Archives for May 2017

#68: Tupelo, Mooreville bring home state titles – 05/23/17

May 23, 2017 by Brad Locke Leave a Comment

The 2016-17 high school sports season came to a close in Pearl over the weekend with the playing of the baseball state championships. Northeast Mississippi sent six teams to Trustmark Park – one in each of the six MHSAA classifications – and two brought home the hardware.

On this episode, Brad and Gene look back at the wins by Tupelo (6A) and Mooreville (3A). The Golden Wave won their first title since 1993 in a tight series with Gulfport (1:51), with Josh Smith’s stellar pitching effort helping clinch it. The series was emblematic of this team, which under second-year coach Justin Reed used strong pitching and timely offense all season long.

The Troopers won title No. 9 but their first since 2005 (9:35), when the legendary Rex Berryman was still coach. Current coach Derek Thompson’s crew had a lot of heroes in the two-game sweep of Seminary, which ended with an extra-innings win.

The guys also take a quick look at the other four championship series (13:49).

And now that the spring sports are done, Gene will turn his attention toward assembling the Daily Journal’s All-Area baseball and softball teams, of which he gives an early preview (15:41). Also, for the last time ’til August, we have an Athlete of the Week (20:40).

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#67: Area well-represented at baseball championships – 05/17/17

May 17, 2017 by Brad Locke Leave a Comment

The baseball state finals are underway at Trustmark Park in Pearl, and Northeast Mississippi has a team in each series. Gene Phelps is there, and he has updates and previews.

On Tuesday, Smithville lost Game 1 of its Class 1A series against Nanih Waiya (2:08). Mooreville got off to a good start versus Seminary in 3A (4:33), while defending 5A champ Oxford couldn’t hold a late lead against Pearl River Central (7:56).

Other Game 1s were set for Wednesday, including Tupelo, which must take on a power-hitting Gulfport squad in 6A (9:41). East Union looks to repeat in 2A against Loyd Star (12:44), while Corinth is making its first trip to the finals since 1985 but must face Jerry Boatner’s West Lauderdale powerhouse (15:10).

Gene and Brad also recap the state softball championships from last week. Tupelo won its first title behind the play of Ivy Watts (17:58), and Mooreville repeated as Hallie Donald dominated in the pitcher’s circle (20:22).

In coaching news, Mooreville promoted Jimmy Young to head coach of its football program (21:32). He replaces John Keith, he left after one season to return to the Tupelo staff.

And finally, Brad presents the Athletes of the Week (22:52).

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#66: Tupelo softball, baseball making deep playoff runs – 05/10/17

May 10, 2017 by Brad Locke Leave a Comment

The Tupelo softball and baseball teams are both making deep runs in the state playoffs. On this episode, Brad is joined by guest co-host Braden Bishop, sports information director for Tupelo High School.

Braden looks at the Lady Wave’s unlikely run to the Class 6A state finals (2:13). Led by coach Dana Rhea and a core senior group, it’s uncharted territory for Tupelo softball. Game 1 against Harrison Central is on Thursday in Ridgeland.

The THS baseball squad, meanwhile, has reached the state semifinals, where it will face division foe Hernando starting Thursday (8:02). The Golden Wave are 3-0 against Hernando this year, but Braden says the Tigers field a formidable squad. Tupelo will continue to rely on strong starting pitching and an offense that gets contributions throughout the lineup.

Brad and Braden also take a glance at other softball finals being played this week (6:58), as well as some key baseball matchups (13:47).

Tupelo has also done well on the golf course, with the boys and girls both bringing home state championships last week (15:17). Area tennis teams have fared well, also (18:09).

And the show wraps up with the Athletes of the Week (19:44).

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#65: Tupelo teams keep on winning – 05/03/17

May 3, 2017 by Brad Locke Leave a Comment

It’s postseason madness right now, with teams aiming for state titles in baseball, softball, golf and other sports.

On this episode, Brad and Blake look back at the latest round of the softball playoffs. Tupelo overcame another 1-0 series deficit to advance in Class 6A (1:32), while Mooreville took down rival Nettleton in 3A action (4:06).

On the baseball diamond, Tupelo is coming off a sweep of Warren Central and now must face DeSoto Central in the state quarterfinals this weekend (7:56). The guys also look at some other key matchups.

Sticking with a Golden Wave theme, the girls golf team brought home its first state title after rallying past D’Iberville on Tuesday (10:30). Michaela Bryan and Margaret Hill led the way for Tupelo.

In out-of-season news, longtime Pontotoc girls basketball coach Bill Russell left to take the same post at South Pontotoc (12:45), and two local football standouts have made verbal commitments to Mississippi State (15:52).

The guys also honor the Athletes of the Week (19:40).

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