Pontotoc City & County Winter Sports 2022-2023

WINTER SPORTS 2022-2023

letter from the SportS editor

MILD WINTERS PRODUCE HEATED COMPETITION

Winters are usually pretty mild here in the South. The weather gets wet, and soggy, and kind of bleak, but we rarely see a hard freeze, or pretty, fluffy snow.

When our sports shift indoors, we have to forgo enjoyments like tailgating, and the festivities that accompany our more bucolic activities.

Basketball was never my strong suit as a youngster, but I played it anyway. When I watch Pacey Matthews, Eli Bak er, and Alayna Ball play, I wonder if I was ever that young and athletic.

Rob Browning is taking over both the boys’ and girls’ programs at my alma mater (class of 1994), North Pontotoc. He’s shown determination and a strong will to win since he came to Ecru two years ago.

Galen Holley Sports Editor

Coach Kyle Heard always puts a strong Lady Warriors team on the court. Gone are prolif ic scorers, like Samya Brooks and Allie Beckley, but the Women of the Tribe find a way to replenish their ranks. Seniors Sadie Stegall and Ella Hill should help make sure the Lady Warriors are successful.

Tyler Shephard and Zane Tipler provide highlight clips each season for The City. In Springville, seniors Maggie Gaspard and Anna Brooke Sullivan should anchor a solid team for Coach Bill Russell.

Two seasons ago, Coach Cullen Pollard had his Warrior soccer men were playing for the North Half Championship, and some key players, with deep experience, are still on that team. The coach will put six seniors on the “pitch”

(never can get used to that term) this sea son, including Jace Clingan and Brayden Aratia.

In Ecru, sophomore Mason Beaman will help anchor the Viking defense, and Coach Travis Little plans to play “pos session soccer.”

Wrestling has caught fire as a fan fa vorite in Pontotoc, and coaches Bob Rainer (North Pontotoc) and Mason Lu ther (South Pontotoc) are excited about their boys this season.

South had a state champ in the 220 lbs. weight class last year, in Jimmy Harpole. North Pontotoc junior Landon Ward is among the most accomplished wres tlers in the north half of the state, and he should impress on the mat this season.

Bowling is fun. It’s just fun. The ad dition of bowling to our list of winter sports has given me no end of enjoyment–and I”m not even bowling. Like ESports, which we hope to chronicle soon in the Progress, bowling provides an opportunity for non-tra ditional athletes to showcase their competitive spirit and to enjoy the goodness of healthy, team camaraderie. North’s Blake McGloflin and Pontotoc’s Maddie Moorman are two to watch on the lanes this season. Look for good bowling pictures in upcoming editions.

It’s impossible to mention every great athlete, coach, and team in a limited space. We’ve included a lot, but please forgive our omissions. We at the Progress are tremendously proud of each kid who suits up to play. We thank all of you for subscribing. Enjoy Winter Sports.

men

Photo by Trent’s Portrait Studio

WARRIORS WILL BE “DELIBERATE” IN 2022 CAMPAIGN

Galen Holley Sports Editor

The Pontotoc Warriors continue to develop into a perennial 4A pow erhouse, and as Coach Rolley Tipler enters his fifth season at the helm, he’ll count on four seniors to use their athleticism and experience to lead the way.

Point guard Zane Tipler, along with Tyler Shephard, Jack Sansing, and Rhett Robinson will be looked to to provide leadership in the 2022 cam paign.

“We’re going to play fast, with a good basketball IQ, and we’re going to try and make sure that we do the small things right,” said Tipler, add ing that he’d seen his players develop good chemistry over the summer, as well as growing in their individual skills.

“We have worked on our team mentality, and we make it a point to bring parents to doorsteps,” said Ti pler, meaning that he and his staff ag gressively promoted his players, ac companied by their families, to junior college programs as they traveled for off-season summer competition.

Doing the little things well includes taking hard charges to defend the lane, and playing good fundamental basketball.

“We want to run good, athletic sets,

and give a lot of help on defensive sets,” said Tipler.

The most athletic guy on the court might be Tyler Shephard.

“He can play positions one through five, and do well at them all,” said Ti pler. “His first step is tremendous, and he’s added the 3-ball to his repertoire, so, coupled with his athleticism, his range has improved so he’s an out standing player.”

The coach’ son, Zane, has been a team leader for years. “He’s a strong, confident, unselfish role-player,” said

Tipler. “He brings his faith to the locker room, and affirms his team mates. He’s a shooter, with great court vision, and he’s not afraid to sacrifice his body for his team.”

Robinson is a rangy, smart player who imposes a court presence bigger than his 6”1 frame, Tipler said.

“He’s taken some bruises, and he’s always played hard for us, so we’ll expect him to make an impact this season,” said Tipler.

Sansing is a Steve Kerr-type pe rimeter shooter, and his ability to ex tend the defensive, and to make crisp passes adds a unique dimension to the Warriors’ offense, Tipler said.

A new addition to this year’s roster will be transfer Aiden Johnson. He’s from Ingomar, a program that has become synonymous with basketball excellence.

“He’s a scoring threat, and he’s very capable of putting up 30 a game,” said Tipler.

The Warriors’ mentality might be summed up by one word this sea son, Tipler said, a word that they’ve used consistently in practice and have preached in the locker room.

“We’re going to be deliberate,” said Tipler. “We might not pass the eye test, because we’re not going to look big, but our players have prac ticed hard, and they’re going to have a different, deliberate walk this sea son.”

PONTOTOC CITY

2022-2023 warriorS women’S BaSketBall

2022-2023 pontotoc lady warriorS BaSketBall team

The 2022-2023 Pontotoc Lady Warriors basketball team includes (front row, l-r) Alaysia Thomas, Morgan Pen nington, Ava Whiteside, Aubrey Robbins, Ruth-Ali Robinson, Alaysia Berry, Jazmine Cuellar, (middle row) Jakayla Foulks, Nakiyah Hoskins, Sarahia Hurd, Kori Ware, Channing Lane, Alayna Ball, Jakila Feagin, Elizabeth Dowdy, (back row) Coach Rhandi Ball, Mackenzie Mcguirt, Karlee Tallant, Ella Hill, Coach Kyle Heard, Sadie Stegall, Molly Sansing, Alexis Gordon, Coach Wanda Hatcher.

Photo by Trent’s Portrait Studio

LADY WARRIORS CONTINUE STRONG TRADITION

Galen Holley Sports Editor

The Pontotoc Lady Warriors lost a lot of firepower from last year’s team to graduation, but Coach Kyle Heard said that the program, which last season cap tured the 2-4A Division title, is fortunate to turnover and produce top tier talent each year.

“We’ve been in a position to start a lot of upperclassmen over the last few years, and our younger girls always ben efit from playing alongside and learning from those older players, so once it’s their turn, they’re ready,” said Heard, who this year will be without four, key players who headed up highly success ful teams, including a state champion ship run two years ago: Dandy Dozen selectee Samya Brooks, prolific scorers point-guard Allie Beckley and forward Jamyia Bowen, and forward Riley Stan ford, a staunch defender who averaged 8 points and 5 rebounds per game in the playoffs.

“That was probably about 90 percent of our offense,” said Heard, but, as the coach said, strong players are stepping into those roles.

This season Heard will start three se niors. Ella Hill is a multi-sport athlete (cheer-leading, softball, basketball) who is a good court-general and who plays

smart and hard, said Heard. Hill is ex pected to start at point-guard.

“Ella doesn’t put up flashy stats, but she’s a fierce competitor and always willing to do what it takes to win,” said Heard.

Sadie Stegall is another versatile athlete (softball, volleyball, basketball) whose strength and experience should prove invaluable this season, Heard said.

“We’re not going to have the size that we’ve enjoyed in recent years, but Sadie is one of our girls who can play positions 2-5 (shooting guard, small for ward, power forward, center) and she’s extremely versatile and can do just about anything we ask her to,” said Heard.

Both Hill and Stegall were starters last season. Mollie Sansing, on the other hand, came off the bench to hit some big shots down the playoff stretch (Pontotoc advanced to the third round, defeating Itawamba AHS and Kosciusko, before losing to Tishomingo County).

“Mollie played a lot of minutes for us last season, and she shoots the ball ex ceptionally well,” said Heard. “She’s al ways a 3-point threat and can stretch the defense, so we have high expectations for Mollie this season.”

The junior class is strong as well, ac cording to Heard. Six girls should help spell the seniors and provide support off the bench.

“All of these girls have some solid experience and we’ll be looking for big things from them,” said Heard.

Alayna Ball is a two-sport athlete (volleyball, basketball). “Alayna gets to the basket and finishes well,” said Heard. “She’s a solid defender and rebounder.” Mackenzie McGuirt will be looked to as a presence in the post, Heard added. Kori Grace Ware is coming off a strong swimming season, and she’s expected to be improved on the hardwood as well.

Jakila Feagin is returning from an ACL injury. “She’s the best competitor in the gym, and she loves to guard the best player on the other team,” said Heard. Sarahia Hurd is another grinder, accord ing to her coach. “She’s a dirty-work player, just sticks her nose in there and plays hard,” said Heard.

Alexis Gordon has a lot of potential as well, according to her coach. “She’s kind of a wild card,” said Heard. “Alexis is strong and physical, we just have to find a role for her.”

Channing Lane plays volleyball, soft ball and basketball. “We’re looking for her to have a breakout year,” said Heard. “Channing has a high basketball IQ and she had a good summer.”

Jr. high standout Jazmine Ceullar saw a lot of playing time this summer, and she’s a great ball-handler and court leader, who could be the up-and-coming point guard, Heard said.

2023 vikingS men

Photo by Galen Holley

NORTH BOYS WORKING TO LAY STRONG FOUNDATION

Wise Sports Writer

The North Pontotoc boys had a tough season last year, but they are trying to lay the foundation for a re turn to consistent success in the years to come. Rob Browning, who coached the North girls last season, took over the boys program in the offseason as well.

The Vikings will be a young squad this winter with a lot of new faces.

“It’s been a lot of getting them to buy into some things that I do and be lieve in,” coach Browning said. “They lost four seniors who played a lot and had one who played a lot transfer out. We do have some guys back who played, but we also have a ton who just played junior varsity who are going to be counted on heavily to step into var sity roles.”

Two key returners are seniors Eli Baker and Nick Burchfield. Senior Romeo Cornejo got some minutes as well, while senior post player Joseph Spratt provides size down low.

“We are going to lean heavily on Eli and Nick because they have the most

experience,” Browning said. “Both of them shoot it really well. Eli is going to help handling the basketball and Nick will help on the rebounding side. We are going to be small, and his (Burch field’s) length will help. We need Joe to be good and use his body correctly on the floor.”

Beyond them there are a number of players who will be competing for playing time, including senior new comer Cayson Capwell, Sir Justin Marshall, Jameson Kent, Amari Hub bard, Brayden Brown, Drew Winfun, and Amari Scott, among others.

“There are others; we’ve got a big ninth grade group, and they are going to have every chance in the world to earn varsity minutes,” Browning said.

“There is going to be a learning curve for our young guys, but the best thing is to just throw them into the fire and see what happens.”

A big emphasis this season is simply on changing the culture.

“Because they did struggle, I talk to them a lot about doing things now that benefit this program five years down the road,” Browning said. “No they won’t be on the team, but those teams will be what they are because they helped set the standard.

“That’s kind of what we have been preaching, just trying to do things a lit tle bit different, be a little bit tougher; and hopefully that will lead to being able to compete a little bit better than they did last year.”

Jonathan

NORTH PONTOTOC

2022

2023 vikingS women’S BaSketBall

The 2022-2023 North Pontotoc Lady Vikings include: (front row, l-r) Abi Grace Warren, Bella Hayes, Graci Corley, Mallory Robinson, Lana McCord, (back) Meekness Harvey, Amiyah Ware, Caden Long, Emma Burk, Julissa Corne jo, Maggie McClain, Tassie Scott (not pictured Envi Judon, Kiara Shelly).

Photo by Galen Holley

Jonathan Wise Sports Writer

North Pontotoc girls hoops brings back a number of contributors from a solid, competitive team a year ago. Playing a deep bench last season was by design, and head coach Rob Browning says all of his returners have continued to improve since then.

“We played a lot of girls last year trying to get them some experience, hoping it would benefit us this year,” Browning said. “We’ve got nine who have really seen valuable minutes. They’ve come a long way skill-wise, so I expect that progress will be seen on the court.”

The Lady Vikings have five seniors who will be critical parts of their suc cess in Gracie Corley, Bella Hayes, Lana McCord, Mallory Robinson and Abi Grace Warren, who missed last season with an injury.

“All five of them contribute and are very important to the things that we do,” Browning said. “They all bring something that helps us win.”

“Gracie is the one who everybody knows, as she led us in scoring last

year. She is really good defensively and is just a good athlete. Her and Bel la are kind of our leaders. Bella played a lot last year and got better as the year went on. She has really come around as a shooter; so we will look for more scoring out of her this season.

“Lana is our Swiss army knife; she does a little bit of everything for us. If she has to guard guards she can, and she can guard the post; she can play both of those spots as well. She just does whatever we need her to.

Mallory is probably one of the better defenders I’ve coached, really good on the ball or in help. Abi Grace is a spark plug who brings a lot of energy to the floor.”

Browning also expects a trio of ju niors-Kiara Shelly, Meekness Harvey and Envi Judon- to play important roles, as well as sophomore Emma Burk.

“It’s a good number to have (back), and they’ve all worked really hard to improve and to put themselves in po sition to hopefully have a good year,” he said.

The Lady Vikings look to have the pieces in place for success, and above all they will seek to hang their hat on their defensive intensity.

“Shooting is one of those things that can come and go, of course, but we have come a long way shooting the basketball,” Browning said. “We are going to rely on defense, though. We are going to try to be really ag gressive defensively, try to take away easy stuff for teams, and try to make them play at our speed. It becomes a lot easier if you can create turnovers and get some easy buckets here and there to spark the offensive side.”

NORTH PONTOTOC

SOUTH PONTOTOC

2022-2023 cougarS men’S BaSketBall

team

Photo by Torrance Photography

COUGARS HAVE NEW BLOOD AND EXPERIENCE

Galen Holley Sports Editor

A good summer, during which re turning, experienced players sharp ened their skills, and a new transfer should help the South Pontotoc Cou gars have a successful season on the hardwood, according to Coach Chris Vandiver.

“We lost three, good seniors, but we’re excited about our development and how things are shaping up,” said Vandiver, whose boys last year reached the second round of the playoffs. That team was led by one of the best players in program history, Joe Haze Austin, and they pulled off a miracle, last-sec ond win at Shannon before falling to Clarksdale.

This year’s squad will be led by a pair of starters from last season: Junior Pacey Mathews is already nearing 800 career points, an impressive number for a guy with two years left. At 6 feet and 190 pounds, Mathews moves nim bly but has the strength to plow inside when necessary. Fellow junior Bray lon Gazaway will likely run point for the Cats this season. He took on that

role last year, even though it was pretty new to him. He’s up to the challenge, the coach said.

“Braylon has got some length, and his experience and willingness to play in a position that he’s still learning are good attributes,” said Vandiver.

Eli Holloway has served as the sixth man for the past two years, and he is expected to move into a starting role this season, according to his coach. Holloway recently suffered an ankle injury, but is expected to be ready for action by the second week of the sea son.

Transfer Nash Guerin should make a big impact on the team, Vandiver said. At a shifty 5’10 and 155 pounds, Guerin is just a sophomore, but he sees the floor well and can create scoring opportunities off the dribble. He plays bigger than his size. Guerin went un der the knife recently for an ankle pro cedure, but is expected to be full speed by the second week.

Among other juniors who should have an impact this season JJ Cherry, and Latravious Ware.

Among the underclassmen, sopho more O’Brien Ivy figures to get some playing time. He’s a solid football player and his athleticism and tough ness help him on the hardwood, Van diver said.

Latravian Ware is a strong rebound er whose grit and determination have earned him a chance to play, Vandiver said.

SOUTH PONTOTOC

2022-2023 cougarS women’S BaSketBall

team

The South Pontotoc Lady Cougars 2022-2023 basketball team includes (bottom row, l-r) Anniston Wiggins, Alana Corder, Maggie Gaspard, Dasia Ivy, Anna Brooke Sullivan, Preslee Austin, Ella Easterling, (middle row) Coach Chris Vandiver, Coach Blake Lovell, Kolbie Jones, Jaylescia Cherry, Daycie Cole, Morgan Harrison, Annie Claire Allen, Mackenzie Gunter, Coach Bill Russell, (top row) Kendall Adams, Mary Hays, Macy Bain, Ellie Mayo, Adalyn Vandiver, Faith Buchanan, Brianna Crowley.

Photo by Torrance Photography

LADY COUGARS EXPECT TRIO OF SENIORS TO PLAY BIG

Galen Holley Sports Editor

South Pontotoc has made a play off run in each of Coach Bill Rus sell’s five seasons, and this year, (the coach’s sixth), they hope to take the next step.

“We graduated six seniors, so we’ll have work to do, but we have three coming back, all of whom played a lot of minutes last year, and we’ll look to them for leadership,” said Russell.

Returning for their senior cam paigns will be 5” 9 forward and multisport athletes, Anna Brooke Sullivan, along with 5” 9 guard, Maggie Gas pard, and 5”9 forward, Dasia Ivy.

“Anna Brooke and Maggie were starters last year, and Dasia played a lot, so they all have significant expe rience,” said Russell.

The Lady Cougars tore off 8 straight, non-division wins last sea son before losing their first at peren nial powerhouse, Ingomar. Through

out the rest of the season they lost division games to Ripley, and twice to Pontotoc. That put them 24-8 on the year, including the playoffs. South won on the road at Corinth in the first round, beat Clarksdale in the second, then lost at Choctaw Central 69-48 on

Feb. 25, making the second year in a row their postseason run ended at the hands of the Lady Warriors.

One of the reasons for their success was brisk offense. They averaged just under 58 points a game (that’s 1,846 points in 32 contests). Two-thousandplus-career-point-scorer Rebekah Pilcher graduated, so the Lady Cou gars will have to adjust to her depar ture, along with the five others.

Three sophomores should help fill those roles, Russell said; they include guards Alana Corder and Preslee Austin, along with forward Morgan Harrison. Eighth-grader Kolbie Jones and seventh-grader Ella Easterling will make the transition from JV to help shore up the team, according to Russell.

“Those are going to be our top eight, and they’ll carry the bulk of the playing time, so we’ve got confidence in them,” said Russell. “Of course we’ll develop some younger players along the way, so we’re expecting good things this year.”

PONTOTOC CITY

2022-2023 warriorS men’S Soccer

2022-2023 pontotoc warriorS

Soccer team

The Pontotoc Warriors 2022-2023 soccer team includes (front row, l-r) Rd Alowdi, Carson Garcia, Enrique Man talvo, Alexis Martinez, Alberto Mendoza, Kenny Gonzalez, Martin Torres, Fernando Salinas, David Hernandez, Kevin Martinez, (back row) Coach Cullen Pollard, Caiden Ivy, Victor Ruedas, Eddie Nolasco, Noe Gonzalez, Caid en Clements, Brayden Arratia, Jace Clingan, Crossland Malone, Coach Logan Wilbanks.

Photo by Trent’s Portrait Studio

WARRIORS RETURN STRONG EXPERIENCE, YOUNG LEGS

Galen Holley Sports Editor

Coach Cullen Pollard has high hopes for his Warrior soccer boys.

“Our expectations are to be there in the playoffs, and even to compete for state; that’s the kind of talent we have,” said Pollard, now entering his third year as head coach.

In 2020, the Warriors lost in the North Half finals to Ripley. Last year, they didn’t make it to the playoffs. That stung a bit.

Pollard returns six seniors this year, and they’re ready to make a deep run.

Brayden Aratia, Jace Clingan, Ca den Ivy, Noe Gonzalez, Crossland

Malone, and Kevin Marinez will head up a Warrior squad that has its hopes set on postseason success.

Arratia will anchor down center back, and Martinez is expected to produce a lot, according to his coach.

“Martinez just a phenomenal play er, and we’re going to lean on him a lot this year, “ said Pollard. “He was our leading goal scorer from last year.”

Martinez won the Warrior Award for the hardest working, grittiest player, voted on by his teammates.

The Warriors didn’t shy away from stiff competition last season. They wanted to play good teams in order to get better, Pollard said.

The Warriors soccer men were 8-8 last season, with wins over Varda

man, Olive Branch, Corinth, Moor eville, and South Pontotoc; they lost to Caledonia, Amory, Saltillo, Ripley, North, and Itawamba AHS.

Pollard also has a group of sopho mores he’s excited about.

Kenny Gonzalez, and goal keeper Caiden Clements are showing great promise.

“Caiden is getting more comfort able, and we’re confident he’s going to be a strong player,” said Pollard.

Pollard said his boys are practicing hard and dedicated to the program.

“We’re all coming to practice ev eryday with our nose to the grind stone and we’re maturing and un derstanding the game,” said Pollard. “Our guys are not ok with mediocre performances. We’re out to win.”

PONTOTOC CITY

2022-2023 warriorS women’S Soccer

2022-2023 pontotoc lady warriorS Soccer team

The Pontotoc Lady Warriors 2022-2023 soccer team includes (front row, l-r) Baby Malone, Jaelyn Cox, Alexis Zuleta, Avery Waldon, Harlee Wilson, Jaycie Walker, Shelby Tigner, Karelia Mendoza, Mikayla Wendler, Trinity Ivy (back row) Asst. Coach Reed McRaney, Genesis Tzib, Carmen Owens, Piper Burchfield, Juli Stutsy, Amayah Pinson, Lexi Jones, Taylor Duggar, Isabel Moctezuma, Cindy Martinez, Head Coach Jusin Jensen.

Photo by Trent’s Portrait Studio

LADY WARRIORS HAVE STRONG, SENIOR CORE

Galen Holley Sports Editor

Coach Justin Jensen’s Lady War riors soccer team fielded no seniors last season; this year they’ve got seven, so the dynamic will be much different.

“We’re an older and more experi enced team, and we know what it’s like to lose, and we know what it takes to win,” said Jensen. “We remember what both defeat and victory taste like.”

Four of his seniors have played since the 7th grade, according to Jensen.

Averi Walton, Alexis Zuleta, Jaycie Walker, Shelby Tigner, Kareli Mendo za, Aunika Lopez, and Harlee Wilson, are all seniors this season, and they should add depth and experience to the

roster.

Walker has been an All-Division player, and she’ll anchor the defense as goalkeeper.

Defense has been a hallmark of Jen sen’s teams.

“We’ve always been good at holding other teams to not scoring very much,” said Jensen, whose girls last season finished 4-7, with wins over Vardaman and Ripley, as well as North and South Pontotoc.

Carmen Owen was part of the state champion relay team, and her experi ence on the soccer pitch, as well as her speed, should provide some offensive prowess, Jensen said.

“We’re going to try and attack more, and get up the field as much as possi ble,” said Jensen. “That’s changing our mindset a bit, but we’ve got more ex perience where we need it.”

Ten juniors will round out the ros ter. They include: Arabella Castleman, Samantha Vickery, Lucero Zuniga, Amayah Pinson, Cindy Martinez, Juli Stutsy, Paola Ayala, Mikayla Wendler, Rylie McGregor, and Emily Guzman. Those girls will get quality minutes and get valuable experience to form the core of next year’s team, Jensen said.

NORTH PONTOTOC

2022-2023 vikingS men’S Soccer

2022-2023 north pontotoc vikingS Soccer team

The 2022-2023 North Pontotoc Vikings soccer team includes (front row, l-r): Ivan Cervantes, Luis Andrade, Levi Jones, Aaron Mendez, Luis Romero, Hector Mejia, (2nd row) Anibel Mejia, Alan Medina, Tripp Little, David Tovar, Jobani Jimenez, John Mendoza, Diego Moreno, (3rd row) Raul Ruiz, Ethan Boyd, Cristian Lopez, Mason Beaman, Miguel Garcia, Jimmy Alban, (back row) Coach Travis Little, Jarred Coleman, Manager Daillon Haws, Adrian Vega, Daniel Crotwell, Holden Little, Luis Guerrero, Alexis Romero, Eric Gonzalez, Tyler Peters, Zak Algamal, Ayden Ellis, Asst Coach Josh Harlow.

Photo by Torrance Photography

VIKINGS HAVE TALENT, LOOK TO TAKE NEXT STEP

sessing the ball.

Wise Sports Writer

North Pontotoc soccer sees a lot of potential for the upcoming season, as they return talent and just as important experience at a number of key spots.

“We have a pretty good group of seniors who have played together for a while, so we are expecting them to play well and carry us,” Viking head coach Travis Little said. “They have enough experience that they should be able to lead our team and get us to where we need to go.”

That senior group includes midfield er Luis Guerrero, forward Holden Lit tle, midfielder Eric Gonzalez and goal keeper Ayden Ellis.

“Luis has played a lot of soccer and is really good at what he does,” Coach Little said. “He has good feet and good leadership skills- he was a team cap tain for us as a junior. We are looking for big things out of him. Up front Holden has also played a lot of soccer. He has played with Luis for a good many years, and they have gelled. Eric is the same way, he has played with them and they are on the same page.

“Ayden hasn’t played as long as the others, but he has worked hard the last few years and really gotten better, go ing to camps to improve his game in the goal.”

Sophomore Mason Beaman will an chor the defense for the Vikings along with sophomore Anibal Mejia, a duo who Little expects to be very solid. Tripp Little is also a key player who will play both center-mid and defen sive holding-mid (fielder).

“Tripp and Mason have been play ing since they were 7th graders, so it feels like they’ve been here forever and they are only sophomores,” Coach Little said. “We will lean heavily on them.”

Things that North is working to get better at are developing depth and pos

“One thing we have preached a lot is depth, that just because you are not starting a soccer game does not mean you are not important,” Little said. “We have got to get some guys who can come in and give us valuable min utes so we don’t drop off a lot.

“Another thing is trying to play possession-soccer, moving the ball around and getting our feet better. That’s something we need to get better at, making a good first touch and not turning it over.”

Last season the Vikings were a very competitive team that barely missed the playoffs after several one-goal losses in division play. They are striv ing to play cleaner and come out the positive side of those types of contests this time around.

“There are no off nights in this di vision with New Albany, Ripley and Corinth, and we have to play each of them twice,” Little said. “We’ve got to be ready to play and limit our mistakes, because one or two goals can be the difference between going or not going to the playoffs. That’s the position we were in last year, so we’ve got to do better at that.”

Jonathan

NORTH PONTOTOC

2022-2023 vikingS women’S Soccer

lady vikingS Soccer team

2022-2023 north pontotoc

The North Pontotoc Lady Vikings soccer team includes (back row, l-r) Jazmin Lopez Manager, Sasha Tyler 6, Cheyenna Cable 22, Alexandra Nova 11, Josh Harlow Head Coach, (middle row) Anna Garcia 8, Yecenia Lopez 24, Fatima Lopez 9, Anne Crotwell 2, Kyndall Roberts 14, Iesha Bailey 4, (front row) Miriam Gonzalez 1, Naomy Camposeco 10, Annslee Rhea 21, Hope Culpepper 7, Carly Walker 18, Allie Hamilton 3, Karen Lopez 5.

Photo by Torrance Photography

LADY VIKINGS LOOK TO INCREASE PROGRAM’S CONSISTENCY

Jonathan Wise Sports Writer

North Pontotoc girls soccer is striv ing to develop into a program that can compete at a high level year-in-andyear-out under the guidance of firstyear head coach, Josh Harlow.

“We have introduced a new sys tem,” Coach Harlow said of the preparation for this season. “It is more defensive. It is based off of, I would say a counter-attack, but it is going to be a little bit of possession as well. So it is a bit of everything to give us some options this year.

“The girls have really responded well, and I am looking forward to get ting started to see how we can imple ment it.”

North has a senior-laden lineup, starting in the goal with Miriam Gon zalez.

“This will be her first year in be tween the posts, and so far she has done well,” Harlow said.

“Allie Grace Hamilton will be our starting center-back. She is physical, and she understands how to cover for

her teammates. So she is perfectly suited for that position.

“I am looking at Hope Culpepper and Carly Walker on the outsides to give us support, and Annslee Rhea is going to play center-mid. She (Rhea) does a good job of recognizing the play and being able to switch fields. Naomy Camposeco does as well, who is going to be playing the striker po sition for us.”

Anne Crotwell made a big contri bution last year, and, although still only a freshman, will be a key cog for the Lady Vikings.

“Anne is very experienced on the wing, but in high school I want her to play more central, see more of the

ball and be able to pull strings from the middle,” Harlow said. “She is very intelligent as far as soccer IQ goes, and I want to give her a little bit more freedom to kind of play the ‘quarterback’ position, if you will.”

Harlow also looks for sophomore Alexandra Nova, 8th grader Kendal Roberts, junior Yecenia Lopez and junior Karen Lopez to fill important roles.

“I don’t know if they’ve played their positions before, but they’ve done a fantastic job of maintaining their composure and getting used to something new,” he said. “I’m excit ed to see how they do this season and beyond.”

Harlow wants to, over time, get the Lady Vikings to a point where they are considered a consistent contender.

“First and foremost we are here to compete,” he said. “We want to com pete in our division and make it to the postseason, and we want to continue to better ourselves each season. We want to change the perception of this program in 4A soccer and be one of those teams that competes at the next level.”

SOUTH PONTOTOC

2022-2023 cougarS men’S Soccer

2022-2023 South pontotoc cougarS Soccer team

The South Pontotoc Cougars 2022-2023 soccer team includes (front row, l-r): Landon Lowry, Traylen Bain, Scheff White, Christopher Gonzalez, Jaylon Owen, Gabriel Mumphrey, Juan Martinez, (middle row) Chris Maraquin, An dres Martinez, Nick Cummings, Ivan Martinez, Marcus Holley, Salvador Diaz, John Hedges, Albaraa Aboluhom, Lucas Vineyard, (back row) Landon Parish, Drayden Way, Chris Figereau, Zac Moore, Anas Abolohum, Grayson Hendon, Brennan Ratliff, Gabe Ruth, Aiden Sprinkle, Gable Steward, Noah Fleming, Jonah Fleming, Coach Zach McDonald.

Photo by Galen Holley

COUGARS HAVE HIGH HOPES FOR 2022-23 CAMPAIGN

Jonathan Wise Sports Writer

The South Pontotoc boys have high expectations for this soccer season, as the Cougars bring back a number of key players from a solid club.

South ended up with a winning re cord (9-8) last season, but they missed out on a trip to the postseason. Zach McDonald took over the program as head coach, and he is excited about the talent level the team has. The Cou gars have been working on fine-tuning some things during practice as they prep for the new season.

“Their touches are pretty good, but one thing I have been drilling into them is to get the ball off of your foot quick ly,” Coach McDonald said. “Some of them like to dribble too much, and they end up turning the ball over. We need to get the ball off of our feet quick ly and get to open space. We haven’t worried too much about shot taking yet, because we have to maintain pos session in order to even get to that point. We have been doing a lot of pos session-type drills. Over the past four

months I have seen a huge difference, so we are making a lot of progress.”

South returns an accomplished goalkeeper in senior Marcus Holley, who McDonald calls a “huge asset to the team.” Other important contribu

tors are senior Ivan Martinez, senior Salvador Diaz, junior Gable Steward, freshman Zach Moore, and junior Noah Fleming. Fleming is an offensive threat who garnered All-Division 2-4A honors last year.

The Cougars think they have the ability to make some noise in Class 4A, but like so often is the case, focus ing on the little things and playing to gether will be critical parts of unlock ing that potential.

“They can go a really long way if they focus on what they have been taught the past four months,” Coach McDonald said. “In addition to skills, another one of the things we have re ally emphasized is trusting your team mates. Sometimes someone would pass it to a player they knew could handle it when a teammate, maybe a younger guy, was wide open on the other side of the field. So it is import ant that we trust each other.

“The kids’ expectations are high, which I am glad to see, but we have to just take it one game at a time and not think too far ahead. We want to make the playoffs and see what happens after that.”

SOUTH PONTOTOC

2022-2023 cougarS women’S Soccer

2022-2023 South pontotoc lady cougarS Soccer team

The South Pontotoc Lady Cougars 2022-2023 soccer team includes (first row, l-r) Leah Montgomery, Madison McGillivray, Patty Morphis, Mikaylen Cornejo, Olivia Stutsy, Harper Rush, (middle row) Aly Sanchez, Lynzee Mc Gillivray, Savannah Ray, Maddie Fletcher, Gabi Reynolds, Passion Cook, (back row) Rosie Diaz, Ella Grace Ward, Bailey Whitlock, Candace Pullman, Carley Hooker, Emma Mitchell.

Photo by Galen Holley

Jonathan Wise Sports Writer

The South Pontotoc girls soccer team had a tough season a year ago. This season will be a challenge as well, as the Lady Cougars will com pete with a very youthful roster.

South has a new head coach in Zach McDonald, who is trying to maximize how competitive his squad can be while building for the future.

“We want to be strong on the de fensive side,” Coach McDonald said. “We are working on breaking down defensively, pressuring the ball. We are teaching them how to press prop erly and, after they have maintained possession of the ball, to keep their head up, find an open teammate and move to open space. There is open space on the field and we have to use the whole field to our advantage.”

South has three seniors- Gabi Reyn olds, Aly Sanches and Leah Mont gomery; was chosen as an All-Di vision 2-4A performer last season. They will also rely on the experience of returners such as sophomores Bai

SOUTH PONTOTOC

point for McDonald is to instill the principles that will ultimately lead the program to a solid position.

Beyond that most of the remainder of the team are 7th graders. A focal

“We are very, very young, but this is the time where we need to have every one buy into the program,” he said. “A couple of years down the road we will be able to see success because of that.”

ley Whitlock and Ella Grace Ward and eighth graders Carley Hooker and Emma Mitchell. Harper Rush is another eighth grade starter who Mc Donald expects to play an important role.

PONTOTOC

2023 warriorS Bowling teamS

Photo by Regina Butler

PONTOTOC BOWLING IMPROVING EACH SEASON

Galen Holley Sports Editor

The men of the Pontotoc bowl ing team initially entered last years’ regionals in Oxford as the fourth seed, but some late, wild card entries wound up bumping them down, and Coach Tyler Orman hopes to see his whole team get better this season.

“We won most of our matches, and only tied once or twice, so we had a pretty good season,” said Orman.

One big reason was the success of

Carson Long, who will be a senior this year.

“Carson racked up a lot of wins last season, and really helped our team’s success,” said Orman. Most of the games were held at Event Zona in Tupelo.

Carson’s younger brother, Caleb, is also expected to make a big con tribution this year, according to his coach.

“Caleb has a whole lot of poten tial,” said Orman.

On the womens’ side, senior Mad die Mooreman should be the leader,

based on her past record, said Orman.

“Our girls didn’t perform as well as we hoped last season, but they’re getting better, and Maddie will be the one to really push them to improve,” said Orman. Kadence Griffin is an other returning senior who should do well on the lanes.

“We’re looking for a major im provement from our girls,” said Or man. “Our guys are kind of starting from scratch, because we lost sever al. There are some younger players, on both sides, who should help give the team what we need.”

Photo by Jonathan Wise

2022-2023 north pontotoc lady vikingS Bowling team

NORTH PONTOTOC

VIKING BOWLERS WORKING TOWARD IMPROVEMENT

Jonathan Wise Sports Writer

North Pontotoc is getting ready for the upcoming 2022-23 bowling cam paign, working to improve and be as competitive as possible.

Both the boys and girls teams have the benefit of being made up mostly of upperclassmen this year.

“Aaron Akers, Jalil Jimenez, Hunt er Carwile and Blake McGloflin are our senior boys,” said North bowling coach Bob Wingo.

The remainder of the roster are all juniors- Jacob Tidwell, Stephen Hol lis, Colton Turner, Tyler Peters, Dylan Hamblin and Garrett Oglesby.

McGloflin, who is also a standout football player, is boys’ top returning bowler, and the Vikings will need him to put up high scores.

The girls will look to top-perform ing returners Peighton Snider and Na vaeh Hopkins Dedeaux to anchor the squad.

Jada Price is the team’s lone se nior, so a good foundation is there for next season as well. Coach Wingo is looking for big contributions from a junior class that includes Snider, Na vaeh Hopkins Dedeaux, Mary Beth Holmes, Hannah Berryman and Han nah Holley.

“We have one freshman- Catalina Hopkins Dedeaux- who hopefully can continue to grow throughout her high

school career,” Wingo said.

North faces practice challenges, but Wingo is hopeful both teams can de velop some consistency as the season progresses.

“It will be a difficult year,” he said. “Our practices/home lanes are at New Albany, and on practice days we have a short window due to nightly league play. I will encourage everyone to go practice on their own, but it is hard for our kids to do that. As we play more matches, hopefully we will see our scores go up.

“I have also scheduled most of our matches away, because New Albany’s lanes are wood and most all of the oth er lanes are laminate, which is also the surface we bowl on in the regionals.”

The 2022-2023 North Pontotoc Lady Vikings bowling team includes (front row, l-r) Hannah Berryman, Peighton Snider, Jada Price, (back row) Mary Beth Holmes, Catalena Hopkins Dedeaux, Nevaeh Hopkins Dedeaux.

Photo by Jonathan Wise

NORTH PONTOTOC

2022-2023 vikingS men’S wreStling

2022-2023 north pontotoc vikingS wreStling team

The North Pontotoc Vikings 2022-2023 wrestling team includes (front, l-r) Landon Ward, Mike Wilbanks, Caleb Davis, Deshawn Howell, Luke Hale, Bryce Rainer, (back) Eli Carwyle, Cooper Warren, Eli Sheffield, Korben Herbert, Frank Stark, and Dre Villarreal.

Photo by David Helms

VIKING WRESTLERS HAVE HIGH EXPECTATIONS

Jonathan Wise Sports Writer

North Pontotoc competed in its inaugural wrestling season a year ago, and by any measure the Vikings racked up a list of impressive accom plishments for a first-year program. This season North has confidence that they compete at the highest level once again.

“It was all about the kids,” said coach Bob Rainer. “Also Steve Kea sler, who has a lot of wrestling expe rience, was nice enough to volunteer his time to coach the kids, and they really put in the hard work. They were able to reap the benefits of that. We won North Half and went to state and placed third. We were one match away from being state runner-up.

“The kids are excited about this year. We’ve got 14 guys back who were on the team last year, and nine of those placed at state.”

The matches last season generat ed enough interest in getting into the sport among other student-athletes that the Vikings were able to have a

try out for the team. With the future in mind, Rainer is also trying to get ju nior high kids excited about it as well.

Eli Carwyle won a state champi onship and will be an important part of the squad. Frank Stark, who was a state runner-up, is also back. They both went on to compete at the na tional level in Virginia Beach, and Stark was the first competitor from Mississippi to win a match at a na tional tournament. Other returners who proved their mettle by placing at state Eli Sheffield, Luke Hale, Cooper Warren, Landon Ward, Mike

Wilbanks, Dre Villarreal and Bryce Rainer.

“We talk about goal-setting a lot, and of course the top goal is to win state,” Coach Rainer said. “We do have new teams (who have started wrestling) coming in like Oxford, Tu pelo, Saltillo, some of the big schools that have a lot of kids to choose from, but that’s our ultimate goal. Of course winning North Half again is a goal. We would like to have more state champions (individually) than we did last year, which I think is an achiev able goal, and we just want to con tinue building the program. This is a sport that is continuing to grow and that I think will be in every school in a few years, so I think it is an advan tage for those of us who got in on the front end.”

It will be a new challenge, but the Vikings have the experience and just as importantly the hunger to put to gether another strong season.

“The kids got a taste of success last year and they have high expecta tions,” Rainer said. “We have as good a chance as anybody of accomplish ing them.”

SOUTH PONTOTOC

2022-2023 cougarS men’S wreStling

2022-2023 South pontotoc cougarS wreStling team

The 2022-2023 South Pontotoc Cougars wrestling team includes (row 1, l-r) Ason Dalton, Eli Williams, Jason Sanchez, Cody Moss, Grayson Waters, James Galvan, Mace Sherwood, (row 2) Aiden Blaylock, Cameron Coxey, Brayden Russell, Landon Killian, Shaw Prewitt, RJ Holder, Tanner Williamson, Chevy Rajacich, (row 3) Marcos Chrestman, Reid Patterson, Brayden Holley, Reid Jones.

Photo by Galen Holley

Galen Holley Sports Editor

South Pontotoc wrestlers made an outstanding showing in their inaugu ral season last year, with three top fin ishers, and Coach Mason Luther said he and his assistant coach, Patrick Towery, have their guys pumped up for another go at it.

“I’m extremely proud of how our guys performed throughout the year,” said Mason, after the team’s first for ay into wrestling. “They made huge improvements from our first matches until this last set.”

Jimmy Harpole, a senior last year, was the State Champion in the 220 lbs division, not bad at all for a first-time wrestler. Other big finishers for South included Reid Jones, third place state finisher in the 138 lbs division, and Kenny Waters, who took fourth in the 195 lbs division.

However, South also lost three se niors to graduation, so they’ll look to the young fellas to add depth to the program. Ninth-grader Reid Patter son finished third in the state last year in the 160 lbs division; sophomore Brayden Holley is a strong guy his coach said should look to have a good seasons, as should fellow sophomore Marcos Chrestman; Reid Jones is a

junior in the lightweight division, but has shown promise as well, according to Luther.

It’s difficult to start something brand new and I tip my hat to these guys for hitting the ground running.

Coming into this sport being very green, it didn’t take long for me to get hooked on it. Any school out there that is on the fence, my advice would be to pull the trigger and get involved as soon as possible!”