CONGRATULATIONS TO PRESBYTERIAN GIRLS HEAD COACH

MISSY BILDERBACK WHO NOTCHED HER 300th WIN TONIGHT AGAINST PARKLANE

Big men beware!
Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
The evolution of the game of basketball has been a subject of much discussion throughout the decades. The game has changed distinctly this decade as the big man era has slowly shifted to power-guards who can transform from go to player to assist man in a matter of two possessions. In my high school days it was rare to see anyone over 6’4” but that was a private school association many years ago. Today it’s not uncommon to see kids 6’4” or 6’5” on most nights in AAA or AA MAIS basketball. What has always been rare is seeing a player 6’8” or bigger and that rarity tends to draw lots of interest from fans and college scouts.
An MAIS school with a legitimate big man certainly has the potential to make a serious run at a state title, and what coach wouldn’t be giddy over that prospect? What those coaches fortunate enough to have such a game changer face is what many may not expect.
While the game has changed, a most important part of it still lags woefully behind. I’ll preface the area that I refer to by saying, as I’ve said before, that in no way would I put myself out there on the basketball court to officiate a basketball game with screaming coaches and fans. These folks deserve a big “shout out” first and foremost. With that said, maybe the attention and ire should shift from those who take to the court each night to officiate and towards the MAIS who owe it to member schools and fans to provide the very best well trained officials possible.
A few weeks back I wrote about what I perceived as a poor officiating job during the Presbyterian at Columbia boys game. The opinion was centered on Columbia’s 6’10” center and the inconsistency with regards to how the officials called the game. It was nothing I hadn’t seen before in the MAIS after seeing David Hahn of Chamberlain-Hunt play a handful of games last season. The 7’ center and Texas State signee was often double and triple teamed with a physical type of play that usually would garner fouls in most instances. More often that not Hahn would ride the pine before the first quarter was over. I realized the same scenario was taking shape for Columbia’s center as he quickly drew all the attention from the officials. Perceived and anticipation fouls quickly put the big man on the bench and when he did re-enter the game he played timidly to avoid leaving the game again.
Most would hope that the MAIS takes very seriously the efforts and work those coaches and players put into reaching the ultimate goal of winning a state championship. A re-evaluation needs to take place with quality training at the top of the list so that games are decided by players’ abilities and confidence is restored to fans and supporters.
A sign stating “Big men not allowed” should not be hung in MAIS gymnasiums.

Big second half propels Hillcrest
Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
For one half of play Friday night the matchup between #1 ranked Hillcrest and #4 Simpson had all the makings of a hotly contested district opener for both squads. After playing a physical, low scoring first half in which Hillcrest took a slim 17-16 lead into the locker room, the top ranked team in AA basketball produced a second half that proved worthy of that top ranking to take a 60-36 win over Simpson Academy.
Simpson jumped out to a quick 4-0 advantage with baskets from big-men Justin Griffin and Will Ashley. Hillcrest senior Josh Rogers (photo above) pulled down an offensive rebound and converted to get the Cougars on the board with just over five minutes left in the opening quarter. Austin Hartzog’s layup for HCA tied the game at 6-6 with 3:59 remaining in the opening quarter. Trailing 11-6 Hillcrest sophomore Timothy Knowles nailed a 3-pointer from the wing with 36 seconds left to end the quarter with Simpson on top 11-9.

The second quarter produced only 13 combined points as both squads struggled with turnovers and Hillcrest couldn’t crack the Simpson zone defense. Hillcrest tied the game at 11-11 on a Preston Haynes basket to open the second quarter and then on the very next possession Haynes gave Hillcrest their first lead of the night at 14-11 as the junior guard hit a 3-pointer from the corner.
With 2:17 left in the first half Simpson regained the lead at 16-14 on a baseline basket from Justin Griffin. Hillcrest would finish with Preston Haynes converting the first of two free throws and an Austin Hartzog rebound and put back off the missed second free throw from Haynes as the half would end with Hillcrest maintaining a slim 17-16 advantage.

Junior guard Corey Herrington started the second half with a 3-pointer to give Simpson a 19-17 lead but that would be their final lead of the night. Hillcrest, behind the stellar play of point guard Josh Rogers, took control of the game as they outscored Simpson 24-9 in the quarter. Rogers totaled 12 points in the quarter and wreaked havoc on Simpson with a handful of steals and drives to the basket. Rogers finished the quarter with a driving left handed layup with just 7 seconds remaining to give Hillcrest a 41-25 lead heading into the final period.
Hillcrest increased the lead to 47-27 at the 5:50 mark of the final quarter on a Josh Rogers 3-pointer and two minutes later a Rogers assist to Austin Hartzog gave HCA a 54-32 advantage. The 60-36 outcome between the two squads on Friday night was a result of guard play. Hillcrest senior point guard Josh Rogers was a huge factor both offensively and defensively and can cause defenses to break down. Simpson’s Andy Maddox couldn’t find the range last night and if the Cougars are to make a run at a district title they’ll need more consistent guard production. (Photo below) Austin Hartzog (#42) of Hillcrest and Justin Griffin (#11) of Simpson.

Rogers led Hillcrest with a game high 23 points, Austin Hartzog added 14, Preston Haynes and Chris Prather had 8 each, Timothy Knowles had 3 and Caleb Baucum and Ben Lewis 2 apiece.
Simpson was led by Justin Griffin’s 14 points, Will Ashley added 8, Andy Maddox and Corey Herrington had 5 each, Mark Herrin 3 and Austin Herrington 1 point.

HCA...9...8...24..19...-60
SCA..11...5....9..11...-36
Hillcrest improved to 10-1 and 1-0 while Simpson slipped to 8-4 and 0-1.
Both teams played today…Hillcrest traveled to Vicksburg to take on St Aloysius while Simpson was at East Rankin.
Next week both teams have district games. Hillcrest hosts Leake on Friday while Simpson entertains Canton on Saturday.

**Note** My sincere apologies for the poor photo quality

Hillcrest pounds Simpson

Southern Sports & Travel

Hillcrest exploded with a 23-1 first quarter effort last night en-route to a 48-21 win over Simpson in Mendenhall. The #3 ranked Lady Cougars improved to 8-3 but more importantly 1-0 in district 3AA play.
Senior guard Breanna Howard accounted for 13 first quarter points, including three 3-pointers, and saw limited time the remainder of the game as head coach Charlie Jacobs substituted freely throughout.
Howard finished the night with a game high 15 points, Kristyn Kliesch and Jessica Griffin (photo right) each contributed with 7 points, Beverly Bailey added 5, Karley Kliesch and Meisha Ross with 4 each, Karley Keith had 3 and Kayla McAdams and Anna Posey 2 each.
Simpson was led by Lindsey Windham with 6 points, Becca Hall added 4, Hallie Stubbs and Casey McWilliams 3 each and Micah Windham and Mary Frances Stephens 2 apiece.
Hillcrest will look to up their district 3AA mark to 2-0 next Friday as they host the #1 ranked Leake Rebelettes in Jackson.
Simpson fell to 4-6 overall and will look to earn their first district win next Saturday when Canton visits.
HCA...23...8...3...14..- 48

SCA.....1...5...9....6...- 21

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

*It’s time to start taking some hard looks at basketball and what boys and girls teams will make a serious run at a state title in February. At this point in the young season Hillcrest’s boys are playing the type of basketball deserving of a #1 ranking. The Cougars are taking that ranking into Mendenhall tomorrow night to battle a Simpson squad that is starting to really play well. Simpson, ranked #4 under new head coach David Granville, has picked up quality wins recently over Brookhaven and Bowling Green.
*On the girls side the Leake Rebelettes, with a 13-1 mark, hold down the #1 ranking and will be the team to beat once again this season. The 2009 overall champions should get challenged by Brookhaven, Hillcrest, Kirk and possibly a surprise contender to emerge by early February.
*Big “Shout Outs” to girls head coach Doyle Wolverton of Leake Academy who picked up his 1,100th win last Saturday in an 80-61 win over Carroll Academy and boys head coach Billy Pee of Prairie View who earned his 600th win a week ago.
*The dedication and work required to win a state title is defined by coaches such as Doyle Wolverton of Leake and Dale Watts of Brookhaven. The early development of players is critical to a long standing successful basketball program. “Fundamentals…Fundamentals…Fundamentals”
*Senior point guard Caroline Oliphant of Prairie View fractured her ankle on Nov. 19 against Claiborne Academy. She could be back as early as Saturday.
*The Southern Sports & Travel player of the year was posted this past Monday. Thanks to all who sent in emails and participated in the selection of Chandler Rogers of Brookhaven.
*Yesterday I was fortunate enough to be invited on the “Chasing Foul Balls” radio show hosted by Robbie Hamilton. The program is on weekdays from 7am – 8am and on Wednesday nights from 6pm – 8pm. Lots of MAIS sports are discussed along with southwest Mississippi athletics. The live stream is carried on the internet at http://sportstalk1077.com/1077/
*I’m heading to Mendenhall tomorrow night (Friday) for the Hillcrest at Simpson game and will post a report early Saturday morning.
*Two other huge games will take place tomorrow also……..Parklane travels to Columbia (boys) and West Memphis travels to Kirk (girls) in a big district 1AA matchup.
*Mark this date on your calendar….January 8th. East Rankin at Presbyterian in a big girl’s game featuring two of the best players in the MAIS, Brooke Rhodes of East Rankin and Kayte Magee of Presbyterian.
*The annual Brookhaven Christmas tournament has the potential of some gigantic matchups. Teams expecting to participate are Hillcrest, Bowling Green, Simpson, East Rankin, Trinity, Parklane, Copiah, Oak Forest, Copiah and Ben’s Ford.
*Please continue texting scores…..985-750-3455

See ya somewhere………

River Oaks sweeps Riverfield

Courtesy of the Bastrop Enterprise

Vincent Moore made 6-of-8 fourth quarter free throws to help River Oaks salt away a 53-49 victory over Riverfield in first round play of the Yvette West Memorial Tournament at Spartan Gym on Wednesday. Clinging to a 30-29 halftime lead, the Mustangs outscored the Raiders 11-4 in the third quarter to carry an eight-point advantage into the final eight minutes. Darryl Barnes drained a pair of 3-pointers to help River Oaks open up a 41-33 spread. Logan Moore tallied seven points to help the Raiders outscore the Mustangs 16-12 in the final frame, but it wasn’t enough. Taylor Long and Kyle King combined for 13 points to help Riverfield build a 19-14 lead after the first period. Barnes led a trio of Mustangs in double figures with 18 points, Vincent Moore turned in 15 and Slade Daniel 11. For Riverfield, Long topped all scorers with 19 points and Logan Moore added 12.

GIRLS
River Oaks 42, Riverfield 40

Amber Kovac and Abby Herman combined for 17 points in the fourth quarter as River Oaks opened the tournament with a scintillating victory over Riverfield. Trailing 23-21, the Lady Mustangs outscored the Lady Raiders 21-17 in the final frame. The game was tied 14-14 at the midway point. Kovac accounted for 12 of her 16 points in the second half and Herman tacked on 14 points for the winners. Erin Noble topped the Lady Raiders with 12 points and April Smith had 11.

1100 and counting, Wolverton gathers milestone victory

Courtesy of The Meridian Star
Players and rules change, but one thing remains the same: Doyle Wolverton wins games. And lots of them. Wolverton, the Leake Academy girls' basketball coach, won his 1100th game Saturday when his Rebelettes downed Carroll Academy 80-61. The win moved Wolverton's all-time mark to 1,100 wins and 173 losses in his 35th season at Leake. The Rebelettes (12-1) and Wolverton will look to pass the milestone tonight when Canton Academy visits Madden. "It's a really nice thing in that I'm getting close to the end of my career and not the beginning," Wolverton said, laughing. "To have 1,100 wins just means you've been successful over a long period of time. It means you've had a lot of good basketball teams and a lot of good kids that have played for me. "It was enjoyable for me, but it was also a milestone for the kids that have played for me and the school, itself." That program is something Wolverton has built from the ground up. The Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Hall-of-Famer begins working with Leake Academy students in the fourth grade. From there, he drills in the basics before the Rebelettes hit the junior-high program in the seventh grade. "The program, to me, is what's important," Wolverton said. "We want to be successful year after year, and just because of that success year after year, those numbers have mounted up and, kind of, snowballed out there. "The key to the whole thing to me, is the success year after year that we've been able to achieve. I get those kids when they're in the fourth grade and I get them for about nine years if they make it all the way through until they're a senior. I get a chance to spend a lot of time with them and just have had some real nice experiences with them." That detailed program has led Leake Academy to 27 straight seasons of at least 25 wins — including 13 straight 31-win campaigns — and four of the past five Rebelette squads have won at least 40 games, a mark LA has hit six times. He has also directed 32 teams to the state tournament, winning 12 state titles — including the past four Class AA crowns — and five Overall championships. Still, with all those wins, there isn't one special moment Wolverton can pick out. He also can't identify his best team. "Somebody asked me the other day, 'Which one of your state championships was the best team?" he said. "That's hard to pick out because times change, players change. I won a couple of state championship even before we had the 3-point line." So, times have just changed. And you can't just pick out a particular game or a particular moment. They just all kind of evolve into what we have now." Rather, Wolverton devotes his time to continue building his program, and taking care of his players. "I think that's the best part of the whole thing is those people have entrusted me with those kids in the fourth grade," Wolverton said. "When you turn your child over to somebody, that's a pretty big thing."

And, of course, winning games.

Carroll boys keep on rolling
Courtesy of The Greenwood Commonwealth
The Carroll Academy Rebels kept their perfect record in tact with a 62-60 win over Manchester here Tuesday night in the District 2-AA opener for both teams.

The Rebels (9-0, 1-0) led by as many as 17 early in the third period, but let Manchester (2-6) back in it with their struggles on the offensive end. "Our guys got tired and made a lot of mistakes," CA coach Steve Flemming said, "but I am sure proud of the way they hung in there and handled some adversity." C.J. Hodges and Ken Daves led the Rebels with 16 points each, while Breland Marett chipped in with 10. Carroll led 25-17 at the end of the first period, 37-24 at the half and 44-38 at the end of the third.

In girls' action, Carroll beat Manchester 52-40 as Haley Liddell scored a team-high 15 points and pulled down 11 rebounds.

Memrie Corley and Skylar Alford had 10 points each.In junior high action, the CA girls won 38-23. Shelby Hoover had 12 points, and Nicole Waltman added nine.
Carroll plays at Winston Friday.

Glenbrook tops Riverdale
Courtesy of The Minden Press-Herald
The Glenbrook Apaches used a total team effort in knocking off the Riverdale Rebels, 44-24, Tuesday night at Glenbrook.
All 11 players on the roster had a part in the win.
“We played well,” Glenbrook head coach Chris Kourvelas said. “Every player was on the books tonight, whether it was points, rebounds, assists or steals. We played very good team basketball tonight, especially in the second half.”
DeAngelo McDonald led Glenbrook with nine points and Blake Branch added eight. Colton Spurlock dropped in seven.
“We were very unselfish tonight,” Kourvelas said. “We crashed the boards and created a lot of turnovers. Riverdale is a very good team, last week we played them and they got the better end of the deal. But we’ve obviously improved and that’s a good thing.”
The Apaches led by two after the first quarter and 20-14 going into the half. They out-scored Riverdale 13-4 and 11-6 in the second half to get the win.
Glenbrook will finish out the week in the Gary, Texas Tournament.
“We’re looking forward to playing in the tournament this week,” Kourvelas said. “We’ll start out Thursday afternoon against Douglas High School.”

Glenbrook improved to 8-2.

Raiderettes run past Lady Rebels

Courtesy of The Grenada Star
It wasn’t the kind of start that Kirk Academy girls basketball coach Mike Reans would have liked to seen. But, the finish was right on target. Kirk jumped to a 12-5 lead over Carroll Academy only to see the Lady Rebels rally to get within 17-15. The Raiderettes used a 13-1 run in the final minutes of the half to build a big lead. They broke the game open in the second half en route to a 55-21 win over Carroll.With the win, the Raiderettes improve to 10-1 on the season. That mark was prior to a Monday home tilt with North Delta. The boys weren’t as fortunate losing a 70-48 decision to the Rebels. “I thought we started slow but used the last three minutes of the half to get some breathing room,” Reans said. “Our bench really gave us a spark. The second half, I thought that we took the game over.” Kirk got a solid night from senior Courtney Parella, who finished with a game-high 21 points. Kelsey Marter came off the bench to score 11 points. Holly Wells added nine points. Carmen Woods scored five points and Audra Woods finished with four points. Beth Mann chipped in three points. Emily Lundy carded two points.

Boys

The Raiders struggled taking care of the basketball game against the Rebels. “We didn’t take care of the ball very well, coach Cliff McCain said. Kirk, 1-3, was led by Kris Harbin with a game-high 21 points. Sayle Roberts and James Henderson both had nine points. Shane Provine had seven points. Reid Walker and Garner Vance each had a point on the night.

Prairie View's Billy Pee reaches milestone

Courtesy of the Bastrop Enterprise

With a 51-32 victory over Silliman Academy on Nov. 23 at the Huntington Double Header Prairie View Academy's Head Men’s Basketball Coach Billy Pee joined the elite 600 win club in High School Basketball.
Pee reached the mark after coming back from retirement last season. In this young season he has lead the Spartans to a 5-3 record.
Overall he has composed a record of 600 - 302 in his 30 years at the helm of a men’s basketball program.
He compliments his staffs over the years for his success.
“I have had great assistant coaches over the year’s including my current assistant Justin Waller,” Pee said. “With their assistance over the years I have had the pleasure of working with some outstanding young men, which I am much indebted to.”
Pee has had several players go on to play at the collegiate level while at Neville including ULM standouts Joey Gene along with Morris and Brine Spencer. He has had others play at schools across the region.
While with the Spartans he has produced numerous All District, All North and South State selections along with State tournament selections. Joseph Waller was selected to the Over All Class All State teams two years in a row. He also coached Brad Cole, Brett Clausing, Jeremy Harris, Cody Channell, Dustin Brooks and Jeremy Causey, all of whom were selected and played in the MPSA All Star team.
Pee’s high school coaching career includes a 19 season stint at Neville High School, where he led the Tigers to a 320-221 record, including appearances in the Louisiana High School Athletics Association Class 4-A finals, winning one State Title.
He has led the Spartans for the last 11 years and has posted a record of 280-78. In those 11 years, he has won eight District Championships, two District Runner-ups, three Regional Championships and one State Runner-Up.

Canton girls fall to Central Hinds

Southern Sports & Travel

After starting the season with a 4 game winning streak, the Canton Academy Lady Panthers lost Tuesday night at home for the 6th time in the last 7 games. Central Hinds defeated the Lady Panthers 52-49. Canton falls to 5-6 on the year. While Canton's shooting from the floor was a bit better (19/52 for 36.5%) than the last tw games, poor free throws (9 of 21) and a season-high 35 turnovers overcame any improvement in the shooting.

Central Hinds meanwhile was 20 of 48 for 41.7% and only had 22 turnovers. High scorer for Canton was sophomore Jordan Ray. She double-doubled with 15 points and 16 rebounds. Katie Pepper had her 2nd straight double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Junior Bailey Russell pulled down 13 rebounds in the losing effort. Jordan Fisher was the only Central Hinds Cougar in double figures with 14.

Canton...........10....8....18....13....49

Central Hinds...9....14....14....15....52

Canton now begins conference play has 2 extremely difficult games on the road. On Thursday, they travel to Leake followed by a Saturday game in Meridian with Lamar.