Tri-County advances to semis with win over Riverfield

Southern Sports & Travel

For second ranked Tri-County things were going their way as they raced out to an 18-5 first quarter lead but the Lady Rebels would find themselves in a dogfight in the second half  and would hold on to defeat a gritty Riverfield squad 50-41 to advance to today’s semi-final round of the Class A State Tournament.

Brook Martin and Patty Hancock combined for 30 points as Tri-County improved to 24-3 and will take on defending state champion Mt. Salus today at 2:30.

Tri-County saw Riverfield take a quick 2-0 lead on an Ashley Cooper offensive rebound and put back but that would be the only lead of the night for Riverfield.

Tri-County turned consecutive Lady Raider turnovers into baskets as Patty Hancock nailed a jumper from 16 feet and then Hancock drained a 3-pointer from the wing at the 5:42 mark to give the Lady Rebels their first lead at 5-2.

Hancock scored again less than thirty seconds later and Brook Martin would make Riverfield pay after another turnover by canning a 3-pointer to increase the Tri-County led to 10-2 at the halfway point of the opening quarter.

Each time Riverfield would score Tri-County responded as the Lady Rebels canned four 3-pointers in the quarter and went on to grab a 20-8 lead after one quarter of play.

Riverfield began grabbing momentum in the second quarter.

Riley Bridges nailed a 15 foot jumper and Ashley Cooper converted a Tri-County turnover into a basket in the paint to trim the deficit to 22-12 with less than two minutes gone in the quarter.

Tri-County managed to keep Riverfield at bay but couldn’t deliver a knockout punch.

Riverfield would draw to within five points at 25-20 on an Ashley Cooper driving basket with just 20 seconds left in the half but Tri-County received a huge boost as Brook Martin drained a 3-pointer with 4 seconds on the clock to close out the half with the Lady Rebels holding a 28-20 lead.

Tri-County managed to open up with a 7-2 run to take their biggest lead at 35-22 but five turnovers hindered their efforts to put Riverfield away.

Heading into the final quarter of play with a 37-28 edge Tri-County appeared to have things well in hand as they stretched their lead to twelve at 40-28 less than one minute into the fourth quarter but Riverfield started slowly chipping away and Tri-County turnovers would aid the Lady Raiders in their cause.

Riverfield would mount a 13-4 run to pull to within three points at 44-41 with 3:23 left in regulation but the Lady Raiders would miss the front end of two one and one opportunities down the stretch and would not score another point.

Bailey Randall nailed an 18 foot jumper with 1:13 remaining to push the lead out to 46-41 and Haley Alexander would convert a Riverfield turnover into a basket to ice the game at 48-41 with 28 seconds left in the contest.

Tri-County’s Brook Martin canned two free throws in the closing seconds to provide the final margin of 50-41.

Brook Martin led Tri-County with 17 points, Patty Hancock added 13, Bailey Randall 7, Lori Luke 5, Amanda Hodge 4 and Haley Alexander 2.

For Riverfield Ashley Cooper had a game high 21 points, Lauchlyn Emfinger had 9, Riley Bridges 6 and Joanna Franklin 5.

Post Game with Tri-County Head Coach Rod Delaney

Claiborne flexes defensive muscle in win over Winona

Southern Sports & Travel

Top ranked Claiborne put on a defensive clinic in a 50-33 win over fourth ranked Winona last night in round two action of the Class A State Tournament at Rebul Academy in Learned, Mississippi.

Millicent Butler scored a game high 18 points and Kameron Simpson added 13 as the Lady Rebels improved to 29-2 on the season and advanced to today’s semi-final round where they will take on Cenla.

Claiborne set the tone early as they forced eight Winona turnovers in the first four minutes of the opening quarter.

Those turnovers led to the Lady Rebels jumping out to an 8-0 lead that was spearheaded by Millicent Butler who converted on a transition basket and served up an assist to Kameron Simpson. Millicent and Simpson would be responsible for Claiborne’s first eight points while on the other end of the court Winona didn’t get their first shot of the game off until the 4:01 mark of the quarter.

Winona would get their first point of the game with 3:00 remaining in the quarter as Mary Kendall Ware hit on one of two free throws.

Kameron Simpson’s basket in the paint pushed Claiborne’s lead to 10-1 with 2:37 left in the quarter.

Winona got a much needed basket on a Kally Kirk offensive rebound and put back, plus one, to trim the deficit to 10-4 but Claiborne closed the quarter with a Kameron Simpson driving lay-in to give the Lady Rebels a 12-4 advantage heading into the second quarter.

Claiborne started the second quarter with a Kameron Simpson free throw and then took their biggest lead at 16-4 as Ragan Beard drained a 3-pointer from the wing less than one minute into the quarter.

Claiborne grabbed their biggest lead on their last two possessions of the half as Millicent Butler converted in the paint and Ragan Beard’s fast break bucket with 31 seconds remaining pushed the margin to 28-11 entering the halfway point of the contest.

Claiborne would put the game out of reach in the third quarter.

The Lady Rebels produced a 13-4 run during the first six minutes of the quarter to take a commanding 41-15 lead and would finish three quarters of play on top 46-17.

Winona would outscore Claiborne 16-4 in the final quarter.

Millicent Butler scored a game high 18 points for Claiborne, Kameron Simpson added 13, Ragan Beard 9, Madison Butler 4 and Madelyn Haynes, Hannah Harper and Hannah Colvin each had 2.

Mary Kendall Ware led Winona (25-11) with 13 points, Kally Kirk added 9, Sara Taylor Goss 6 and Caitlyn Mitchell 5.

Claiborne will take on seventh ranked Cenla today at 1:00 pm.

Post Game with Claiborne Head Coach Wade Heigle

Leake senior trio ready for another run

Southern Sports & Travel

There have been 43 seasons of basketball played in the history of the MAIS and in that time no single school has dominated its’ class in such a manner that the Leake Academy Rebelettes have the past seven seasons.

Leake’s record setting seventh straight state championship came in a 52-44 win over Bowling Green last season and that win notched state title number fifteen in the books, another record for a girls or boys team in the history of the MAIS.

This Saturday most expect Leake and Bowling Green will square off once again as both squads have shown to be playing on a different level than the remaining field in Class AA. Some have even considered the two teams the second and third best in the entire field of MAIS girls teams right behind defending Overall Champion Starkville.

This past Saturday top ranked Leake nailed down their eleventh straight Class AA North State title with a 69-30 win over third ranked Oak Hill in Madden.

That game was also the last time Leake’s seniors will ever play on their home court again but it also marked the last time that arguably the best guard tandem in the MAIS will play together in the familiar surroundings of the Joe F. Shepard Gymnasium.

Hannah Peoples and Anna Katherine Nowell are the fuel that drives the 38-0 and seven time defending Class AA Champions. Peoples and Nowell have permanently etched their marks into the rich tradition that is Leake Rebelette basketball and head coach Doyle Wolverton has seen his share of premier players in his 38 years at the helm of the girls program at the Madden, Mississippi school.

 “Hannah Peoples and Anna Katherine Nowell will go down as the best guard tandem to ever play at Leake,” said Wolverton.

Peoples, who has been an integral part of the varsity squad since she was an eighth grader, is on the verge of accomplishing a feat that may have never been done in the history of  MAIS basketball and that is to start on five state championship teams.

The soft spoken shooting guard has moved up to fourth on the all-time Leake Rebelette basketball scoring leaders list and also just as impressive is the number of wins she has been a part of as a member of the varsity squad. During the past five seasons with Peoples as a starter the Leake Rebelettes have compiled a 196-10 record, four state titles and one Overall Championship.

Peoples, along with arguably the best MAIS girls player ever, Susan Byrd, are the only two Leake players to ever win four state championships.

“Hannah’s expression never changes,” said Wolverton. “You’ll never know if she made a shot or missed it, it’s always the same. It doesn’t matter what I tell her she just looks me in the eye and does what it takes.”

While Peoples is known for her trademark jumper and aggressiveness on the boards Anna Katherine Nowell can be an intimidating force on the basketball court.

Nowell, who has been part of three state championships and averages over 7 assists and 7 rebounds a game, can single handedly take over a game in ways other than scoring.

The senior guard known as “Kat” is one of the better all-around players in the MAIS and spearheads the Leake pressure defense but according the Wolverton she is much more than that.

“Anna Kat has always been like a little momma on the team. Whenever I’m feeling bad or I get sick or I get another stint in my heart she’s always there,” said Wolverton.

“She comes to the hospital, she sweeps the gym floor, changes out the bracket board during tournaments, she does everything.”

Where does Nowell rank among point guards according to Wolverton?

“There’s a fine line between number one and number two when it comes to the best point guards to ever play at Leake,” said Wolverton. “Emily Dees was very good and she led our 1999 team that went 46-0 and won the Overall Championship but Anna Kat is right there with her in regards to the best point guards to ever play at Leake.”

Although Peoples and Nowell garner a majority of the attention the other senior starter on the squad has filled a critical role in the success of the program recently.

Hannah Moore, who didn’t start playing basketball until her freshman year, has been an important part of the puzzle that opponents can’t seem to solve at times.

Moore is the leading rebounder for the Rebelettes but her versatility has been a huge plus for Leake.

“Hannah’s skill level has gotten so much better since her freshman year,” said Wolverton. “She is now able to score, rebound, handle the basketball and do different things for us. Teams have trouble matching up with her because of her speed and strength.”

Leake’s quest for their eighth consecutive state championship got underway on Tuesday night with a 69-32 win over Oak Forest to improve to 38-0 and advance to the semi-finals on Friday where they will face fifth ranked Prairie View.

“We’re going to have to play well,” said Wolverton. We’ve had a few setbacks with injuries and illnesses but we’ll find somebody to fill those spots and give this thing another run and see what we can do.”

Wolverton added, “I tell the kids all the time, you go out there and give your best effort. You don’t have to win a state championship to feel good about yourselves, just give your best and that will always be good enough for us.”

Remarkably Leake went seven seasons without losing a single game to a Class AA opponent. That streak ended last season at West Point when Oak Hill upset the Rebelettes but the only streak Leake is concerned with now is the most important, another state championship to send its’ seniors out as one of the most successful ever.

For those who have never watched this class of Leake Rebelettes play basketball the opportunity to do so is waning. Like a well-oiled machine Leake plays the game as hard and physical as anyone and they go about their business as if the outcome is inevitable.

You also won’t see any taunting and very few outbursts of emotion.

“I don’t believe that’s the way you play the game,” said Leake head coach Doyle Wolverton. “When we go out there we want to play as hard and as physical as possible and when the game is over we shake hands and say a prayer. We’re respectful to others as much as anyone.”

Leake is two wins away from their eighth straight ring but the team that could be waiting in the wings ready to provide a large obstacle for the Rebelettes is second ranked Bowling Green who, should they advance to Saturday’s championship game, will carry a 35-1 record into the rematch.

Leake upsets fourth ranked Simpson in overtime

Will Myers of Leake hits the winning shot with 2 seconds remaining to upset fourth ranked Simpson 74-72 in overtime. Leake sophomore Alex Shepard nailed a 3-pointer at the buzzer in regulation to send the game into overtime.

Central Private tops Brookhaven in another epic battle

Southern Sports & Travel

In today’s game some things get overlooked. With the evolution of the dunk and the 3-point shot the little things that wind up making the biggest differences in wins or losses don’t get noticed.

With time winding down in the first quarter of Central Private’s 22-20 win over Brookhaven on Saturday the Rebels looked to be reeling after scoring just six points and there was a buzz in the John R Gray Gymnasium that an upset could be in the making after the Cougars had just put together a 12-3 run to take a 12-6 lead but one of those overlooked, sometimes insignificant, things occurred.

(Above) Central Private's Liam Thomas gets a piece of a Will Hickman (#14) shot

With only a few seconds left in the quarter Central Private point guard Jaydyn Cohen took an in-bounds pass from the Brookhaven end of the floor and hurled up a 70 foot shot that banked in at the buzzer to trim the lead to 12-9 heading into the second quarter.

That shot would prove to be the difference in which team earned the all-important top seed from the south heading into next week’s Class AA State Championship Tournament.

Saturday’s game had all the trappings of a state finals contest. The intensity was fierce and the atmosphere was electric and as usual with championship games held at Brookhaven the house was packed and vocal.

Central Private grabbed possession off the opening tip and wasted little time in attacking the Brookhaven defense but weren’t successful in converting.

Brookhaven did what was expected of them on their first possession as the Cougars set up their halfcourt offense and worked the ball around like a well-oiled machine looking for weaknesses in the Central Private zone defense.

Brookhaven’s first possession lasted over four minutes before a missed shot was hauled in by Central Private who quickly notched the first points of the game as senior guard Simpson Anderson drained a 3-pointer from the top of the key with 3:31 remaining in the opening quarter to give the Rebels a 3-0 lead.

Central Private forced a Brookhaven turnover but were assessed a technical when center Liam Thomas missed a dunk and hung on the rim.

Zac Smith would convert both free throws to get the Cougars on the board at the 3:11 mark of the quarter.

Brookhaven took their first lead of the game at 4-3 on a Peyton Hood basket in the paint and the Cougars quickly upped their advantage to 10-3 on consecutive 3-pointers from Gage Posey at the 2:17 mark and Zac Smith with 1:03 left in the quarter.

Central Private then got a critical bucket from Jaydyn Cohen who sank a 3-pointer from the top of the key to trim the deficit to 10-6 with 49 seconds to go but Brookhaven seemed to have gotten the edge as the quarter was winding down as Will Hickman hit two free throws to close out a 12-3 Cougar run and push the Brookhaven lead back to 12-6 but Cohen took the in-bounds pass and let it go from 70 feet and it banked home which received a huge gasp from the Brookhaven supporters and a wild reaction from the Central Private side.

That rare shot to cut the Brookhaven lead to 12-9 would be ever so important in the outcome of a game with such high stakes.

Brookhaven continued in the second quarter in attacking the Central Private zone and Peyton Hood would find a gap in the paint for a basket just fifteen seconds into the quarter to increase the Cougar lead to 14-9.

Simpson Anderson answered with a 16 foot jumper but Brookhaven returned the call as Will Hickman hit from 18 feet as the Cougars maintained a five point lead at 16-11 with 6:44 to go in the half.

Central Private would capitalize on a Brookhaven turnover as Syrshawn Fitch served up an assist to Liam Thomas on a transition bucket to pull the Rebels to within three points at 16-13.

Gage Posey’s offensive rebound and put back quickly pushed the Cougar advantage back to five points at 18-13 but Central Private would close the half strong.

(Above) Brookhaven's Gage Posey launches a 3-pointer in the first half

Simpson Anderson’s offensive rebound and score got the Rebels to within three points once again at 18-15 with 3:44 remaining and the senior nailed a deep 3-pointer from the wing to tie the contest at 18-18 to close out the scoring in the half.

The second half of play would be in stark contrast to the first after Central Private quickly took their first lead since the 3:11 mark of the first quarter.

Jaydyn Cohen drained a 17 foot jumper twenty seconds into the third quarter and Simpson Anderson’s steal at mid-court and thunderous slam dunk forced a Brookhaven time-out with the Rebels holding a 22-18 lead with 6:32 remaining in the quarter.

Brookhaven took their ensuing possession and went into the stall game and held possession until missing a shot with 2 seconds remaining to close the quarter looking at a 22-18 deficit but the Cougars would get the first possession of the fourth quarter.

The stall tactic continued as Brookhaven was content to wind the game clock down and Central Private appeared to as content as the Rebels laid back in their zone but cautiously.

Chants from both sides of the John R Gray Gymnasium were the main attraction for upwards of the next five minutes but as the clock reached the 2:40 mark Brookhaven head coach Dale Watts barked out instructions getting the offense in attack mode but a critical mistake was made as the Cougars turned the ball over with 1:48 remaining.

It was Central Private’s turn to spread the court but they weren’t as effective in burning off much time as Gage Posey picked off an errant pass near mid-court and scored on a lay-in to pull Brookhaven to 22-20 and brought the Brookhaven crowd to its’ feet with 1:12 remaining in regulation.

The tension was as high as if it were the Overall Finals and that tension reached its’ highest point when Central Private committed another turnover, this time with 36 seconds remaining, while clinging to a 22-20 lead.

Brookhaven burned twenty three seconds off the clock before calling a time-out at the 13 seconds mark to set up a game winning effort.

With time winding down it was obvious Brookhaven was going for the win as they feverishly worked the ball for an open look from beyond the 3-point line but as seconds wound down Gage Posey launched a 3-point attempt from the left wing that was on line but hit the front rim as time expired and Central Private players and fans erupted in jubilation.

“This was a huge win for our team,” said Central Private senior Simpson Anderson. “It was also a big win for me personally after our loss to them at south state two years ago.”

On what the instructions were during the timeout before Brookhaven’s last shot attempt Anderson said, “We felt like it would be Posey taking that shot because he’s been playing so well, we were ready and aware of where he was the entire time on that last play.”

Central Private (24-3) was led by Simpson Anderson who was the only player in double digits with 12 points, Jaydyn Cohen added 8 and Liam Thomas 2.

Gage Posey led Brookhaven 7 points, Zac Smith added 5 and Will Hickman and Peyton Hood had 4 each.

Central Private will enter next week’s state tournament as the top seed form the south and will play fourth seeded Oak Hill on Wednesday.

Brookhaven (24-12) will take on tournament host Canton on Tuesday.

Post Game with Central Private Head Coach Henry Gantz

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Note: My apologies for the poor quality of the Simpson Anderson dunk.

Bowling Green takes second straight south state title

Southern Sports & Travel

The second ranked Bowling Green Lady Bucs captured their second consecutive Class AA South State championship on Saturday with a 77-58 win over fifth ranked Simpson.

Five Bowling Green players scored in double digits and the Lady Bucs forced 23 Simpson turnovers in improving to 33-1 on the season and advancing to next week’s Class AA State Tournament as the top seed from the south.

(Above) Bowling Green point guard Mackayla Dykes (#2) goes airborne in the first half

Bowling Green’s lone turnover in the first quarter came on their first possession and Simpson cashed in as Lauren Griffin canned a 3-pointer from the top of the key to put the Lady Cougars up 3-0 early into the contest.

Simpson’s lead didn’t hold long as Bowling Green’s pressure defense forced six early quarter turnovers to fuel a 13-0 run.

Caroline Haik would get Bowling Green on the board with two free throws and Melissa Crowe would convert a Simpson turnover into a 3-pointer from the wing to give the Lady Bucs the lead at 5-3 at the 6:44 mark.

An Ashley Foret steal in the backcourt and lay-in extended the lead to 7-3 and forced a Simpson timeout.

Bowling Green responded as Mackayla Dykes canned two free throws and Foret did the same to push the Lady Buc cushion to 11-3 with 5:56 remaining in the opening quarter.

The 13-0 run was capped on a Mackayla Dykes assist to Caroline Haik as Bowling Green stretched their lead to ten points at 13-3.

Simpson stopped the run on a Maegan Griffith bucket in the paint at the 4:33 mark but Bowling Green answered with a 6-2 spurt to take their biggest lead of the quarter at 18-7.

Bowling Green took a 22-11 edge into the second quarter but Simpson would show some life in the early minutes.

Maegan Griffith sank two free throws to open the quarter and the Lady Cougars managed to pull back to within eight points at 28-20 after two more Griffith free throws with 5:54 left in the half.

(Above) Melissa Crowe (#12) of Bowling Green drives for 2 of her game high 19 points

The deficit jumped back to eleven points at 31-20 just twelve seconds later as Kristina Jerrell drained a 3-pointer from the corner but Simpson would once more mount a charge as Brittany Gardner sank two free throws and Gracie Knight’s driving lay-in at the 4:13 mark pulled Simpson to within seven points at 31-24. Bowling Green then produced a 9-0 run spurred by two Melissa Crowe buckets to increase their lead to 40-24 with 2:13 to play in the half.

After two more Brittany Gardner free throws Bowling Green grabbed their largest lead of the half at 43-26 when point guard Mackayla Dykes converted on a driving lay-in, plus one, with just over one minute remaining.

Bowling Green would take a 45-29 lead into intermission and came out on fire from the perimeter to start the third quarter.

Following two Brittany Gardner free throws Melissa Crowe, Reagan Moody and Mackayla Dykes drained 3-pointers on consecutive possessions to balloon the Bowling Green lead to 54-31.

Moody would hit two more 3-pointers in the quarter, her third came with 47 seconds left in the quarter as the sophomore hit from the top of the key to give Bowling Green a commanding 64-39 lead.

Brittany Gardner closed the quarter with a basket in the paint, plus one, but the Lady Cougars faced a twenty two point deficit at 64-42 to end the quarter.

Simpson would get no closer than sixteen points in the fourth quarter as Bowling Green went on take the Class AA South State title.

Melissa Crowe led Bowling Green with a game high 19 points, Mackayla Dykes added 14, Reagan Moody had 13 points and 8 rebounds, Kristina Jerrell and Ashley Foret had 10 each, Caroline Haik 7 and Breanna McNeese and Lexi Voltz 2 apiece.

Simpson (29-11) was led by Brittany Gardner with 17 points, Maegan Griffith added 14, Abby Dunston 12, Lauren Griffin 7, Gracie Knight 5 and Emily Crace 3.

Bowling Green will take on Indianola on Wednesday while Simpson will battle Prairie View Tuesday.

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Post Game with Bowling Green Head Coach Pat King

MRA moves on with win over Parklane

Southern Sports & Travel

Madison-Ridgeland Academy used a 12-3 second quarter run to break open what had been a close contest en-route to a 57-42 Class AAA Division I semi-final win over Parklane last night at MRA.

Senior point guard Jordan Hubbard scored 20 points in leading the Patriots who will now take on top ranked and defending Overall Champion Jackson Prep. Prep defeated Jackson Academy 53-36 in the late semi-final game last night.

MRA started their matchup with Parklane sluggishly as both teams attempted to establish a rhythm offensively but the Patriots would ultimately overcome a first quarter that included five turnovers and difficulty defending the Pioneers in the paint.

Parklane would grab a brief lead at 2-1 less than two minutes into the contest on Tyler Stutzman’s basket in the paint but MRA would control the remaining six minutes of the quarter.

Jordan Hubbard would get a driving lay-in and convert on two free throws to give the Patriots a 5-3 lead with 3:33 remaining in the quarter.

(Above) Clinton Moses (#24) of MRA goes strong to the basket for 2 of his 15 points

Clinton Moses canned a jumper from the elbow at the 3:02 mark to extend the MRA lead to 7-3.

Parklane grabbed some much needed momentum after MRA’s Caleb Scufelt nailed a 17 foot jumper as MRA maintained a four point edge at 9-5.

Justin Brent served up an assist to Tyler Stuzman following an MRA turnover and Brent would connect on one of two free throws to narrow the deficit to one point at 9-8 to end the quarter.

Parklane would regain the lead at 10-9 to open the second quarter as Tyler Stutzman hit two free throws and a Zach Stutzman free throw at the 6:59 mark would give Parklane their biggest and last lead of the night at 11-9.

MRA knotted the game at 11-11 on a Caleb Shufelt jumper from the baseline and took the lead for good at the 4:59 mark on two Sean Rawlings free throws.

A Clinton Moses offensive rebound and put back with 2:06 left in the half extended the lead to 16-11.

After a Parklane free throw Jordan Hubbard drained a 3-pointer from the wing and Hubbard followed up with a fast break basket to wrap up a 12-3 run and give the Patriots their biggest lead of the half at 21-12 with 1:10 left.

Parklane would get a Justin Brent lay-in to close the half looking at a 21-14 deficit.

Third ranked MRA show little signs of sluggishness to open the third quarter.

Caleb Shufelt hit a 3-pointer from the wing less than twenty seconds into the half to push the Patriot lead to ten points at 24-14 and MRA would tack on another six points to finish off a 9-2 run and grab their biggest lead at 30-16 with 4:16 remaining in the third quarter.

(Above) Parklane's Zach Stutzman (#24) with a baseline drive in the second half

Brady Lea’s baseline drive stopped the bleeding for Parklane and the Pioneers would pull to within nine points at 34-25 on a Lea jumper from the elbow with 1:46 left in the quarter.

Two Jordan Hubbard free throws pushed the MRA lead back to double digits at 36-25 to end the quarter.

Parklane would pull to within nine points once more at 36-27 on a Justin Brent basket to start the final quarter of play but MRA began pulling away.

A Jordan Hubbard bucket was followed by a 3-pointer from Matt Porter at the 6:23 mark to extend the MRA lead back out to 41-27.

After Parklane battled back to close the gap to ten points at 50-40 MRA answered with seven straight points to take a 57-40 lead with 38 seconds remaining.

MRA improves to 23-13 on the season while Parklane falls to 20-8.

Jordan Hubbard led the Patriots with a game high 20 points, Clinton Moses added 15, Caleb Shufelt 12, Sean Rawlings 7 and Matt Porter 3.

Parklane was led by Tyler Stutzman and Brady Lea who each had 10 points, Spencer Remley and Justin Brent added 6 each, Zach Stutzman 5 and Philip Strawn 4.

The Pioneers will take on Jackson Academy this evening in the consolation game.

Leake cruises into tournament championship game

Southern Sports & Travel

The top ranked Leake Rebelettes improved to a perfect 36-0 after hammering sixth ranked Indianola 56-23 in Class AA North semi-final action yesterday at Leake Academy.

Senior point guard Anna Kat Nowell scored a game high 20 points and eighth grade post player Anna Evans added 11 as Leake advances to the title game where they will take on third ranked Oak Hill who defeated Prairie View 55-50 in the early game yesterday.

It was typical Leake brand basketball as Indianola quickly found out in yesterday’s second semi-final contest.

Anna Evans would turn a Lady Colonel turnover into a basket and Anna Grace Key’s fast break lay-in off another Indianola turnover got the defending state champions out to a 4-0 lead.

After Indianola’s Jessica Holmes hit on one of two free throws Leake capitalized on Indianola’s fourth turnover as Mary Grace Key canned two free throws to give Leake a 6-1 edge with 5:11 left in the first quarter.

(Above) Leake's Hannah Moore (#40) launches a jumper during the first half

Indianola would get their first bucket of the game at the 4:59 mark on a Patton Bradshaw 17 foot jumper but Leake answered with an 8-1 run to go up 14-4 with 2:10 to go in the opening quarter.

Leake would wrap up the quarter on Anna Kat Nowell’s offensive rebound and put back and with 13 seconds remaining Hannah Moore would serve up an assist to Anna Evans on a transition bucket to give the Rebelettes an 18-6 lead.

Indianola saw the deficit swell to 26-7 following a Mary Grace Key basket and after the Lady Colonels looked ready to grab some momentum with a Daylen Bills lay-in and a Shay Wraggs free throw Leake erupted with an 11-4 run to finish the half with a 37-14 advantage.

Indianola got an up close look at one of the best point guards in the MAIS to start the third quarter as Anna Kat Nowell turn the lights out on the Lady Colonels.

Nowell converted on three free throws after getting fouled while attempting a 3-pointer and drained a 17 foot jumper on the Rebelette’s next possession to extend the lead to 42-14.

Nowell drove baseline and scored and then delivered assists to Mary Grace Key and Hannah Moore on consecutive possessions as Leake went up 48-14 with 5:51 remaining in the quarter.

After Chloe Thaggard scored from down low Nowell ended her day with an offensive rebound and lay-in as the senior joined Hannah Peoples on the bench with the Rebelettes cruising along with a 52-14 lead.

Hannah Moore would join Nowell and Peoples after the senior went glass at the 1:38 mark to give the Rebelettes their biggest lead at 54-14 and capped a 17-0 Leake run.

Leake would outscore Indianola 17-3 in the quarter en-route to a 56-23 win.

Anna Kat Nowell led Leake with a game high 20 points, Anna Evans (Photo right) added 11, Hannah Moore and Mary Grace Key had 9 each, Hannah Peoples 3 and Chloe Thaggard and Shelly Dowell 2 apiece.

For Indianola (24-9) four players had 4 points each. Daylen Bills, Shay Wraggs, Angelique Dubois and Rivers Robinson, Jessica Holmes had 3, Patton Bradshaw 2 and Caroline McDaniel and Brantley Hill 1 apiece.

Indianola will take on Prairie View in today’s consolation matchup.

Leake holds off Colonels to advance to semi-finals

Southern Sports & Travel

The Leake Rebels endured a torrid early start from Indianola last night to earn a tough fought 60-53 win in round two of the Class AA North State Tournament to advance to the semi-final round this evening where they will face Oak Hill.

Sophomore Alex Shepard scored a game high 29 points and Leake overcame two obstacles in getting the win, losing starter Reed Mayfield who fouled out in the third quarter and the loss of a key player, Thomas Tubby, to a season ending knee injury last week.

Ninth ranked Indianola came out of the gates on fire last night.

Khalid Fears quickly sank a 3-pointer from the wing and followed that with two free throws to give the Colonels an early 5-0 lead.

Leake got on the board when Tristan Hernandez hit a 3-pointer from the corner but Indianola responded with seven straight points as Christian Kirk canned a 10 foot jumper, Michael Sykes converted from 8 feet out and Kirk drained a 3-pointer from the wing to give the Colonels a 12-3 lead with 5:04 still remaining in the opening quarter.

Leake would in turn produce a run of their own during the remaining five minutes.

Reed Mayfield hit a 15 foot jumper and Alex Shepard’s driving basket cut the deficit to 14-7 with 3:37 left in the quarter.

After Mayfield converted two free throws Shepard served up an assist to Tristan Hernandez to pull the eighth ranked Rebels to within three points at 14-11.

Shepard would sink a floater in the lane and a basket high off the glass to give Leake their first lead of the night at 15-14 to finish a 12-2 run and the quarter.

Leake would capitalize on two Indianola turnovers to extend their margin in the second quarter.

Alex Shepard’s bucket, plus one, pushed the lead to 18-14 and Reed Mayfield turned a Colonel turnover into a 3-pointer from the wing to give the Rebels their biggest lead at 21-14 with 4:39 left in the half.

Indianola’s Khalid Fears got the Colonels first basket since the 4:20 mark of the first quarter when he grabbed an offensive rebound and converted.

Fears then hit a 3-pointer following a Leake turnover to pull the Colonels to 21-19 with 3:41 left in the quarter.

Fears (Photo above) would knot the game at 21-21 on another offensive rebound and put back thirty seconds later but Leake quickly pushed back out to a 26-21 lead as Alex Shepard nailed a 3-pointer and then a jumper from the elbow at the 1:24 mark.

Indianola’s Khalid Fears scored on a driving lay-in to end the half with the Colonels looking at the short end of a 26-23 game.

Indianola would pull to within one point on three occasions in the third quarter but couldn’t manage to overtake the Rebels.

Chipper Jones of Leake would hit two 3-pointers in the quarter and a baseline drive from William Johnston helped preserve a 39-35 Leake lead heading into the final quarter of play.

After an Alex Shepard basket to start the fourth quarter extended Leake’s lead to 41-35 Indianola fired back with six straight points to tie the game at 41-41 with 5:29 left in regulation.

Leake answered as Chipper Jones scored from close range and Indianola would tie the game once more when Jonathan Holland pulled down an offensive rebound and scored at the 4:43 mark of the quarter but Leake would not relinquish the lead.

With Leake grasping onto a slim 48-47 lead and just over three minutes remaining the Rebel’s sophomore point guard took control of the game.

Alex Shepard sank an 8 footer from the baseline and turned two straight Indianola turnovers into baskets to push the Rebel lead to 54-47, a lead that doomed Indianola.

Leake would hit on six of seven free throws down the stretch to take a 60-53 win.

Leake (26-7) was led by Alex Shepard (Photo above) with 29 points, Reed Mayfield, who fouled out with 2:02 left in the third quarter, finished with 12, Chipper Jones added 8, Tristan Hernandez 5, William Johnston 4 and Will Myers 2.

Indianola closes out their season with a 17-9 record and was led by Khalid Fears who scored 25 points, Michael Sykes added 11, Christian Kirk 10, Trey Roberson 3 and Caleb Wilson and Jonathan Holland 2 apiece.

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Post Game with Leake Head Coach Phil Shepard

Prairie View turns up heat in second half to edge Kirk

Southern Sports & Travel

The fourth ranked Prairie View Lady Spartans overcame a seven point halftime deficit to narrowly defeat ninth ranked Kirk 43-39 last night in round two action of the Class AA North State Tournament taking place at Leake Academy.

Kristen Oliphant and Victoria Simmons combined to score 25 points as Prairie View improved to 26-5 and advance to take on third ranked Oak Hill this afternoon in semi-final action.

(Above) Prairie View's Sarah Cammarasana (#12) hits a jumper with 2:53 left in the game

Prairie View had things going their way early on in the contest. The Lady Spartans took a 5-2 lead following a Kaylah Hobbs basket, plus one, two minutes into the first quarter.

Kirk would grab the lead at 7-6 when Beth Tillman drained a 3-pointer from the top of the key at the 4:51 mark but Prairie View would answer with an 8-2 run.

Victoria Simmons converted a bucket in the paint and at the 3:38 mark a Simmons steal and lay-in gave the Lady Spartans a 10-7 advantage.

Prairie View increased their lead to 13-7 on an Erika Guerrero 3-pointer from the wing and the Lady Spartans would close out the opening quarter holding a 14-9 edge.

Prairie View would grab their biggest lead at 17-11 on a Sarah Cammarasana 3-pointer from the corner with 6:32 remaining in the half but Kirk would begin to pick up momentum.

Still down 19-15 with 3:46 remaining in the first half Kirk would take charge of the game.

Daniella Dipado scored from close range and Hayden Grantham followed with an offensive rebound and put back, plus one, to give the Raiderettes a 20-19 lead.

Kirk would take advantage of Prairie View miscues as Beth Boxx turned a Lady Spartan turnover into a transition bucket to up the lead to 22-19.

Daniella Dipado and Hayden Grantham closed out the half hitting two free throws apiece to give Kirk a 26-19 lead and cap a 15-2 Raiderette run.

(Above) Prairie View's Victoria Simmons gets a piece of a shot by Beth Boxx (#24) of Kirk

As well as Kirk played in the second quarter it was just the opposite in the third as the Raiderettes were held scoreless.

Prairie View pulled even with Kirk at 26-26 following a Kristen Oliphant 3-pointer and a Jay Hicks basket in the paint with 2:56 left in the quarter. The Lady Spartans would regain the lead on two Victoria Simmons free throws with 3 seconds remaining in a quarter in which Prairie outscored Kirk 9-0.

The Prairie View run and the Kirk drought continued into the first two minutes of the fourth quarter.

Kristen Oliphant drilled a 3-pointer from the wing to open the quarter and Victoria Simmons hit a 16 foot jumper to push the Lady Spartan lead to 33-26.

Simmons would take advantage of a Kirk turnover with a lay-in to give Prairie View their biggest lead at 35-26 with 6:04 remaining in regulation.

Kirk would end the Prairie View 16-0 run when Hayden Grantham was fouled attempting a 3-pointer and converted on two of three free throws. Grantham would can two more free throws less than a minute later to trim the deficit to 35-30 but Kirk was unable to cash in on three consecutive Prairie View turnovers and saw the lead balloon back to nine points at 39-30 as Victoria Simmons sank two free throws and Sarah Cammarasana scored in the paint with 2:53 left in the contest.

Prairie View saw that nine point cushion shrink quickly as Kirk reeled off seven straight points to cut the lead down to 39-37 with 1:21 remaining but the Lady Spartans got a huge bucket from Jay Hicks and two Kristen Oliphant free throws to seal the deal and a 43-39 win.

Kristen Oliphant lead Prairie View with 13 points, Victoria Simmons added 12, Sarah Cammarasana 5, Jay Hicks and Kaylah Hobbs 4 each, Erika Guerrero 3 and Dani Anderson 2.

Kirk closes out the season with a 25-10 mark and was led by Hayden Grantham who had a game high 14 points, Lauren Snyder and Daniella Dipado had 8 each, Beth Tillman 5 and Beth Boxx 4.

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Post Game with Prairie View Head Coach Ed Bain

Rebels explode in second half to trounce Trinity

Southern Sports & Travel

The Class AA top ranked Central Private Rebels didn’t perform like the number one team in its’ class for the first four minutes of the opening quarter last night against sixth ranked Trinity at the South AA tournament at Brookhaven Academy.

After seeing Trinity take an 8-7 lead halfway through the first quarter Central Private displayed why they are deserving of their ranking as they went on to hammer Trinity 72-45 in a season elimination matchup.

(Above) Central Private center Liam Thomas readies for one of his 15 blocked shots

Simpson Anderson showed why he is one of the premier players in the entire MAIS as the senior scored a game high 31 points and grabbed 12 rebounds.

With the win Central Private (22-3) advances to Friday’s semi-final round where they will take on fifth ranked Simpson who narrowly avoided a second straight South State exit by defeating Oak Forest 72-70 in overtime last night.

Trinity got the start they wanted as the Saints shot out to an early 6-2 lead three minutes into the game but that strong start crumbled rapidly.

Simpson Anderson nailed his first of six 3-pointers on the night to cut the Trinity lead to one point at 6-5 and after Trinity’s Garrett Vinson hit a jumper from the elbow the Rebels went to work.

Central Private 6’10” center Liam Thomas canned two free throws and Syrshawn Fitch converted on a transition basket to give the Rebels the lead at 9-8 with 3:17 left in the opening quarter of play.

Jaydyn Cohen drained a 3-pointer from the corner and Simpson Anderson hit from the deep corner following a Trinity turnover to cap a 10-2 run and give Central Private a 15-8 lead with 2:49 remaining in the quarter.

(Above) Central Private's Simpson Anderson (#5) pulls down one of his 12 rebounds

Trinity stayed within striking distance and a Dre McCoy slam dunk kept the Saints close at 17-12 at the 1:11 mark but Central Private was undaunted as the Rebels closed the quarter with a Thomas Kelly offensive rebound and put back and a Simpson Anderson steal and thunderous slam to give the Rebels a 21-12 lead heading into the second quarter.

After seeing the deficit grow to 30-17 just over four minutes into the second quarter Trinity gained some much needed momentum and would close the half with a 9-3 run to pull to within seven points at 33-26. The Saints’s run was led by senior point guard Tanner Cage and Garrett Vinson.

Trinity capitalized on sloppy play from Central Private during the first two minutes of the third quarter.

The Saints pulled to within three points at 33-30 as Brandon Brooks scored on an in-bounds play following a Rebel turnover and Brooks followed with an offensive rebound and score after Central Private had turned the basketball over three times in those two minutes.

Central Private’s response following a Henry Gantz timeout? A 22-6 run to blow the contest wide open.

(Above) Liam Thomas of Central Private shoots over Trinity's Dre McCoy (#12)

Two Simpson Anderson driving lay-ins quickly extended the lead to 37-30. That was followed by a 3-pointer from the corner from senior point guard Jaydyn Cohen and then Simpson Anderson forced a Trinity timeout after nailing a deep 3-pointer from the wing to push the Rebel lead to 43-32 with 3:59 left in the third quarter.

Trinity would respond coming out of the timeout with a much needed basket as Tanner Cage converted from close range but the Central Private onslaught continued.

Jaydyn Cohen hit another 3-pointer from the corner as the Rebels finished out the remaining 3:14 with a powerful 12-2 run to take their biggest lead at 55-36 heading into the final quarter of play.

Trinity was unable to recover and found out much like other Central Private opponents that driving the lane looking for easy baskets would be a rare occurrence with Liam Thomas blocking shot after shot and frustrating Trinity’s big men.

Central Private would twice extend their lead to 27 points in the final quarter and closed the game with a 14-5 run to complete an impressive 72-45 win and qualify for next week’s Class AA State Tournament to be held at Canton Academy.

Central Private was led by Simpson Anderson’s (Photo left) 31 points and 12 rebounds, junior Thomas Kelly added 15 points, Jaydyn Cohen had 12, Liam Thomas was one basket short of yet another triple-double as the senior center finished with 8 points, 12 rebounds and 15 blocked shots and Syrshawn Fitch had 6.

Trinity finished their season at 20-7 and was led by senior Tanner Cage with 12 points, Garrett Vinson and Brandon Brooks with 10 each, Wyatt Boothe 5, Dre McCoy 4 and Sky Logan and Carter Smith 2 apiece.

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Post Game with Central Private Head Coach Henry Gantz

Washington advances with win over East Rankin

Southern Sports & Travel

The Washington Generals improved to 16-11 with a hard fought 50-45 win over East Rankin last night in the Class AAA Division II tournament being held at Hillcrest Christian. Blake Rounsavall led the Generals with a game high 20 points in leading Washington over East Rankin in a crucial “go home” game.

It was a back and forth opening quarter that included five lead changes.

East Rankin would grab a four point lead at 13-9 on a Hayes Roden 3-pointer from the top of the key with 49 seconds left in the first quarter but Washington’s ability to answer was a sign of things to come as Blake Rounsavall drained a 3-pointer to close out the quarter trailing the Patriots 13-12.

(Above) Colton Thomas of Washington releases a floater in the paint for 2 of his 11 points

The lead would swap hands three times during the first three minutes of the second quarter.

Andrew Steinle’s 8 foot jumper in the paint gave the Generals a 14-13 lead less than two minutes into the quarter but East Rankin would quickly regain the lead on two Peyton Cross free throws at the 5:28 mark.

The Patriot’s would hold that lead for less than fifteen seconds as Rounsavall canned a 3-pointer from the wing to give Washington a 17-15 edge.

East Rankin would miss out on opportunities to grab the lead back during the last two minutes of the half as the Patriots would convert on just 3/7 at the charity stripe but despite the free throw struggles they hit the half only down 21-20.

Washington opened the third quarter with a 6-2 run to extend their lead to 27-22 at the 5:31 mark as Colton Thomas converted on a transition bucket and an offensive rebound and put back to fuel the run but East Rankin charged back.

The Patriots pulled to within one point at 27-26 on a Hayes Roden steal and lay-in and at the 2:38 mark East Rankin regained the lead at 30-29 when Jacob Weldon sank an 18 foot jumper.

(Above) Andrew Steinle (#12) of Washington with a turn-around jumper in the first half 

The East Rankin lead was brief.

Colton Thomas converted in the paint and Chase Palasini hit a 3-pointer from the top of the key to give the Generals a 34-30 cushion with 1:49 remaining in the quarter.

East Rankin would close the gap back to one point at 34-33 to end the third quarter as John Mark Tuttle scored in the paint and Trevor Jordan hit on one of two free throws.

Washington would see their lead slip away as the Patriot’s Phillip Parker sank a baseline floater to start the final eight minutes of play but that would be East Rankin’s final lead of the night.

JC Clements hit on one of two free throws and Blake Rounsavall hit a 16 foot jumper to give Washington a 37-35 advantage.

After a Trevor Jordan basket tied the game once more at 37-37 with 4:23 remaining in regulation Washington took control of the game.

With Washington holding on to a slim 40-39 lead at the 2:48 mark the Generals would mount an 8-2 run to take their biggest lead of the night at 48-41 with 45 seconds left in the contest and seal East Rankin’s fate.

With the 50-45 win Washington (16-11) advances and will take on fifth ranked Hillcrest on Friday.

Blake Rounsavall led the Generals with 20 points, Colton Thomas added 11, Chase Palasini 10, Andrew Steinle 4, JC Clements 3 and Zach Harris 2.

East Rankin (15-18) was paced by Trevor Jordan’s 17 points, Hayes Roden had 9, Jacob Weldon 8, John Mark Tuttle 6, Peyton Cross and Phillip Parker 2 each and Chance Moore 1.
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Post Game with Washington Head Coach David Rounsavall