.

While I can still receive text messages, sending or replying to them is another subject. I have to actually drive or walk approximately 700 feet from my home to send out text messages. I often do my best to reply to each text with a thank you so if you don't get that customary reply that problem will be resolved soon, I hope!

Last night was one of the very best nights for reporting basketball scores. So many coaches, players, parents and supporters took the time to send in scores, many with scoring stats. There is no other source anywhere that provides this many MAIS scores and it's because of nice people who care about their school and helping young athletes get recognition.

There are a few schools that for some reason just don't want to participate in reporting anything and that's their prerogative. I received word from the MAIS recently that some Sylva Bay representatives weren't pleased with my approach with regards to getting their scores reported but I now receive their scores each night thanks to a couple of very nice individuals who took it upon themselves to allow the thousands of Southern Sports & Travel visitors to follow their teams. I don't understand how that can be anything other than a good thing.

There are some who think Southern Sports & Travel is associated with the MAIS but to the contrary. Southern Sports & Travel is totally independent and receives no support from the MAIS other than occasional informational emails from time to time.

There is and has always been a clear, main objective associated with the purpose of Southern Sports & Travel from the very start six years ago, to promote MAIS athletics and its' athletes. That goal cannot be obtained through laziness or apathy.

If you don't see your team's score posted on Southern Sports & Travel feel free to text 985-750-3455 or ask your school representative to take the initiative to participate.

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"In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins. Not through strength but by perseverance." The great Jackson Browne.

Can Quality Leadership and Apathy coexist?

Southern Sports & Travel

We hear frequently that kids just emulate what they see around them whether it be at home, school or through the ever growing cultural dependence on social media which in some cases can be positive.

In the arena of high school athletics coaches and their assistants are charged with the momentous task of providing guidance to young athletes who spend a large volume of time on the practice fields and in the weight rooms and whether parents choose to accept it or not those coaches have a huge impact on that young athlete’s life.

In a perfect world there is no void in quality leadership, a quality leadership that embeds character through hard work and a never ending allegiance to team.

Unfortunately we aren’t in a perfect world and while giving recognition to those who teach life lessons through gifted coaching skills is imperative, those who lack those skills and, in many cases, desires should be held accountable.

In the MAIS fraternity of coaches many have provided positive life changing experiences, some we hear about and some we learn about years later.

These pillars of the MAIS go about their business and passion quietly and their work is on full display each and every time their team suits up for competition. The team is and should be a representation of what and who the coach is in the areas of leadership and character, two characteristics fading quickly in high school athletics.

On the Saturday just before the Class A state championship game between Trinity and Marshall got underway a ritual that has become fashionable took place in the southeast corner of the end-zone probably no more than thirty yards from the MAIS hospitality suite where officials and administrators were conversing and staying warm and dry.

The ritual is one similar to what Drew Brees does each Sunday before taking the field in which he is in the middle of a large contingent of teammates and pumps his squad up with a particular chant.

Unlike the Brees ritual this one was led by an assistant coach filling the air with obscenities at the top of his lungs and while those enjoying the comfort of the hospitality suite could not hear, the many children and families close by in the stands must have.

Ironically ten minutes later the entire stadium was led in the customary pre-game prayer.

There may be some who accept this type of behavior and pass it off as what it takes to be competitive and to prepare a team before an athletic event.

Human emotions are expected in the heat of battle, I’ve witnessed it each Friday night for the past six years on the sidelines covering football games but if the unacceptable continues to be accepted what have we achieved?

Some school administrators share equally in the blame, allowing an “anything goes” environment as long as winning continues. Those are the same administrators charged with ensuring a stated code of conduct is strictly adhered to.

Some coaches and assistant coaches lack the leadership qualities worthy of working with and leading kids. Turning a blind eye, whether it be from school officials or the MAIS, should be admonished from within the MAIS community of parents and supporters.

The MAIS has a committee structure in place that administers discipline to member schools when they deem warranted and as recent trends suggest, those committees are sometimes very busy.

Included in Athletics & Activities Commission (AAC) handbook on page 34 is the following sportsmanship creed which by mandate is to be read before every MAIS athletic event.

“The MAIS recognizes that the spirit of the game of football lives in skilled offense, effective defense, and a well-planned strategy. The spirit of this game cannot be maintained unless sportsmanship, ethics and integrity are our number one priority. Good sportsmanship will be expected from all groups associated with MAIS activities.”

It seems as though apathy has unearthed its’ ugly head and this language has transitioned into nothing but mockery.

I have reached out to the MAIS requesting clarification on another particular ritual that seems to be frequently in the news as of late but to date no response has been offered.

That and more on the MAIS’ current disciplinary structure which doled out punishment in a recent occurrence will be examined further and will be posted in part two of a three part series in a few days.

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Comments are welcomed and encouraged, email aafandaman@yahoo.com

Lady Patriot inks with West Alabama

Winston Academy's Marianne Ward recently signed a letter of intent to play basketball for the West Alabama College Lady Tigers located in Livingston, Alabama. The 5'10" senior signed during the early signing period.