2018 Winter Sports Preview

2018

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

NEW ALBANY | EAST UNION | INGOMAR | MYRTLE | WEST UNION winter Sports New N ew 2018 Albany G Preview a z e t t e1 az

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2018 Winter Sports Preview

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2018 Winter Sports Preview

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2018 Winter Sports Preview

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2018 Winter Sports Preview

2018 Fall Sports Preview

10-11 New Albany Basketball 14-15 East Union Basketball 16-17 Ingomar Basketball 18-19 Myrtle Girls Basketball 20-21 West Union Basketball 22-23 State Champs

29-31 Cheerleading and Pom Squads 33 East Union Powerlifting Teams 34-35 Bowling Teams 38-39 New Albany Soccer 40 Girls Winter Sports Schedules 41 Boys Winter Sports Schedules

On the cover: Front row - Brianna Nugent, Myrtle High School, Carson Grisham, Ingomar High School. Back row - Ashanti High New Albany High School, Thomas Gentry, East Union High School, Allie Green West Union High School.

Table of Contents photo: From left - Yilah Isby, Kaitie Boatner, Jessie Roberts, Liz Hall of East Union High School. Members of East Union Girls Powerlifting team who have three individual medals in state powerlifting competition plus three Class I Team Powerlifting titles. All four girls have won multiple state titles in their weight category.

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2018 Winter Sports Preview

206B Oxford Road, New Albany, MS | (662) 534-4445

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2018 Winter Sports Preview

2018 Fall Sports Preview

Special Thanks Micha Washington, Scotty Shettles, Charlie Porch, Tim McDonald, Trent Adair, Jonathan Ashley, Chris Greer, Rob Browning, J.C. Hayles, Timbo Henderson, Bert Anderson, Caryl Vogel, Todd Lott, Scott Duley, Kevin Walton, Mary Beth Muncie, Melanie Anderson, Amy Welborn, Ashley Garrett, Allyson Grubbs, Callie Smithey, Pam Bramlett, Karen Taylor, Wayne Dye, Brian Browning, Brooke Gordon, Kathy Clark, Rodney Clark and all the athletes from Union County and New Albany High Schools that made this publication possible with their participation.

Page of Thanks photo: Front row left - Jocelyn Urzua, Callie Robbins, Kimberly Ramirez, Maria Favela. Back row left - Addison Ziegler, Carlos Romero, John Wright Welborn, Kenley Olson.

Articles written by Dennis Clayton, Sports Editor, Gene Phelps. Cover photo by Dennis Clayton. Layout/composition by David Johnson. Advertising sales by Tracie Callicutt and Dennis Clayton. Ad design by Sonny Harrison.

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2018 Winter Sports Preview

NEW ALBANY BASKETBALL

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2018-19 New Albany Lady Bulldog Basketball Team: Front row left - Chastity Riley, Madison Foster, Ahlaeya Judon, Kenidi Sanders, Shaitiuna Williams, Dakoyta Lesure, Ashanti Fox. Back row left - Ashanti High, Cartiana Bailey, Kelsey Ledbetter, Jada Spears, E’Lexis Jones, Analisa Cheairs, Emma Laney, Madison McDonald.

Lady Bulldogs find identity on Hardwood

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he Lady Bulldogs of New Albany will feature a team that Coach Micha Washington believes has found their identity on the hardwood. She hopes this will translate into success and a winning season.

“I think they have found their identity and now it’s just a matter of putting it all together for all of them to co-exist,” Washington said.

The Lady Bulldogs’ lineup features six seniors and all have been involved with the program for several seasons under Washington and former Bulldog coach John Stroud.

“All of them have been with me from the beginning since ninth grade, so I am replying on about all of them to bring some of the things they are good at to the team.”

The seniors include Madison Foster, Jada Spears, E’Lexis Jones, Ahlaeya Judon, Kenidi Sanders and Shaitiuna

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2018 Winter Sports Preview

Williams.

“Kelsey Ledbetter and Ashanti High are a big deal on our offense as well as the seniors,” Washington said.

“Adding those two and the seniors with the rest of our team, it’s going to come together, it has to come together.

I would say we are a totally different team than from last year’s and this is one of the best preseasons that we have ever had.”

Washington says that she is looking forward to the season and thinks that her Lady Bulldogs are as well. She thinks the culture has changed and that the Lady Bulldogs are now thriving with the change in the system.

“During Thanksgiving we are going to Picayune to play Natchez and that’s like two games before we start division and that should be a good test,” Washington said. “You really will know how good you are when you play 5 and 6A teams. You really know

what you will need to work on.”

Other talented teams that the Lady Bulldogs will face include Lewisburg and Ingomar, which always provides a great test for New Albany. Washington is also circling the game with South Pontotoc as a highly-competitive game and looks forward to playing against Coach Russell.

“It is really going to test us early on,” Washington said of her nondivision schedule.

Division 1-4A will have its share of talent and good teams, so the Lady Bulldogs hope their non-division prepares them for that.

“We really have to watch Ripley and Senatobia, I’m going to say in our division,” Washington said. “I know Ripley is just loaded, they lost nothing from last year.”

Washington said that her Bulldogs’ offensive scheme will consist of “getting it and going.”

NEW ALBANY BASKETBALL Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2018-19 New Albany Bulldog Basketball Team: Front row left - Mason Simmons, Isaiah Ball, Zack Ball, Tyler Lipsey, Mitchell Shettles. Back row left - Reed Harris, Troy Payne, Tucker Shannon, Michael Smith, Artaveion High.

Shettles to lead Athletic Bulldogs team

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he New Albany Bulldogs think they will be able to field one of their more athletic teams for the 2018-19 season. Coach Scotty Shettles takes over as head coach after serving as the Bulldog assistant for the past several years.

“They are pretty athletic compared to the last two years, you wouldn’t even think it was the same team,” Shettles said. “These kids are pretty athletic and that’s what I’m excited about and we’ve got some new additions to the team, so we’re excited about the season. We think some good things could happen.”

New Albany will feature four seniors this year and also four juniors that Shettles will look to provide leadership and experience.

“I have four seniors this year and all four of those guys are pretty good and they could play,” Shettles said. “I

come down to my junior class and I have four juniors and three of them as starters. Our seven-footer won’t be able to play this year and we had high expectations for him. We come down to our sophomores and both of them could be starters.

“We are excited about Artaveion High, we think he could be really good,” Shettles said.

Shettles also has two freshmen that could be big contributors for the Bulldogs as they are ready to play on the varsity level.

Junior Mitchell Shettles returns to the Bulldogs after missing two years due to injury and will provide some perimeter shooting for the team which is great news.

“Isaiah Ball, who was our leading scorer from last year from the guard position is extremely quick and can get to the goal,” Shettles said. “He

has worked on his jump shot and it’s a little better so we are excited about him too.”

New Albany has lined up a competitive non-division schedule and Shettles has been able to get games with all four county schools.

“I don’t know the last time that New Albany has played all the county schools, but this year we are playing them all,” Shettles said.

As far as division, the Bulldogs will again be in 1-4A with Byhalia, Corinth, Ripley, Senatobia and Tishomingo County and play a double round robin division schedule.

“Our division is pretty good, it’s an athletic division, so I’ve tried to put some non-division teams on there to prepare us for that,” Shettles said.

“Look, we are ready to get started and see what we can do.”

2018 winter Sports Preview

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2018 Winter Sports Preview

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2018 winter Sports Preview

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EAST UNION BASKETBALL

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2018-19 East Union Lady Urchin Basketball Team: Front row left - Rachel Gentry, Sylvie McVey, Carrie Wilkinson, Jessie Roberts, Kaitie Boatner, Kiersten Hall, Brooklyn Hunt, Karley Conwill. Back row left - Peyton Wages, manager, Bryanne Dill, Maggie McVey, Hannah White, Raelee Bell, Hope Robbins, Cayley Johnson, Peyton Wildman, Callie Smith, manager.

New Coach looks to Bell to lead Lady Urchins

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harlie Porch, East Union’s firstyear head coach, wants to see effort, effort and more effort from her first Lady Urchins team.

“We just want to do our best every game,” said the former six-year assistant. “We don’t want to quit.

We’re going to work hard, hustle and get after you. We want to do our best at what we can do.”

Porch welcomes back one of last season’s top players and scorers in senior Raelee Bell, a 5-foot-6 guard.

“Raelee reacts well,” Porch said.

“She can attack the rim. She’s better on the move. She’s very athletic and aggressive on defense. She forces turnovers. She does a good job in transition. She’s gotten better shooting the outside shot.”

Porch hopes to find more shooters to take the pressure off Bell.

“I’m concerned about being able to

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2018 Winter Sports Preview

score,” Porch said. “A lot of teams are going to try an shut Raelee down. I’m going to have to look for other girls to score.”

One of those scorers could be 5-8 freshman guard Peyton Wildman.

She’s one of four freshmen being counted on to see action. The others are: Jorja Roberson, Carrie Wilkinson and Kiersten Hall. Two sophomores – Caylie Johnson and Hope Robbins – could also contribute.

“Peyton can be as good as she wants to be,” Porch said. “She’s young, and with experience, she’ll get better. Right now, she’s got the right mindset.

“My freshmen have come in and pushed the older girls. They are not intimidated. I’m hoping we can rotate in and out and stay after them.”

Another key starter returning is junior guard Kaitie Boater.

“She’s a stellar athlete,” Porch said. “She gets after it defensively.

She sees the floor better than anybody and she makes great passes. She has great court awareness.”

Other top returners are: 5-10 junior post player Hannah White, 5-4 junior guard Sylvie McVey, 5-6 sophomore guard Maggie McVey, 5-foot junior guard Jesse Roberts and 5-7 junior forward Bryanne Dill.

When asked during summer league play about becoming the head coach, Porch said she was excited and nervous.

“I’ve been watching these girls since junior high,” she said. “We’re not going to change things too much.

I think we’ll be a little bit different as a team. We’ve got some kids coming up who are pretty athletic.”

EAST UNION BASKETBALL Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2018-19 East Union Urchin Basketball Team: Front row left - Jace Basil, Edgar Zapata Jr., Joseph Yeager, Madison Croft, Hayden Roberts. Back row left - Weston Mallett, Jake Wood, Thomas Gentry, Josh Henderson, Colton Plunk, DeJuan Hubbard, Hagen Richey.

Urchins Hope to get back in the Playoff Hunt

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ast Union’s six seniors were in the ninth grade when the Urchins last qualified for the postseason.

Head coach Tim McDonald, who is entering his 17th season, hopes to see that change in 2018-19 with a blend of those seniors and some talented underclassmen.

First things, first. The Urchins need to earn some wins in a tough Division 1-2A that features Baldwyn, Ingomar and New Site. They finished 10-18 overall last season and were winless at 0-5 in league play.

“We want to get back in the playoff hunt,” McDonald said. “They say it’s going to be kind of a down year in the division, but you’ve got Baldwyn, Ingomar and New Site. We’re going to have to step it up. It’s going to be a competitive division.”

The returning seniors are forward

Thomas Gentry, point guard Madison Croft, guard Haygen Richey, guard Joseph Yaeger, forward Jake Wood and guard Weston Mallett.

“I’ve got six seniors and some young kids who are going to have to play,” McDonald said. “I can’t let them watch and learn sitting on the bench. It’s going to be a combination.

We’re going to be sort of young. We’ll take some of these older guys, put some positive minutes together, and see what happens.”

The team’s juniors are guard Dejuan Hubbard, 6-foot-4 center Josh Henderson, 6-3 forward Colton Plunk and guard Jason Basil.

“We’re really counting on three or four (football players) to get in the mix,” McDonald said, referring to Hubbard, who plays wide receiver, and Plunk, who is a running back.

Two freshmen expected to see a

lot of playing time are point guard Hayden Roberts and guard Edgar Zapata, both football players.

“Dejuan Hubbard has got to step up and play … give us some positive minutes,” McDonald said. “Colton Plunk’s my best athlete. We’ve got to find room for him on the floor.

Hopefully, Haygen Richey and Joseph Yaeger can shoot the ball for us a little bit.”

McDonald believes the Urchins have to do a lot better job shooting to see their win total increase.

“We’ve shot the ball well at times last year,” he said. “We’ve got to get a lot more consistent shooting the ball, especially behind the 3-point line.

“Defensively, we’ve got to figure out how to guard the basketball better.

We haven’t done that well the last few years.”

2018 winter Sports Preview

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INGOMAR BASKETBALL

photo submitted

2018-19 Ingomar Lady Falcon Basketball Team: Seated left - Mallory Nance, Patience Golden, Carson Grisham, Gara Beth Self, Lauren Thompson, Ashley Forester, Sanaa Finley, Carli Bridges. Standing left - Coach Katherine Downing, Julia Weeden, Macy Hall, Kaily Edwards, Alexis Campbell, Coach Trent Adair, Heaven Green, Camleigh Ball, Katie Beth Hall, Arden Robbins, Volunteer Assistant Laura Hogue.

Lady Falcons need to develop quality depth

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f the Ingomar Lady Falcons want to contend for a fourth consecutive MHSAA Class 2A state championship, they’ll need to find some quality depth.

Four starters are locked in. The search for a fifth starter and at least three quality backups is ongoing.

“Our issue is depth. That’s a primary concern,” coach Trent Adair said.

“When you have a depth problem you start worrying about foul trouble. There may be times when we have to be more conservative. If we get some early fouls we might have to do something different, which I’m not used to doing.

We may have to back it up and play it safe, buy some time.

“That’s going to be a learning curve for me, too. Players mess up and make mistakes. I promise you, I feel confident I’m going to make plenty of mistakes in judgement early on. I hope we’re all able to get it figured out by

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2018 Winter Sports Preview

division play.”

Ingomar’s top four returning players – seniors Ashley Forester, Carson Grisham, Gara Beth Self and Lauren Thompson – are proven competitors.

Self and Thompson have played since the seventh grade. Last season they averaged 10 points apiece for a team that finished 37-1 overall and defeated New Site for the state title.

Grisham, the team’s best defender, missed most of last season after suffering a torn ACL and undergoing surgery. She played slow-pitch softball this season wearing a knee brace.

Forester stepped in to add depth in last season’s title run.

“We’ve got four seniors I’m comfortable with, who I think are pretty good. They do stuff right,” Adair said. “They have good basketball IQs. They’ve been around forever and they’ve played a lot. But, in order for us to be in the conversation, we’ve got to

find five, six, seven, maybe even eight – regardless of the position. We need somebody to step up and take it.”

The key contributors to last year’s team will be missed. Three of those players – Mallory Russell, Lindsay Hall and Jatyjia Jones – are playing junior college ball this season. Another loss is 3-point sharp-shooter Maggie Smithey, who’ll play junior college softball.

“Coach Adair said last year we had every tool in the bag,” Self said. “This year some of the tools are missing.

We’ve got to find people to replace all of those. Last year, everybody on the floor could score. Now we have more role players.”

Two inside players, Sanaa Finley and Patience Golden, are being counted on to fill those roles. After that, Adair says, “You’ve got a bunch of freshmen and sophomores.”

INGOMAR BASKETBALL photo submitted

2018-19 Ingomar Falcon Basketball Team: From left - Nathan Weeden, Spencer High, Eli Reed, Luke Roberts, Zach Shugars, Kelon Hall, Trent Bradley, Brandon Keys, Clayton Stanford, Hunter Bynum, Tyson Smithey, Parker McClure, Caleb Ball.

Ingomar plans offensive changes to succeed

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ngomar coach Jonathan Ashley admits there’s no way to replace the 37-point scoring punch provided by former shooting stars Kelton Hall and Jay Pickens.

However, he believes he has an answer.

It’s called … change.

“We’re going to try to be different,” Ashley said. “I think we’ll be more efficient offensively. Over the last couple of years we’ve been a jump shot-oriented offense. This year we’re going to try to pound it, either with post moves, post-ups, penetrating to get into the lane. We’re really going to attack the lane area and see if we can get quality looks close the basket.”

That means looking inside to Zach Shugars and Clayton Stanford. The two combined to average 14 points and 12 rebounds last season.

“Both those guys can do a lot of things down there,” Ashley said. “I think both of them can average 14 to 15 points a game if they get enough touches. Both players have good moves down there and can score.

That’s where we’ll try to start.”

Ashley is counting on senior guard/forward Kelon Hall to produce defensively.

“Kelon is the tone setter for us defensively,” he said. “He can guard the point guard, he can guard a post player. He’s not the guy who will stand out in the box score a lot of times, but will do a lot of things right like get the tough rebound, take a charge and guard the other team’s best player.

“He knows where it needs to go on offense. He’s going to make the big free throws.”

Ingomar had four talented guards

returning in Brandon Keys, Trey Keys, Trent Bradley and Hunter Bynum. Brandon Keys and Bradley, the point guard, are seniors.

“I expect Trent to have a good year.

He’s got experience,” Ashley said.

“When he’s focused on what we need him to do, he’s hard to stay in front of. When he plays to his strengths he could be tough to guard. That helps us.”

Bynum could also be a key if he plays to his potential.

“He can change a game more defensively than anybody we’ve got with his athleticism and active hands,” Ashley said. “We want him to make a conscious effort to play at a consistent, intense level regardless if his man has the ball. If he’s willing to work, there’s no telling how good he could be.”

2018 winter Sports Preview

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MYRTLE BASKETBALL

Photo by Brooke Gordon

2018-19 Myrtle Lady Hawk Basketball Team: Front row left - Chloe Kizer, Maggie Moody, Sarah Kate Thompson, Kinsley Gordon, Brianna Nugent, Breanna Smith, Avery Lollar, Trinity Enis. Back row left - Rose Dye, Munisa Hakimove, Amanda Watkins, Lexi Hutcheson, Jayde McDonald, Jasmine Kuykendall, Brittany Vanzant, Hannah Lauderdale, Kaitlyn Senn, Sierra Kiddy. Not Pictured: Charlize Williams, Amanda Decanter, Nataviuna Nugent, Shay Lipsey.

Greer returns to the Helm of Lady Hawks

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t’s been six years since Chris Greer coached girls high school basketball, but his enthusiasm for the sport didn’t fade during his time away.

Greer’s back this season coaching the Myrtle Lady Hawks and he’s looking forward to a lengthy stay.

“This might be the most in love I’ve ever been with it,” Greer said.

“I’ve watched more tape and thought more about it than I ever have. I’m really excited.

“We’ve got a great little junior high group who loves to play. One of them asked me, ‘Can we just practice all day?’ That’s what I love to hear. I’m one of these weird guys. I can about tell you what we’ve got from pre-K on. I keep up with it. I want to keep them interested.”

Greer coached many of his varsity players in junior high. One of those was talented freshman point guard Kinsley Gordon.

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2018 Winter Sports Preview

“Our junior high years with Coach Greer were really fun,” Gordon said during summer workouts. “I’m excited to see what the future holds for us.”

Gordon will be joined in the starting lineup by sophomore guard/forward Breanna Smith, sophomore guard Sarah Kate Thompson, sophomore forward Lexi Hutchenson and freshman center Charlize Williams.

Brittany Vanzant, a junior, and senior Brianna Nugent, are expected to see significant playing time. Another player, senior Jade McDonald, could work her way into the lineup.

“Some of the lineups will vary,” Greer said. “The first seven or eight could change. It goes up and down.”

Greer’s plan is to play up-tempo on offense.

“We’re going to try an push it for a layup every time,” he said. “If not, we’ve got some sets we’re going to run. It’s nothing fancy. We’re just

going to get after it. We have some height and hope to use the inside some.

“We’re putting in more offense than we ever have. They’re really adjusting. I’m proud of them. They are working hard. We’re ready for the season to start.”

Williams, 5-11, Hutchenson, 5-10 and Vanzant, 5-10, give the Lady Hawks the height Greer was alluding to.

One of Greer’s concerns will be how well his younger lineup handles its new offensive and defensive styles of play.

“Our concerns are handling the press, handling adversity,” he said.

“We need to improve on shooting from the outside. We’re playing some different defenses. They’re catching on.”

The Lady Hawks haven’t experienced a winning season since 2015-16.

MYRTLE BASKETBALL Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2018-19 Myrtle Hawk Basketball Team: Front row left - A.I. Nugent, Elijah Thompson, Evan Gann, Elijah Smith, J.T. Hudson, Elijah Ingram. Back row left - Carl Graham, Gabe Huffman, Greg Woods, Andrew Phillips, Jaden Taylor, Kyler Brazil, Hunter Baggett, Brody McCommon.

Myrtle Hawks not intimidated by Smaller size

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ob Browning won’t have a player in his Myrtle lineup taller than 5-foot-10. But that’s OK with the Hawks’ coach.

“We’re small, but that can be an advantage. We don’t look at it as a disadvantage,” he said. “We just have to be creative at what we do, especially against teams like Potts Camp, who have two kids over 6-4.

“Size is just a number. It’s no big deal to us.”

The Hawks, who are coming off an 8-21 season, have some experienced players back. The starting lineup will feature 5-6 point guard Elijah Ingram, 5-8 guard Jaden Taylor, 5-9 guard/ forward A.I. Nugent, 5-9 forward Evan Gann and 5-10 guard Elijah Thompson.

Elijah Smith, a 5-8 guard, 5-6 guard

J.T. Hudson and 5-10 guard Carl Graham provide key depth coming off the bench.

“Ideally, I’d want to be 10 deep,” Browning said. “I’ve got a lot of kids who don’t like to come off the floor, which is a good thing. They work hard in the gym so they can be in shape to not come off the floor. Our goal now is to get eight. You want enough that if you get in foul trouble, you can trust the people you put in.”

Taylor, Thompson and Ingram have potential to score on the perimeter.

“We’re going to try and get as much off the fastbreak as we can,” Browning said. “We’ve worked the last three years to become a fastertempo team. Last year, at times, we were really good at it. This summer we picked it up a little bit.”

Defensively, the Hawks will use a lot of pressure on opponents.

“My goal is for us to press a good bit,” Browning said. “That incorporates what we want to do on offense. Again, that comes with depth.

The question is: Can we play at that speed?”

Prior to last season, the Hawks won 60-plus games over three years.

Browning hopes for more Ws with his younger, but tested group.

“There were some games last year when we had three freshmen and an eighth grader on the floor,” he said.

“You realize then there are going to be some bumps in the road. A lot of these kids got a lot of playing time last year.

We had a productive summer. We got a lot better.”

2018 winter Sports Preview

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WEST UNION BASKETBALL

Photo courtesy of Karen Taylor

2018-19 West Union Lady Eagles Basketball Team: Front row left - Eden Conlee, Anna Grubbs, Allie Green, Jenny Thompson, Annie Orman, Mackenzie Morris. Back row left - Manager Claire Douell, Emma Callicutt, Ella Kate Taylor, Mary Greer, Samantha Stevens, Josie Baird, Anna Carwyle, Emma Carwyle, Sophie Hooker, Manager Jennah Morris.

Lady Eagles to be tested by tough schedule

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est Union’s first-year coach, J.C. Hayles, wants to see his young team tested before Division 2-1A play begins.

How about this early-season schedule: New Albany, North Pontotoc, Lafayette County, Ingomar, Potts Camp, Baldwyn, Blue Mountain and Pine Grove. Ingomar and Pine Grove are defending state champions.

“We have a tough schedule early on, but I hope that pays some dividends later in the season,” Hayles said. “At the end of the year I want to be playing right at the right time. Our schedule is set up that way, to make it tough early on and make the division schedule not look easier, but help us be more prepared.”

The Lady Eagles return four sophomores and three freshmen from a team that finished 11-24 last season, but reached the postseason.

One of those players is sophomore 5-foot-5 guard Annie Orman, the team’s

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leading scorer last season. She averaged 16.6 points per game.

“It’s no secret, Annie Orman makes us go,” Hayles said. “There are some things she needs to get better at, seeing the floor and playing without the basketball.”

Another sophomore, guard Sophie Hooker, doesn’t score a lot, but her presence is felt on the floor, Hayles said.

“Good things happen when she’s on the floor,” he said. “She’s got to find a way to score, come up with a loose ball.”

Sophomore guards Eden Conlee and Mary Greer, along with freshman point guard Ella Kate Taylor, freshman guard Emma Callicutt and freshman forward Anna Carwyle, are being counted on to contribute.

Two experienced seniors return in 5-9 post/forward Allie Green and 5-8 guard Jenny Thompson. Green averaged 10.1

points and 7.4 rebounds per game last year. Thompson averaged 5.2 points and 4.8 boards.

“Allie Green, even though she is our tallest player, she’s one of our better outside shooters,” Hayles said.

“Jenny’s athleticism makes up for some of the taller post players she’ll have to defend.”

Another senior is forward Anna Grubbs and the lone junior is guard Samantha Stevens.

“I’ve been pretty tough on them with our conditioning and strength program,” Hayles said. “We’ve had a lot of competitive practices and they’ve really accepted it. I’ve seen a lot of heart and not any quit in them. I’m really excited about that.”

Thompson believes Hayles has the team prepared for success.

“He’s definitely got us in shape,” she said. “This season should be a lot of fun.”

WEST UNION BASKETBALL Photo courtesy of Karen Taylor

2018-19 West Union Eagles Basketball Team: Front row left - Jon Paul Porter, Levi Floyd, Isaiah High, Wesley Harrell, Josh Kent. Middle row left - Boo Robertson, Brandon Phillips, Caleb Graves, Cole Phillips, Sam Callicutt, Dylan Ewing.

Back row left - Braden Willard, Jacob Sanford, Wil Bunch, Jerod McDonald, Luke Willard, Ryder Willard.

West Union Looks to be tenacious competition

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est Union’s road to Jackson got a lot tougher when the MHSAA changed its postseason format: sending only two teams from each region instead of four.

Timbo Henderson, the Eagles’ seventh-year coach, says the decision was a shot in the heart.

“We felt like going to Jackson was a legitimate goal for us this year,” he said. “I thought we had a shot if they take four.”

Henderson isn’t waving a white flag, however. He knows he has the team that can compete for a trip to the Mississippi Coliseum and the Class 1A state tournament Final Four.

“We can’t cry about it. Our motto this year is: ‘Don’t matter, get better,’’’ he said. “We want to be a competitor this year on the state level. That’s the road we’re taking. We still feel like we have a shot to get down there.”

Henderson’s confidence is boosted by the return of three experienced and talented players: 5-foot-11 senior guard Cole Phillips, 6-foot senior guard Ryder Willard and 6-2 junior guard/forward Luke Willard. Phillips averaged 14 points per game last season while Luke Willard averaged 10 points.

“Cole is one of the better athletes we’ve had here,” Henderson said. “He can shoot it. He has days when he gets hot and I’m in awe of his shooting ability. He’s somebody we’re going to lean on to score.

“Luke’s another good athlete.

He’s worked his tail off in the weight room. He’s a dual threat inside and outside.”

The key, Henderson says, will be the play of Ryder Willard.

“Ryder is going be the one who drives our ship,” the coach said. “As he goes, a lot of times we go. He

doesn’t want that pressure. I’ve talked with him about it. If he stays mentally tough and stays positive, then I’ll feel good about our chances.”

There are some unknowns headed into the season.

One of those is 6-7 senior forward/ post Wil Bunch, who sat out last season after transferring. Junior 5-9 guard Bo Robertson didn’t play this summer while recovering from a baseball injury. Sophomore 5-11 guard Caleb Graves suffered a broken leg early last season, but is expected to play.

Other players expected to see action are juniors – 5-8 guard Sam Callicutt, 6-3 forward Jerod McDonald and 6-0 guard/forward Braden Willard.

“We have some players who are tested – Ryder, Luke, Cole,” Henderson said. “We’ve got some who’ve never played, but I think we’ve got a good mix.”

2018 winter Sports Preview

21

EAST UNION STATE CHAMPS

East Union Lady Urchins

file photo

The East Union Lady Urchins won their third consecutive Class I Girls Powerlifting Championship in April 2018. The Lady Urchins are coached by Scott Duley.

Class I Girls Powerlifting Champions 2018

22

2018 Winter Sports Preview

file photo

The Ingomar Lady Falcons won their third consecutive State Basketball Championship in March 2018. The Lady Falcons are coached by Trent Adair and Katherine Downing.

Class 2A Girls Basketball State Champions 2018

2018 winter Sports Preview

23

INGOMAR STATE CHAMPS

Ingomar Lady Falcons

EAST UNION STATE CHAMPS

East Union Urchins

file photo

The East Union Urchins won the MHSAA Class I Boys Bowling State Championship in 2018. This was the first title for the Urchins since 2010 and their fourth title overall. The Urchins are coached by Brian Browning.

Class I Boys Bowling Champions 2018

24

2018 Winter Sports Preview

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2018 winter Sports Preview

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2018 Winter Sports Preview

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2018 Winter Sports Preview

Hours: Monday - Wednesday: 8 A.M. - 5 P.M. Thursday: 8 A.M. - 8 P.M. Friday: 8 A.M. - 12 P.M.

2018-2019 Cheerleaders

CHEERLEADERS Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2018-19 New Albany Basketball Cheerleaders: Front row left - Hannah Harris, Laura Ruth Welborn, Bailey Robertson, Madeline Blackburn, Heaven Freeman, Jodi Parks, Chyolanda Carodine. Back row left - Riley Allred, Montana Bullwinkel, Charlsie Stacks, Gracie Stanford, Meredith Prescott, Chloe Cobb, Chloe Amos, Anna Tarrant, Molly Keener, Molly Beth White. Not pictured - Maggie Scott.

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2018-19 East Union Urchin Cheerleaders: Front row left - Dakota Hines, Katie Sherwood, Addison Clayton, Katie Gentry, Jessie Roberts, Savannah Greer, Mary Herod, Jessley Wages. Middle row left - Anna Mims, Kirsten Hitt, Kylie Rackley, Bella Roberts, Chloe Greenhill, Abbie Niemenen, Sierra Good, Tristan Dye. Back row left - Isaiah Sheffield, Emma Akins, Laura Cobb, Whitney Grimes, Annalise Bailey, Taylor Oliver, Brooklyn Shelton, Anna Liz Ray, Brooklyn Goad, Tyler Chadwick.

2018 winter Sports Preview

29

CHEERLEADERS

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2018-19 Myrtle Hawk Basketball Cheerleaders: Front row left - Sierra Robbins, Maggie Moody, Memory Hutcheson, Haleigh Jamison, Allie Brooke Rodgers, Lily Jeter, Mollie Moody. Back row left - Sarah Kate Thompson, Alana Holguin, Isabella Robinson, Cailyn Rape, Kinzie Claire Waits, Cloe Hogue, Rebekah Medlin, HaleyThomas.

Photo by Trent

2018-19 West Union West Union Basketball Cheerleaders: Front row left - Macy Whittington, Kristin Anderson, Parker Childers, Nathalie Naranjo, Jordan Thomas. Back row left - Harley Sullivan, Madison Bennett, Laken Carwyle, Emma Howard, Madi Fetter, Sydney Sanders, Ella Kate Taylor.

30

2018 Winter Sports Preview

CHEERLEADERS Photo by Dana Hall

2018-19 Ingomar Falcon Basketball Cheerleaders: Front row left - Co-captain-Jordan Gooch, Captain-Emily Sweatt.

Middle row left - Carlisle Smithey, Alex Seger, Chloe Grubbs, Maddy Sanford, Katelyn Jolly, Emma Bramlett. Back row left - Maryana Smith, Rylie Ozbirn, Sydney Hill, Kathryn Smith, Hailee Alexander, Taylor Browning.

Photo by Dana Hall

2018-19 Ingomar Falcon Pom Squad: Front row left - Carlisle Smithey, Katelyn Jolly, Chloe Grubbs, Maddy Sanford, Taylor Browning. Back row left - Madi Nobles, Paige Boyd, Hailey Wicker, Lila Stanton, Julia Weeden, Hailee Alexander.

2018 winter Sports Preview

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2018 Winter Sports Preview

East Union Powerlifting

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2018-19 East Union Urchin Powerlifting Team: From left - Caleb Harper, Alejandro Valles, Sam Murry, Jesse Crump, Micah Fulgham, Bryce McLellen, Ty Walton, Eli Hodges, Zach Rhodes.

2018 winter Sports Preview

33

EAST UNION POWERLIFTING

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2018-19 East Union Lady Urchin Powerlifting Team: Front row left - Jessley Wages, Jessie Roberts, Carrie Wilkinson, Maggie McVey, Sylvie McVey, Kaitie Boatner, Mary Herod. Back row left - Emma Wages, Yilah Isby, Liz Hall, Coach Scott Duley, Mia Hutcheson, Emma Boatner, Madison Treadaway, Harleigh Wheelington.

BOWLING

2018-2019 Bowling

Photo by Todd Lott

2018-19 New Albany Bulldog Bowling Team: Front row left - Mentore Woods, Ashley Sanders, Christiana Rowan, Precious Moore. Back row left - Joshua White, Matthew White, Ross Rutherford, Noah Gray, Randy Trullet, Makayla Lewis.

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2018-19 East Union Urchin Bowling Team: Front row left - Sarah Denton, Madison Yarbrough, Casey Renner, Lizzie Cisowski, Brooklyn Hunt, Brandi Mooneyham, Lydia Benjamin, Kelsey Treadaway, Leah Jeter. Middle row left - Levi Johnson, Dennis Sparks, Kaleb Pannell, Mikyra Sparks, Kayleigh Williams, Taylor Hunt, Jaelynn Adams, Caleb Bishop, Levi Orman, Greyson Blair. Back row left - Noah Nieminen; Mason Timmons; Ethan Brooks; Josh Henderson; Logan Akins; Skyler Hunt; Kadin Owens; Bryant White; Connor Bishop; Deven Coghlan. Not pictured Macy Hitt, Kirstan Hall, Emily Hall, Jordan Agnew.

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2018 Winter Sports Preview

2018-2019 Bowling

BOWLING Photo by Brooke Gordon

2018-19 Myrtle Hawk Bowling Team: Front row left - Haley Thomas, Cloe Hogue, Isabella Robinson, Amanda Watkins, Kinsley Gordon, Gracie Martin, Breanna Smith. Back row left - Chris Rocha, Evan Gann, Blake McNeal, Dylan Gaines, Jaden Taylor, Ethen Hunt, Luke Gaines, Gage Enis, Paxton Gordon, Charles Hefner.

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2018-19 West Union Bowling Team: Front row left - Coach Kathy Clark, Heather Killough, Laney Robbins, Abby Clark, Summer Killough, Taylor Dawe, Lacy Raines. Back row left - Christopher Shaffer, Easton Bogue, Carson Guerra, Cooper Guerra, Dustin Gadd, David Clayton, Jacob Isbell, Coach Rodney Clark. Not pictured - Molly Porter, Chance Jarvis, Daniel Cross.

2018 winter Sports Preview

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2018 winter Sports Preview

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Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2018-19 New Albany Lady Bulldog Soccer Team: Front row left - Bessy Sauceda, Kimberly Ramirez, Giselle Rojas, Amanda Contreras, Rosa Lopez, Alison Villanueva, Marbella Ortega, Maria Favela. Middle row left - Maggie Jo Everett, Callie Robbins, Annalyn Hogue, Claudia Jeter, Sammie Jo Doyle, Ingrid Ojeda, Kylie Jo Dains, Nayely Urzua. Back row left Coach Bert Anderson, Jackie Ramirez, Caroline King, Katherine Gonzalez, Lauren Whiteside, Cameron Stout, Scarlet Gamez, Mia Regalado, Catherine Truemper, Jocelyn Urzua. Not pictured: Kaitlin Horne, Kimberly Huerta.

NEW ALBANY SOCCER

Lady Bulldogs lineup will feature new faces

T

he New Albany Lady Bulldog soccer team will feature lots of new faces on the pitch as Coach Bert Anderson will regroup his team after losing eight players that have played significant roles for the past 3-4 years to graduation. New Albany finished 2018 with a 10-10 record overall and a 4-4 record in Division 1-4A which placed them in third.

Anderson will take the biggest hit in his offensive end as most of his top scorers from a couple of seasons have departed.

“As far as game experience, we have several players that have seen playing time coming off the bench, but now they are going to have to assume a starting role which is a little bit more stressful and they will have a little bit more pressure to be able to start the game,” Anderson said. “It’s

38

2018 Winter Sports Preview

a little easier when you come off the bench and everybody else has already settled into the game and you come in and add a little bit to it. They will have to set the pace this season.”

Callie Robbins and Maria Favela are seniors and should play most of the 80 minutes in each contest for the Lady Bulldogs this year.

“Maria has been with us going on five years now and she will be looked at to be a coach on the field,” Anderson said. “Callie has been with us four years and will be looked at to help us step up on the back line.”

With the departure of Sanders Goode, Josh Hill and Carey Beth Doyle, the Bulldogs lost most of their goal-scorers from the past two years and Anderson hope to have several players step up and contribute offensively by scoring four to five

goals to spread the points out evenly.

“As far as offensively we are looking to Annalyn Hogue and Katherine Gonzalez up top or in the midfield,” Anderson said. “Our midfield will be a rotation of Maria, Katherine and Maggie Jo Everett. Maggie Jo has been more of a holding midfielder in the past, but we are looking to see more scoring for her.”

Caroline King and Robbins will be key players on the backline for New Albany and Anderson is looking for a couple of his younger players to step up and assume a role there.

“As far a keeper, that’s another spot that may be by committee, we haven’t had anyone that has played any significant time, but we have some athletic girls could possibly step in and play there.”

Dennis Clayton/Gazette Staff

2018-19 New Albany Bulldog Soccer Team: Front row left - Reed Taylor, Eli Mejia, Jorge Favela, Max Spencer, Bryan Betancourt, Omar Gonzalez, Hector Marcial, Whitt Robbins, Ruben Vera, Jorge Perez, Elian Cuellar. Middle row left Cade Huffman, Uriel Aguirre, Ricardo Cuevas, John Davis, Alejandro Rodriguez, Wilmer Magana, Edwin Patino, Cristian Perez, Joao Boiko, Parker Clayton, Dillan Reynoso, J.D. Campbell. Back row left - Ken Olson, Jaime Ramirez, Ruben Pantoja, Gray Goode, Carlos Romero, John Welborn, Ray Bright, Braulio Cuellar, Brian Romero, Addison Ziegler, Leo Contreras, Daniel Avila.

Bulldogs stronger physically, mentally in 2018 and better technically and tactically.

I’m excited to see the product we put on the field.”

The Bulldogs will have a lot of depth this year as several of the returners have seen a great deal of quality playing time.

“We’ve got a lot of guys coming back with a lot of experience because last year we had a lot of young guys playing, so it’s good to have the experience coming back, but we play in a really tough division and we play a really tough schedule, so it’s going to take 18-20 kids playing to have a successful year,” said Vogel.

The Bulldogs will look to several players at the forward position and midfield that can put the ball in the back of the net.

“In the attack, Danny Avila is our leading goal scorer returning, so we look for some good things from him,” Vogel said. “We’ve also got Kenley

Olson and Addison Ziegler that will play on the wings for us and we are looking for some goals from them. I am hoping to have six or seven other kids that will give contributions on offense.

New Albany will return John MacGregor Davis, Max Spencer and Cristian Perez in the center midfield plus freshman Eli Mejia.

Braulio Cuellar, Brian Gonzalez, Jeremiah Gardner return to defend for the Bulldogs which is the same backline from last season. John Wright Welborn and Ray Bright will compete for the keeper position.

“I think across the board we have a team of leaders who at any given time are prepared to step up,” Vogel said.

“From our seniors to our freshmen, they understand it’s about what is best for the team.”

2018 winter Sports Preview

39

NEW ALBANY SOCCER

T

he New Albany Bulldog Soccer team played in the highly competitive Division 1-4A and tied for second with a 5-3 record.

Coach Caryl Vogel returns most of his starters and key players which has the Bulldogs poised to do big things this season.

“I’m very excited to see the boys play this season,” Vogel said. “They have worked extremely hard this preseason, throughout the summer and have been driven since the end of last season.”

New Albany finished the 2017-18 season with a goal differential of 37 goals scored against 35 goals allowed which translates into some very close and highly-competitive matches.

“We were on the short end of a lot of close results last year and I think that adversity has created a mentally strong group prepared to battle,” Vogel said. “We have gotten stronger, faster

East Union Basketball October 27 @ Ingomar Jamboree November 6 @ Jumpertown 9 @ Pine Grove 13 Hickory Flat 15-16 @ Wheeler Tourney 19-20 @ New Albany Tourney 27 @ Ingomar 30 @ Falkner December 4 West Union 7 @ South Pontotoc 11 @ Smithville 14 @ Myrtle 17 @ Tremont 18 Blue Mountain January 8 New Albany 10-12 Union County Tourney (at Ingomar) 15 Myrtle 18 Walnut 22 Baldwyn 25 @ Strayhorn 29 @ New Site February 1 Ingomar 5 @ West Union 7 Wheeler

New Albany Basketball

GIRLS SCHEDULES

November 1 West Union (Classic) 6 Itawamba (Classic) 8 @ Kossuth 10 @ Lewisburg Tournament 13 @ South Pontotoc 15 @ Pontotoc 19-20 Picayune Tounament 27 @ Lewisburg 30 @ Myrtle December 4 @ Byhalia 7 Tishomingo County 11 @ West Union 14 Ripley 21 @ Senatobia 27-28 @ West Union Tourney January 4 Corinth 8 @ East Union 10-12 Union County Tourney (at Ingomar) 15 @ Tishomingo County 18 @ Ripley 22 Byhalia 25 Senatobia 29 @ Corinth February 5 @ Alcorn Central 7 @ Ingomar

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2018 Winter Sports Preview

Ingomar Basketball

Myrtle Basketball

November 3 @ Ashland 6 Houlka 8 Potts Camp (at West Union) 9 West Union (at West Union) 10 Lafayette (at West Union) 13 @ Ripley 15 @ Hickory Flat 16 West Union 19 South Panola 27 East Union 30 @ Pine Grove December 1 West Tallahatchie 4 @ East Webster 6 @ Lafayette 11 @ Houlka 14 @ North Pontotoc 18 Center Hill 21 Tremont (at Hoosier Gym) January 4 Myrtle 5 @ Pontotoc 8 @ Houston 10-12 Union County Tourney 15 New Site 18 Baldwyn 19 @Mid MS Challenge 22 Strayhorn 25 @ Walnut 29 Belmont February 1 @East Union 4 Biggersville 7 New Albany

October 27 @ Alcorn Central Jamboree November 1 @ Mantachie 6 Mooreville 8 @ Smithville 10 @ Lewisburg 13 Vardaman 16 Hatley 17 @ New Site Tournament 27 @ Blue Mountain 30 @ New Albany December 4 @ Tremont 7 @ Thrasher 11 Nettleton 14 East Union 18 Walnut 21 @ North Pontotoc January 3 @ Coffeeville 4 @ Ingomar 8 @ HW Byers 10-12 Union County Tourney 15 @ East Union 18 West Union 22 @ Falkner 25 @ Hickory Flat 29 Potts Camp February 1Ashland 5Houlka

West Union Basketball October 27 @ Ingomar Jamboree November 1 @ New Albany 6 North Pontotoc 8 South Pontotoc 9 Ingomar 10 Lafayette 12 Blue Mountain 13 Baldwyn 16 @ Ingomar 27 @ Tremont 30 Walnut December 4 @ East Union 7 Pine Grove 11 New Albany 14 @ Water Valley 27-28 West Union Tournament January 4 @ North Pontotoc 8 Potts Camp 10-12 Union County Tourney 15 Ashland 18 Myrtle 22 Hickory Flat 24 Alcorn Central 29 HW Byers February 1 Falkner 4 Jumpertown 5 East Union

New Albany Soccer November 3 Lewisburg Classic 9 @ New Hope 10 Corinth 13 Center Hill 16 Lake Cormorant 17 Lafayette 26 Oxford (JV only) 27 @ Ripley 30 @ Saltillo December 4 Mooreville 7 @ Amory 11 Pontotoc 14 @ Itawamba AHS 15 @ Senatobia 20 North Pontotoc January 4 @ Lewisburg 5 DeSoto Central 8 @ Mooreville 11 @ Pontotoc 12 JV Round Robin - New Albany, Pontotoc, Amory @ New Albany 15 Itawamba AHS 18 @ Hernando 22 Amory 24 Tishomingo County

East Union Basketball October 27 @ Ingomar Jamboree November 6 @ Jumpertown 9 @ Pine Grove 13 Hickory Flat 15-16 @ Wheeler Tourney 19-20 @ New Albany Tourney 27 @ Ingomar 30 @ Falkner December 4 West Union 7 @ South Pontotoc 11 @ Smithville 14 @ Myrtle 17 @ Tremont 18 Blue Mountain January 8 New Albany 10-12 Union County Tourney (at Ingomar) 15 Myrtle 18 Walnut 22 Baldwyn 25 @ Strayhorn 26 @ Hotbed Classic (New Albany) 29 @ New Site February 1 Ingomar 5 @ West Union 7 Wheeler

New Albany Basketball

Myrtle Basketball

November 3 @ Ashland 6 Houlka 8 South Pontotoc (at W.U.) 9 West Union (at W.U.) 10 Lafayette (at W.U.) 13 @ Ripley 15 @ Hickory Flat 16 West Union 19 Madison Central (at Oxford) 27 East Union 30 @ Pine Grove December 1 West Tallahatchie 4 @ East Webster 6 @ Lafayette 11 @ Houlka 14 @ North Pontotoc 18 Center Hill 21 Tremont January 4 Myrtle 5 Tangle Tournament 8 @ Houston 10-12 Union County Tourney 15 New Site 18 Baldwyn 22 Strayhorn 25 @ Walnut 26 Hotbed Classic 29 Belmont February 1 @ East Union 4 Biggersville 7 New Albany

October 27 @ Alcorn Central Jamboree November 1 @ Mantachie 6 Mooreville 8 @ Smithville 10 @ Lewisburg 13 Vardaman 16 Hatley 27 @ Blue Mountain 30 @ New Albany December 4 @ Tremont 7 @ Thrasher 11 Nettleton 14 East Union 18 Walnut 21 @ North Pontotoc 27-28 @ West Union Christmas Tournament January 4 @ Ingomar 8 @ HW Byers 10-12 Union County Tourney 15 @ East Union 18 West Union 22 @ Falkner 25 @ Hickory Flat 26 Hotbed Classic 29 Potts Camp February 1 Ashland 5 Houlka

West Union Basketball October 27 @ Ingomar Jamboree November 1 @ New Albany 6 North Pontotoc 8 South Pontotoc 9 Ingomar 10 Lafayette 12 Blue Mountain 13 Baldwyn 16 @ Ingomar 27 @ Tremont 30 Walnut December 4 @ East Union 7 Pine Grove 11 New Albany 14 @ Water Valley 20-2 New Site Tournament 27-28 West Union Tournament January 4 @ North Pontotoc 8 Potts Camp 10-12 Union County Tourney 15 Ashland 18 Myrtle 22 Hickory Flat 24 Alcorn Central 26 Hotbed Classic 29 HW Byers February 1 Falkner 4 Jumpertown 5 East Union

New Albany Soccer November 3 Lewisburg Classic 9 @ New Hope 10 Corinth 13 Center Hill 16 Lake Cormorant 17 Lafayette 26 Oxford (JV only) 27 @ Ripley 30 @ Saltillo December 4 Mooreville 7 @ Amory 11 Pontotoc 14 @ Itawamba AHS 15 @ Senatobia 20 North Pontotoc January 4 @ Lewisburg 5 DeSoto Central 8 @ Mooreville 11 @ Pontotoc 12 JV Round Robin - New Albany, Pontotoc, Amory @ New Albany 15 Itawamba AHS 18 @ Hernando 22 Amory 24 Tishomingo County

2018 winter Sports Preview

BOYS SCHEDULES

November 1 West Union (Classic) 6 Itawamba (Classic) 8 @ Kossuth 13 @ South Pontotoc 15 @ Pontotoc 27 @ Lewisburg 30 @ Myrtle December 4 @ Byhalia 7 Tishomingo County 11 @ West Union 14 Ripley 21 @ Senatobia 27-28 @ West Union Tourney January 4 Corinth 8 @ East Union 10-12 Union County Tourney (at Ingomar) 15 @ Tishomingo County 18 @ Ripley 22 Byhalia 25 Senatobia 26 Hotbed Classic 29 @ Corinth February 5 @ Alcorn Central 7 @ Ingomar

Ingomar Basketball

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2018 Winter Sports Preview

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Trai t o o f e ngl

Ta

Civic Center

BNA Pa

rk

Welcome Home to New Albany R 43

iverFest

2018 Winter Sports Preview

Mayor Tim Kent & the Board of Aldermen

Spray P

ark

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2018 Winter Sports Preview