2020 Spring Sports Preview by Journal Inc

2020 Spring Sports Preview

New Albany | East Union | Ingomar | Myrtle | West Union

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Table of Contents 8 New Albany Softball 9 New Albany Baseball 12 East Union Softball 13 East Union Baseball 14 Ingomar Softball 15 Ingomar Baseball 18 Myrtle Softball 19 Myrtle Baseball 20 West Union Softball 21 West Union Baseball 24 New Albany Girls Tennis 25 New Albany Boys Tennis 26 New Albany Tennis State Champions 27 East Union Lady Urchins State Powerlifting Champions 28-29 New Albany Track 30-31 East Union Track 32-33 Myrtle Track 36-39 Powerlifting Teams 42-43 Archery Teams 46-47 Golf Teams

Special Thanks Josh Curbow, Buddy Hall, Josh Blythe, Chris Basil, Justin Weeden, Andy Wilbanks, Brooke Gordon, Robert Gordon, Lisa Bogue, Ashley Russell, Suzy Bowman, Austin Epting, Bert Anderson, Nathan McLellen, Chris Greer, Collin Stubblefield, Cody Stubblefield, Scott Duley, Kevin Walton, Jeremy Smithey, Karen Taylor, Brandon Cherry, Jennifer Nance, Michael Vierheller, Calvin Cooper, Shane Sanderson, Mike Conway, our athletic directors and all our athletes from New Albany and Union County Schools that made this publication possible with their participation. Articles written by Dennis Clayton, Sports Editor, Gene Phelps. Cover photo by Dennis Clayton. Advertising sales by Justine Stewart. Layout/composition and ad design by Sonny Harrison.

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2020 Spring Sports Preview

On the cover: Center left kneeling - Sam Huffstatler, Ingomar, Kagan Garrison, East Union. Standing from left - Chloe Wright, West Union, Kaily Edwards, Ingomar, Lexie Kent, New Albany, Paxton Gordon, Myrtle, Drew Vance, New Albany, Luke Willard, West Union, Luke Bolen, New Albany, Kelsey Ledbetter, New Albany, Breanna Smith, Myrtle, Kaitie Boatner, East Union. Table of Contents photo: From left - Paxton Gordon, Lexie Kent, Luke Willard, Kelsey Ledbetter, Sam Huffstatler, Kaitie Boatner, Luke Bolen, Chloe Wright, Drew Vance, Kaily Edwards, Kagan Garrison, Breanna Smith.

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Photo courtesy of Lisa Browning Photography

2020 New Albany Lady Bulldog Softball Team: Front row left - Amiya Terry, Addison Mayo, Ambreanna Shorter, Peyton Henry, Grace Wages, Bailey Robertson, Jordan Brooks, Anna Tarrant, Annabelle Johnson, Charlsie Stacks. Back row left - Head Coach Josh Curbow, Manager Ashton Presley, Alea Hudson, Janea Hudson, Christy Phillips, Alexis Mirfield, Rosalee Roberts, Kelsey Ledbetter, Maguire Miskelly, Jenna Wages, Summer Whiteside, Gracie Stanford, Manager Erica Cannon, Assistant Coach Summer Tyer. Not pictured Ella Tyer, Zakathryn Cameron.

Curbow to build on culture with youth

osh Curbow starts his first campaign as head coach of the New Albany Lady Bulldog softball team in 2020. Curbow inherits an extremely young team that has only two seniors. “We’re young, we’ve got some really good senior leadership with Kelsey Ledbetter and Rosalee Roberts,” Curbow said. “They have done a good job and we’re glad to have them back, but we are playing four middle schoolers on the high school team, so we are young, but we are growing.” Ledbetter returns on the infield after batting .456 in 2019 with 10 RBI. She had two triples and five doubles in the extra base hit department. Ledbetter also had a solid year in the field as she committed only four errors in 20 games and finished with a .920 fielding percentage. Roberts missed the 2019 season

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due to her family moving away overseas, but she returns hoping to build on her 2018 numbers which included a .303 batting average, 10 RBI, two doubles, one triple and one home run. New Albany will be in search of a starting pitcher since Savanna Johnson graduated and Curbow will turn to junior Alexis Mirfield and eighth grader Addison Mayo. “Addison Mayo is going to pitch for us this year as well as Alexis Mirfield,” Curbow said. “Those are the two that we’ve got in the circle now.” Gracie Stanford is another younger player that the Lady Bulldogs hope will make significant contributions. Stanford hit .370 in 2019 with 10 RBI and a .920 fielding percentage behind the plate. Other younger players expected to see quality playing time for New Albany include Zakathryn Cameron and Christy Phillips.

“The biggest thing is to continue to build the culture that we’ve had going over the past couple of years and those girls need to understand what it takes to compete at the next level,” Curbow said. New Albany will again compete in a tough Division 1-4A with the usual playoff contenders Tishomingo County and Corinth, who finished 1-2 atop 1-4A in 2019. Ripley also made the playoffs while North Pontotoc is the newcomer to division as they move up from 3A. “After the change, our division is going to be really tough this year with a lot of good teams,” Curbow said. “Several who have either been in or really close to the state championship in the last four to five years. I think that’s good and that’s how we can grow as a team.”

Photo courtesy of Lisa Browning Photography

2020 New Albany Bulldog Baseball Team: Front row left - Collin Paul, Carson Gault, Joshua Paul, Cole Roberts, Jacob Brooks, Micah Reed, Ray Bright, Ethan Conlee, John Stacks, Preston Shaw. Middle row left - Mayes Prescott, Peyton Rodgers, Matthew Harris, Cooper Wilhite, Silas Mckinney, Lewis Creekmore, Parker Clayton, Chris Carter, Nolan Brooks. Back row left - Assistant Coach Brett Pierce, Assistant Coach Easton Hall, Head Coach Buddy Hall, Jacob Benefield, Darnnell Riley, Mitchell Shettles, Drew Vance, Charlie Lott, Manager Trey Leggett, Manager Jake Whitt.

New Albany in thick of competitive 1-4A baseball

ew Albany baseball will be primarily a youth movement in 2020 as they return only two seniors starters from 2019 in Drew Vance and Charlie Lott. Coach Buddy Hall looks to these two regulars to provide leadership on and off the diamond to his young Dogs. “We’ve got a lot of young guys, which is a good thing in a sense, they’ve got some growing up to do, they need to get some games under their belt,” Hall said. “They’ve got a great attitude, got a great environment going on right now, how many wins and losses, who knows? “I do know that these guys are ‘locked in’ to what we are doing and I think we are going to be really competitive.” Vance comes back with the top batting average for the 2019 season at .348 which included 16 RBI, one

home run and two doubles. Lott batted .333 last season with 12 RBI and three doubles. He also had a 1-3 record on the mound while striking out 29 batters in 23 innings of work. “We don’t have a lot of returning guys, but we do have Drew Vance who’s a good swinger for us and Charlie Lott who will probably be our number one guy on the mound,” Hall said. “Parker Clayton was a sophomore last year and started in the outfield, he runs pretty well and is a threat on the bases.” Other players that the Bulldogs will turn to for contributions include Collin Paul in the outfield and Lewis Creekmore returns as a utility player with a “great attitude and can play anywhere you ask him” according to Hall. New Albany will look to some new faces and younger faces to make con-

tributions on the field in 2020. “Carson Gault moved in from Ingomar, really good player, his dad played here - great player Dave,” Hall said. “He hits left handed, can catch, can pitch and that was a big plus for us.” Jacob Brooks returns as a sophomore after seeing limited action in 2020 and could be penciled in at the shortstop position says Hall. “Mitchell Shettles is coming out this year, he’s a great athlete, great young man and can play anywhere,” Hall said. “When he gets out here, he will make us a lot better.” New Albany will compete in the extremely competitive 1-4A division with perennial playoff contenders Ripley, Corinth, Tishomingo County with the addition of North Pontotoc, who won the 3A state championship in 2019.

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Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2020 East Union Lady Urchins Softball Team: Front row left -Sarah Swanson, Jessica Henderson, Olivia Butler, Memorie Easterling, Dakota Hines, Lillie Hampton. Second Row left - Lucy Haynes, Maggie McVey, Bryanne Dill, Kaitie Boatner, Hannah White, Savannah Greer, Baylee Pannell, Harleigh Wheelington, Addison Clayton, Manager Reed Beaty. Third row left - Manager Callie Smith, Assistant Coach Junior Graham, Olivia Elder, Edie Beaty, Carrie Wilkinson, Jorja Roberson, Emma Boatner, Chloe Greenhill, Bella Roberts, Katie Sherwood, Assistant Coach Rachel Elder, Head Coach Josh Blythe. Back row left - Assistant Coach Scott Duley, Alex Gregory, Emily Coggin, Hope Robbins, Mia Hutcheson, Maria Caballero, Kylie Rackley. Not pictured Colby Stafford.

Lady Urchins have high expectations in 2020

ast Union softball coach Josh Blythe has a lot of reasons to have high expectations for this season’s fast-pitch softball team. Starting in the circle, junior pitcher Emily Coggin is back after posting a 10-1 record with 63 strikeouts and a 2.42 ERA last season. She also batted a team-best .450 with six doubles, three home runs and 24 RBIs. “We will go as far as she takes us in the circle,” Blythe said. “She can take over a game pitching and offensively. She’s a lot more focused and is pushing herself to be a better player.” Senior sparkplug, shortstop Kaitie Boatner, returns for her final campaign. She batted .439 at the lead-off spot last season with 10 RBIs, one homer and recorded 25 stolen bases. “We rely on Kaitie’s leadership,” Blythe said. “She’s one of the best

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middle infielders in the state.” Part of that middle infield is freshman second baseman Mia Hutcheson, who stepped in for injured star Raelee Bell last season. She hit .382 with seven doubles and 14 RBIs. “Hutcheson stepped right in and had a great year,” Blythe said. “We hope she continues to get better. She swings the bat well.” Blythe believes his team’s strength could be its potential offensive production and the blend of veteran and young players. “We’re so much stronger physically,” he said. “We’ve got a mixture of seniors and youth. I’ve been pleased with some of the young kids we have out there. We have some eighth graders pushing the older girls for playing time.” Senior Hannah White returns to play first base and in the outfield. She batted .245 last year and had nine

RBIs. Another senior, Bryanne Dill, can play first or third. Sophomore Carrie Wilkinson, who batted .250, can play third base or in the outfield. Two other sophomores, outfielder Jorja Roberson and utility player Harleigh Wheelington, are being counted on. Roberson hit .426 last season with five doubles. Senior Baylee Pannell can play first base. In the outfield, junior Maggie McVey returns after hitting .281 with 21 RBI last season. Helping in the circle with pitching will be junior Hope Robbins, who was 5-1 last season with 22 strikeouts and a 3.58 ERA. Senior Savannah Greer was 1-1 in the circle last year. The Lady Urchins won Division 1-2A with 22-5 and 8-0 (division) records last season. They lost in the second round of the postseason to Eupora.

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2020 East Union Urchin Baseball Team: Front row left - Ethan Bruce, Ty Walton, Jude Treadaway, Peyton Chism, Dennis Sparks. Second row left - Gavin Hall, Rudy Baldwyn, Hayden Roberts, Andrew Pilcher, Jake Patterson, Ethan Hitt, Chandler Moody, Ross Cochran. Third row left - Assistant Coach Chris Lucius, Assistant Coach Zane Treadaway, Caleb Johnson, Collin Stephens, Kagan Garrison, Rett Johnson, Jace Basil, Chris Clayton, Nic Lamontagne, Luke Wood, Luke Foster. Back row left - Taylor McDonald, Conner Timms, Josh Henderson, Carter Phillips, Braden Pierce, Assistant Coach David (Bruno) Garrison, Head Coach Chris Basil.

East Union takes field with youthful lineup

ast Union’s baseball cupboard is never bare, but the Urchins will take the field in 2020 without some of their biggest names. Cade Bell (.462, 8 home runs) and Joel Wilkinson (8-1 pitching, 96 K, 1.79 ERA, .344, 5 homers), are playing this season for Northwest Mississippi Community College while Josh Basil (4-2 pitching, 1.60 ERA, .402, 32 RBIs) is playing for Northeast. However, veteran head coach Chris Basil has a young, but formidable lineup scheduled to take the field. East Union’s pitching staff will feature junior Carter Phillips, who posted a 4-3 record with 45 strikeouts and a 3.93 ERA last season. He will also play the outfield and infield. “Carter will be our guy going in,” Basil said. “He has increased his velocity and has a better breaking ball. We’re counting on him.” On the mound and behind the

plate will be senior Kagan Garrison. He posted a 3-0 record last season. Freshman Rudy Baldwin and sophomore Ty Walton will also catch. Centerfielder/pitcher, sophomore Hayden Roberts, returns. He batted .264 with six doubles and 16 RBIs last spring. He was 1-1 with a 4.94 ERA on the mound. Roberts and freshman second baseman/shortstop Rett Johnson, who batted .388 with 12 RBIs last year, return at the top of the batting order. Outfielder/pitcher senior Josh Henderson was 0-0 with a 4.67 ERA on the hill last year. He hit .435 two doubles and seven RBIs. “Henderson will be one of our top two pitchers,” Basil said. “He’s a long, lanky 6-foot-5 with a good run on his ball. He had a good summer for us.” Ethan Hitt, a sophomore middle infielder, returns. He batted .292 with six doubles, a homer and 19 RBIs

last season. Seniors Taylor McDonald, Andrew Pilcher, Jake Patterson and Chandler Moody will provide lineup depth. Others expected to see playing time are: junior Jace Basil, sophomore Chris Clayton, sophomore outfielder Nic Lamontagne, sophomore Collin Stephens, freshman Braden Pierce, freshman Conner Timms and freshman Jude Treadaway. “This bunch will be playing a really hard schedule,” Basil said. “Leadership is the key. We’re young and inexperienced. They will have to work harder than anybody else. Our work is cut out for us.” The Urchins finished 22-7-1 last season, won Division1-2A with a 10-0 record, then lost in a second-round state playoffs series to eventual state champion Calhoun City.

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Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2020 Ingomar Lady Falcons Softball Team: Front row left - Anna Grace Gaines, Katelyn Lloyd, Cassidie Jackson, Quinshala Atkinson, Mollie Grace Sheffield, Brooklyn Wicker, Lindsey Dillard, Taylor Stout, Madilyn McMillen, Ella Weeden. Second row left - Savanna Mendoza, Kaily Edwards, Kathryn Smith, Katie Beth Hall, Camleigh Ball, Lexi Campbell, Macie Phifer, T’nya Jones, Cadance Robbins, Va’Shawna Fleming, Bella Phifer. Not pictured - Cadie Jo Byrd.

Lady Falcons feature youth and optimism

ustin Weeden enters his fourth season as Ingomar’s fast-pitch softball coach with high hopes. There’s a reason for his optimism. He’s got a group of talented young players. The Lady Falcons’ roster has no senior and just one junior. The remainder of the lineup will feature seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth graders. “I’m excited about this season,” Weeden said. “They’re young, but they’re good players.” The team’s lone veteran is junior catcher Kaily Edwards. She’ll team up with sophomore pitcher Kathryn Smith, a three-year starter, to form a solid battery. Edwards, a Northwest commitment, hit .455 last season with 12 RBIs. “Kaily’s our defensive anchor,” Weeden said. Smith, who was a part-time starter as a seventh grader, posted an 8-5

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record last season with 71 strikeouts. She batted .365 with four doubles and 12 RBIs. “She’s got a lot of pitches for a left-hander,” Weeden said. “She has developed more velocity. We’re going to rely on her pitching experience and Kaily behind the plate.” Smith will play first base when she’s not pitching. Lexi Campbell, a sophomore, returns at second base. She batted .365 with six RBIs. The shortstop is sophomore Katie Beth Hall, who batted .351 with nine doubles and 10 RBIs. Eighth grader Brooklyn Wicker is expected to start at third base. The outfield will feature freshman Cadence Robbins in left, freshman Lindsey Dillard in center and sophomore Camleigh Ball in right. Dillard batted .379 and Ball .431 last season. “We can’t replace Gara Beth Self and Lauren Thompson offensively,” Weeden said. “We’ve got some willing to step in and show they can play.

I’m hoping we can hit like last year. We’re going to play a lot of small ball.” Weeden is also excited about pitcher/first baseman Cadie Jo Byrd, a seventh grader, and another seventh grader, Macie Phifer, who can pitch and play the infield corners. “I’m excited to see what Cadie Jo can do pitching,” the coach said. “We’re going to have better pitching than we’ve had. Cadie Jo and Macie throw the ball well.” Ingomar finished third in Division 2-1A last season with a 12-13 overall record. The Lady Falcons lost in the second round of the playoffs to powerful Philadelphia. Weeden’s first team in 2017 won six games, two years ago they made the playoffs and lost in the first round. This season, the goal is to win the division and advance deeper in the postseason.

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2020 Ingomar Falcons Baseball Team: Front row left - Cade Potts, Carson Ellis, Griffen Prince, Tanner Rakestraw, Nathan Chism, Gabriel Dillard. Second row left - Brandon Cummings, Cooper Hall, Zack Cummings, Dalton Beckwith, Aiden Holcomb, Olen Faulkner, Austin Jackson, MJ Bateman. Back row left - Spencer High, Sam Huffstatler, Joel Smith, Zach Shelton, Mikey Bedford, Wesley Burcham, Jack Denton, Walker Robbins, Weston Byrd. Not pictured Mekal Green.

Falcon baseball to rebuild in 2020

o say Ingomar baseball coach Andy Wilbanks has a young team this season would be an understatement. The Falcons enter the season with one junior and two sophomores being counted on to lead an inexperienced squad. Middle infielder and pitcher Spencer High is the most experienced player returning to the diamond. The junior batted .310 last season with three doubles and 10 RBIs while starting at second base. Outfielder/infielder/pitcher Cooper Hall and outfielder/pitcher Sam Huffstatler, both sophomores, are two other players who need to lead early. “Those three all have some experience,” Wilbanks said. “They’re going to have to lead our other guys by example, carry the torch for us. Hopefully, they’ll make that happen.” Wilbanks plans to play a lot of

players early in the season – as many as 12 to 13 – to figure out who can help the team when Division 2-1A action begins. “We may not be able to set our lineup,” Wilbanks said. “We may just go with who’s hot at the time. We’re back to Step 1. It’s going to be a rebuild.” The coach’s plan is to pitch by committee, with no player likely working more than two innings. The Falcons enter the season without two of their returning starting pitchers. One moved, the other elected not to play. “I’ve been lucky in the 15 years I’ve been here,” Wilbanks said. “I haven’t been in this situation. We’re in a real youth movement. It will be a challenge, a new challenge. “I’m looking forward to the season. I’m on a mission to see what we can get out of these guys.”

In the preseason, junior Zack Cummings, sophomores Mikey Bedford, Mekal Green, Joel Smith, eighth grader Carson Ellis and seventh grader M.J. Bateman were all slated to see playing time. Cummings is a third baseman/ pitcher. Bedford plays first base/ pitcher; Green, outfield and Smith will catch and pitch. Ellis is a utility player while Bateman is a middle infielder and pitcher. “We need to get the guys some confidence early,” Wilbanks said. “We’ve got to figure out ways to win and keep being successful. We want to try to win every game we play. There’s a process to winning.”

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Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2020 Myrtle Lady Hawks Softball Team: Front row left - Jessica Pickens, Keragen McCullough, Amanda Watkins, Lexi Hutcheson, Kinzie Claire Waits, Sarah Kate Thompson, Breanna Smith, Kinsley Gordon, Mia Stewart. second row left - Mallory McDonald, Lily Jeter, Caylie Streich, Dream Carnell, Emma Mayer, Emma Speck, Madisyn Hall, Ally Kizer, Kelly Smith. Back row left - Olivia Decanter, Mollie Moody, Lauryn Smithey, Christina Graham, Karleigh Harlow, Emma Poteet, Cora Beth Kelly, Mattie Raines, Courtney Page.

Lady Hawks set lofty goals for 2020

econd-year Myrtle fastpitch softball coach Brooke Gordon has set some lofty, but very attainable, goals for her team in 2020. “We want to win our division (21A). We 3-peated last year,” she said. “We’d love to win the Union County Tournament. Our biggest goal is to get back to state and not come home second.” The Lady Hawks reached the 1A state title series, but lost, in 2018. Myrtle’s goals should be within reach. The Lady Hawks lost just two players, one a starter, from last season’s team that finished 19-6 overall and lost in the second round of the postseason. “I thought last year was going to be a growing year,” Gordon said. “They surprised me. They worked really hard. They wanted to play.” The top returning player is sophomore catcher/infielder Kinsley

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Gordon, the coach’s daughter. She batted .595, had two triples, six home runs, seven doubles and 34 RBIs last season. She also stole 30 bases, something the Lady Hawks’ opponents rarely do with Gordon behind the plate. “She works really well with our pitchers; they trust her,” Brooke Gordon said. “I think her defense has improved. She controls the opponent’s running game.” The versatile Sarah Kate Thompson, a junior shortstop, will likely see some catching duties, too. She batted .415 with four doubles, 14 RBIs and 32 stolen bases last season. The starting pitcher is sophomore Caylie Streich, who posted a 9-3 record with a 2.47 ERA last year. She batted .361 with 15 RBIs. “Her speed has picked up since last season,” Gordon said. “She’s added a few more pitches and has more rotation on her ball.”

Breanna Smith, a junior, should start in centerfield. She hit .348 with two homers, seven doubles, 19 RBIs and recorded 25 stolen bases. Look for juniors Lexi Hutcheson and Amanda Watkins to see playing time in the outfield and infield. A junior, Jessica Pickens, will play second base. Other players on the team are: junior Mia Stewart, freshman Molly Moody, freshman Olivia Decanter, sophomore Lily Stewart, eight grader Dream Carnell, eighth grader Aubrey Henderson and seventh grader Cora Kelly. Weather troubles kept the Lady Hawks off the practice field a majority of the preseason. “We’re really good catching the ball on concrete,” Gordon said, then smiled. “Not having slow-pitch this year has made us a little rusty (defensively). It’s been frustrating not being able to work like we need to.”

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2020 Myrtle Hawks Baseball Team: Front row left - Jacorion Patterson, Nate Gaines, Braiden Jordan, Barrett Waits, Dylan Gaines. Second row left - Dustin McCraw, Ethen Hunt, Blake McNeal, Dalton Galloway, Jackson Mayer, Mason Cook, Jaden Tayor. Back row left - Connor Coleman, Jeffery Vanzant, Paxton Gordon, Hunter Baggett, Trace Thompson, Caden Hutcheson, Luke Gaines.

Hawks to feature strong pitching staff

yrtle baseball coach Robert Gordon really likes the pitching staff the Hawks open

the season with. Thanks in part to travel ball, Myrtle heads in with as many as seven pitchers who could see action: Hunter Baggett, Paxton Gordon, Jaden Taylor, Luke Gaines, Jackson Mayer, Trace Thompson and Mason Cook. There could be more. “We have a good group of guys we feel comfortable with running out there,” Gordon said. “With the pitch count rule, you have to be ready to work as many pitchers as you can.” The emphasis for the pitchers in the preseason has been simply throwing strikes. “In the past we’ve struggled some throwing strikes,” Gordon said. “Last year we were better. We threw strikes and let (the opponent) put the ball in play … and then play good defense.”

Gordon plans to use the Baggett as much as he can. The junior outfielder/utility player came on strong as a pitcher last season. The coach didn’t “anticipate him contributing as much as he did last season.” Also, look for Taylor, a sophomore, and Gordon, a senior, to see a substantial amounts of time on the mound. “I want to use Jaden as much as I can (pitching),” Robert Gordon said. “He can play any position on the field. Paxton pitched really well last year, which was big for us.” All three players produced offensively in 2019. At the plate, Baggett hit .389 with five doubles and 19 RBIs. Taylor batted .416 with 24 RBIs. Gordon batted .371 with four doubles and 25 RBIs. Baggett will be a utility player, Gordon the centerfielder and Taylor the shortstop when they’re not pitching. Gaines, a junior, will play

infield; Mayer, a sophomore lefthander, will play outfield; Thompson, a senior, will play infield and outfield. “We’ve had quite a few of our pitchers work really hard to get better,” Gordon said. “We’re looking for them to be starters or contribute. The pitch count can get up there quick.” Gordon expects to have a good defense despite seeing a majority of his preseason outdoor practices rained out. “We field the ball really well off the pavement,” he said, then laughed. Look for the Hawks to continue to produce runs. Mayer batted .317 last season with three doubles and 17 RBIs. Thompson hit .306 and sophomore catcher Dalton Galloway batted .306 with 14 RBIs. Ethan Hunt, a junior, and sophomore Jeffrey Vanzant will also see catching duty. Another junior, Conner Coleman, will play first base.

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Photo courtesy of Karen Taylor

2020 West Union Lady Eagles Softball Team: Front row left - Hailey Howard, Kylie Jourdan, Katie Coffey, Josie Conlee, Analyssa Phillips, Maggie Baird. Second row left - Hope Herod, Zoey Wright, Maggie Dix, Hanna Hearn, Cailin Walls, Laina Corder, Crissa Goodwin, Kylee Anne Jumper, Alana Martin. Back row left - Claire Douell, Chloe Wright, Anna Grace Jackson, Annie Orman, Josie Baird, Mackenzie Morris, Eden Conlee, Sophie Hooker, Emma Callicutt, Ella Kate Taylor.

Lady Eagles need to step up, dig deep

est Union’s softball team heads into the 2020 season optimistic, but looking to overcome the loss of its best player, Annie Orman. Orman, a junior shortstop who led the team with a .577 batting average last spring, has been sidelined with a knee injury. She powered the Lady Eagles last year with 31 RBI, 12 doubles and eight home runs. She is also one of the state’s top defensive players at her position. “The loss we took was hard,” coach Lisa Bogue said. “Our hope is that the girls will be able to step up and dig down deep in order for us to be successful.” West Union will also be without Jenny Thompson, who plays for Northeast Mississippi Community College in Booneville. The Lady Eagles will play one of their toughest schedules in years.

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It includes home-and-home series against Tupelo, Mooreville, Pontotoc and Pine Grove. “We wanted a tougher schedule,” Bogue said. “With this schedule we’ll be facing good pitching. We want to see the best pitching to help us keep from falling short (in the postseason).” West Union finished 13-14 last year and second overall in Division 4-1A. The Lady Eagles reached the third round of the playoffs, losing their best-of-three series to Pine Grove. Bogue likes the blend of veteran and younger players on her roster. Junior shortstop/pitcher Eden Conlee returns after hitting .448 last season with eight doubles, three triples and a team-high 37 RBIs. In the circle she posted a 2-0 record with 33 strikeouts and a 3.10 ERA. Sophomore outfielder/pitcher Emma Callicutt batted .298 and re-

corded 19 RBIs last season. She was a force in the circle late last season. She had a 5-4 record with one save, 70 strikeouts in 70 innings and an impressive 1.89 ERA. Sophomore third baseman Josie Baird and seventh grader Hope Herod will also see pitching duty. Mackenzie Morris, a junior, will likely play first base. The catchers will be freshman Ella Kate Taylor and sophomore Claire Douell. Taylor, a utility player, batted .306 last season with seven doubles and 26 RBIs. Douell will also DH. Senior outfielder Chloe Wright and eighth grade second baseman Zoey Wright are also in the lineup. In the outfield, junior Sophie Hooker returns after batting .250 with 12 RBIs last year. Eighth grader Laina Corder will likely see playing time at the infield corners. Another eighth grader, Crissa Goodwin, has the speed to be utilized as a base runner.

Photo courtesy of Karen Taylor

2020 West Union Eagles Baseball Team: Front row left - Kaiden Gaines, Trey Haynes, Cole Morris Willard, CJ Shirley, Seth Ganger, JQ Brewer, Garen Mitchell, Keyless Hall, Benton Burks, Cohen Russell. Back row left - Sam Callicutt, Gunner Carwyle, Dylan Gates, Luke Willard, Jerod McDonald, Braden Willard, Boo Robertson, Reed Schiele, Stone Whaley, Greer Manning.

Eagles hope to be in championship hunt

est Union’s ultimate quest remains the same this 2020 baseball season – be in the hunt for a state championship. Last season, the Eagles came up one series short, losing to eventual MHSAA Class 1A state champion Smithville in the state semifinals series. Head coach Ashley Russell lost two of his best players from that team – Cole Phillips and Ryder Willard – but he believes some key pieces remain that will make West Union a contender. “We’ve been beaten the last two years in the North (state semifinals),” he said. “Our goal is the same as it was the last two years. We want to get in position to get back there and win it. We want to be in the conversation at the end.” This season’s quest begins with returning senior and sixth-year starter, Luke Willard – a pitcher, catcher and

Northeast Mississippi Community College signee. He batted .417 last season with one home run and 29 RBIs. He was also in the pitching rotation last season. “Luke’s always been great behind the plate working with our pitchers,” Russell said. “As a pitcher, he will compete for us. His baseball IQ and his competitive spirit give him a chance to be successful on the mound. “Offensively, we’re looking to more production from him.” When Willard is pitching the catcher will be eighth grader Greer Manning, who saw action behind the plate last season. Other players expected to contribute on the mound this season are seniors Sam Callicutt, Jerrod McDonald and junior Dylan Gates. Callicutt batted .300 with nine RBIs last season and will play second base. McDonald, a third baseman, batted .278 with 28 RBIs and one home run.

Gates, an outfielder, batted .254 with 15 RBIs. “We lost two good (pitchers) last season, but those three can take a big load off of us on the mound,” Russell said. “All of them are capable of having good seasons. They need to perform in big situations.” Another key senior returning is shortstop Boo Robertson, who batted .324 with nine doubles and 21 RBIs last season. “We think he’s underrated,” Russell said. “He hits in the top of our order and we think he can be solid every day at shortstop.” Other players expected to see action are senior first baseman Reed Schiele, senior outfielder Braden Willard, senior outfielder Gunner Carwyle and junior utility player J.Q. Brewer. “We should be a good defensive team,” Russell said. “We’ve got seven guys back who played every day. Offensively, we’ve got to keep getting better, better than we were last year.”

2020 Spring Sports Preview | 21

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Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2020 New Albany Lady Bulldog Tennis Team: Front row left - Mary Claire Shaw, Allyson Chapin, Maggie Scott, Ellie Myers, Lexie Kent, Gracie Mason, Lilly Stout, Natalie Creekmore. Back row left - Heidi Clayton, Sarah Robbins, Isabella Aldridge, Jill Gafford, Eva Aldridge, Sami Callahan, Rocio Lemus.

Lady Bulldogs solid on all courts in 2020

he New Albany Lady Bulldog Tennis team returns a solid cast for 2020 led by the Class 4A Girls Doubles champions and runners-up. This scenario should be a huge step in return to the medal stand again for New Albany if all the pieces fall back into place for this season. Maggie Scott and Jill Gafford won the 4A girls doubles crown in 2019 after a hard-fought match with teammates Lexie Kent and Ellie Myers. “We are real excited that we returned all six varsity players from last year, but we definitely have some new faces that you will see this year,” New Albany Tennis coach Suzy Bowman said. “Gracie Mason has really had a breakthrough offseason and I believe she’s just moved herself right up into the top spots of the team, so I believe you will be seeing her a lot this year.

24 | 2020 Spring Sports Preview

Despite having all the returning veterans from 2019, Bowman has several more younger players that should push her older girls to be even better. “We have Sarah Robbins and Morris Kelly Clayton’s little sister Heidi on the team this year who favors Morris Kelly a lot on the court and she’s going to be a good one for us,” Bowman said. “We also have Natalie Creekmore too. “They are going to make a run for the team this year and will definitely help the girls team this year. Other key players from 2019 that return for the Lady Bulldogs include Mary Claire Shaw who paired with Jackson Christ on the mixed doubles court in 2019 as well as Isabella Aldridge who competed on the individual girls court last season. “The mixed doubles court has just always been a crucial court for us

every year, it either comes down to mixed or it always plays a key role in our lineup. New Albany will again be in the same division as Corinth, Tishomingo County and Ripley again this season. Bowman says that Newton County, who New Albany has faced in the state championships for the past several years, will be moving into the 4A North so a showdown with them could take place for the north championship instead of the overall state championship. “I feel really confident about our division play, but what is going to make this season really interesting is having Newton County in the north this year,” Bowman said. “If we were to make it through our division and through the playoffs, we will see Newton County in the north championship this year.”

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2020 New Albany Bulldog Boys Tennis Team: Front row left - Matthew Durrett, Gregory Nelson, Logan Blakemore, Montgomery Owen, Will Boyington, Luke Bolen, Joseph Durrett, John David Nelson, Gray Goode. Back row left - Carter Ladner, Sam Derrick, Brayden Langley, Wright Miskelly, Colin Williams, Joseph Fennell, Connor Greer, Reed Taylor. Not Pictured Ethan Jackson.

Bulldog youth ready to step it up

he 2020 New Albany boys tennis team will feature some youthful new faces and several returning courts this season. Gone are mixed doubles player Jackson Christ and singles player, Sam Wiseman, but Coach Suzy Bowman has several younger players that have been waiting for their opportunity to shine and this could be the year for many. “We had one student transfer from our state championship team, Sam Wiseman went to TCPS, so we hated to lose Sam, but I had some that are just really ready to step up into those positions this year,” Bowman said. “I think Joseph Durrett is going to be a key player for us coming into this year. He was my seventh boy last year and could come off the bench and start for us any time last year.” Bowman also plans to use Connor Greer this season as another fresh

face on the courts that can be an immediate contributor in the varsity spots. “Included in with Connor Greer and Joseph Durrett is Will Boyington, he’s another freshman that will see a ton of playing time this year,” Bowman said. “He’s really versatile and can play singles, doubles and mixed. I’m excited to see these younger players hit the courts in those varsity spots. “ Several 2019 varsity starters that return for action include ICC signee Luke Bolen, Joseph Fennell, John David Nelson and Montgomery Owen. “Luke just signed with ICC and he was our number one boys spot from last year and had a great season,” Bowman said. “I see him really stepping up really big in his senior year. “Joseph Fennell has been a key component of our team for years and

he’s so versatile that I can just put him wherever and I know that I can get a win out of him.” Bowman will be keeping a close eye on how the Bulldogs play early on as she makes decisions on which players will be the best fit for a particular court. The boys team will be a work in progress as she attempts to put all the pieces together. “Some of those positions will change and with having to fill that mixed spot pulls Fennell off boys doubles and moves him to mixed to make that an important court for us,” Bowman said. “I also just have a lot of players that can play multiple positions and different partners too. We will definitely play with the lineup for a while.”

2020 Spring Sports Preview | 25

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

New Albany Tennis proudly displays their banner and trophy following their 6-1 win over Newton County for the Class 4A State Tennis Championship. New Albany has won back to back Class 4A titles in 2018 and 2019 with both wins coming over Newton County.

New Albany claims consecutive titles in Class 4A Tennis

ew Albany faced a familiar foe in Fridayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Class 4A Tennis Championship in Newton County and the young Bulldogs came away with the 6-1 decision to claim their second consecutive title. Luke Bolen and Montgomery Owen got the day off to a quick and successful start for the Bulldogs as they took the boys 1 doubles court 6-1, 6-0 over Cole Tadlock and Blake Donald. The next court to go final was

26 | 2020 Spring Sports Preview

mixed doubles as Jackson Christ and Mary Shaw won in straight sets over Tate Baucum and Maggie Bounds by the scores of 6-2, 6-2. Lexie Kent and Ellie Myers picked up the third court for New Albany on the day with their 6-2, 6-4 win over Emily Stewart and Marilyn Tullos in girls 2 doubles. Girls one doubles partners Maggie Scott and Jill Gafford gave New Albany the decisive fourth court to secure the 4A title with their win over Kam Rodriguez and Ava Espey

by a final of 6-3, 6-1 over on girls 1 doubles. Sam Wiseman added another notch in the Bulldogsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; belt with his tiebreak win over Lee Hill, 6-2, 2-6, 1-0 in boys singles. Isabella Aldridge battled back from losing the opening set in girls singles to win her match over Lauren Addy by scores of 3-6, 6-3, 1-0. Joseph Fennell and John David Nelson played hard before falling in boys 2 doubles by scores of 7-5, 6-2 to Daylon Nance and Chaney Parker.

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

The East Union Lady Urchins won their fourth consecutive MHSAA Class I Girls Powerlifting State Championship on Saturday as the Lady Urchins won eight gold medals, two silver and one bronze as they dominated their competition, winning by 35 points over their second place competitor.

East Union grabs fourth consecutive Class I powerlifting title East Union flexed their muscle literally at the MHSAA Class I State Powerlifting Championships and finished with more team points than the second and third teams combined. The Class I title is the fourth consecutive for the Lady Urchins. East Union dominated the medal podium as they took eight gold medals, two silver and one bronze. There was only one lifter from East Union that did not medal and even that athlete was close as she finished fourth, missing third by a mere 15 pounds. East Union was led Kaitie Boatner as the junior ran away from the competition in the 132 class with a total of 830 points. Fellow Urchin Carrie Wilkinson was second with 685 total

points as she had the top bench at 130. Another Lady Urchin that won for again was Yilah Isby as she dominated the 123 class by winning with 765 total points which was 75 better than her nearest competitor. Maggie McVey won in the 165 class with 785 total points as she had the top squat at 335 and top deadlift at 325. Liz Hall defended her title in the 220 class with a final point total of 860. Emma Boatner was also successful in defending her weight class, taking home the gold in the 198 group with a final total of 865. Mary Herod moved up a weight

class and won anyway as she took home the gold in the 105 class with 510 points. Jessie Roberts won her third gold medal of her career as she took the 114 class with a final of 625. Harleigh Wheelington placed second in the 114 class with a total of 565. Emma Kay Wages won the 97 class with her 500 points on the day. Katie Sherwood was the bronze medalist in the 97 class with her final total of 450 which was only five pounds out of second place. Sylvie McVey placed fourth in the 148 class with a total of 660.

2020 Spring Sports Preview | 27

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2020 New Albany Bulldog Track Team: Lady Bulldog members include - Breshunda Starks, Ashanti Fox, Janae Shackelford, Catherine Truemper, Semaj White, Abby Laney, Emma Laney, Laniya Terry, Amiya Terry, Auri Mathis, Destiny Baker, McKayla Penson, Ashanti High, Madison McDonald, Makenzie Simpson, Victoria Lee. Bulldog members include - Eli Parks, Jamian Terry, Thomas Floyd, CJ McKinney, Bryan Betancourt, Jake Ellis, Dorian Hurd, Johnny Hurd, Ian Cathey, Kylein Mullins, Dawson Boyd, Jesse Nicholson, Zane Chapman, Isaac Vega, Jacob Jones, Jacobe Jones, Zac Clay, Montavio Sullivan, Artaveion High, Michael Smith, Albert McDonald, Mason Simmons, Ellian Cuellar.

NA track hopes to go the distance

oach Austin Epting and his Bulldog track and field team will be relying on going the distance to earn many of their point totals in the upcoming season. Epting will be looking to his distance runners to play a pivotal role in the success of the Bulldogs. “Our key returners are in distance, got a couple of 4A All-State kids, Thomas Floyd and Jamien Terry,” Epting said. “I expect them to score some points and hopefully to make another run to the state championships.” Epting hope to gain additional points from his field events and looks to some returners from 2019 to step up there. “On the throwers side, Eli Parks has been showing great leadership out here and has been helping lead throwers, leaving a legacy in teaching and coaching in bringing the next

28 | 2020 Spring Sports Preview

generation up,” Epting said. One of the newcomers for the Bulldogs include CJ McKinney who transferred from Hickory Flat and played football in the fall of 2019. “He has shown some athleticism for us and we are hoping to move him into hurdles and some relays,” said Epting. “Other newcomers will be some eighth graders that will have some experience in junior high meets, but will eventually be bumped up into the high school meets and I just can’t wait to watch them grow.” Epting will be looking at some of the basketball players to join up and contribute in the jumps and relays. Bert Anderson will head up the girls program and he will return several key members from the 2019 team. “We didn’t lose very many so even though we have a lot of experience, we don’t have a lot of age, there’s not a lot of older girls,” Anderson

said. “On the sprint side we have Auri Mathis and Janae Shackleford along with a few of the younger girls coming up.” Anderson will rely on the sister duo of Emma and Abby Laney to run in the distance events who return from last season. “We have a few newcomers that have a lot of potential, so we will see how they develop over the course of the year,” Anderson said. The field events will feature Breshunda Starks, who returns from last year. Anderson said Starks did not throw until near the end of the year, so he is excited about her potential in 2020. “Semaj White is a younger athlete that should be able to help us out in more than one field event, maybe long jump and triple jump plus try out in high jump,” Anderson said.

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2020 New Albany Bulldog Track Team: Lady Bulldog members include - Katie Dallas, Fatima Falcon, Victoria Lee, Gina Grace, Lesley Maya McColly, Alexis Pitts, Allie Faith Robinson, Mackenzie Simpson, Cierra Earl, Katie Favela, Anyha Foster, Casey Hernandez, Lauren Hobson, Chloe Hudson, Kiristen Knox, Triniti Judon, Landry Kent, Armoni King, Elizabeth Pitts, Jaslyn Reyna, Bethany Roberson, Gabrielle Starks, Jashannon Turner. Members of the Bulldog team include - John Gray Davis, Courtland Earl, Christopher Garcia, Kevin Hernandez, Drew Hobson, Willie Mullins, Kaleb Shumpert, Peyton Bullwinkle, McCalyn Cameron, Avery Cathey, Sean Coleman, Omarion Cook, Logan Deaton, Steven Finley, Ladarren Gilbert, John Harrell, Mason Keener, Eduardo Lopez, Cade Pipkin, Zyon Robinson, Kaleum Shaw, Edwin Vargas, Myles Weathers, David Kyle Wommack, Keaton Young.

File Photo

Thomas Floyd will be one of the distance runners that New Albany will rely on this spring. Floyd was third in the 4A boys 3200 meter run in 2019.

2020 Spring Sports Preview | 29

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2020 East Union Urchins Track Team: Front row left - John Evans, Noah Johnson, Ty Walton, Micah Fulgham, Chance McLellen, Gabe Rakestraw, Kole Jackson. Back row left - Damien Mejia, Hayden Frazier, Keith Goolsby, Bryce McLellen, Dejuan Hubbard, Parker Rogers, Brandon Goolsby, Alejandro Valles, Jordan Mears, Drew Godin, David Comans, Coach Nathan McLellen.

Urchin track to feature blend of veterans and youth

oach Nathan McLellen will have a good mix for his 2020 East Union track and field program as he returns several veterans, but will see some new faces as well. “Both teams (boys and girls) are a mix of veterans and youth,” McLellen said. “With so many events, it’s important that all returners help with the new athletes. “There are days when they are called on to be ‘assistant coaches.’” One of the leaders that McLellen will look to will be Micah Fulgham of the boys team. “Micah is the leader of the boys team,” McLellen said. “He works hard and is willing to help with whatever is needed. Fulgham returns as a silver medalist in 2A pole vault and McLellen thinks he will be in the running for a gold medal this year. Fulgham is the lone returning medalist in 2A as

30 | 2020 Spring Sports Preview

Pisgah lost their top three vaulters to graduation. Other members of the boys team that should make major contributions in the field events are Bryce McLellen and Parker Rogers. “Bryce broke the school record and Parker qualified for state in discus,” McLellen said. “They’ve thrown as much as they could considering how much rain we’ve received this year.” McLellen has several girls that he will count on with the Lady Urchins events. “Rachel Gentry, Kirsten Hitt and Karley Conwill work together as our leaders,” said McLellen. “Karley and Briley Lesley are returning state qualifiers. We expect them to score a lot of points for us this year.” McLellen will look to some of his cross country runners to make contributions with the track program. “Sunshine Fulgham, Chance McLellen, John Evins and Noah Johnson

are all newcomers that should help strengthen our distance events,” McLellen said. “All had great seasons in cross country.” East Union will be competing at several track and field events in the area in order to prepare and hopefully qualify for the state championships in early May. “The Pontotoc Invitational is a big meet for us,” McLellen stated. “We practice there and want to support Pontotoc for allowing us that opportunity. We also want to perform well there as well.” McLellen has been coaching East Union track and field for nine years he sees both good and negative points with youth. “Overall we need newcomers to step up and perform,” he said. “We have kids that are willing to work. Youth is a strength and a weakness.”

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2020 East Union Lady Urchins Track Team: Front row left - Sarah Allen Sumrall, Sunshine Fulgham, Briley Lesley, Brianna Courtney, Karley Conwill, Tristan Dye, Aryanna Hattix. Back row left - Olivia Crockett, Chloe Hill, Clara Short, Daisy Johnson, Ella Johnson, Mary Kate Nobles, Kiersten Hall, Rachel Gentry, Laura Cobb, Cayley Johnson, Coach Nathan McLellen.

File Photo

Micah Fulgham is the returning silver medalist in 2A pole vaulting in 2019 with his top vault of 11-06 in Pearl at the State Track and Field Championships.

2020 Spring Sports Preview | 31

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2020 Myrtle Lady Hawks Track Team: Front row left - Rebekah Medlin, Karleigh Harlow, Mailya Mack, Cora Beth Kelly, Maggie Moody, Sarah Kate Thompson, Riley Meyer, India Simmons. Second row left - Harleigh Herring, Nicole Thompson, Abigail Fulcher, Dream Carnell, Lexie Senn, Victoria Mejia, Laken Bullock, Kalia Nugent, Madisyn Hall. Back row left - Mallory McDonald, Kinsley Gordon, Trinity Enis, Sydney Turner, Charlize Williams, Kaitlyn Senn, Trimiyah Gray, Jasmine Killough. Not pictured - Raykiah Strickland, Aubrey Ella Henderson, Breanna Smith.

Lady hawks hope to build on 2019 success

oach Chris Greer and his Myrtle Lady Hawks had a string showing in the 2019 1A state track and field meet. The Lady Hawks were holding the lead in points throughout most of the day before they ran out of events and TCPS was able to pass them for the overall title. Still, the Lady Hawks had a solid showing as they finished with 72 points to 98 points for TCPS. Myrtle returns the bulk of their team for 2020 and Greer mentioned several key individuals for the Lady Hawks. “We are looking to be a lot better in our girls relays this year,” Greer said. “In our 4x800 we have Aubrey Henderson, Sarah Kate Thompson, Dream Carnell and Maggie Moody. They will probably run the 4x400 too. “In our sprint relays, the 4x100 and 4x200, there are about seven or eight

32 | 2020 Spring Sports Preview

options - Mailya Mack, Kalia Nugent, India Simmons, Riley Mayer, Cora Beth Kelly, Morgan Greer, Laken Bullock, Trinity Enis, Kinsley Gordon.” Lexie Senn and Greer will run some distance events as well as Moody. Breanna Smith will compete in some of the running events as well. “Our field events are where we have the opportunity to score a lot of points this year,” Greer said. Gordon returns as the lone state champion for the Lady Hawks as she captured first in the discus while placing second in the triple jump. Charlize Williams will also be a force in the throwing events. Other girls that will compete in field events include Raykiah Strickland in the long jump. Sydney Turner and Victoria Mejia will compete in the pole vault. Nicole Thompson and Madisyn Hall may also compete in

pole vaulting. Kaitlyn Senn will also compete in field events. “Our girls team is young, but they have competed a lot,” Greer said. “We are going to try to get as many events as possible and compete for a championship.” The Myrtle boys will feature these athletes in the relays - Blake McNeal, Elijah Thompson, Wesley Ash, Hunter Page. Gabe Medlin and Benji Dillard will compete in running events. Blake Morman and Caden Hutcheson will also be in the mix. “I think Drew Covington will be pretty good in the pole vault,” Greer said. “We can be pretty good in the discus and shot put with Colt Hall, Jacob Holcomb, Greg Woods, Braden McNeal, Andrew Phillips and Dylan Byers. “Our boys team will get more interest, it hurts us that some are on the baseball team and can’t do both.”

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2020 Myrtle Hawks Track Team: Front row left - Drew Covington, Cody Adair, Wesley Ash, Blake McNeal, Benji Dillard. Second row left - Jacob Holcomb, Blake Morman, Caden Hutcheson, Greg Woods, Gabe Medlin, Andrew Phillips, Dylan Byers. Third row left Donell Jones, Will Phillips. Not pictured - Elijah Thompson, Colt Hall, Brayden McNeal.

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

Kinsley Gordon medaled in the triple jump (second) and the girls discus (first) at the 2019 1A State Track and Field Championships.

2020 Spring Sports Preview | 33

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

Jill Gafford and Maggie Scott (at left) won the 4A Girls Doubles State Championship match over teammates Lexie Kent and Ellie Myers (on right). It was the first all-New Albany girls doubles title match in school history.

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

Kinsley Gordon (center) was the 1A State Champion and Charlize Williams (right) was the silver medalist in the 1A girls discus as Myrtle took the top two spots.

34 | 2020 Spring Sports Preview

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New Albany Powerlifting

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2020 New Albany Lady Bulldogs Powerlifting Team: Front row left - Amada Gamez, Bailey Robertson, Jodi Parks. Back row left - Mentora Woods, Alea Hudson, Rosalee Roberts, Peyton Henry, Amberianna Shorter. Not pictured: Masey Kate Adams and Janea Hudson.

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2020 New Albany Bulldogs Powerlifting Team: Front row left - Kody Atkinson, Cameron Knox, Zane Chapman, Ben Jenkins, Nathan Wilson, Jareil Bowling, Zac Clay. Back row left - Mickey Woods, Milton Regalado, Parker Formsma, Trey Dean, Patrick Gibbs, Jackson Formsma, CJ Hill. Not pictured: Darnnell Riley

36 | 2020 Spring Sports Preview

East Union Powerlifting

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2020 East Union Lady Urchins Powerlifting Team: Front row left - Yilah Isby, Liz Hall, Jessie Roberts, Kaitie Boatner, Sylvie McVey, Carrie Wilkinson, Maggie McVey. Back row left - Lucy Haynes, Sunshine Fulgham, Harleigh Wheelington, Emma Boatner, Mary Herod, Bethany Hazel, Emily Herod. Back - Coach Scott Duley.

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2020 East Union Urchins Powerlifting Team: Front row left - Jessie Crump, Sam Murry, Eli Hodges, Micah Fulgham, Ty Walton, Bryce McLellen. Back row left - Alejandro Valle, Dylan Flake, Josh Duley, Parker Rogers.

2020 Spring Sports Preview | 37

Myrtle Powerlifting

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2020 Myrtle Lady Hawks Powerlifting Team: From left - Harleigh Herring, Nicole Thompson, Cora Kelly, Riley Meyer, Lauryn Smithey, Olivia Decanter, McKenzie Jones.

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2020 Myrtle Hawks Powerlifting Team: Front row left - Conner Coleman, Drew Covington, Tanner Fryar, Joe Kizer, Preston Richardson, Benji Dillard. Second row left - Shelton Graves, Dalton Galloway, Dalton Hopper, Preston Jackson, Cameron Thomas, Dustin McCraw. Not pictured - Octavius Godwin, Parker Richardson.

38 | 2020 Spring Sports Preview

West Union Powerlifting

Photo courtesy of Karen Taylor

2020 West Union Eagles Powerlifting Team: Front row left - Evan Cooper, Koby Hallam, Addy Hudson, Benton Burks. Second row left - Cooper Crawley, Maggie Baird, Edwin Edwards, Lainee Robbins, Mason Porter. Back row left - Laina Corder, Cailin Walls, Mitchell Shumpert.

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FALL SPORTS PREVIEW NEW ALBANY | EAST UNION | INGOMAR | MYRTLE | WEST UNION

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2019 Fall Sports Preview 1 New Albany Gazette

COming AuguST 2020 2020 Spring Sports Preview | 39

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2020 Spring Sports Preview | 41

East Union Archery

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2020 East Union Urchin Archery Team: Front row left - Jason Henderson, Austin Lepard, Bryan Hardin, Hudson White, Hagen White, Levi Pannell. Second row left -Alana Lorick, Elizabeth Hardin, Leighann Briggs, Alise Backlin, Carson Boone, Savannah Hall, Cathryn Gross. Back row left - Drew Payne, Will Coleman, Bradley McBrayer, Greyson Blair, Noah Nieminen, Jeremy Rakestraw, Noah Roberts, Isaiah Sheffield.

Ingomar archery

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Nance

2020 Ingomar Falcon Archery Team: Front row left - Nyssa Brown, Abby McMillen, Catherine Bridges, Lainy Floyd, Mallory Nance, Amelia McMillen, Hannah McElroy. Second row left - Noah Downs, Konner Little, Caleb Starnes, Jaxon McDowell, Zac Shelton, Daniel Sheppard, Jackson Coggin. Back row left - Owen White, Clayton Bridges, Dalton Ayers, Dalton Seely, Ridge Duke, John Frank Robbins. Not pictured - Shayna Cook, Joel McMillen, Ethan Moody.

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Myrtle Archery

Photo courtesy of Brooke Gordon

2020 Myrtle Hawks Archery Team: Front row left - Austen Blissard, Hannah Fortner, Courtney Page, Madison Hall, Elly Gaines, Braiden Jordan, Jonah Merritt. Back row left - Savannah Fryer, Jayden Bishop, Marc Lewis, Joseph Brown, Isaac Treadaway, Coach Michael Vierheller, Amanda Watkins, Christina Graham, Barrett Waits, Joseph Kizer, Kaitlyn Senn. Not pictured - Colt Hall, Gage Enis, Jayden Garrison, Kelly Smith, Parker Richardson.

West Union archery

Photo courtesy of Karen Taylor

2020 West Union Archery Team: Front row left - Jackson Waddell, Peyton Thompson, Christian David, Cora Dyer, Reece Gullick. Second row left - Cooper Crawley, Solomon Cooper, Lacy Raines, Riley Cooper, Madi Hill, Bailey Bray. Back row left - Walker Roaton, Elisabeth Bailey, Keilee Owens, Jackson Pounders, Soney Wooten.

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YOU NEED IT? WE RENT IT!

Greer and Greer equipMent SaleS and rentalS

we rent Skid SteerS, Mini exCavatorS, trenCherS, eleCtriC jaCkhaMMerS and other large and SMall equipMent

DECK YarD Your

& More

1751 HwY 178, MYrtlE, MS (662) 988-2075 | (662)266-9909

805 South Central, new albany, MS 38652 (662) 534-8640

OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY: 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.

Best of luck to all the Union County teams during the spring sports season!

Your YarD iS Your CanvaS We buy steel, cars, catalytic converters, aluminum, aluminum cans, brass, copper, starters, alternators, batteries, motors, lead, power steering pumps, transmissions, compressors, etc.

Hours:

Monday – Friday: 8 – 4:30 Saturday: 8 – 11:30 Closed for lunch daily: 12 - 1

Best wishes to all athletes! You can’t hide that Eagle pride!

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New Albany School of Ballet and Dance Arts Justine Ward Stewart, Director Presents:

Aladdin

May 15 & 16 at the Magnolia Civic Center at 6:30 P.M.

Blake & Alyson Roberts

Come be a part of the magic! 791 Hwy 15 North, New Albany, MS 38652 P: (662)539-7152 | F: (662)534-7675

Pam Brown Insurance Agency, Inc.

408 East Bankhead Street, New Albany, MS 38652

(662)534-2122

For ticket information or to register your child in our upcoming summer/fall dance program visit our website www.newalbanyballetstudio.com or call (662)266-0500

We can help with that. No one wants to pay for unnecessary extras and with our help, you won’t have to. We will help make sure you understand your options, and that you have the best coverage at the best price.

www.pambrown.org

2020 Spring Sports Preview | 45

New Albany Golf

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2020 New Albany Lady Bulldogs Golf Team: From left - Lucy King, Caroline King, Cassidy Ketchum, Sylvie Russell, Darcy Garrett, New Albany Golf Coach Shane Sanderson.

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2020 New Albany Bulldogs Golf Team: Front row left - Daniel Frith, Whit Robbins, Jack Prather, Owen Everett, Drew Freeman. Back row left - Trey Roten, Andrew Fennell, Matt Cherry, Miles Cox, Caleb McDonald, New Albany Golf Coach Shane Sanderson.

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Ingomar Golf

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2020 Ingomar Falcon Golf Team: From left - Kelsey Whitehead, Bauer Bishop, Rylie Ozbirn, Arden Robbins, Ann Kennedy, Coach Mike Conway. Not pictured Owen White.

@denclayton

Follow Dennis Clayton on Twitter @denclayton to stay up to date with all the sports coverage in Union County. And be sure to follow the New Albany Gazette on Facebook for sports & everything else relating to Union County. 2020 Spring Sports Preview | 47

INDUSTRIAL • COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL

BACKHOE DOZER CONCRETE METAL BUILDINGS

(662) 534-0532 Fax: (662) 534-5668

Riverside Traffic Systems Inc. 1283 State Highway 178 West • (662) 534-8257

808 Hwy. 15 N. New Albany, MS 38652

WWW.STEEL-CON.COM

QUALITY EYE CARE, QUALITY EYE WEAR

New Albany Vision Clinic • 484 W. BANKHEAD, NEW ALBANY 534-0101 •

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Welcome

New Albany

It's a great time to shop, stroll and, dine with family & friends. It's a great time to enjoy the Tanglefoot Trail. It's a great time to walk through the Faulkner Garden. It's a great time to Visit New Albany. Office of Community Development

135 E. Bankhead Street (662) 534-1047

VISITNEWALBANY.COM

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