2022 Fall Sports Preview

2022 FALL

SPORTS PREVIEW

Special Thanks

Cody Stubblefield, Brandon Cherry, Josh Curbow, Mary Scott Sanks, Ashley Garrett, Samantha Coltharp, David Hopple, Derek Taylor, Ashley Connolly, Josh Blythe, Andy Wilbanks, Olivia Dunnam, Jamie Hayles, Austin Epting, Nathan McLellen, Sheena Murphy, Callie Bowles, Jennifer Pannell and all the athletes from the New Albany and Union County Schools that made this publication possible with their participation.

Articles written by Dennis Clayton, Sports Editor. Cover and table of content photos by Dennis Clayton. Layout/composition and ad design by Sonny Harrison. Advertising sales by Justine Hook.

Table of Contents photo: Pictured from left - Mollie Moody, Alana Martin, Lindsey Dillard, Emma Akins, Camryn Rainwater.

On the cover: Kneeling from left - Connor Timms, Armand Bowling, Aaron Rodgers. Back left - Patrick Gibbs, Ross Cochran, Drew Covington, Peyton Rodgers, Ethan Bruce.

NEW ALBANY FOOTBALL

BulldogS want to compete every game, win cloSe oneS

new alBany at a glance

Division: 2-4A

2021 Record: 4-6, 0-5 (no playoffs)

Head coach: Cody Stubblefield (5th year)

playerS to watcH

JAREIL BOWLING

OLB/RB, Sr.

• Recorded 83 total tackles last season with 15 TFL, averaged 8.3 tackles per game.

KODY ATKINSON

RB, Sr.

• Rushed for 999 yards and 12 TDs last season, averaged 8.1 yards per carry.

BRADEN SHETTLES

QB, Fr.

• Freshman QB that will be game one starter, was a starter last season for varsity basketball team.

DREW HOBSON

LB, Jr.

• Key player for the Bulldog defense, had 48 tackles and 8 tackles for loss in 2021.

coacHing ‘em up

Dennis Robbins joins the Bulldog coaching staff after having served as an assistant at TCPS previously. Former Bulldog player Taylor Goode also joins the staff after a stint at Grenada.

oFFenSe

Kody Atkinson (Sr.) was the leading rusher for the Bulldogs in 2021 and returns to lead the ground game. Atkinson averaged 8.3 yards per carry last season.

Ke’Lan Simpson was a big contributor last year, rushing for eight TDs and averaging 7.0 yards per carry.

New Albany will entrust their offense to Braden Shettles (Fr.)

who makes his varsity debut after a successful junior high career. Shettles is no stranger to varsity sports, having been a starter last season for the Bulldog basketball team.

The offensive line returns four starters with a lot of experience and will have some younger guys coming up to provide depth.

deFenSe

The strength of the Bulldog defense will be their linebacking corps which will be led by Jareil Bowling (Sr.) and Drew Hobson (Jr.) who have seen significant playing time.

Montavio Sullivan, who Coach Cody Stubblefield calls a “high energy guy” returns from an injury suffered in 2021 to lead the defensive line.

Special teamS

Whit Robbins (Sr.) and Grayson Alexander (8th) will be handling the kicking chores for New Albany. Ethan Conlee (Jr.) will be the long snapper and Jeb Bolen (So.) will be the holder.

X-Factor

The Bulldogs must find ways to win the close games after struggling and losing most of those last season.

ScHedule analySiS

New Albany will open the season with a road game against county rival East Union on August 26.

The month of September features four more non-division games that are split with two home games and two road contests. Home game will be against an extremely talented and tough Itawamba AHS team and Booneville.

The Bulldogs will travel to Byhalia and Corinth, both teams were in a rebuild mode in 2021, but they should be improved this season.

The gauntlet in Division 2-4A football which consists of the

Head coacH cody StuBBleField

(FiFtH SeaSon at new alBany)

aSS i Stant c oac H e S :

Taylor Goode, Trent Ham mond, Kendall Murphy, Dennis Robbins, Shawn Sanks, Collin

Stubble field, Channing Ward

at H letic t rainer: Drew Davis

Highway 15 schools begins with a home date against an always tough Pontotoc team.

New Albany will also host North Pontotoc for homecoming and close out the regular season with Houston. Two short road trips will be to Ripley and South Pontotoc.

The Bulldogs raced out to a 4-1 record in non-division, but stumbled to 0-5 in their division slate for 2021.

It is imperative that the competitive non-division schedule prepare the Bulldogs for the balance they will encounter in 2-4A as any team is capable of defeating their foe on any given Friday night.

coacH SpeaK

“We want to be competitive every game, we’ve got a good balance of young and older guys, we need to see if our young guys step up and our older guys play the way they are capable. We’ve got to find ways to consistently run the ball as well as let Braden do some things as we have receivers who are capable of catching the ball.

2022 new alBany FootBall

2022 new alBany SeniorS

Dennis Clayton | New Albany Gazette

2022 New Albany Seniors: Front row left - Erica Cannon, Natalie Creekmore, Justise Hawkins, Sarah Robbins, Gracie Mason. Back row left - Zane Chapman, Montavio Sullivan, Patrick Gibbs, Matthew Harris, Peyton Rodgers, Jareil Bowling, Kody Atkinson, Ashton Presley, Zac Clay, Whit Robbins.

2022 new alBany cHeerleaderS

NEW ALBANY CHEER

2022 New Albany Bulldogs Football Cheerleaders:

First row left - Gracie Mason, Erica Cannon, Natalie Creekmore, Justise Hawkins, Sarah Robbins. Second row left - Laura Preston Ranager, Logan Lee Robertson, Addi Owen, Kelany Fields. Third row left - Caurie Clayton, Emma Roaton, Ashley Vazquez, Annsley Coleman, Aubrey Cook, Candy Ordaz. Back row leftLizzie Moore, Zoie White, Lilly Shannon, Landry Kent, Lauren Hobson.

Photo by Lisa Browning Photography

2022 pride oF new alBany

new alBany Band SeniorS

Photo courtesy of Lisa Browning Photography

Photo courtesy of Lisa Browning Photography

urcHinS loaded at lineBacKer, young on o-line

eaSt union at a glance

2021 record: 7-5, 5-0, (lost in second round)

Head coach: Brandon Cherry

playerS to watcH

CALEB JOHNSON

TE/MLB, Sr.

• Played center for Urchins in 2021 and on defense.

CONNOR TIMMS

TE/MLB. Sr.

• Had nine carries for 58 yards with TD in 2021, caught one TD pass.

RILEY WILLIAMS

R/CB, Jr.

• Rushed for 133 yards on 18 carries and 2 TDs in playoff win over O’Bannon.

DREW HOLLIMON

QB, So.

• Sophomore will draw his first starting assignment this season, throws a great deep ball and very elusive according to his coach.

coacHing ‘em up

Brandon Cherry begins year one with the Epic Urchins after serving as offensive coordinator for the past few years. Lamar Harvey joins the East Union coaching staff after five years as head coach at Okolona.

Caleb Stephens makes history as the first-ever former Urchin player to coach at East Union as an assistant.

oFFenSe

Drew Hollimon (So.) will direct the East Union offense from the quarterback position and will be a first-year starter after Rett Johnson decided to concentrate on baseball.

Riley Williams (Jr.) will be one of Hollimon’s primary targets along with Daniel Whitfield (So.). Both

have big play ability.

Returning at running back are Hayden Frazier (Jr.) rushed for 861 yards in 2021 with 11 TDs and averaged 6.4 yards per carry plus Luke McVey (Jr.) who averaged 6.4 yards on 328 yards and 2 TDs.

The Urchins will have an entirely new front five in the offensive line for 2022, but the group got some playing experience in 2021.

deFenSe

Cherry says the Urchins are loaded at linebacker with six or seven players in the mix and says they are some of the best he has ever coached.

Connor Timms (Sr.) and Caleb Johnson (Sr.) will be the leaders of the linebacking corp and Garrettt Adams (Jr.) figures to be a major presence too.

Special teamS

Connor Timms will punt for the Urchins, but Cherry is still working on developing a kicker for extra points and field goals. Long snapper will be Adams while Williams, Whitfield and McVey will be return men.

X-Factor

The backbone for East Union this season will be the play of their defense and they will be the key if the Urchins are to be successful.

ScHedule analySiS

East Union will have year two of a very demanding non-division schedule against some extremely talented teams.

The Urchins will host county rival New Albany of 4A in August to start the season.

East Union will travel to Heritage Academy and East Webster to face two perennial powers in private and

Head coacH Brandon cHerry (FirSt SeaSon at eaSt union)

aSS i Stant

c oac H e S : Stephen Basil, Scott Duley, Lamart Harvey, Caleb Stephens, Brian Brown

ing, Chris Lucius

at H letic t rainer: Jeremey Dorrough

2A school divisions in September.

Back-to-back home game will feature Booneville and Eudora which will provide more stiff competition.

East Union will close out the month of September with their 1-2A opener at home against Belmont.

October will see the Urchins at home against Walnut and Potts Camp while they will travel to county rival Myrtle and Baldwyn.

East Union went 1-4 in the nondivision side of the schedule in 2021, but rebounded strong to go 5-0 and win the division again for a fourth consecutive title.

The final game of the year against Baldwyn could decide the division champion again in 2022 as it did the previous year.

coacH SpeaK

“We have a lot of guys on offense that have the ability to do special things with the ball in their hands. I can think of six guys that need the football and need opportunities.”Brandon Cherry

e aSt union FootBall

e aSt union cHeerleaderS

Dennis Clayton | New Albany Gazette

2022 East Union Urchins Football Cheerleaders: Front row left - Emma Crowe, Allie Boykin, Rose Webb, Dakota Gentry, Daisy Johnson, KeeShun Adams, Kenley Conwill, Ella Boykin, Lyla Brock, Claire Hill, Maci James. Back row left - Lydia Pierce, Kelsie Simmons, Brooklyn Shelton, Maci Mclellen, Katie Sherwood, Anna Liz Ray, Chloe Greenhill, Bella Roberts, Madee Dugger, Drew Mink, Bella Foster, Ada Gentry.

Dennis Clayton | New Albany Gazette

East Union Seniors: Front row left - Anna Liz Ray, Daisy Johnson, Brooklyn Shelton. Back row left - Caleb Johnson, Charlie Gentry, Devon Hervey, Ross Cochran, Ethan Bruce, Connor Timms.

MYRTLE FOOTBALL

HawKS are eXtremely young, Future iS BrigHt

myrtle at a glance

Division: 1-2A

2021 Record: 3-6, 1-4 (no playoffs)

Head coach: Josh Curbow (1st year)

playerS to watcH

JOE KIZER

S/SR/RB, Jr.

• Kizer had 7 receptions for 50 yards in 2021 and recorded 60 tackles on defense.

AARON RODGERS

QB, Sr.

• Played as backup in 2021, had no passing stats.

GABE MEJIA

K, So.

• Hit a 43-yard FG in 2021, solid in all aspects.

TANNER FRYAR

RB/SR/DB, Jr.

• Rushed for 239 yards and 2 TDs in 2021.

coacHing ‘em up

Josh Curbow takes over as head coach of the Hawks after serving as an assistant at New Albany for several years. Former Myrtle head coach Jeremy Smithey will transition to defensive coordinator.

oFFenSe

Myrtle lost longtime starting quarterback Jackson Mayer to graduation, so Curbow’s first order of business is finding a capable replacement.

Aaron Rodgers (Sr.) saw a little bit

of action in 2021 as a backup and will be thrust into the starter role.

Joe Kizer (Jr.) will be the slot receiver and a key element in the Hawk offense. Curbow will also use Kizer as a running back while moving him around and creating ways to get him the football.

Kelston Boyd (Fr.) and Tanner Fryar (Jr.) will also be key players in the Myrtle offense at running back and slot receiver while Parker Owen (Jr.) could make a big impact at receiver.

Myrtle’s offensive line will be extremely young, but will be really big and strong. Four freshmen will be in the trenches for the Hawks.

deFenSe

Many of the offensive line starters will see action on the defensive line and Curb thinks their strength could be more on defense.

Kizer, Fryar and Conner Blevins (So.) will be the team leaders for the Hawks on defense.

Special teamS

Gabe Mejia (So.) will be kicking for the Hawks and Parker Richardson will be the long snapper for special teams.

X-Factor

Myrtle will need to learn to be gritty and play hard together, get stops early on defense and have long timeconsuming possessions on offense.

ScHedule analySiS

Myrtle will host Vardaman for game one in August to start the season.

The month of September will have non-division games against Thrasher at home and road games at Strayhorn

Head coacH JoSH curBow (FirSt SeaSon at myrtle)

aSS i Stant c oac H e S : Jeremy Smithey, Michael Kelly, Luke Con lee, Heath Robbins, Buddy Hall, Gay lon Jones

at H letic t rainer: Mandy Wise

and Middleton (TN).

The Hawks will begin play in Division 1-2A with a home game against Potts Camp to close out the month.

October will find the Hawks hosting county rival East Union and Belmont with away games against Baldwyn and Walnut.

Myrtle will be in a rebuilding phase for 2022, but if the Hawks can stay healthy and show progression in their non-division slate, they can be in a spot to challenge in a tough 1-2A division on any given night.

coacH SpeaK

“We are extremely young, there are two seniors on the team and there are four juniors. The rest of our kids are ninth and tenth graders, but that is exciting to me because the future is bright.” - Josh Curbow

2022 myrtle FootBall

myrtle cHeerleaderS

Photo courtesy of Brooke Gordon 2022 Myrtle Hawks Football Cheerleaders: Front row left - Mallory McDonald, Courtney Page, Rebekah Medlin, Mollie Moody, Olivia Decanter, Christina Graham. Back row left - Carmyn Hill, Niclole Thompson, Elly Gaines, Anna Goodson, Sierra Robbins, Emma Beth Mayer, Brooke Henderson, Lilly Merritt, Madisyn Hall, Destiny Harris.

Photo courtesy of Josh Curbow

union county Band

Photo courtesy of Brooke Gordon Hawk Class of 2022 Football: From left - Mallory McDonald, Christina Graham, Mollie Moody, Aaron Rogers, Rebekah Medlin, Olivia Decanter, Courtney Page.

lady BulldogS loaded witH eXperience For 2022

Coach Ashley Connolly has a solid veteran team returning for the 2022 campaign as the Lady Bulldogs are loaded with a huge senior class and a fair sized junior one. The Lady Bulldogs lost a close one in the second round to a tough Caledonia club by a 3-2 decision.

The Lady Bulldogs hope to get all the way back to the state championships with this team of experienced athletes like they did four years ago in Connolly’s first year.

“We are a veteran team with 11 seniors and 5 juniors with 6 returning starters,” Connolly said. “Our 2021 record was 20-11 and made it to the 2nd round of playoffs.

“Overall I feel like we are a solid team with a lot of leadership and experience.”

The wealth of seniors on the team gives the Lady Bulldogs the necessary leadership to have a highly successful season and Connolly pointed out some of the players that have stepped up to assume those roles.

“We have a few different team leaders in different roles, Masey Adams and Camryn Rainwater lead on the court,” Connolly said. “They both have the experience and the drive to help motivate and push the other players to perform well.

“Off the court Julianne Littlejohn is more of the ‘Mom’ of the team. She keeps us/me organized and ready for practice and games.”

Several girls figure into the equation as Connolly works on her rotations and she mentioned some younger players that figure to be in the mix as well as one senior.

“We have a few players that I feel will be key to our offense. Lucy King is back in the middle for us this year and we have two freshmen who have been working hard all summer and will be in contention for starting positions, Teelie Tyer (outside hitter) and Lilly Shannon (middle blocker and right-side hitter). Our defense will be led by senior libero, Bre Shorter.”

Key non-division games will be Tupelo, Caledonia, Pontotoc and Saltillo plus New albany will be going over to play in a tournament in Florence, AL to help prepare them for division games.

“For us to be successful we need to play our game and stick to our team goals we set at the beginning of summer,” Connolly said.

Photo courtesy of Lisa Browning Photography 2022 New Albany Lady Bulldogs Volleyball: Front row left -Laken Hopkins, Carine Delfin, Kali Jo Mercer. Middle row left - Amberianna Shorter, Emma Patterson, Amiya Terry, Amada Gamez, Masey Adams, Camryn Rainwater, Alyssa Newsom, Julianne Littlejohn, Maddie Smith, Elizabeth Gipson. Back row left - Marley Jackson, Gabby Shackelford, Summer Gaskin, Fernanda Vega, Danielle Dykes, Addi Vetovitz, Lilly Shannon, Teelie Tyer, Lucy King, Claire Long, Lizzie Moore, Lauren Hobson, Avery Hall.

lady urcHinS Hope to Build on previouS SucceSS

EastUnion had a successful season in 2021 as they went 19-6 and reached the second round of the 2A playoffs before losing a hard-fought match to Walnut by a 3-1 count.

Graduation hit the Lady Urchins hard as several key players are no longer on campus.

“We will have lots of new faces, graduated four starters last season< East Union coach Josh Blythe said.

One key player that does return for the Lady Urchins is Emma Akins, who has been a key fixture for the previous three years for East Union who has a great deal of club experience as well.

“The team will look to and respond to Emma Akins,” Blythe said of his

floor leader.

Blythe shared other players that he will call upon to make contributions both defensively and on offense.

“Defensively Olivia Elder and Sydney Stanford will need to carry us in the DS and Libero spots,” he said. “Offensively Eliza Whitenton, Jessica Henderson, Laura Cobb, Jenni Bullock, Katie Sherwood, Ali Cooper, and Emma Akins will all have equal opportunities to establish themselves.”

A couple of newcomers that Blythe hopes will make major waves for the Lady Urchins are Ali Cooper and Laura Cobb.

East Union will again play a highly competitive non-division slate of

matches with their county rivals in the Union County tournament plus 5A Saltillo and Blythe looks forward to that meeting.

“Saltillo is coming over, they are usually really athletic and bring a big rowdy crowd.”

East Union will again compete in Division 1-2A with 2021 2A state champion Belmont and Baldwyn

Blythe assessed his view of his youthful team while describing their strengths and weaknesses.

“Weakness is, we are inexperienced group. Strength will be in our setters.”

Success for the Lady Urchins lies in their ability to learn to play with each other and really defend according to Blythe.

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Sports Editor

2022 East Union Lady Urchins Volleyball: Front row left - Sydney Sanford, Emma Akins, Olivia Elder, Laura Cobb. Middle row leftCaroline Sherwood, Madee Dugger, Jenni Bullard, Lucy Haynes, Ali Cooper, Katie Sherwood, Claire Hill. Back row left - Chloe Greenhill, Emma Adams, Eliza Whitenton, Jessica Henderson, Marly Wanner, Emily Herod, Roxie Roberson. Not pictured Emma Boater.

2022 Ingomar Lady Falcons Volleyball: Front row left - Eve Cooper, Miley Roberts, Kylie Jumper, Audrey Maupin, Lindsey Dillard, Brooklyn Wicker, Taylor Stout, Abby Miller. Back row left - Ella Hart Wilbanks, Rachel Weeden, Ella Weeden, Tyrani Jones, T’nya Jones, Marissa Bell, Cadie Jo Byrd, Dayton Grisham, Anna Lauren Glasson, Issie Riddle, Maggie Nance, Eden Wilbanks. Not pictured - Macie Phifer, Bella Phifer, Emma Hill.

ingomar looKS to continue playoFF SucceSS

Ingomar

had another highly successful year in 2021 as they reached the 1A state semifinals for the second consecutive year. Eventual 1A state champion Hickory Flat defeated the Lady Falcons in the North Half finals.

Coach Andy Wilbanks is back for his fourth year leading the Lady Falcons and he will look to a trio of players to provide the offensive fire power and leadership to steer Ingomar back to a deep playoff run in 2022.

“We will look to Senior Lindsey Dillard to be our on and off the court leader, being the setter she controls a lot of the game for us,” Wilbanks said.

“Hopefully our top offensive players in Macie Phifer (sophomore) and Cadie Jo Byrd (sophomore) can take another step forward and be big threats offensively.”

Wilbanks lost several players to

graduation that had made significant contributions since the program’s inception and he will attempt to fit all the pieces together as younger players will be called on to step up and contribute.

“We will be a blend of experienced players and few that will be getting their first varsity experience,” he said.

“Defensively that’s where some of our newcomers need to step in. Seniors T’nya Jones, Audrey Maupin will be asked to step in and fill some spots on the front line and Brooklyn Wicker, Taylor Stout, and Anna Lauren Glasson will need to sure up the back row. Marissa Bell and Bella Phifer could also figure into multiple spots as well.

Ingomar will once again compete in Division 1-1A with county rival West Union and Biggersville. The Lady Falcons had a perfect run in

2021 during division play.

Key non-division matches on the schedule for Ingomar include North Pontotoc and South Pontotoc of 4A plus the Union County tournament which features four quality opponents.

“The schedule will definitely be a tough one this year, but it gets us ready for the back half of the season,” Wlibanks said. “Hopefully the strength of the team will be our experienced outside hitters and setter. The weakness since we started four years ago has always been cutting down on unforced mistakes, hopefully we can get better there.

Wilbanks says the X Factor will be how well the newcomers progress throughout the season and hopefully find some confidence and toughness by the late season push.

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Sports Editor

dunnam BacK on tHe Hardwood For myrtle

OliviaDunnam got in some playing days back at New Albany when she was a multi-sport student athlete there and she will assume the head coaching duties at Myrtle with the retirement of Robert Gordon as coach.

Dunnam is pleased with what she has seen over the summer from her new team and shared the work ethic the Lady Hawks have exhibited.

“We have a good group this year ranging from young beginning seventh graders to seniors that have been playing the last few seasons,” Dunnam said. “Our girls don’t come in worried about age or experience; they come in willing to work together and really push one another to give their best and to get better.”

Dunnam will have key leadership from a couple of experienced juniors on and off the court this fall.

“Keirstyn Shoops and Emma Beth Mayer are two juniors that are always ready to come in and lead the team, work hard, and encourage their teammates to give their best effort,” Dunnam said.

Dunnam shared what she considers to be key strengths and possible weaknesses of her team, but hopes to build a cohesive unit for play in Division 2-2A play with rivals Pine Grove, Potts Camp and Walnut.

“The girls have been working extremely hard this summer,” she said. “They have been in the weight room getting stronger and getting physically ready for the court.

“The past few days they have come

in ready to run drills and pinpoint fundamental skills that will hopefully make a big difference in how they play.”

Myrtle won their first round matchup in the 2A volleyball playoffs against Choctaw County, but were eliminated in the second round by a powerful Belmont team that eventually won the 2A state championship.

Dunnam shared her thoughts on the X-Factor for the Lady Hawks in 2022.

“Our team has to remember that it takes everyone to play their part in order to be successful. The players seem to have a great relationship with one another which allows them to communicate well, work hard, and encourage each other on and off the court. I believe if they remember that we will have a successful season ahead.”

Photo courtesy of Brooke Gordon 2022 Myrtle Lady Hawks Volleyball: Front row left - Mallory Davis, Cora Beth Kelly, Harleigh Herring, Kierstyn Shoops, Brooklyn Streich, Lauryn Smithey, Mallory McDonald. Back row left - Courtney Page, Elly Gaines, Mollie Moody, Emma Poteet, Emma Mayer, Dream Carnell, Anna Goodson, Winter Willard, Emma Speck, Montana Nichols. Not PicturedGenna Wages, Breanna Lewis, Lexi Senn.

l ady e agleS looK to Be more aggreSSive in 2022

WestUnion will begin year two under the coaching of Jamie Hayles and the Lady Eagles will be working hard as they try to land a spot in the 1A playoffs.

We went 11-12 last year and missed out on making it to playoffs,” Hayles said. “This year we’re looking to change that. We’re a bit of a blended team, consisting of a few juniors, a few sophomores, and a couple of 9th graders that will be starting.”

West Union will again compete in Division 1-1A with Ingomar and Biggersville.

Hayles will need some players to step up in the leadership roles as the lady Eagles lost three major contributors to graduation.

“As far as leaders…at the moment we’re still working on that,” She said.

“We’ve got two that are making their way into that role and are developing more and more each day. Having lost three senior starters from last year, we do have some players stepping into different roles.”

The Lady Eagles will have the luxury of welcoming back one player from injury who was out for the entire 2021 season and Hayles thinks she will have an impact on the floor.

“A key player for us right now is Hope Herod, who I expect to make a huge impact on our game and style of play,” Hayles said. “She was out all last year due to a foot injury, but now she’s back and doing well, and she’s one of the most motivated players we have. She’s also a very level-headed player, which is what we need right now.”

West Union will return a handful of

players that were key components of last season’s team and Hayles looks for them to continue to improve and contribute.

“Offensively, we’re bringing back two pretty solid outside hitters with Laina Corder and Zoey Wright,” she said. “They continue to impress me with their growth and overall power with their hits.

“Defensively I’m going with a younger lineup, but expecting big things from them.”

Hayles shared what she sees as keys to success for her young team in the upcoming season.

“Our X-factor and what we need to have to be more successful is to come out aggressive and vocal from the very beginning and not let other teams determine the tone and pace of the game.”

Dennis Clayton | New Albany Gazette

2022 West Union Lady Eagles Volleyball: Front row left - Shelby Powell, Maggie Baird, Josie Conlee, Carly Henry, Mollie Reaves, Kelsey Coffey, Maxie Morris. Back row left - Rylee Farr, Kylee Anne Jumper, Alana Martin, Hope Herod, Laina Corder, Sadie Cobb, Zoey Wright. Not pictured Analyssa Phillips.

NEW ALBANY JR. HIGH VOLLEYBALL

new alBany Jr. HigH volleyBall

2022 New Albany Middle School Volleyball: Front row left - Karli Spencer, Hailey Bullard, Molly Clayton, Harper Williams, Joley Hall, Bella Golden, Alecia Allen, Isabella Kimmons. Middle row left - Bailey Cook, Macy Ligon, Allie Keller, Annie Hall, Sarah Barton Ozbirn, Amy Martin, Jordyn Rutledge. Back row left - Eva Trout, Elayna Granada, Avery Lane Watson, Lily Voyles, Chlea Morton, Miracle Hanson, Yasmine Puryear.

Dennis Clayton | New Albany Gazette

eaSt union Jr. HigH volleyBall

ingomar Jr. HigH volleyBall

Dennis Clayton | New Albany Gazette

2022 Ingomar Junior High Volleyball: From left - Bailey Stout, Carys Ball, Abby Miller, Tyrani Jones, Gracie Hamm, Lizzie Jo Hall, Emily Manning, Emma Potts, Addie Morgan Mayo. Not pictured Avery Ellis.

Photo courtesy of Josh Blythe

2022 East Union Junior High Volleyball:

Front row left - Addie Mask, Halle Jo Blythe, Madi Robbins, Reagan Johnson, Lyla Brock, Emma Crowe. Back row leftMarley Clayton, Lilly Mae Watson, Lily Kate Johnson, Lucy Cochran, Lilly Bruce, Ainsley Porch.

Photo

Dennis

Courtney,

West Union Eagles Cross Country: Front row left - Aiden James, Ella Kate Hooker, Emma Berryhill, Ella Little, Sadie Cobb, Hannah Owen, Lucy Jumper, Graham Hall. Back row left - Jon Collier Kidd, Jonathan Douglass, Edwin Edwards, Brodie Moore, Sammy Green, Joe Quay (Hammer) Willard, David Roberts, Adam Galloway, Cohen Moore. Not pictured - Jon Bennett, Isaac Gooch, Malachi Gooch, Wyatt Swearingen, Emerie Little.

Dennis Clayton | New Albany Gazette

ingomar Swim

2022 Ingomar Falcons Swim: Front row left - Kyla Parker, Natalie Holcomb, Kamille Beard, Maggie Roberts, Mary Hannah Whitehead. Second row left - Whit Everitt, Janie Reinike, Aaron Gullick, Makenzie Reed, Hannah McElroy, Anna Clair Mayo. Back row left - Aiden Holcomb, Cooper Malone, John Frank Robbins, Emma Holloway, Bryan McElroy. Not pictured Liz Spencer.

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Pannell

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW 2022

NEW ALBANY FOOTBALL

2022 FOOTBALL SCHEDULES

at East Union

EAST UNION FOOTBALL

AUGUST

Albany

at Byhalia

Booneville

at Corinth

Pontotoc

at Ripley

North Pontotoc

at South Pontotoc

Houston

NEW ALBANY MIDDLE SCHOOL FOOTBALL

at Pontotoc

Nettleton

at East Union

Holly Springs

Guntown

at Ripley

Corinth

MYRTLE FOOTBALL

AUGUST

Vardaman

at Strayhorn

Thrasher

Open Date

at Middleton (TN)

Potts Camp

at Baldwyn

East Union

at Walnut

Belmont

EAST UNION MIDDLE SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Shannon

North Pontotoc

Albany

Camp

MYRTLE MIDDLE SCHOOL FOOTBALL

at TCPS

H.W. Byers

Open Date

TCPS

East Union

Potts Camp

NEW ALBANY VOLLEYBALL

AUGUST

6 Bulldog Bash (New Albany)

at Kossuth

Saltillo

at Caledonia

Pontotoc

at Saltillo

Kossuth

Union County Tournament (at Ingomar)

at Pontotoc

SEPTEMBER

Caledonia

at Tishomingo County

at North Pontotoc

at Corinth

Ripley

Brooks Invitational

at Tupelo

Tishomingo County

at Ripley

Corinth

OCTOBER

North Pontotoc

Hickory Flat

EAST UNION VOLLEYBALL

AUGUST

Mooreville

Biggersville

at West Union

East Union Classic

Booneville

Saltillo

at Myrtle

Union County Tournament (at Ingomar)

at Corinth

SEPTEMBER

1 at Saltillo

at Pine Grove

at Ingomar

Belmont

Baldwyn

at Belmont

North Pontotoc

Walnut

at Baldwyn

at South Pontotoc

at Mooreville

at Biggersville

MYRTLE VOLLEYBALL

AUGUST

6 Bulldog Bash (at New Albany)

at Baldwyn

Falkner

North Pontotoc

Corinth 23 at West Union

at East Union

Union County Tournament (at Ingomar)

at Biggersville

SEPTEMBER

West Union

at North Pontotoc

at Falkner

at Pine Grove

Potts Camp

Walnut

Pine Grove

at Potts Camp

at Ingomar

at Walnut

INGOMAR VOLLEYBALL

AUGUST

6 Bulldog Bash (at New Albany)

at Pine Grove

East Union Tournament

South Pontotoc

Walnut

Mantachie

at North Pontotoc

Union County Tournament (at Ingomar)

at Mooreville

Booneville

SEPTEMBER

at Mantachie

at TCPS

East Union

West Union

at West Union

at Biggersville

Biggersville

TCPS

at Hickory Flat

OCTOBER

Myrtle

Pine Grove

WEST UNION VOLLEYBALL

AUGUST

Pine Grove

at Potts Camp

East Union

Walnut & Booneville

at Pine Grove

Myrtle

Potts Camp

Union County Tournament (at Ingomar)

at South Pontotoc

SEPTEMBER

at Myrtle

Nettleton Tournament

Biggerville

TCPS

Ingomar

at Ingomar

at Baldwyn

at TCPS

at Biggersville

Falkner

Baldwyn

South Pontotoc