PONTOTOC CITY & COUNTY
winter Sports 2021-2022
FEATURING
•BASKETBALL
•SOCCER
•BOWLING
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Winter Sports 2021-2022
Winter Sports 2021-2022
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WINTER SPORTS 2021-2022 4
letter from the
sports editor WINTER SPORTS CELEBRATE SPORTSMANSHIP, COMMUNITY From the court, to the pitch, to the and Bindi Seale will be looked to for lanes, winter sports are unique--and ofleadership as the Lady Norsemen try to ten grueling. run-and-gun and wear down opponents It takes lungs to put on a full-court with fitness. press then play offense on the other end. On the men’s side, junior Eli Baker Soccer--which nobody around here and senior Jordan Pitts will fill the void played when I was a youth--is essenleft by the departure of the Vikings’ alltially running wide open for 80 minutes, time leading scorer, Ty Roberson, as jabbing other players with stiff arms and Coach Chris Parman leads his Norsebanginig shins until the ball mercifully men in their 2021 basketball campaign. goes out of bounds or the referee raises a Former Viking gridiron standout Tracard on somebody--anybody. vis Little will try his hand at the other Bowling is one of the great Fred Flint(European parlance) “football” this stone, Ralph Kramden type of All-Amerseason, skippering the North Pontoican pastimes that everybody loves. It’s toc boys’ soccer team. Kyle “K-Rob” just fun--and you can eat a hotdog while Robinson will lead the Viking women. doing it. Senior Brooke McBrayer and junior Galen Holley In all seriousness, though. Annslee Rhea will provide leadership Sports Editor The Pontotoc Lady Warriors basketon the pitch for the ladies. Both teams ball girls are returning state champs. hope to return to postseason play after That means they’ll carry the cache of being top dog into three years. every contest, and that they’ll have a target painted on In Springville, seniors Joe Hayes Austin, Bryce Howthem. Heavy lies the head that wears the crown. ell, and Jayden Hooker will play a brand of South PontoCoach Kyle Heard has returning seniors Samya Brooks toc Cougar basketball coach Chris Vandiver described as and Allie Beckley, along with utility player Riley Stan- “physical.” ford, to help lead the Women of the Tribe to the Happy On the ladies’s side, Coach Bill Russell always has his Hunting Ground again this season. squad ready to play, and senior standout Rebekah Pilcher The Warrior men will look to Zane Tipler, who had a will help the Lady Cats try to mount another winning camtremendous summer, racking up numerous accolades, to paign. head the charge. Indoors and out, winter sports in Pontotoc County proNorth Pontotoc’s new coach Rob Browning, coming off vide a great opportunity to celebrate sportsmanship and an eight-year stint at Myrtle, will lead the Lady Vikings the bonds of community that make this a special place. As in their 2021 basketball campaign. Seniors Kierra Green always, thanks for reading the Pontotoc Progress.
Winter Sports 2021-2022
contents 4 Letter from the Sports Editor
20 Pontotoc Warriors Men’s soccer
6 Pontotoc Warriors Men’s Basketball
22 Pontotoc Warriors woMen’s soccer
8 Pontotoc Warriors woMen’s Basketball
24 north Pontotoc vikings Men’s soccer 26 north Pontotoc vikings woMen’s soccer
10 north Pontotoc vikings Men’s Basketball
28 south Pontotoc cougars Men’s soccer
12 north Pontotoc vikings woMen’s Basketball
29 south Pontotoc cougars woMen’s soccer
14 South Pontotoc cougars Men’s Basketball
34 pontotoc warriors bowling
16 south Pontotoc cougars woMen’s Basketball
36 north Pontotoc vikings bowling
Advertisers Algoma Country Store.............................31 Ashley Furniture.........................................2 Crossroads Rehabilitation.......................33 First Choice Bank.....................................40 Melinda Nowicki.....................................18 MississippiCare......................................32 Montgomery Drugs.................................38
Mossy Oak Properties..............................32 Patty Turk Properties, LLC...........................3 Physical Therapy......................................31 Pontotoc Progress....................................39 Renasant Bank.........................................31 Ricky Ferguson.........................................33 Shannon & Graham Eye Clinic................18
on the cover
Snow Cream Corner.................................19 Southern Garage.....................................33 Torrance School Photography..................18 Trent’s Portrait Design.............................31 True Value................................................38 Young’s Tire Store....................................19
WINTER SPORTS 2021-2022
table of
South Pontotoc’s Rebekah Pilcher, last year’s Co-Player of the Year in 2-4A, will look to help lead the Lady Cougars in a successful 2021-22 campaign.
Writers
Galen Holley, Sports Editor, Will Ruff, Sports Writer, and Jonathan Wise, Sports Writer
A Special Thanks To
Trent’s Portrait Studio, Torrance Photography, and David Helms for the photos Advertising Consultant: Angie Quarles Winter Sports 2021-2022
Graphic Designer: Chelsea Williams 5
PONTOTOC CITY
2021-2022 warriors
Men’s basketball
2021-2022 Pontotoc Warriors basketball Team
The 2021 Warriors basketball team includes, (bottom, left to right) Tyler Shephard, Nic Townsend, Jonathan Armstrong, Jordan Ball, Zane Tipler, Jaylen Edwards, Jack Sansing, Rhett Robinson, (top left to right) Nelson Cullar, MacKinly Brown, Markylan Boston, Martylan Boston, Wesson Angle, Dawson Rice, Bobby Tackett, Emarion Hinton, Gary Clements, Khi Simmons, DeTony Hall. Photo by David Helms
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Winter Sports 2021-2022
Jonathan Wise Sports Writer
Pontotoc boys basketball has developed into a Class 4A power during Coach Rolley Tipler’s three-year tenure, a span that has seen the Warriors rack up 80 wins and deep playoff runs. This year the team will have a different look, with loads of talent from last season’s state semi-finalist squad gone due to graduation and other departures. Pontotoc enters the 2021-22 campaign with no returning starters, but they have a solid nucleus to build on. “We are undersized, but I think we have a lot of skilled players,” Coach Tipler said. “That will certainly be a benefit at times. We’ve got to figure out how to make our smaller lineup work for us, but I think we have a tough bunch of guys.” Senior Jaylen Edwards and juniors Zane Tipler and Tyler Shephard are the returners with the most playing time. Obviously their roles are going to be much bigger this time around as the major keys to the team’s success. “I don’t think there is a better pure scorer in the area than Jaylen,” Ti-
pler said. “He is very talented when it comes to scoring. Jaylen should be someone who will require a lot of attention (from opponents) and making note of where he is on the floor. “Zane has waited his turn to step into the starting point guard role, and he brings a different dynamic than we’ve had at that spot with his ability to score. I think if he stays within himself and continues to mature he can do a good job for us. “Tyler has a 6’0- 6’1 frame and is probably the most athletic person on the team. He can score from three different levels and play very good defense. Tyler has a lot to offer as far as providing several different ways to affect the game.” Sophomore Jonathan Armstrong has not played a lot previously, but Tipler expects him to make a big impact. “He is a gritty, tough as nails, defensive-minded young man,” he said. “I think he is going to shock people, not from a scoring standpoint, although he has the ability to score, but on the defensive side. He is going to set the tone for us on defense.” Junior Jack Sansing provides a perimeter threat for the Warriors. “Jack is a knock-down shooter
and a guy who can spread the floor,” coach Tipler said. “He has the ability to string together a number of outside shots.” Sophomore Dawson Rice and junior Rhett Robinson will also see important minutes “Dawson is going to play big around the basket and do the dirty work. Every team needs someone like that,” Tipler said. “Rhett is a teamfirst guy who, whatever is needed at the moment, he is able to adjust and be the guy to do it.” In contrast to recent years, the Warriors are short on star power and size, but coach Tipler has proven over many years to be able to get the best out of his players. Little things will make the difference. “We’ve got to figure out what our identity is,” he said. “A key for us, like it is with any team whether you have size or not, is not turning the ball over. With all our guards, you would think we have a better chance of doing that. We have some pretty good shooting ability, and some of our success is going to depend on how well we do that on a night-to-night basis. It is also going to depend on our efficiency and how much attention to detail we have on defense.”
PONTOTOC CITY
PONTOTOC HOOPS LOOKS TO FIND ANOTHER WINNING FORMULA
2021-2022 Pontotoc Warriors basketball schedule NOVEMBER 18 Columbus
DECEMBER 15 @ Houston
DECEMBER 3 Tupelo
DECEMBER 21 Hernando
DECEMBER 7 New Albany*
DECEMBER 30 @ Saltillo
DECEMBER 10 North Pontotoc
JANUARY 4 @ Holly Springs
DECEMBER 14 Ripley*
JANUARY 7 South Pontotoc*
Winter Sports 2021-2022
JANUARY 8 Dyersburg Tournament JANUARY 11 @ New Albany* JANUARY 18 @ South Pontotoc* JANUARY 21 @ North Pontotoc*
JANUARY 25 Houston JANUARY 28 Holly Springs FEBRUARY 1 Lafayette FEBRUARY 3 @ Olive Branch * Division game
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PONTOTOC CITY
2021-2022 warriors
woMen’s basketball
2021-2022 Pontotoc lady Warriors basketball Team
The 2021 Lady Warriors basketball team includes (front row, left to right), Riley Stanford, Jamyia Bowen, Molly Sansing, Ella Hill, Allie Beckley, Samya Brooks, Sadie Stegall, Alayna Ball, (second row left to right) Karlee Tallant, Carsyn Stephens, Nakiyah Hoskins, Kori Ware, Mackenzie McGuirt, Sarahia Hurd, Jakila Feagin, Jakayla Foulks, Elizabeth Dowdy. Photo by David Helms
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Winter Sports 2021-2022
Jonathan Wise Sports Writer
As is always the case, big things are expected from the Pontotoc girls basketball squad as they launch into the 2021-22 season. The Lady Warriors reached the pinnacle of success last year, finishing 31-4 and capturing the program’s fifth state championship. The Lady Warriors bring back two very important foundation stones for success in senior Samya Brooks, one of the state’s best post players who averaged 21.3 points and 11.1 rebounds per game a season ago, and senior point guard Allie Beckley, who directed the team with remarkable consistency. “This is the sixth year they have been with me, and so part of their significance is being so in-tune with what I want to do all the time,” head coach Kyle Heard said. “There is a lot of coaching that goes on on the floor with those two. Just having that leadership is huge. “Everybody is aware of how dominant Samya is offensively at times. She’s a great player, a great person, and a great leader. Allie has really bloomed into being a great leader for us. She hasn’t had a bad day of practice all fall, and that shows in the way she
plays. There is not a more competitive person than Allie.” Although three college signees graduated, there are a number of players set to play much bigger roles who logged critical minutes in numerous big games. Senior forward Riley Stanford was a key piece to the title run coming off the bench, and her role only looks to expand going forward. “Riley brings something to the team that is not glorified all the time,” Heard said. “She is the toughest individual in the gym. She is going to take charges, dive on the floor for loose balls. She is going to be physical with the other team’s players, no matter who they are. She loves a challenge.” Juniors Sadie Stegall and Mollie Sansing are veterans who are expected to be key players on the wing. Junior guard Ella Hill is poised to make a big impact as well. “Mollie and Sadie are hopefully going to be our major 3-point threats from the outside,” coach Heard said. “Sadie has really improved rebounding and finishing around the basket. Mollie has really improved handling the ball and doing the things needed to be a good wing player. “Ella is going to see time at point guard; she is also going to play off the ball some along with Allie. She gives
relentless effort every day, and I think she is going to be a breakout player for us.” The Lady Warriors should also get a boost from Shannon transfer Jamiya Bowen. “Jamiya is a great kid,” Heard said. “She stands about 6’2 with long arms and is a really talented shot blocker. She is going to be a versatile player for us. Hopefully with her length she can be a defensive presence.” Sophomores Alayna Ball and Kori Grace Ware are young players who have improved quite a bit and positioned themselves to be contributors. “They are both good athletes and work really hard,” Coach Heard said. “Their roles are kind of yet to be determined. That’s going to be determined by seeing what they can give us in some big basketball games, which they haven’t had the chance to do yet. But they’ve earned plenty of opportunities. “We’ve got some kids who have practiced every day against college-level players and have played key minutes as well, so they are usually pretty eager and prepared to get their chance. I am always going to have high expectations. We are going to try to win another state championship. I think we have the pieces to try and compete with the best teams. Whether we can do that remains to be seen.”
PONTOTOC CITY
DEFENDING CHAMPION LADY WARRIORS STRIVING FOR ANOTHER BIG YEAR
2021-2022 Pontotoc lady Warriors basketball schedule NOVEMBER 18 Columbus
DECEMBER 14 Ripley*
JANUARY 4 @ Holly Springs
JANUARY 28 Holly Springs
NOVEMBER 23 Jackson Prep
DECEMBER 17 @ Houston
JANUARY 7 South Pontotoc*
DECEMBER 3 Tupelo
DECEMBER 21 Hernando
JANUARY 14 @ Ripley*
JANUARY 29 TBA Tournament
DECEMBER 7 New Albany*
DECEMBER 28 Blue Mountain Tournament
JANUARY 18 @ South Pontotoc*
DECEMBER 10 North Pontotoc
DECEMBER 30 Saltillo
JANUARY 21 @ North Pontotoc
DECEMBER 11 Germantown Tournament
DECEMBER 30 @ Saltillo
JANUARY 25 Houston
Winter Sports 2021-2022
FEBRUARY 1 Lafayette FEBRUARY 3 @ Olive Branch * Division game
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NORTH PONTOTOC
2021-2022 Vikings
Men’s basketball
2021-2022 North pontotoc vikings basketball Team
The 2021 Vikings include, front, from left, Glenn Booth, Joseph Spratt, Brayden Brown, Brayden Nowlin, Aiden Tatum, Jordan Pitts, Brennan Westmorland, Hunter Huffstatler, Sir Justin Marshall, (back) Case Young, Jameson Kent, Landon Little, Amari Hubbard, Romeo Cornejo, Eli Baker, Nash Guerin, Nick Burchfield. Photo by Galen Holley
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Winter Sports 2021-2022
Will Ruff
Sports Writer
The Vikings will have to replace North Pontotoc’s all-time leading scorer, Ty Roberson, this season. North returns two players who had meaningful minutes last season in junior Eli Baker and senior Jordan Pitts. The rest of the team is young and inexperienced, according to head coach Chris Parman. “We had a large senior class and everyone on the team, except for Baker and Pitts, started and played JV last year,” said Coach Parman. “They are very receptive to coaching and want to win and get better every day.” The Vikings’ offense will run through Baker, Pitts, Nash Guerrin, and Nick Burchfiled. Baker and Burchfield should lead the team from behind the arc. Aiden Tatum and Joseph Spratt will see minutes in the post with Brayden Nowlin, being relied upon for his defensive prowess. “I think we can be better defensively this year than in the past because of our length and aggressiveness,” said Parman. “We will be able to shoot well from the perimeter, and I think we have a few guys that can get
to the basket and make some shots.” Expectations and goals are always hard to measure, and those are things that can wait until games are played and roles are figured out. Look for
NORTH PONTOTOC
VIKINGS EXPECT STRONG DEFENSE, UPPERCLASSMEN TO STEP UP
the Vikings to really get things going in time for region play. North will compete in Region 2-4A this season with Pontotoc, South Pontotoc, Ripley, Houston and New Albany.
2021-2022 North Pontotoc vikings basketball schedule NOVEMBER 19 @ Pine Grove
DECEMBER 7 Houston*
DECEMBER 20 @ Hickory Flatt
JANUARY 25 New Albany*
NOVEMBER 22 Falkner
DECEMBER 10 @ Pontotoc
JANUARY 4 Potts Camp
JANUARY 28 @ South Pontotoc*
NOVEMBER 30 @ Walnut
DECEMBER 14 South Pontotoc*
JANUARY 18 @ Ingomar
FEBRUARY 1 @ Mooreville
DECEMBER 3 Ripley*
DECEMBER 17 @ New Albany*
JANUARY 21 Pontotoc
FEBRUARY 3 @ Amory
DECEMBER 4 Hamilton Tournament Winter Sports 2021-2022
* Division game
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NORTH PONTOTOC
2021-2022 Vikings
woMen’s basketball
2021-2022 North pontotoc lady vikings basketball Team
This year’s Lady Viking squad includes, front, from left, Lana McCord, Abi Grace Warren, Bella Hayes, Lizzie Tutor, Kierra Green, Bindi Seale, Gracie Corley, Mallory Robinson, Laura Cobb, (back) Envi Judon, Tasia Scott, Meekenss Harvey, MacKenzie Beaty, Kiara Shelly, Layla Moore, Emma Burk, Madi Coltharp, Taylor Rayford. Photo by Galen Holley
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Winter Sports 2021-2022
Will Ruff
Sports Writer
The Lady Vikings will be led by Coach Rob Browning this season, following the departure of eight-year coach Matt Waldrop, who left to assist South Pontotoc’s boys. Browning spent the last eight years coaching boys’ and girls’ basketball at Myrtle. Coach Browning will be tasked with rebuilding a roster that was depleted by graduation and attrition. The winds of change will power the sails of the Lady Vikings this season. “North had quite a few players graduate, so we will have a whole new batch of players getting minutes and it will be a group effort, especially early on,” said Browning. “We will have 10-12 girls playing nightly, and will depend on all of them, no matter what.” The Lady Vikings will look different on the court, and not only because of different names and numbers. Their scheme and tempo has changed as well. “Our mentality is to wear everyone out, play aggressively, speed up the game and try to create easy baskets,” said Browning. “We want the oppos-
ing teams, at the end of the night, to be tired and to know they have played in a hard fought basketball game.” The Lady Vikings have two seniors on this year’s team in Kiera Green and Bindi Seale. North’s junior and sophomore classes have some players with a lot of ability; they just need more reps to gain confidence and grow. Gracie Corley returns as well. The junior guard will be relied upon heavily this season. “If we match everyone’s toughness we can compete with a lot of teams,” said Browning. “If we can do that,
then we will give ourselves a chance to win.” North will play in Region 2-4A this season, along with the reigning 4A state champion Pontotoc Lady Warriors, as well as South Pontotoc, Houston, New Albany and Ripley. “When you take a new job you assess the division and your schedule, and it will be tough every night, and it will be competitive,” said Browning. “Pontotoc and South are at the top, and I think the rest of us will be chasing them, and we all have a chance at playing really good basketball.”
NORTH PONTOTOC
NEW DIVISION, NEW COACH FOR THE LADY VIKINGS
2021-2022 North Pontotoc lady vikings basketball schedule NOVEMBER 19 @ Pine Grove
DECEMBER 7 Houston
JANUARY 4 Potts Camp
JANUARY 25 New Albany*
NOVEMBER 22 Falkner
DECEMBER 10 @ Pontotoc
JANUARY 11 @ Ripley*
JANUARY 28 @ South Pontotoc*
NOVEMBER 30 @ Walnut
DECEMBER 14 South Pontotoc*
JANUARY 18 @ Ingomar
FEBRUARY 1 @ Mooreville
DECEMBER 3 Ripley*
DECEMBER 17 @ New Albany*
JANUARY 21 Pontotoc
FEBRUARY 3 @ Amory
DECEMBER 4 Hamilton Tournament
DECEMBER 20 @ Hickory Flat
Winter Sports 2021-2022
* Division game
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SOUTH PONTOTOC
2021-2022 cougars
Men’s basketball
2021-2022 south pontotoc cougars basketball Team
(front, from left), Cole Chrestman, Braydon Gazaway, Brailon Massey, Cruze Lackey, Bryce Howell, Eli Holloway, Lane Chunn, O’Bryan Ivy (back) Head Coach Chris Vandiver, Amad Williams (manager), William Tindall, Jackson Harmon, Pacey Mathews, Joe Haze Austin, Jayden Hooker, Latravian Ware, J.J. Cherry, Asst. Coach Matt Waldrop, Asst. Coach Bill Russell not pictured is Asst. Coach Rickey Hooker. Photo by Torrance Photography
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Winter Sports 2021-2022
Galen Holley Sports Editor
The South Pontotoc Cougars hope that strength, speed and toughness will be a formula for success this season, according to Coach Chris Vandiver. “Even though we lost our two, leading scorers off last year’s team, including Stroud Mills, we will be much improved,” said Vandiver, who enters his second year as head coach. “Stroud was a really good player for a long time at South. I think we will still be young but much tougher.” Bigger, faster, and stronger is how Vandiver described this year’s squad. “Much more physical,” said the coach. “We play in a very tough division, but different from last year. If we play well, we can be competitive.” Cougar Nation will look for a lot from three seniors-- Joe Haze Austin, Bryce Howell and Jaden Hooker. They’ll try to improve on South’s 11-
14 2020 campaign. “Joe is new to us, (a transfer from Pontotoc) so there will be a learning curve to overcome, but he’s super tal-
ented and we are happy we have him,” said Vandiver. “ Bryce is a returning starter, and we count on his toughness and competitiveness. Jayden is a returning starter and a really good shooter and has good length.” Sophomores JJ Cherry, Braydon Gazaway, Eli Holloway, Pacey Mathews, and Will Tindall will play big roles, according to Vandiver, as will junior Brailon Massey. Mathews is a returning starter who led the Cougars in both rebounds and scoring last year. “We feel like Pacey could have a great sophomore year, said Vandiver. “Eli started games as a freshman and has really taken a big step forward.” Players who recently joined the basketball team off the gridiron include sophomores Lane Chunn, Cole Chrestman, and Latavian Ware, as well as freshmen Jackson Harmon, O’Bryan Ivy, Jason Brownlee and Cruise Lackey. “They all could be a big help to us,” said Vandiver.
SOUTH PONTOTOC
YOUNG COUGARS LOOK TO PLAY FAST AND PHYSICAL
2021-2022 south Pontotoc cougars basketball schedule NOVEMBER 19 @ Vardaman NOVEMBER 22-23 @ Hickory Flatt Tournament DECEMBER 4 South Pontotoc Shootout DECEMBER 7 Ripley* DECEMBER 10 @ Houston* DECEMBER 14 @ North Pontotoc* DECEMBER 17 Belmont Winter Sports 2021-2022
DECEMBER 20-22 Basketball in the Smokies Tournament (Gatlinburg, TN) JANUARY 4 @ TCPS JANUARY 7 @ Pontotoc* JANUARY 8 @ Commodore Shootout/ Lafayette (girls only) JANUARY 11 Houston* JANUARY 18 Pontotoc*
JANUARY 21 @ New Albany* JANUARY 25 @ Ripley* JANUARY 28 North Pontotoc* FEBRUARY 1 New Albany* FEBRUARY 3 @ Hamilton FEBRUARY 4 Houlka
FEBRUARY 8-12 2-4A District Tournament (Pontotoc High School) FEBRUARY 14-15 First Round MHSAA State Playoffs TBA FEBRUARY 18-19 Second Round Playoffs TBA FEBRUARY 24-26 Third Round TBA FEB. 28 - MARCH 5 State Tournament TBA * Division game
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SOUTH PONTOTOC
2021-2022 cougars
woMen’s basketball
2021-2022 south pontotoc lady cougars basketball Team
The South Pontotoc Lady Cougars 2021 basketball team includes (front, from left) Faith Buchanan, Kendall Adams, Alana Corder, Preslee Austin, Maci Bain, Brianna Crowley, Mary Hays (middle) Gabby Higgason, Shylee Canerdy, Anna Sullivan, Caroline Cook, Rebekah Pilcher, Sydnee Brazil, Maggie Ross, Head Coach Bill Russell, (back) Asst. Coach Chris Vandiver, Kinslee Ferguson, Maggie Gaspard, Daisa Ivy, Daycie Cole, Morgan Harrison, Ella Easterling, Arlee McClellan, Asst. Coach Mackenzie Lane. Photo by Torrance Photography
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Winter Sports 2021-2022
Galen Holley Sports Editor
Senior Rebekah Pilcher will play point-guard and be one of the primary leaders for a South Pontotoc Lady Cougars team that hopes to take their winning to the next level this year, according to Coach Bill Russell. “She can do it all,” Russell said about Pilcher. Last season South racked-up an impressive 25-6 record, eventually losing to Choctaw County in the second round of the MHSAA 4A playoffs. Pilcher will be one of six seniors returning to the hardwood for the Lady Cats, including Caroline Cook, who adds good rebounding and defense in the post, and has played significant minutes the last two seasons, and Sydney Brazil, a consistent scoring threat and high-energy player. Maggie Ross should provide solid minutes as well. The Lady Cougars finished second in 2-4A in their 2019-20 campaign, so last season was a marked improve-
ment. “Our goal is to be able to compete hard and in every region game, and to play good, fundamental basketball,” said Russell, who is entering his fourth season at the helm. The Lady Cougars will compete within their division against perennial powerhouse Pontotoc, last year’s state champions, as well as Caledonia and Itawamba AHS, who usually field competitive teams. Mooreville and Shannon round out the division. Pilcher last season averaged over
15 points a game and just over three assists. She shot an impressive 32.2% from behind the 3-point arc, and was an 80% free-throw shooter. A lot of teams in 2-4A will probably go as their best players go, Russell said, and that holds true for South Pontotoc as well, adding that Pilcher possessive teammates readily acknowledge her as their premier player. “If we compete hard and stay focused, I think we’ll be in a good position at the end of the year,” Russell said.
SOUTH PONTOTOC
LADY COUGARS LOOK TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN 4A
2021-2022 south Pontotoc lady cougars basketball schedule NOVEMBER 19 @ Vardaman NOVEMBER 22-23 @ Hickory Flatt Tournament DECEMBER 4 South Pontotoc Shootout DECEMBER 7 Ripley* DECEMBER 10 @ Houston* DECEMBER 14 @ North Pontotoc* DECEMBER 17 Belmont Winter Sports 2021-2022
DECEMBER 20-22 Basketball in the Smokies Tournament (Gatlinburg, TN) JANUARY 4 @ TCPS JANUARY 7 @ Pontotoc* JANUARY 8 @ Commodore Shootout/ Lafayette (girls only) JANUARY 11 Houston* JANUARY 18 Pontotoc*
JANUARY 21 @ New Albany* JANUARY 25 @ Ripley* JANUARY 28 North Pontotoc* FEBRUARY 1 New Albany* FEBRUARY 3 @ Hamilton FEBRUARY 4 Houlka
FEBRUARY 8-12 2-4A District Tournament (Pontotoc High School) FEBRUARY 14-15 First Round MHSAA State Playoffs TBA FEBRUARY 18-19 Second Round Playoffs TBA FEBRUARY 24-26 Third Round TBA FEB. 28 - MARCH 5 State Tournament TBA * Division game
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Winter Sports 2021-2022
Winter Sports 2021-2022
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PONTOTOC CITY
2021-2022 warriors
Men’s soccer
2021-2022 Pontotoc Warriors soccer Team
The Pontotoc Warriors’ soccer team this year includes (front, from left) Carson Garcia, Kevin Martinez, Randy Tzib, Hamilton Gonzalez, Issaias Chaperno, Sawyer Ritchie, Martin Torres, Caiden Ivy, (back) Coach Justin Jensen, Crossland Malone, Brayden Arratia, Noe Gonzales, Juan Gould, Ciaden Clements, Jace Clingan, Ashton Maffett, Alan Morales-Sopino, Coach Cullen Pollard. Photo by Trent’s Portrait Studio
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Winter Sports 2021-2022
Jonathan Wise Sports Writer
The Pontotoc Warriors had an outstanding season on the pitch last fall and winter, ultimately playing for the 4A North Half championship. With a lot of veterans and skilled players back, Pontotoc is well-positioned for another very successful campaign. “Coming in as a first-year coach, I didn’t really know exactly what we had, so the first part of the season was spent getting used to them skill-wise,” said Coach Cullen Pollard. “We got better as the year went on, but I think we are much better than we were a year ago at this point.” The Warriors lost a productive goalkeeper, but sophomore Caden Clements and freshman Juan Gould are both capable and competing for playing time. “We have a good situation there,” Pollard said. “They are both going to play varsity minutes. They are battling
for that starting varsity position, and that is helping both of them improve. I think they are both going to be good keepers for us.” The defensive back line should be strong, anchored by senior captains Ashton Maffett and Issaias Chaperno. “Both of them have played a ton of minutes for this soccer program,” Coach Pollard said. “So they are guys that we will count on a lot.” Other important pieces include Enrique Mendoza, Brayden Arratia, Kevin Martinez, and Eddie Nolasco, as well as players who are set to step into starting slots like midfielders Sawyer Ritchie and Crossland Malone. “They (Ritchie and Malone) have been a nice surprise this fall,” Coach Pollard said. “They have really stepped up and started to take ownership of that middle (of the field).” Alan Sopino is a dangerous offensive threat at forward. “Alan is probably one of the better skilled players I’ve coached,” Pollard said. “On the ball he’s tough to beat.” Martinez and Arratia will also play
forward in addition to midfield. Pollard is also looking at some younger players to contribute up top. He singled out freshman David Guetierrez as someone who is going to be a very good player in time and could make a big impact. “We’ve got a lot of good leadership on this team,” Coach Pollard said. “I hope one strength will be our communication. One of the things last year we really worked on was talking to each other and making changes to adapt to what the other team is doing while it is happening. We don’t have timeouts in soccer, so a lot has to come from our leaders on the field. “One of the keys for us will be minimizing mistakes in the back (end) and covering for each other, so if someone does make a mistake somebody is there to help and we don’t give up a goal in a bad spot. Also, for our forwards and midfielders, one of our biggest issues last year would be that we would get the ball in the attacking third and we would have a bad pass or a turnover and give the ball away. So, taking care of the ball will be very important.”
PONTOTOC CITY
TALENTED WARRIORS POISED FOR MORE SUCCESS
2021-2022 Pontotoc Warriors soccer schedule NOVEMBER 18 Amory
DECEMBER 14 @ Shannon
JANUARY 10 @ Lafayette
NOVEMBER 29 @ Olive Branch
DECEMBER 17 @ Itawamba
JANUARY 11 South Pontotoc
NOVEMBER 30 @ Corinth
JANUARY 3 @ New Hope
JANUARY 14 Shannon
DECEMBER 3 Caledonia
JANUARY 4 @ Caledonia
JANUARY 15 @ North Pontotoc
DECEMBER 7 Mooreville
JANUARY 7 @ Mooreville
JANUARY 18 Itawamba
DECEMBER 10 @ South Pontotoc Winter Sports 2021-2022
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PONTOTOC CITY
2021-2022 warriors
woMen’s soccer
2021-2022 Pontotoc lady Warriors soccer Team
The Pontotoc Lady Warriors’ 2021 soccer team includes: (front, left to right) Piper Burchfield, Evie Kate Crane, Avery Walton, Mikayla Wendler, Harlee Wilson, Jaelyn Cox, Carmen Owens, (back) Asst. Coach Reed McRaney, Shelby Tigner, Paola Gomez, Olivia Hamblin, Trinity Ivy, Alexis Zuleta, Jaycie Walker, Juli Stutsy, Ryle McGregor, Amayah Pinson, Lexi Jones, Cindy Martinez, Head Coach Justin Jensen. Photo by Trent’s Portrait Studio
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Winter Sports 2021-2022
Jonathan Wise Sports Writer
The Pontotoc girls were a very young squad a year ago, but with more experience under their belts, the Lady Warriors should be a team to be reckoned with this season. “We had to grow up last year and get some growing pains out of the way,” said PHS head coach Justin Jensen. “There are a lot of girls we are going to depend on who now have a year or two of playing and getting quality minutes. We aren’t really going to be putting anyone on the field except for sophomores and juniors; that’s the base of our team. We have no seniors and a few freshmen sprinkled in. We are expecting to be really competitive, and we have a good shot at making the playoffs this year.” Pontotoc returns an experienced hand at goalkeeper in junior Jaycie Walker, an All-Division performer last
season. “She is one we will lean on; she has been back there since the eighth grade and knows what to expect,” Coach Jensen said. “Something we’ve always been really good at is holding people to not scoring very much. I feel confident that will be the case again.” The Lady Warriors will have a number of reliable defenders, rotating them depending on the defensive alignment. They will count on Carmen Owens, Olivia Hamblin, Shelby Tigner, Lexi Jones and Julli Stutsy to guard the back end. Midfielder Kareli Mendoza and forward Harlee Wilson are Pontotoc’s leading returning scorers, having tied for the team lead in goals, and they will again be counted on as offensive threats. Other key offensive pieces include Mikayla Wendler, Avery Walton, Cindy Martinez and Paola Gomez. “We’ve got some versatile girls who can play anywhere we put them, de-
pending on the game situation,” Jensen said. “We have had some leaders step up, both verbally and through work ethic. I think we’ve really come together as a family. We’ve got classes who have played together for three, four, five years now.” The Lady Warriors have been on the wrong side of many close games in the past, so how much offensive consistency they are able to develop will be a major factor to unlocking their potential. “I think defensively we will find a way to keep ourselves in games,” Jensen said. “Our weakness last year was finding the back of the net. What we’ve primarily worked on all offseason and summer is: How can we score? How can we score fast? And how can we get more shots on frame? I think working against a really good defense and keeper in practice has helped us, so I think we will be prepared to score the necessary goals to win games.”
PONTOTOC CITY
LADY WARRIORS EXPECT SOLID CAMPAIGN
2021-2022 Pontotoc lady Warriors soccer schedule NOVEMBER 18 @ Amory
DECMBER 14 @ Shannon
JANUARY 10 Lafayette
NOVEMBER 29 @ Olive Branch
DECMBER 17 @ IAHS
JANUARY 11 South Pontotoc
NOVEMBER 30 @ Corinth
DECMBER 18 @ New Albany
JANUARY 14 Shannon
DECMBER 3 @ Caledonia
JANUARY 3 @ New Hope
JANUARY 15 @ North Pontotoc
DECMBER 7 Mooreville
JANUARY 4 @ Caledonia
JANUARY 18 Itawamba
DECMBER 10 @ South Pontotoc
JANUARY 7 @ Mooreville
Matches start at 5 p.m.
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NORTH PONTOTOC
2021-2022 Vikings
Men’s soccer
2021-2022 North pontotoc vikings socccer Team
The Pontotoc Vikings soccer squad for 2021 incudes, front, from left, Zak Algamal, Jonathan Tovar, Tripp Little, David Tovar, Luis Andrade, Adrian Vega, Jimmy Alban (back) Coach Travis Little, Ayden Ellis, Rhys Panes, Jace Russell, Ethan Boyd, Alexis Romero, Jobani Jimenez, Tyler Carter, Christian Najera, Holden Little, Colby Boyd, Mason Beaman, Angel Lopez, Luis Guerrero, Christian Lopez, John Mendoza, Eric Gonzalez, manager Keaton Varnon, Coach Josh Harlow. Photo by Galen Holley
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Winter Sports 2021-2022
Will Ruff
Sports Writer
The Vikings will look to get back to their winning ways as the program hasn’t been to the playoffs since the 2018-2019 season, after making six straight appearances since 2013. North has two seniors in Rhys Payne and Christian Najera, and their junior class makes up the core of what should be an exciting team to watch this season. “Rhys has really improved as a defender over the summer,” said first-year head coach Travis Little. “Christian will play up top for us and has a really strong leg.” Juniors Holden Little, Luis Guerro, Eric Gonzalez and Ayden Ellis will be relied upon heavily to lead and make things happen for the Vikings on both ends of the field. “Our juniors are the back bone of the team, they are a really coachable group and want to get better,” said Coach Little. “Ellis will be our goalie and the other three are really good
ball handlers and will play in the midfield and up top for us as well.” The Vikings will play in Region 1-4A with Corinth, New Albany, Ripley, Senatobia and Tishomingo County this season. North Pontotoc has been no stranger to postseason play, and division titles, and the expectations are still high for the pro-
gram. “We set our goals the first week of practice, to win the division, and that will not be an easy thing to do,” said Little. “We won’t have a night off in division play and our non-division is always strong, because we play 5A and 6A programs, so we will find out who we are early on.”
NORTH PONTOTOC
VIKINGS HUNGRY FOR RETURN TO POST-SEASON PLAY
2021-2022 North Pontotoc vikings soccer schedule NOVEMBER 18 TCPS
DECEMBER 13 @ Corinth
JANUARY 11 Corinth
NOVEMBER 29 @ Itawamba
DECEMBER 16 Ripley
JANUARY 14 @ Tish Co.
DECEMBER 3 Senatobia
JANUARY 4 @ Ripley
JANUARY 18 @ New Albany
DECEMBER 7 New Albany
JANUARY 8 Olive Branch
JANUARY 21 Tish Co.
DECEMBER 10 @ Senatobia Winter Sports 2021-2022
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NORTH PONTOTOC
2021-2022 Vikings
woMen’s soccer
2021-2022 North pontotoc lady vikings socccer Team
The 2021 Lady Vikings soccer team includes, (front), from left, Brooke McBrayer, Kailey Coker, Audrey Tucker, (middle) Salah Heatherly, Elise Tucker, Naomy Camposeco, Janeth Tovar, Evelin Tovar, Alexandra Nova, Yecina Lopez, Anne Crotwell (back) Jaycee Wray, Lacie Simmons, Allie Grace Hamilton, Carly Walker, Hope Culpepper, Annselee Rhea, CHeyenna Cable, Lexie Walker, Lily Tacker, Kyndall Roberts, Madelyn Harlow. Photo by Galen Holley
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Winter Sports 2021-2022
Will Ruff
Sports Writer
This season the Lady Vikings will be replacing six starters from last year’s team. North will have three seniors this year in Brooke McBrayer, Kailey Coker, and Audrey Tucker. McBrayer will be expected to set the tone defensively, and Coker will play in the midfield and can slide into a striker role if needed. Flexibility will be required of the Lady Vikings, as multiple players will need to play in different spots, especially early in the season, according to skipper, Coach Kyle Robbins. “We had to replace our entire midfield, and we are going to move some girls around to figure out who best suits what role,” said Robbins. “The first couple of games we will be playing around a lot with our lineups.” North will rely on a solid core of juniors, as well on Annslee Rhea, holding down the net and playing midfield.
Carly Walker will line up as a defender and Hope Culpepper will play up top for the Lady Vikings. Sophomores Fatima Tovar and Karen Lopez will see time on the pitch, as well as eighth-grader Anne Crotwell, who will play a multiple of positions.
“Ann will play all over and is a spark for us wherever she is on the field,” said Robbins. “They are a really coachable bunch and are buying into moving around a lot and doing what is best for the team. That’s what I am looking for.”
NORTH PONTOTOC
FLEXIBLE LINEUP WITH STRONG JUNIORS TO ANCHOR LADY VIKINGS
2021-2022 North Pontotoc lady vikings soccer schedule NOVEMBER 18 TCPS
DECEMBER 13 @ Corinth
JANUARY 11 Corinth
NOVEMBER 29 @ Itawamba
DECEMBER 16 Ripley
JANUARY 14 @ Tish Co.
DECEMBER 3 Senatobia
JANUARY 4 @ Ripley
JANUARY 18 @ New Albany
DECEMBER 7 New Albany
JANUARY 8 Olive Branch
JANUARY 21 Tish Co.
DECEMBER 10 @ Senatobia Winter Sports 2021-2022
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SOUTH PONTOTOC
2021-2022 cougars
Men’s soccer
2021-2022 south pontotoc cougars soccer Team
The 2021 Cougars soccer team includes: (front row, left to right) Drayden Way, Traylen Bain, Sheff White, Marcus Holley, Ivan Martinez, Salvador Diaz, Ezequiel Martinez, (back row) Zach Moore, Angel Meza, Landon Parrish, Grayson Hendon, Andres Martinez, Aiden Sprinkle, Alex Tovar, Nick Cummings, Gable Steward, Bryan Castillo. Not pictured is Lucas Vineyard. Photo by David Helms
SOUTH PONTOTOC GIRLS AND BOYS WILL BE YOUNG BUT GRITTY Galen Holley Sport Editor
The South Pontotoc Cougars had a tough run last season in Division 2-4A, finishing fourth in a field of six, but Coach Chris Vineyard said the grit and determination that have become the earmarks of South teams across the board should help his squad move up the ranks this go-around. “We played a bunch of seventh-graders last year, so they’ll have more experience and seasoning, and we take pride in having hard-working, coachable kids who can play different
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positions when the lights come on,” said Vineyard. Ezekiel Martinez will be Vineyard’s only returning senior and will play center/back, the coach said. South’s division opponents include Pontotoc, Caledonia, Shannon, Mooreville, and Itawamba AHS. “We may not always be the biggest, or fastest, but we’re always among the toughest, and we look for kids that give it everything they’ve got,” said Vineyard. Cougar boys who should also add to the team are senior Ezequiel Martinez, who will play center back, along
with Noah Fleming, a forward, and Salvador Diaz, a center midfielder, who Vineyard said, “should lead the charge offensivelly for us.” On the Lady Cougars’ side, the team graduated two seniors last season, but Vineyard said the girls have high expectations. “Chelle Corder will be a defensive midfielder for us, and we expect her to provide leadership and bring good experience,” said Vineyard. Among other players who should make substantial contributions is Yadhira Martinez, a freshman who will play forward.
Winter Sports 2021-2022
woMen’s soccer
SOUTH PONTOTOC
2021-2022 cougars
2021-2022 south pontotoc lady cougars soccer Team
The Lady Cougars 2021 soccer team includes: (front row, left to right) Leah Montgomery, Dayra Almazon, Aly Sanchez, Chelle Corder, Yadhira Martinez, Brianna Massey, Harper Rush, (back row) Ginnifer Holcomb, Lynzee McGillivray, Gabi Reynolds, Carley Hooker, Bailey Whitlock, Ella Grace Ward, Madison McGillivray, Emma Mitchell. Photo by David Helms
2021-2022 south Pontotoc cougars and lady cougars soccer schedule NOVEMBER 19 @ Nettleton
DECEMBER 10 Pontotoc
JANUARY 11 @ Pontotoc
NOVEMBER 30 @ Booneville
DECEMBER 14 Mooreville
JANUARY 13 @ Mooreville
DECEMBER 3 Shannon
DECEMBER 17 @ Caledonia
JANUARY 18 Caledonia
DECEMBER 7 @ IAHS
JANUARY 7 IAHS
JANUARY 20 Ripley
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PONTOTOC CITY
2021-2022 warriors
bowling teams
2021-2022 Pontotoc Warriors and Lady Warriors bowling Team
The PHS bowling team includes: (front, from left) Victoria Turner, Naiya Townsend, Cadence Griffin, Mak Masters, Summer Dudley, Evan Forster, Kamden Boone, Kaden Rayburn (second row) Riley Palmer, Summer Ballard, Elissa Moctezuma, Maddie Moorman, Layla Turner (third row) Brooke Ray, Caleb Long, Canton Forster, Cooper Parmer, Carson Long, Elijah Vance, Devin Stuart, Landon Johnson, Caleb Bean, Coach Tyler Orman. Not pictured Hayden Terry, Payton Brown. Courtesy Photo
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Winter Sports 2021-2022
Galen Holley Sports Editor
The Warrior men made the state finals last year in bowling, and they’re hoping to take their performance to the next level this season. “Consistency is the biggest thing,” said Coach Tyler Orman, adding that his team has put in solid practice time in the lanes to get better. “Creating muscle memory, maintaining form,
hitting your marks, all of these are key to consistency in bowling,” said Orman. Cooper Parmer and Carson Long are experienced players who should add stabliity to the lineup, according to Orman. On the ladies’ side, returning seniors include Mak Masters and Emily Maben, both of whom will help anchor the squad. The Lady Warrior bowlers won
PONTOTOC CITY
PONTOTOC BOWLERS LOOK TO TAKE NEXT STEP back-to-back regional championships in 2018 and 2019. Maddie Moorman and Layla Tutor should also add expereince and depth for the Lady Warriors. “Even the oil on the lanes can effect how a bowling match turns out,” said Orman. “The more muscle memory our bowlers create, the more reps they get, the more they’ll be able to adapt to different lane conditions and different circumstances.”
2021-2022 Pontotoc Warriors bowling schedule DECEMBER 7 Corinth @ Event Center
JANUARY 4 New Albany @ New Albany
JANUARY 13 West Union @ Event Center
DECEMBER 14 Fulton @ Event Center
JANUARY 6 Nettleton @ Event Center
JANUARY 18 North Pontotoc @ Event Center *all matches start at 3:30 p.m.
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NORTH PONTOTOC
2021-2022 Vikings
bowling teams
2021-2022 North pontotoc vikings and Lady Vikings bowling Team
The North Pontotoc bowling team for 2021 includes (Front Row, from left) Jada Price, Maly Fitts, Kathryn Smith, Lindsey Raby, Aizlynn Herbert, (Second Row) Brayden Harrison, Blake McGloflin, Wesley Simmons, Korben Herbert, (Back Row) Ivan Lopez, Alonzo Wilcher, Christian Najera, Jackson Harlow. Not Pictured: Dylan Hamblin, Dawson Morgan, Nathon Najera, Frank Stark, Trent Tucker, Colton Turner, Karlee Bramlitt, Marissa Dedeaux, Nevaeh Hopkins, Shannon Wilson Photo by Galen Holley
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Winter Sports 2021-2022
Galen Holley Sports Editor
Ecru is their home base, but they practice in New Albany, and the Viking bowling team is having a great time while working on a sport that has brought families together for generations. “Wesley Simmons is part of our team, and he’s kind of an exception, because he is a terrific athlete in baseball and football, but bowling opens up the door for those of us--like myself-who aren’t so athletically inclined, to enjoy sports,” said Coach Bob Wingo. Returning seniors Kathryn Smith and Maly Mae Fitts should provide valuable leadership for the Lady Vikings on the lanes. Several younger players have been bowling for years and bring experience and energy to the team, Wingo added. “Junior Blake McGloflin has really improved,” said Wingo, adding that McGloflin had just rolled a 198 in the latest contest. “We’ve never had a bowler bowl a 198,” Wingo addeed. “Trent Tucker’s numbers are going
up, and he’s bowled for several years,” Wingo said. Tucker is a junior. Newcomer Ivan Lopez bowled a 141 his first time trying the sport. This year, more kids are able to compete, the coach said. “I’m seeing much larger numbers of participants,” said Wingo, noting that last season, COVID precautions meant that most teams limited their total numbers of players to about 10. They also had social distancing protocals at the competitions. Although this year’s squad had only one practice, they started well. As of this article, the boys had just defeat-
ed Mantachie, their second win of the young season. “The kids are excited and they’ll go out and practice on thier own,” said Wingo, adding that the New Albany facility is used by five, area schools and is only available to the Vikings once a week. Bowlng is just, plain fun, Wingo said. “Bowling is different, it’s strategy,” said Wingo. “You don’t have to be the fastest or strongest. It’s more about judging the lanes and, if bowlers can get comfortable and adjust, they can do well.”
NORTH PONTOTOC
NORTH PONTOTOC BOWLING HAVING FUN, IMPROVING
2021-2022 North Pontotoc vikings bowling schedule NOVEMBER 18 Nov. 18 verses Oxford @ Oxford NOVEMBER 30 New Albany @ New Albany DECEMBER 16 Tremont @ New Albany Winter Sports 2021-2022
JANUARY 6 Tupelo @ Tupelo
JANUARY 11 Nettleton (boys only) @ New Albany
JANUARY 10 Myrtle @ New Albany
JANUARY 18 Pontotoc @ Tupelo *matches start at 3:30 p.m.
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