Sports Rewind 2021

Crossroads Magazine

2020-21 Sports Rewind Edition

Biggersville wins 1A state boys basketball title A PRODUCT OF THE DAILY CORINTHIAN

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Crossroads Magazine

WHAT’S INSIDE

SPORTS REWIND 2021

Corinth Cross Country ‘dynasty’ sweeps titles again

EDITORIAL

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Publisher

Biggersville wins state title on historic 3-point shot

Reece Terry Editor

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Mark Boehler

Lions cap finest season in school history with appearance in title game

Contributors

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Kent Mohundro

Warriors earn second straight football division title

Tee Rage Protraits Randy J Williams

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Corinth captures first division crown in three years

Chris Todd Keith Jackson

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Special thanks to the many parents, coaches and school administration who assisted.

Lady Lions win division tournament, advance to state semifinals PAGE 33

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Kossuth earns another state bowling championship

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Derinda Nunley

Lady Aggies ‘dance’ their way to first state title

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Kenny Carson

Lady Aggies win second cross country state title

Creative Designer

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Kossuth advances to state title game for second time in three years

Katie Krawczak

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ON THE COVER

Alcorn County schools earn six more titles, eclipsing century mark

The Biggersville Lions accept the Class 1A basketball state championship trophy in Jackson.

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Warriors, Lady Aggies win 2021 ACT titles

Photo by Randy J. Williams PAGE 4

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CROSS COUNTRY

‘DYNASTY’ Corinth’s Parker LeGoff (574) finished third in the MHSAA Class 4A State Cross Country Meet on Nov. 2, 2020, on the Watson Cross Country Course at Choctaw Trails in Jackson.

Photo by Chris Todd

Corinth sweeps titles again

By KENT MOHUNDRO

kmohundro@dailycorinthian.com

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word dynasty is described as “a powerful group or family that maintains its position for a considerable time.”

Granted, when one hears the word dynasty they normally think of ancient rulers and countries that dominated the world. But in modern times, dynasty often refers to a sporting team that seems to win championships nearly every year.

The South Panola football dynasty is a prime example of the modern-day use of the word. And now the Corinth Cross Country program is well on its way to becoming a dynasty as well.

Entering the 2020 season the Warriors and Lady Warriors cross country teams each owned 10 state titles, all coming since 2003. In addition, Corinth has captured seven sweeps of the boys and girls titles in the same year.

Now they have eight sweeps.

2020-21 Class 4A State Cross Country Champions Corinth Warriors and Lady Warriors

Second-year head coach Luke Hatcher, along with recently retired coach Deb Parker, guided Corinth back to the state championships – after they won both the regular season and division titles – and watched with pleasure as their squads did it again.

The Warriors traveled to Choctaw Trails in Clinton on Monday, Nov. 2, 2020 with the same goal in mind as always … bring home the gold.

“I think anyone who was around cross country this year would agree it was a year unlike any other,” said Hatcher, “but never once did it take away the ability for our athletes to compete and push themselves to new heights with each workout and each race.”

Keeping student/athletes safe was the number one priority this season, even more so than winning a state title.

“You can’t win if you can’t run,” said the CHS coach. “We did everything in our power to keep the kids safe with screen PAGE 8

checks and temperature checks. We even had them in certain small pace groups so if something did happen we could trace it back to a certain group or even a certain athlete.”

Hatcher said despite the challenges, “our summer base training miles were logged when the season started on August 29 at the Brooks Invitational in Florence (Ala).”

The Warriors opened the 2020 cross country season in what Hatcher described as “muddy conditions” as rain had pelted the area for two days prior to the event. Despite the wet terrain, Corinth had a great showing before moving on to the South Pontotoc and Mooreville meets.

“Those particular days were extremely hot,” Hatcher recalled, “which didn’t bode well for finishing times. But it did teach our younger runners how to race under difficult circumstances.”

The Saltillo meet fell on a crisp, cool CROSSROADS MAGAZIN E

autumn morning which served greatly in producing some record times for CHS runners.

“We had several runners set PR’s (personal records) at Saltillo mostly because of the pleasant weather conditions,” Hatcher continued.

The coach noted that the varsity girls team produced a sub-20 minute 5K while others posted personal records 30 seconds faster than their previous best times.

The first Saturday in October saw Corinth travel to Jackson to compete in the Watson High School meet.

“I thought it was a great opportunity for us,” said Hatcher, “because it was on the state championship course and because there was some fantastic competition. The kids called it ‘fake state’ since it was where the state championships would be held a month later. There were some changes made to the course so it was fortunate we were able to run on it prior to the state meet.” www.mycrossroadsmagazine.com

The Warriors won the division one race by 11 points which was a huge accomplishment and proved they could race well and compete on the new course.

The Lady Warriors “demolished the new course” said Hatcher, finishing 88 points ahead of the second-place team.

In an interesting note concerning both Corinth squads, Hatcher said, “our girls have this tendency to steadily get better throughout the race. They will start in a good position and then finish in a great position. On the other hand, the boys usually go out quick and position themselves where they need to be in the first mile and hold on from there to end the race.

“Two very different strategies but the same great outcome.”

The Region 1-4A meet once again saw both Warrior teams shine.

“Our girls placed 10 inside the top 14 www.mycrossroadsmagazine.com

meaning we had 10 girls named All-Region,” said the proud coach. “We had two girls finish 1-2 as Andi Kate Holley was first and was named individual girls champion while Emma Hall placed second.”

Other Lady Warriors named All-Region were Elsie Wilbanks (4th), Catherine Grisham (5th), Sheridan Shipp (6th), Adelyn Mathis (7th), Odilia Pascual (8th), Madison Gates (9th) and Rachel Williams (14th).

The Warriors followed suit, taking the top two spots as Parker LeGoff placed first and was named boys individual champion while Will Wayne took second.

In all nine Corinth boys runners were named All-Division including John Thomas Draper (5th), Will Steward (7th), Lisandro Martin-Pascual (10th), Ricardo Venegas (11th), George Davis (12th), Chase Drewery (13th and Andrew Ayala (14th).

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“I think anyone who was around cross country this year would agree it was a year unlike any other, but never once did it take away the ability for our athletes to compete and push themselves to new heights with each workout and each race.”

LUKE HATCHER

Corinth cross country head coach

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“It was a really fun race to watch,” said Hatcher, “Not only because our runners did really well but also because there were streams of red jerseys running together.”

According to the head coach, the only runners allowed to train prior to the state meet are the ones selected to be on the state meet bus.

“Thankfully we had a whole week of training leading up to the state meet,” he said. “Everyone selected was chosen due to where they raced the entire year and where their times fell. It was a fun and tough week as we cranked up the intensity. But we also let off the volume getting the kids ready so they could reach their peak performance at state.”

Besides the seven boys and seven girls runners selected to compete at the state meet there were also six boys alternates as well as six girls. They were there for support but also to be able to step in and run in case someone fell sick or was injured.

On the day of the state championships, “warmups went smoothly as legs got warmed up and nervousness and anxiety built in our kids,” Hatcher said, “the weather was perfect as 17 teams toed the line to chase the gold.”

Girls ran first at 1 p.m. while the boys began 40 minutes later.

When the gun fired, beginning the girls race, 119 young ladies took off toward the 3.1-mile finish line with several Lady Warriors helping to lead the way.

When the final girls crossed the finish line, and the points were totaled, the Lady Warriors were declared the class 4A champions, finishing 41 points ahead of runner-up Mooreville.

Holley and Hall both finished in the top four, with Holley placing third for the bronze medal as Hall was right behind in fourth.

Wilbanks finished in eighth giving the Corinth girls three All-State runners.

Rounding out the CHS finishers were Shipp in 16th, Grisham in 18th, Lauren Beech in 19th and Mathis in 45th.

Photo by Chris Todd

Corinth’s Emma Hall (567) finished third in the Class 4A State Cross Country Meet on Nov. 2, 2020, on the Watson See CORINTH XC, page 43 Cross Country Course at Choctaw Trails in Jackson.

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THE SHOT Smith nails game-winning 3-pointer at buzzer, netting Biggersville a state title

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Cam Smith (22) of the Biggersville Lions shoots the ball and makes the game winning 3-pointer against the Ingomar Falcons at the Mississippi Coliseum on March 4.

Photo by Randy J. Williams

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2020-21 Class 1A Boys Basketball State Champion Biggersville Lions LOWER RIGHT: Cam Smith (22) of the Biggersville Lions shares a moment with Coach Cliff Little and Jathan Hatch (23).

Photo by Randy J. Williams

throwing towels in the air, hugging, screaming and even crying in disbelief. he 2020-21 Biggersville The clock showed no time left, basketball season will so it was only right. forever be remembered for Not so fast.

‘The Shot.”

Head coach Cliff Little, along Make that … “The Play” that with assistant coach Tracy led to “The Shot.”

Stafford and a couple of Lions The Lions made national head- players still on the floor, all lines on March 4 when senior signaled for a time out as soon Cam Smith drilled a 3-pointer as as Ingomar’s Zack Shugars’ shot time expired to upset a shocked was completely through the net.

Ingomar squad 47-46.

Hit the pause button. That big The defending state 1A cham- finish is still to come. pions felt they had won the Rewind to the first week of game on a 15-footer with three December 2020, as Biggersville seconds remaining and began to opened defense of their Division celebrate by storming the floor, 1-1A regular season title with a

By KENT MOHUNDRO

kmohundro@dailycorinthian.com

T

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77-50 home opening win over Jumpertown as they began the season quietly at 1-0.

Just as they were supposed to do.

Next came a narrow 51-49 road win at Wheeler to make the Lions 2-0 before Little’s squad won convincingly over Amory in the Biggersville Classic (5950).

Several hoops starters began to find their basketball legs just over a week removed from the Lions state championship appearance in football as BHS improved to 3-0.

A 78-31 whipping of Falkner came next before Biggersville

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suffered their first defeat of the season, dropping a 50-37 decision at eventual 3A state runnerup Booneville.

Five more consecutive wins followed the loss, starting with an 86-56 home win over Falkner.

The Lions then took a pair of neutral-court wins during the Peggy Bain Classic at Alcorn Central, beating Dyersburg (Tenn.) 54-52 before taking down Lafayette in an impressive defensive showing (46-36).

The first game of the new year saw Biggersville win 63-43 at Blue Mountain, which served as a warmup for the 2021 Alcorn County Tournament.

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The Lions had captured the last two varsity boys ACT titles and began the ’21 event with an easy 68-45 win over Kossuth.

Then came the fifth straight Alcorn County Tournament championship pairing of Biggersville and Corinth. The Warriors held off a late threat to win 53-49.

Sporting a 9-2 overall record, as well as a 4-0 mark in Division 1-1A, Biggersville sank their teeth into the remainder of the league schedule.

Jumpertown was first, falling 69-42, followed by Pine Grove as the Lions won the road game against the Panthers rather easily (80-52). Little’s team then

breezed past Blue Mountain 63-43 before venturing outside the division with a road date at New Site.

Biggersville had plenty of chances to win over the then No. 1 ranked (2A) Royals before succumbing 41-38 in overtime.

The Lions didn’t score after the midway point of the fourth quarter in a defensive struggle.

Still unblemished in division play, the Lions beat Thrasher 7831 before dropping a 39-38 Saturday road contest at Northside in Shelby.

That setback was the end of a long week for BHS … four games in five days.

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Biggersville wouldn’t lose again the rest of the season.

The maroon and white clad Lions began their run toward a state title game appearance with a 63-44 home win over Pine Grove, followed by victories over Alcorn Central (86-55), Thrasher (64-17) and Tishomingo County (63-47).

Biggersville earned the No. 1 seed in the division tournament for the third straight year, but they didn’t want a repeat of the 2020 event when they fell to Pine Grove in the title contest after beating them twice – convincingly – during the regular season.

The Lions opened the tournament with a workmanlike 80-45 victory over Blue Mountain to set up a rematch with the Panthers.

Pine Grove led the game by eight in the second half before Biggersville regrouped and responded mightily in a 48-45 championship win to earn the No. 1 seed in the state north half tournament.

They would enjoy home court advantage all the way to the state semifinals in Jackson.

Unlike a year earlier, when they bowed out to Coffeeville in the second round, Little had his team clicking on all cylinders resulting in a 94-32 whipping of Varadaman in round one followed by a 66-34 win over a good Smithville team that was reportedly supposed to pose a serious challenge for the Lions.

Before Biggersville could book their hotel rooms in the state capitol they had to get by another stern test from Coffeeville, the same Pirates squad that eliminated them 12 months earlier.

The game possessed a state championship-like atmosphere as the Lions Den was packed to watch two extremely athletic and talented teams get after each other.

As the final two minutes ticked off the clock the Lions began to hit their free throws as Coffeeville was forced to foul and Biggersville punched their ticket to the state semifinals with a 6149 victory.

“This group of guys had such a competitive edge to them this PAGE 16

Photo by Randy J. Williams

The Biggersville Lions celebrate following their state championship win on March 4.

year,” said Little. “It was a perfect storm of great kids, great athletic ability and the ‘it’ factor. They just wanted to win the state title so badly, especially after the way the previous season ended with all those high hopes and us losing in the second round.”

“After we rallied to beat Pine Grove for the division title, a game where we didn’t play very well, the guys just took it to another level and played really

well all the way through the state tournament.”

Once inside the Mississippi Coliseum, Biggersville faced McAdams, a team known for their defense and their threepoint shooting, in the semifinals round. The Lions had little trouble disposing of the Bulldogs, building a 26-11 halftime lead and coasting to a 62-30 victory.

At that point the only team standing between the Lions and

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their third state title in school history was defending state champion Ingomar and their 6-4 superstar Zack Shugars.

The Falcons senior hit the game-winning three from 35 feet in 2020 to snatch the state title away from Baldwyn.

This year it appeared he had done the same thing to Biggersville.

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Goldman Butler was a member of Coach Stan Platt’s “11 exceptional seniors” during the 2020-21 Biggersville Lions football season.

Photo by Randy J. Williams

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Photo by Randy J. Williams

Head Coach Stan Platt shares a moment with Quinton Knight after the 1A State Championship.

Lions cap finest season in school history with appearance in title game

By KENT MOHUNDRO

kmohundro@dailycorinthian.com

It was a near-perfect season for Biggersville High School football as the Lions won the division crown as well as the north half-title.

If only they had those last few seconds back against Lumberton in the state 1A championship game on Dec. 4, 2020 at Veterans Memorial Stadium (The Vet) in Jackson.

If not for a last-minute 42-yard game-winning touchdown pass by the Panthers, Biggersville just might be the defending state champions.

Oh, the what-ifs.

The story of the 2020 Lions isn’t lost in a last-second title game defeat. It consists of a variety of positives that led to that final minute of football in the state capitol.

“I am so proud of the accomplishments of the 2020 Biggersville football team,” said rePAGE 20

cently retired head coach Stan Platt. “We had an outstanding season that finished at 13-1 and with a heartbreaking loss in our first-ever state championship game. We accomplished many ‘firsts’ for our program.”

That list of achievements includes an undefeated regular season, resulting in a second consecutive division title, their first win over Smithville in over 30 years, a 26-0 spanking of two-time defending 1A state champion Nanih Waiya (on the Warriors home field) and an appearance in the school’s first state championship game on the gridiron.

The 2020 Lions were led by what Platt called “11 exceptional seniors.” That group finished their four years with a 43-9 overall record and consisted of Goldman Butler (Northeast Mississippi Community College signee), Di’Renzo Shields, Bryson Pollard, C.J. Johnson, the brother duo of Jack and John Eaton, Samuel Loveless, Cole Baggett, Zach Ozbirn, Jeremiah CROSSROADS MAGAZIN E

Patterson and Quinton Knight.

“Many of these guys garnered post-season awards such as the Daily Corinthian All-Area Team as well as All-State,” Platt recalled.

“These seniors were part of four straight playoff berths (a program first), two regional championships, a north half-title and a state championship appearance.”

The 2020 Lions not only achieved greatness on the field, “They received excellent support from the Biggersville community who came out in strong numbers and supported us not only at home but on the road as well,” said Platt. “And our football program would not have been successful without the support of our administration (Pete Seago and Ray Nash), our athletic director (Daniel Rowsey), the Biggersville Elementary and High School staffs and the Biggersville students.”

Platt referred to many obstacles that could have derailed the 2020 season. www.mycrossroadsmagazine.com

Photo by Donnie Bates

2020-21 Class 1A Football State Champion Runner-up Biggersville Lions

“There were injuries (some season-ending such as quarterback Knight’s lower leg injury just prior to the season) and many games were canceled due to the pandemic,” said the coach.

Biggersville went two weeks without a game while other schools were in the same boat dealing with COVID-related issues.

The Lions kicked the season off at home on Feb. 4 when they hosted perennial powerhouse TCPS and their all-state jitterbug quarterback Ki Holiday. The Eagles gained an early 10-point lead only to watch the BHS defense stiffen while the Lions high-octane offense hit second and third gears.

The end result was a 46-21 shellacking of TCPS and an early indicator that Biggersville was most definitely a state contender.

Hatley was the next victim, falling 60-6 at home before Platt and his squad returned home a week later to face the Seminoles.

The Smithville game made state headlines as well-known broadcaster Matt Wyatt brought his traveling roadshow to Alcorn County that week to hype the game many had anticipated for a year. The ‘Noles had practically escaped with a win in 2019 on a last-minute Biggersville fumble and subsequent Smithville touchdown with seconds left.

Photo by Randy J. Williams The Lions won a no-doubter in 2020, blast- Bryson Pollard (52) and Di’renzo Shields (62) makes a tackle during the 1A State Championship game ing the Seminoles 64-0. against the Lumberton Panthers on Dec. 4, 2020, in Jackson. www.mycrossroadsmagazine.com

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Myrtle and Ashland fell to Biggersville by a combined 106-0 the next two weeks before Biggersville prepped for what was their most important game to date for the season against the Panthers.

Next was a home game with Baldwyn.

The Bearcats were expected to pose a serious challenge to the Lions, and for a quarter and a half, they did. But just like they did against TCPS, Biggersville blew the doors off in the second half, taking a 40-13 win and the outright Region 1-1A lead.

The remainder of the regular season saw the Lions as heavy favorites each week and Platt’s team didn’t disappoint, defeating Coldwater and Falkner by a combined 126-6 before taking forfeit wins against overmatched Thrasher and Byers the final two weeks.

In the playoff opener, on Nov. 13 at home against a talented West Lowndes club, starting quarterback (freshman) Drew Rowsey went down with an injury against the Panthers resulting in his older brother (sophomore) Dylan Rowsey taking the reins. The elder Rowsey brother led Biggersville on another second half runaway as the Lions won 36-14.

Tupelo Christian Prep, which finished second in Region 2 one game behind division champion Nanih Waiya, returned to Biggersville on Friday, Nov. 20 with revenge on their minds.

They left with a 32-17 loss as the Lions were impressive in a victory that earned them a shot at the two-time defending state champion Warriors.

The north half title game was played

on a wet, soggy Warrior Field, although the playing turf was well preserved and wasn’t sloppy. With all the pressure on their shoulders to defend their home turf, as well as their two state titles, Nanih Waiya turned the ball over on the first play from scrimmage.

Then watched Biggersville take advantage with a touchdown, followed by an onslaught of Lions takeaways (six in all) and a career night from Zae Davis and

Photo by Randy J. WIlliams

Zae Davis (1) of the Biggersville Lions runs the ball during a kickoff return during the 1A State Championship game against the Lumberton Panthers.

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the BHS defense, which limited the Warriors highly-touted offense – including explosive running backs Tyquan McCully and Kendon Sanders – to 91 total yards.

The historic victory earned Biggersville their first-ever shot at a state championship and the gold ball which signifies it.

Heavy rains the day before the state 1A championship bout left The Vet wet and clumpy. However, six games in all would be played on it, including the Biggersville/Lumberton contest.

The defending state runner-up Panthers, and their two-time 1A “Mr. Football” Robert Henry, gave the Lions’ defense problems, but nothing they hadn’t seen before during the season. Falling behind was not a novel thing for Platt’s brigade.

The primary issue for the Lions was scoring.

They had not been blanked in any half the entire season, but Lumberton’s size and speed on defense shut down the outside running lanes for BHS as the Panthers used a stout defensive line to limit the yards for Biggersville’s AllState running back Goldman Butler.

Lumberton led 14-0 at intermission.

The Lions returned to the field with a passion and a vengeance in the second half, pitching a shutout of the Panthers for all but those few seconds toward the end of the game when the Lumberton quarterback Rodney Parker launched a rainbow pass to receiver Knylan Willis, resulting in a 42-yard touchdown with only 24 seconds remaining. The two-point attempt failed leaving the Panthers with a 20-14 lead.

The Lions took the ensuing kickoff and did their best Cal-Stanford impersonation by making several laterals that went practically nowhere, leaving them four seconds to go over 50 yards.

Butler was ruled down on the next play as he slipped and the ball touched the turf, ending the Lions season with a school-record 13-1 slate.

“I was personally blessed to have an outstanding coaching staff,” said Platt. “Defensive coordinator (and now head coach) Case Ingram, Garrison Lathrop and Goldman Butler Sr. – they all did an outstanding job and I couldn’t have asked for a better staff.”

So has Biggersville football hit its peak? Platt offers the following words.

“The future is bright for Biggersville,” he said. “They will return a lot of skilled players on both sides of the ball, many of which earned all-state honors. I was excited to see Coach Ingram named as my replacement and I believe that many good things will come to this football team.”

Butler, Pollard, Davis, John Eaton and Shields were all named first-team all-state while Jack Eaton and Zyonn Mayes were selected to the second team. www.mycrossroadsmagazine.com

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Photo by Tee Rage

2020-21 Corinth High School Warriors

Warriors earn second straight football division title

to keep the season alive had its difficulties,” said Lowery. “We didn’t mind the hard work and the uncertainties because it was The 2020 Corinth High School football all about the team. The guys are brothteam adopted a similar motto to the one ers and they banded together in difficult they used in winning the state 4A champi- circumstances to put together another very onship in December of 2019. good season.”

“Two years ago our motto was #oneteam “On the same note, because of the panonegoal,” said head coach Todd Lowery. demic, we had to sacrifice seven on seven “This past year we used the slogan and spring and summer drills and work#sameteamsamegoal. The thought process outs. But then again, so did every other was the same, but we knew we had to over- team out there.” come the loss of a bunch of talented guys Midway through August, MHSAA said who are playing collegiately now.” schools would be allowed to play an abbreIndeed, no truer words were ever spoken. viated season with the first two games at the The 2019 state champions contained a end of August being eliminated. boatload of seniors who contributed heavily The regular season began with the week toward helping Corinth bring home the three opponent, which meant Corinth lost school’s first state football title in their the Shannon and Tupelo games and began storied history. their season at Holly Springs.

The thing is, the Warriors returned a lot of “It wasn’t exactly the opener we had hoped players in 2020 who played valuable minfor, but we were able to play a lot of kids utes in the championship run, so they felt that night and got a big road win,” Lowery like their chances were good for repeating recalled. as Division 1-4A champions and making a The Warriors defeated the Hawks 46-12 strong run at another state title. with a trip to Olive Branch awaiting the folMission accomplished on the division lowing week. Corinth handled the Conquistitle. But CHS fell two games short of the tadors a year earlier in their championship state championship game. run and was in a position to win again over “Having to navigate COVID and trying a much larger school.

By KENT MOHUNDRO

kmohundro@dailycorinthian.com

www.mycrossroadsmagazine.com

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Final: Olive Branch 24, Corinth 23.

“We went for two and the win instead of kicking the point and going to overtime and I’d do the same thing again – given the circumstances,” Lowery said.

Sitting at 1-1 Corinth hosted county rival Kossuth next. The Aggies came to play and exploited the Warriors defensive backfield by throwing for over 200 yards and three touchdowns. But the second half belonged totally to CHS, who won 66-27. The game was much closer than the final score indicated.

The eyes of Mississippi were on Warrior Stadium II Friday night, Sept. 25 as No. 1 ranked, and defending MAIS 6A champion, Madison Ridgeland Academy rolled into the Cross City as a replacement opponent for Noxubee County. The Tigers were scheduled to be Corinth’s homecoming opponent that night but were forced to cancel due to positive COVID tests on their roster.

Loaded with star power, the Patriots showed Warrior Nation that the hype was real by blowing past the red-and-black 5117 to stay unbeaten (MRA eventually won their second straight state title) and knock Corinth back to 2-2.

Lowery watched his squad respond to the MRA loss with a 52-20 home win over Tishomingo County.

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Photo by Tee Rage

Corinth senior Cayden Betts runs for long gain during action.

Then COVID struck again.

Charleston was up next – but just like Noxubee County – were forced to cancel their home date with Corinth because of a virus outbreak on their team.

The game didn’t show up as a win on MaxPreps, or even Scorebook Live, but it still counted as a “W” because it was a forfeit instead of a normal cancellation.

The open date allowed the Warriors an extra week to heal some injuries and prepare for their biggest game of the season at the time, the MRA game notwithstanding.

It was a Division 1-4A clash between the two teams expected to finish 1-2 in the league: Corinth and New Albany.

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The Bulldogs proved a worthy opponent as the backfield tandem of A.I. Nugent and C.J. Hill combined for 245 rushing yards and four touchdowns. The Warriors countered with their own special weapon as Cayden Betts scored five times, including an 88-yard kickoff return after the ‘Dogs had taken an early lead. Corinth took a 28-14 lead into the locker room at the break on a two-yard run by Betts but New Albany kept attacking with their ground game and eventually trailed 42-35 in the third before the Warriors scored the final 16 points to seal the deal in a 58-35 victory.

Ripley was next as the Tigers hosted Corinth on a wet, soggy field as rain moved CROSSROADS MAGAZIN E

in shortly before game time. As they had done a week earlier, the Tribe finished strong. After allowing Ripley to cut a 15-point lead to one at 21-20, CHS scored the final 14 points to win 35-20 and go 3-0 in the division and 6-2 overall.

The win secured the second straight division title for Lowery and the Warriors.

North Pontotoc shocked Corinth in the regular-season finale, lighting up the scoreboard for 49 points despite 46 from the home team.

“This will hopefully serve as a wake-up call for our guys that we can lose to anyone at any time if we don’t play up to our abilities,” said the Corinth head coach after the loss to the Vikings. www.mycrossroadsmagazine.com

The Warriors received a first-round bye due to Region 4 not having enough teams to finish the season to qualify for the playoffs, so Corinth had another open date to prepare for their first post-season contest, a second-round home game against West Lauderdale.

The Knights looked the part of “spoiler” as they took a 25-14 lead at intermission.

However, back came the Tribe as Cayden Betts set a single-game record with six touchdowns rushing and receiving while compiling 324 total offensive yards in a 52-39 win.

Sophomore quarterback Brawner Cregeen also had a perfect game through the air, going 10-10 for 200 yards and three touchdowns.

Corinth had to travel southeast for their quarterfinal matchup with Itawamba AHS and saw their season come to a premature end as the Indians won 24-19. The Warriors played the game without a handful of starters, including first-team all-division freshman kicker Eli Burciaga, whose leg could have very well made the difference in the game as Corinth left at least 10 points on the field in missed extra point and short field goal opportunities.

“We were getting on the bus to leave for Fulton when we received the news that Eli would not be eligible for the game because of COVID protocol,” said Lowery. “It devastated him and it definitely hurt our chances because we had no one to kick.”

Corinth ended another fine season at 7-4 overall and as Division 1-4A champions with a 3-1 league finish.

For the season the Warriors averaged 41 points per game while allowing 30.

Take away the MRA and West Lauderdale games and that average sank to 26.

“One thing we always do is play great competition to prepare us for the playoffs and we did that again this year,” Lowery said. “Although we lost, playing a team like MRA can only help in that process.”

“Our guys continued to grow and mature as the season unfolded and I thought we played our best in the biggest and most important games like the New Albany and Ripley games. Our offense, defense, and special teams all did a tremendous job all year and I can’t say enough about the fantastic job our coaches did.”

Lowery summed up the season with a thought that could very well be used by numerous coaches in 2020.

“I was really proud of the way the kids handled the adversity of having to deal with a pandemic,” he added. “When something did go wrong they would bounce back bigger and better.” www.mycrossroadsmagazine.com

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2020-21 Corinth High School Basketball Warriors

Corinth captures first division crown in three years

By KENT MOHUNDRO

kmohundro@dailycorinthian.com

In a year unlike any before it, Corinth head basketball coach Keith Greene somehow managed to get his team to rise above and earn their first Division 1-4A regular-season championship in three years.

Only a brief lapse in the division tournament, when the Warriors went 0-2, including a 15-point loss to No. 4 seed North Pontotoc, kept Corinth from claiming home-court advantage in the north half state playoffs and a likely run at the state tournament in Jackson.

And they did it all with only 10 players in uniform, six of which were seniors.

Not a bad swan song year for Greene as www.mycrossroadsmagazine.com

he announced his retirement in March 2021 following 16 years as head coach and 24 total years on the CHS coaching staff.

The success the 2020-21 Warriors experienced was made even more impressive considering it was done in a pandemic in addition to their recent trend of having to wait until the division-winning and state tournament football team was done with several starters as key hardwood contributors being a part of the gridiron squad.

“It was a strange year for sure,” said Greene when asked to summarize his team’s ability to win in difficult circumstances. “First of all, we had to wait on the football players again. Then we had a limited number of games due to COVID. CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

We only played 22 games, including the playoffs, and that’s unheard of.”

As has become their custom, since the football squad is usually in the state playoffs until at least the latter part of November, Corinth was forced to play the waiting game – not playing their first game until Nov. 1 when they traveled to Middleton (Tenn.) and won handily.

By the time the 2021 Alcorn County Tournament rolled around on Jan. 7, the Warriors had played only nine games, with their only losses coming against larger classification schools such as New Hope, Olive Branch and Briarcrest (Tenn). Each defeat was competitive with Greene’s squad being in a position to win each one.

PAGE 29

When the division schedule began Corinth was ready, slipping by defending champion Ripley first (50-47) before handling New Albany (54-45). The Bulldogs ultimately won the Division 1-4A tournament in February.

Tishomingo County fell next (6743) prior to the ACT, where the Tribe managed to win the title despite a pair of too-close-for-comfort wins over Alcorn Central (61-59) and Biggersville (53-49).

Coming out of the county tournament, Corinth dropped their only regular-season division game at New Albany (60-55). From that point, they throttled North Pontotoc (90-53), won a thriller at 2A powerhouse New Site (48-45) and blew by Tish County once again (60-35).

For the second time in two weeks, the Warriors humbled North Pontotoc again (74-59) before traveling to Ripley and taking a much easier than expected 53-39 road win over the Tigers.

Tupelo visited for the regular season finale and left Warrior Gym with a hardfought 65-60 victory.

That’s when the unthinkable happened.

Corinth had won the Division 1-4A regular-season championship – again – with a 7-1 league record and earned a firstround bye in the division tournament, held this season at Ripley High School Event Center.

The Warriors drew North Pontotoc, a team they had beaten by a combined 52 points in their home and away regular-season series. But this time the Vikings took out their frustrations on the Tribe, scoring 24 unanswered points, after Corinth took a 3-0 lead, and went on to win 75-60.

In the title game, Greene’s team faced Ripley for the third time, but this time came up on the short end of a 53-50 final when a last-second desperation threepoint attempt to tie the game was off the mark.

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In a total reversal of fortune Corinth second chance points until the game was had gone from the regular season diviin its waning moments. sion champions, and the No. 1 seed in the Crawford and Kito Windom each had a division tournament, to the No. 4 seed pair of three-pointers as Corinth rallied in Region 1-4A, which meant a trip to in the third, but when the game was on Region 4 winner Leake Central for their the line with less than five seconds left first-round north half contest. the Warriors had two opportunities to tie For the second time in four years, or win.

Corinth was forced to travel and face Both shots were short and Greene saw the Gators on their home court. The last his team’s season end in a 54-52 loss. trip, in 2018, ended in a one-point loss Despite the way the season ended, with when then-CHS standout guard a shocking loss to North Pontotoc Tada Stricklen was apparently in the division tournament fouled with time running and the two-point seaout with an opportunity son-ending defeat at to win the game.

Itawamba, it was still No foul was called a season Greene and and the Tribe’s season Corinth fans will ended. remember fondly.

The rematch this “We definitely put season was eerily the best players on similar as Corinth fell the floor and had CORINTH COACH behind, rallied to lead, the 10 best players KEITH GREENE lost the lead and trailed available to suit up and by one with less than five play the season,” said the seconds remaining. now-retired Greene. “We However, there would be no had some issues along the way repeat ending as senior point guard as any team does along with spells of dry Will Crawford took a long pass around offense where we couldn’t seem to buy a the free-throw line, turned around and bucket. It was hard to get into a flow early drilled a 16-footer that won the game and in the season but we finally found that sent the Warriors to the next round. and won the division title again.”

Two nights later CHS was in Fulton to Greene added, “I loved this team’s efface the Region 2 champion Indians. A fort. In the games we lost, we were never taller and more athletic IAHS squad gave run out of the gym. We made some good Corinth fits early as the Warriors had runs to get back into games but in the several turnovers trying to get the ball end, we just weren’t consistent enough.” inside. The taller, longer Indians took a As CHS’s winningest basketball coach comfortable halftime lead and seemed to in history, Greene said, “Time has really be in control. flown by. Corinth has a rich history and Back came the Warriors, who surged they will continue to win.” ahead on a 17-2 third-quarter run to take “I have had a great ride as the head the lead. coach and I truly appreciate the fans, The Tribe led by four heading to the the administration and especially all the fourth. players who have come through the sysItawamba responded with their prestem and achieved during my time here,” sure defense and did not allow CHS any he said.

“I loved this team’s effort.”

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2020-21 Biggersville Basketball Lady Lions

Lady Lions win division tournament, advance to state semifinals

sistant coach Tracy Stafford coached them that far with all five starters and the top two players off the bench are all sophomores.

The 2020-21 Biggersville Lady Lions “Because we were so young, we had a lot of weren’t expected by any preseason sports growing pains early on,” said Little as he pundits to win any titles. recalled his team’s journey through what And they certainly weren’t expected to turned out to be so successful. “We were advance to the state semifinals. so inexperienced. Some nights we looked But that’s exactly what they did as they pretty good at times, while other nights it followed a slow start with a Division 1-1A was just the opposite.”

Tournament championship win over No. 1 “But we did have high expectations seed, and four-time defending state chambecause we knew what kind of talent these pion Pine Grove, an impressive run in the girls possessed.” north half state tournament and a narrow Signs of those high expectations began loss in the state semifinal contest against to show as the Lady Lions won a pair of West Lowndes. games in the 2020 Peggy Bain Christmas The most notable thing about the Lady Li- Classic at Alcorn Central when they toppled ons season wasn’t their division tournament 6A Southaven (52-51) and 5A Center Hill title and their state semifinal appearance, al- (49-41). Yet losses to Jumpertown and Blue though those achievements were impressive. Mountain slightly dampened those wins. A The fact head coach Cliff Little and asclose loss at Pine Grove preceded a home

By KENT MOHUNDRO

kmohundro@dailycorinthian.com

www.mycrossroadsmagazine.com

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

win over Blue Mountain as Biggersville prepared to face the No. 1 team in the state in Class 2A, New Site.

“That New Site game to me was the turning point in our season,” Little said. “We played them pretty close all the way until the last few minutes.”

The eventual state 2A champion Lady Royals won 68-55, but Biggersville served notice to their 1-1A opponents that they had grown up and were a team not to be taken lightly, despite their youth.

“After that game, our team knew they could be really good,” said the BHS coach.

Biggersville finished the regular season on a 5-1 run, with their only loss coming at highly-ranked 4A Tishomingo County. That finish included wins over Pine Grove (4948) and Alcorn Central (55-47).

See LADY LIONS, page 41

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Photo by Keith Jackson

2020-21 Kossuth High School Girls Bowling Team

Kossuth earns another state bowling championship

By KENT MOHUNDRO

kmohundro@dailycorinthian.com

Kossuth High School has become the cream of the crop when it comes to earning bowling titles.

That includes titles at every level: county, division, north half and state.

One year ago the KHS girls and boys swept the Class I state championships in Jackson.

The Aggies were loaded with a very talented senior class that had unprecedented success during their tenure. The 2020 Lady Aggies won the state championship with an extremely young squad that head coach Michael Lee said, “was so impressive to coach as well as just sit back and watch them compete.”

The 2020-21 Kossuth teams once again swept through the county and division tournaments, taking top honors. But this PAGE 34

season the Aggies came up short in the north half tournament, finishing second. The Lady Aggies won the north half with ease with the teams enjoying the experience on their home court, otherwise known as Plaza Lanes in Corinth.

Kossuth freshman Sally Kate Gardner made a name for herself in the north half title series as she rolled a 664 series, a three-game sequence that may stand for quite some time.

Both KHS squads advanced to the state championships once again, traveling to Flowood where this year’s event was held.

The state championships are normally held at Metro 24 Lanes in Jackson.

Once in Flowood, the extremely young Lady Aggies dominated the field again, out-distancing second place East Union by nearly 250 pins, winning 2,440-2,197.

Lauren Trantham and Lynley Woodruff CROSSROADS MAGAZIN E

made the all-state team for Kossuth, bowling a 548 and 518 series, respectively.

The Aggies finished in the four-spot at state, rolling a 2,483 team series. For the first time in several years no Kossuth boys were on the all-state team. But with such a young and inexperienced squad the way the Aggies played the season gave Lee hope that his boys team will return to the state pinnacle in the near future.

“We knew coming into the season that we had a very young team,” said Lee. “Some of the returning players went out and recruited some new guys who had never competed in the sport before, so I think the future is bright for them.”

The 2021 state championship was the fifth in six years for the Lady Aggies. The Aggies will enter the 2021-22 season with three state titles as they seek to earn their fourth. www.mycrossroadsmagazine.com

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2020-21 Kossuth High School Dance Team

Lady Aggies ‘dance’ their way to first state title

the gameday category,” said the head coach. “It consisted of three routines – a fight song, a sideline routine and a hipThe Kossuth High School Dance Team hop routine. In the past, we have only sizzled as they won the school’s first state had the task of working on one routine championship in the sport. for hip-hop so this year was a challenge.”

The Lady Aggies won the gold in the But the Lady Aggies were ready and Small Varsity Gameday division under they showed it on the floor of the Missisthe leadership of head coach Wendy Kelly sippi Coliseum. and volunteer assistant coach Grace Kelly. “We were definitely ready the day of “This was our first year to compete in the championships,” said Wendy. “HavBy KENT MOHUNDRO

kmohundro@dailycorinthian.com

PAGE 36

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ing three competition routines, in addition to our regular season responsibilities, really pushed the girls to practice at their highest ability and constantly give more than they thought they possibly could.”

The 2020 Kossuth Dance Team was led by seniors Jaden Settlemires, Lexi Kate Fiveash and Mackenzie Huffstutler.

See DANCE, page 41

www.mycrossroadsmagazine.com

2020-21 Kossuth High School Lady Aggies Cross Country Team

Lady Aggies win second cross country state title

By KENT MOHUNDRO

kmohundro@dailycorinthian.com

The 2020 Kossuth High School girls cross country team entered the season with the highest of expectations.

The end result was a very pleasing second state championship for coach Jackie Hills’ squad.

A very young and inexperienced Aggies team exceeded her expectations with their www.mycrossroadsmagazine.com

second-place finish at the state championships.

“The thing I was most proud of with this year’s team was the fact my kids never gave up or got discouraged,” said Hill. “There was a point when we didn’t know if we would have enough girls to have a team due to some quitting and others being injured.

Through all of it, the girls never lost sight of what was most important to them. They came to practice every day with the intenCROSSROADS MAGAZINE

tion of getting better and being the absolute best they could be.”

Hill went on to talk about how her championship squad grew and competed throughout the season.

“Every race they competed to the best of their abilities whether we had a whole team running or just four. Both teams won the division and made me so proud.”

See LADY AGGIE XC, page 41

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2020-21 Kossuth High School Lady Aggies Basketball Team

Kossuth advances to state title game for second time in three years

By KENT MOHUNDRO

kmohundro@dailycorinthian.com

The Kossuth Lady Aggies won their first state championship on the hardwood two years ago with a 48-44 come-from-behind win over Belmont.

They followed that up with a quarterfinal exit in 2020 against a Senatobia squad that ultimately won the 3A state title.

However, Kossuth played that game with a pair of standout hobbled guards in Zoe Essary and Regan Bobo. Essary returned and started the Senatobia game, but Bobo wasn’t available.

“I think if we have those two girls healthy last year we would have been back in Jackson,” said head coach Angie Malone. www.mycrossroadsmagazine.com

Flash forward to March 9, 2021 and the Lady Aggies were back in the state championship, again opposite their division nemesis Belmont.

How they got there in a pandemic year is the story.

“We have the same goals every year of winning the division and making it to state,” said Malone as she began to recall the way the recent basketball season unfolded for her squad. “The entire team was placed on quarantine twice and then some individual players were on quarantine as well apart from those two occasions. The way the season began, we weren’t even sure we would be able to finish it. But all in all this team really exceeded my expectations, especially with the way the virus affected us.”

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Essary was not completely healthy the entire season, but played through the pain.

“I was proud that Zoe was able to hold on and finish the season even though she continued to have knee issues. We had great leadership from our two seniors, Katelyn (Bumpas) and Bailey (Holt).

Katelyn just found out she made the NEMCAB All-Star Game that will be played in June.”

Kossuth’s tipped their first game of the season at Corinth where they took a 64-40 decision over a much-improved Lady Warriors squad. A scheduled game against Pine Grove was cancelled due to COVID before the Lady Aggies lost by a single point, 50-49, to a New Site team that eventually won the 2A state title.

PAGE 39

Malone’s club went 9-1 in Division 1-3A, finishing in a tie with Belmont, earning their first league victory on Dec. 8 at Booneville (76-28). COVID struck again days later, forcing KHS to move their scheduled Dec. 10 game against Nettleton to February.

The Lady Aggies next defeated eventual 1A state champion Ingomar 50-39 before more positive COVID tests forced then to move their first scheduled game with division foe Alcorn Central back a few weeks.

Kossuth jumped back into action on Jan. 5, just prior to the Alcorn County Tournament, by traveling to Belmont where they lost 49-46 to the Lady Cardinals.

The Lady Aggies coasted through the remainder of their league schedule with ease, winning every game by double digits, until Belmont paid a visit on Jan. 26.

Malone watched her team fall behind by double digits in the second half before doing what they always seem to do when their backs are against the wall … rally.

Kossuth chipped away at the Lady Cards’ once-comfortable lead by taking them out of their rhythm and forcing BHS to play Lady Aggies basketball. Kossuth found themselves on top 58-55 when the final horn sounded and the teams shared the regular season division title with identical 9-1 marks.

PAGE 40

Kossuth defeated Alcorn Central in the division tournament before falling 5853 to Belmont in the finals. They made easy work of Aberdeen (67-43) in the first round of the north half state playoffs before doing the same to Independence (53-38) on the road to advance to the 3A state quarterfinal round.

That’s where they ran into division foe Amory for the third time. Once again Kossuth hosted and won comfortably to move on to the state semifinals in Jackson.

Once in the Big House the Lady Aggies handled Crystal Springs rather easily (50-39), setting up their fourth meeting of the year with Belmont with the 3A state championship on the line.

“We wouldn’t have it any other way,” Malone said of the state title matchup with the Lady Cardinals following her team’s semifinal victory.

In the championship game Kossuth couldn’t buy a basket, or even a free throw, the entire first quarter, trailing 9-0 after the first eight minutes.

“During the break between quarters I told our girls ‘just hit that first shot’,” said Malone. “When they went back out they did just that and we actually took a onepoint lead just seconds before halftime.”

The Lady Aggies trailed 18-16 at inter-

CROSSROADS MAGAZIN E

mission as Essary led her team back in the second period with seven points and seven rebounds.

Essary, Holt and Kaitlyn Bonds each scored four points in the third as Kossuth built as much as a four-point lead (32-28).

They led 32-31 entering the final quarter of the season.

Belmont senior star Macie Walker, a North Alabama signee, missed most of the fourth quarter due to foul trouble. But she returned for the final two minutes and led her team from a four-point deficit as they went on an 8-0 run to regain the lead.

With Kossuth down by two, and five seconds remaining in regulation, Essary took control and flashed down the lane for the tying layup that sent the title game to overtime with the rivals knotted at 46-all.

The extra frame consisted of several lead changes, but ultimately came down to a final possession by the Lady Aggies after Belmont edged ahead 56-55 on a layup

by Brooklyn Hodum off an assist from Walker.

Moments earlier Kossuth had taken a one point lead on yet another layup by Essary.

This time the junior point guard had the ball in her hands with time running out.

She drove the right side of the lane where she ran into a triple team, forcing her to give the ball up.

Essary dished the ball to the right corner where Holt was open for a three-point attempt. Holt had been perfect from range in the contest, going 3-3, but her fourth attempt, the possible game winner, was just short and bounced away.

“I could tell when Bailey took that shot that it was just a little short, but up until then she hadn’t missed,” said Malone.

“We had our chances to win, but in the end Belmont made one more play than we did.”

“I’m very proud of the way our girls responded to adversity,” said the third-year head coach. “We’ve been to two state title games in three years and we never gave up at any point. We have a lot of experienced players returning next season so the future is bright.”

Malone added, “To be such a small team, we out-rebounded all but one team that we played and that to me is very encouraging and impressive. These girls came to practice every day and gave it all they had.”

Kossuth finished with another 20-win season, checking in at 20-6, shared the regular season division title with Belmont and won their fifth straight Alcorn County Tournament.

“Despite the way the year started, I’m very happy with the season we had,” Malone added. www.mycrossroadsmagazine.com

Lions enjoyed home-court advantage all the way to the state semifinals. They destroyed Okolona 97-38 in round one, followed by a 75-63 victory over defending state runner-up Baldwyn in round two.

With a trip to Jackson at stake, Biggersville pounded Myrtle 81-56, setting up a semifinal date with West Lowndes in the 1A state semifinals on March 1 at the Mississippi Coliseum.

The Region 2 champion Lady Panthers found the Lady Lions a worthy opponent as the teams ended the first quarter tied at 9-all. But the second period belonged to West Lowndes as they outscored Biggersville 12-3 to

take a 21-12 lead into the locker room. Trailing 37-26 entering the fourth, Biggersville could have just rolled over and surrendered.

But they didn’t.

They rallied from that 11-point deficit to take a brief lead late in the game at 40-39.

But a turnover, resulting in a steal by the Lady Panthers, closed the door on the rally as West Lowndes won 44-40 and advanced to the state championship game where they eventually fell to Ingomar.

“We didn’t play our best in Jackson and the girls are aware of that,” Little responded. “But despite that, we only lost by four.

Hats off to West Lowndes.”

“The future is brighter than it’s ever been for our girls’ program,” said the head coach. “Knowing all these girls should be coming back, I have never had this much talent here before and we have had some really talented players come through here.”

Little said he believes his team can make another strong run next year, and the year after that, because not only does the talent exist, “The girls are all really close.

You see them together all the time and that’s huge … it’s valuable.

There’s so much already invested,” said Little. “I can’t wait to see what next year brings.”

Powell. Their positive attitudes and dedication to this team From page 36 were outstanding.”

After a near-flawless perfor“My seniors showed great mance in the championship leadership leading up to and in- round, the Lady Aggies did cluding the state competition,” something the head coach will Wendy said. “They kept the never forget. team motivated. The week of “My proudest moment was the state championships, nerves when the girls ran off the floor were high and the girls were after their routine and emfeeling it. We practiced meticu- braced me in a group hug and lously that week, picking apart celebration,” she said. “They the routines and perfecting our were so excited because they skills and techniques. I can’t knew they had performed their hearts out. They did exactly say enough about my assistant what we asked of them.” coach (her daughter, Grace) Wendy went on to recall the and choreographer Courtney

smiles on the team’s faces.

“They had that glowing smile that showed they knew they did their jobs. No matter what, we all knew they had performed their best and could walk away happy,” she said.

And as state champions for the very first time.

“I will never forget that moment and what it felt like when the announcer called out ‘Your 1A to 6A Small Varsity Gameday champions … give it up for the Kossuth Aggies,” said Wendy. “It was so gratifying knowing that all the time and hard work everyone had put in

paid off on the biggest stage.

Everyone was hugging and crying and the next thing I know they took off running to the performance floor to receive their trophy and medals. They couldn’t get there fast enough.”

In addition to the three seniors, the 2020 Kossuth Dance Team consisted of juniors Meagan Drewry and Ashton Harvell, sophomores Lily Little, Marley Thrasher, Morgan Floyd, Abby Stewart and Jada Essary, along with freshmen Claudia Lowrey, Lynley Woodruff, Emma Renfrow and Aikley Harvell.

Green and Null, were named to the all-state team for finishing in the top-14 overall.

Patrick, a senior, was the top runner for the Aggies with a second-place overall finish followed by junior Cooper Glidewell in eighth and sophomore George Wilbanks in ninth. Sophomore Peyton Lathrop crossed the finish line in 11th, followed by sophomore Samuel Hopper in 12th.

All five young men were named to the all-state team. Senior Will McCormack and eighth-grader Eli Hinton were also part of the state runner-up squad.

“The boys worked hard to overcome injuries and unexpected

challenges,” said Hill of the Aggies following their second-place finish in Clinton. “Both the boys and girls teams are filled with outstanding student-athletes.

I thank God for keeping them healthy and safe during an unusual set of circumstances.”

The Lady Aggies now own two cross-country state championships (2018 and 2020) while the Aggies have two state crowns as well (2007, 2018).

“I am proud of both squads and fully expect them to continue to work even harder and grow even more for the upcoming season,” said Hill.

LADY LIONS From page 33

They finished the regular season with a 7-3 division record and were the No. 2 seed entering the Division 1-1A Tournament.

They eased past Blue Mountain in the first round (67-54) before upsetting No. 1 seed Pine Grove 62-55 in the title game.

“We played really well in the division tournament and then took that on into the first three rounds of the state north half tournament,” said Little.

By virtue of the division tournament championship, the Lady

DANCE

LADY AGGIE XC From page 37

Katie Meeks captured the girls division individual championship while Jes Patrick did the same for the boys.

“One thing I found great about both the boys and girls teams is they competed with each other every day. The girls pushed the boys to be better and I believe that’s why they finished as strong as they did,” Hill said. “They all encouraged each other and they were amazing athletes. They do a lot of work on their own away from school.

“But more important, they are some of the best people I have ever had the opportunity to know and coach. They make me strive to be better each day.”

At the state championships in Clinton, Meeks – a junior – once again led the way with a thirdplace overall finish of 20:21 while sister Ava Meeks – also a junior – was close behind, finishing in fourth with a time of 20:52.

Senior Lauren Green placed seventh in 21:36, followed by freshman Eva Null in ninth with a time of 24:05. Seventh-grader MaKenzie Hasting finished in the 20th spot in 24:15.

The Meeks twins, along with

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Corinth senior Will Wayne (578) finished 16th in the MHSAA Class 4A State Cross Country Meet on Nov. 2, 2020, on the Watson Cross Country Course at Choctaw Trails in Jackson.

Photo by Chris Todd

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CORINTH XC From page 10

The Warriors – consisting of one senior, one junior, three sophomores and two eighth-graders – waited patiently for that chance and didn’t disappoint. Eighteen boys teams, consisting of 132 runners, took off seeking gold.

When the final runner crossed the line Corinth found themselves in first place as a team, outdistancing second-place Pontotoc by 22 points.

They also had a pair of All-State runners. That duo included top CHS finisher LeGoff, who placed 3rd and won the bronze medal, and Wayne in sixth. The remaining Warrior finishers, who aided in winning the gold, were Draper (16th), Venegas (17th), Will Steward (19th), Ayala (22nd) and Martin-Pascual (26th).

“It was a very humbling yet thrilling moment as the kids received their medals as hugs were shared and tears were shed,” said Hatcher. “What we have here at Corinth Cross Country is beyond running. We have a family of many different kids who all compete and love each other. Like any family, there are tough times and hard workouts but through it all, they believe in each other and more importantly in themselves.”

Hatcher added, “I believe 100 percent that’s why our program is as successful as it is, because of these kids that run for us. I take no responsibility for their success, I simply try to be the Photos by Chris Todd best coach and positive figure in The Corinth Warriors start the Class 3A State Cross Country Meet on October 31, 2020, on the Watson Cross Country their lives I can be.”

Hatcher fends off the notion of Course at Choctaw Trails in Clinton. a true dynasty but did say, “I hope to coach them in a way that once “What we have here at Corinth Cross Country is beyond they leave our program they are great kids with a passion to chase running. We have a family of many different kids who all their dreams no matter the obstacles. And if along the way I help compete and love each other. Like any family, there are them become faster and stronger runners then I’m OK with that.” tough times and hard workouts but through it all, they Corinth finished the year undefeated in 4A with “Eyes focused believe in each other and more importantly in themselves.” on June to begin that chase for the state titles once again living LUKE HATCHER our motto ‘One heart, One famiCorinth cross country head coach ly’,” Hatcher said. www.mycrossroadsmagazine.com

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BIGGERSVILLE From page 16

Shugars had just helped the Falcons complete a 13-0 run with a jumper in the paint to hand his team a 46-44 lead that, at first, seemed to close out the contest.

However, one game official was able to witness the Biggersville timeout. Following a meeting of the officials, along with head coaches Little and Jonathan Ashley, the timeout was granted and three seconds were put back on the clock.

Ingomar players and fans were in complete shock and outrage while Lion Nation was given new life and one final chance at victory.

When order was restored, and the teams returned to the floor to play out those final seconds, Biggersville sophomore Dylan Rowsey saw that Shugars was fronting Smith near the midcourt stripe. He also saw that Ingomar had no one in the back court so he changed the play, “It was all on him, he made the right decision,” said Little.

As the ball was taking it’s last bounce before going out of bounds, junior guard Brooks Brand tracked the ball down and saved it back inbounds.

From that point luck ... and fate took over.

The basketball bounced off the lower leg of Shugars and directly into the waiting hands of Smith, who immediately launched the game-winning three-pointer that earned Biggersville it’s third state championship on the hardwood.

“So many things had to go right for that play to work and fortunately for us all the pieces fell in place,” said Little, recalling ‘The Shot’. “Most people don’t realize just how good of a shooter Cam is … the kid can shoot. In fact he can do just about everything with the basketball.”

Smith’s shot earned the No. 1 spot on ESPN’s SportCenter Top-10 plays that night and the Biggersville program was featured on SportsCenter the

Photo by Randy J. Williams

The Biggersville Lions celebrate the win against the Ingomar Falcons at the Mississippi Coliseum on March 4.

following morning via Skype.

Smith and Brand were surrounded by their teammates, along with a large group of BHS students, as they described what transpired in Jackson less than 24 hours earlier.

What happened was Biggersville finished a 24-4 season as the undefeated Division 1-1A champions, as well as division tournament champions.

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“All season long their desire to win was obvious,” Little said.

“They bought in completely to what we were doing and they didn’t question what we asked them to do. Every player wanted to win more they than wanted to be on the court, which is a testament to their unselfishness and team unity.”

“As we always teach our guys, the only thing more important

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than having fun is the desire to compete and this team personified that.”

The 2020-21 Lions will forever be remembered in the annals of BHS and state tournament history as the team that came back from the dead to win the state title with arguably one of the most thrilling endings in state championship game history.

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Alcorn County schools earn six more titles, eclipsing century mark Baseball

By KENT MOHUNDRO

kmohundro@dailycorinthian.com

State championships matter.

And Alcorn County has made a habit of bringing home state titles each year.

When researching championships for each school the first championships were earned as far back as 1949, the season of Corinth’s initial title on the baseball diamond.

Kossuth won the county’s first championship in boys basketball three years later, followed by a repeat in 1953.

And the state championships have continued to grow ever since.

Alcorn County schools have accumulated six more state titles, bringing the grand total to 103, eclipsing the century mark.

Cheer and Dance state titles are now included in the count.

The six state titles are even more impressive considering there were no spring sports championships due to COVID. Here’s how the latest titles break down: ■■ Kossuth earned three titles. The Lady Aggies won state championships in cross country, bowling and the school’s first dance championship.

■■ Corinth earned another pair of state titles by sweeping the boys and girls cross country championships.

■■ Biggersville earned a state title of their own by winning the boys state basketball championship.

The total number of state championships to date for all four county schools are: Corinth (60), Kossuth (29), Biggersville (12) and Alcorn Central (2). Former city school Easom also lays claim to a state championship, that coming in 1969 in boys basketball.

Following is the list of state championships won by sport: PAGE 46

1949 – Corinth 1956 – Corinth 1988 – Alcorn Central 1994 – Biggersville 2013 – Kossuth 2014 – Kossuth 2016 – Kossuth

Basketball (Boys)

1952 – Kossuth 1953 – Kossuth 1956 – Kossuth 1969 – Easom 1988 – Alcorn Central 1989 – Corinth 1990 – Corinth 1993 – Corinth 1996 – Biggersville 2000 – Corinth 2002 – Corinth 2013 – Biggersville 2016 – Corinth 2021 – Biggersville

Basketball (Girls)

2019 – Kossuth

Bowling (Girls)

2015 – Kossuth 2017 – Kossuth 2019 – Kossuth

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2020 – Kossuth 2021 – Kossuth

Bowling (Boys)

2017 – Kossuth 2019 – Kossuth 2020 – Kossuth

Cross Country (Girls)

2003 – Corinth 2004 – Corinth 2005 – Corinth 2006 – Corinth 2007 – Corinth 2008 – Corinth 2014 – Corinth 2016 – Corinth 2018 – Corinth 2018 – Kossuth 2019 – Corinth 2020 – Corinth 2020 – Kossuth

Cross Country (Boys)

2003 – Corinth 2005 – Corinth 2006 – Corinth 2007 – Kossuth 2008 – Corinth 2009 – Corinth 2010 – Corinth 2016 – Corinth 2017 – Corinth

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2018 – Corinth 2018 – Kossuth 2019 – Corinth 2020 – Corinth

1986 – Corinth 1987 – Corinth 1988 – Corinth 1989 – Corinth 1990 – Corinth 1991 – Corinth 1992 – Corinth 2002 – Corinth 2005 – Corinth 2006 – Corinth 2007 – Corinth 2008 – Corinth 2009 – Corinth

Dance

2020 – Kossuth

Golf (Boys)

1984 – Corinth 1985 – Corinth 1986 – Corinth 1987 – Corinth 1988 – Corinth 2006 – Corinth 2010 – Corinth 2011 – Corinth 2018 – Corinth

Girls Track

Powerlifting (Boys)

2015 – Kossuth 2017 – Kossuth

Slowpitch Softball

2012 – Corinth Soccer (Boys) 2010 – Corinth

Tennis

1981 – Corinth

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1989 – Biggersville 1992 – Biggersville 1993 – Biggersville 1996 – Biggersville 2006 – Corinth 2007 – Corinth 2008 – Corinth

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1995 – Biggersville 1996 – Biggersville 1997 – Biggersville 1998 – Biggersville 2010 – Corinth 2011 – Corinth

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2021 Alcorn County Tournament Champions – Corinth Warriors

Warriors, Lady Aggies win 2021 ACT titles

By KENT MOHUNDRO

kmohundro@dailycorinthian.com

The Corinth Warriors returned to the winners circle for the first time in three years while the Kossuth Lady Aggies won their fifth Alcorn County Tournament title in a row as the 2021 event was played over a two-day period on Jan. 7-8, 2021 at Alcorn Central High School.

In an interesting twist, and possible for the first time in tournament history, all varsity and junior varsity semifinals were played in one evening as ACT officials utilized both AC courts on Thursday. No seedings were issued this year as Corinth and Alcorn Central played each other on opening night in JV and varsity on the high school court while Biggersville and Kossuth did the same on the Middle School court.

There were some edge-of-your seat moments as always, including both Corinth varsity boys games. Alcorn Central and Biggersville both had their chances, and were in position in the final seconds to upset the www.mycrossroadsmagazine.com

favored Warriors, but coach Keith Greene’s squad held them both off to win their 45th ACT championship.

The Lady Aggies had no trouble repeating as county champs by 26 and 25 point margins, respectively.

Kossuth also won the JV girls title while Alcorn Central claimed the JV boys title.

Following are summaries of the 2021 Alcorn County Tournament contests, beginning with Thursday’s semifinal contests.

Thursday, Jan. 7

(JV Girls) Alcorn Central 26 Corinth 15 In what might be the lowest-scoring half in recent ACT memory, the Lady Bears led 8-4 at halftime over the Lady Warriors as neither team could find an offensive rhythm.

Of course, defense played a part in the lack of points and the same thing happened in the JV girls title game, another 8-4 first quarter.

Corinth found some offense in the third quarter, eventually tying the game at 13-all as the game entered its final six minutes.

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However, after falling behind 15-14 in the fourth, coach Allen Woods’ Central squad closed on a 12-0 run for a 26-15 victory, earning a spot in the title game opposite Kossuth.

“It was just our fifth game of the season,” said Wood following the win. “We’ve had several games cancelled due to COVID and we’re still working to find some consistency.”

Ellie Pellizer led AC with a game high 11 while Olivia Walker added seven. Ella Mills paced Corinth with eight.

No other JV games were played on Thursday due to Biggersville not participating. The Kossuth JV girls and boys both received automatic byes into the championship games.

(Varsity Girls) Alcorn Central 48 Corinth 46 Central and Corinth met for the second time after the Lady Warriors upended the Lady Bears 58-49 in overtime at home on Dec. 8.

This time the game was even closer as the rivals played superb defense at times as points were hard to come by once more.

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Photo by Randy J. Williams

2021 Alcorn County Tournament Champions – Kossuth Lady Aggies

Central built a 15-13 first quarter lead before going ice cold in the second period. Corinth used an 11-4 run to take a 24-19 halftime lead.

Lazoya Howard (CHS) and Ella Mask (AC) led their respective teams with 10 apiece in the opening half.

The Lady Bears found their offense again in the third, outscoring the Lady Warriors 13-9 to pull within one at 33-32 on a Mask 3-pointer.

Central needed Mask one more time for the game-winner and the senior delivered, sinking a 28-foot 3-pointer at the final horn to win it for the Lady Bears.

Mask ended the semifinal contest with 32 for AC while Howard led CHS with 15.

several threes in the final quarter for the win.

Kaitlyn Bumpas scored a game-high 16 for Kossuth while Butler was high scorer for Biggersville with nine.

(Varsity Boys) Corinth 61 Alcorn Central 59

Central grew up between the first and second meetings with county rival Corinth.

The Warriors toyed with the Golden Bears when the teams played on Dec. 8 at CHS, winning 78-47 as they completely took AC out of their game. But this time the Bears were ready and enjoyed the added advantage of playing on their home court.

(Varsity Girls) Kossuth 50 Biggersville 24 The semifinal contest saw Central and The Lady Aggies came out of the locker Corinth battle evenly, ending the first quarter room in all white uniforms and their start in a 16-all deadlock behind a barrage of matched their uni-colors. threes, before the Golden Bears carved out a Kossuth raced to a 10-0 lead as they com36-34 halftime lead behind 11 first half points pletely took control in the first three minutes from Alex Moore. Will Crawford paced CHS and used the quickness of their backcourt to with seven in the opening half. take a 20-5 lead into the second quarter.

First year AC coach Josh Harrison had Biggersville made it interesting as Goldee his squad clicking on all cylinders midButler led her team on a dramatic comeback way through the third quarter, leading the to cut the KHS advantage to only five (24-19) Warriors 44-36 before Keith Greene’s team at the break. responded with their well-known pressure The Lady Lions used a box and one defense defense to cut the lead to one as the fourth to begin the third in hopes of limiting Kossuth period began. junior point guard Zoe Essary, but it didn’t Corinth twice built four-point leads only matter because Essary’s teammates took up to watch the Bears respond with short runs. the slack and pushed the lead to 32-21 as the With just seconds left in the game, and the third period came to an end.

Tribe clinging to a two-point lead (61-59), seLady Aggies head coach Angie Malone nior Cayden Betts left the front end of a onePhoto by Randy J. WIlliams. plus-one opportunity short, allowing Central Corinth Warriors’ Will Crawford makes a shot spread her team out over the final eight minutes and watched as her team rained down one final shot at victory and a major upset. during the Alcorn County Tournament.

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Brady Talley rebounded the miss and threw quickly downcourt to teammate Jacob Tucker, who immediately called AC’s final timeout with 4.6 seconds remaining.

The Bears desperation three at the buzzer bounced away and Corinth escaped to play for the ACT championship for the 15th consecutive year.

Kito Windom led Corinth with 16 while Moore scored a game-high 19 for Central.

(Varsity Boys) Biggersville 70 Kossuth 45 The Lions had an easy time getting past the Aggies, turning an 18-6 first quarter lead into a 39-11 halftime advantage.

To their credit, Kossuth didn’t go away quietly, playing evenly with Cliff Little’s squad as they trailed 54-26 entering the fourth quarter.

Biggersville subbed freely in the final period while the Aggies gained a bit of ground but not near enough, falling 70-45.

Brooks Brand led all scorers with 17 as the Lions advanced to play Corinth in the ACT championship game for the fifth straight year.

Friday, Jan. 8

Championship night saw all four games played on the Alcorn Central High School court with each school represented at least once.

(JV Girls) Kossuth 26 Alcorn Central 18 After taking an 8-4 first quarter lead, Kossuth took some shots from Alcorn Central as things got physical in the paint in the second.

The rougher style of play resulted in numerous turnovers and fouls as the Lady Aggies took a 17-6 halftime lead.

Kossuth returned to the court for the second half with more intensity as they created more turnovers and scored several points in transition. The Lady Aggies led 22-13 after three before holding off a fourth quarter Central push, winning 26-18.

Photo by Randy J. Williams

Kossuth Lady Aggies’ Zoe Essary handles the ball during the 2021 Alcorn County Tournament.

(Varsity Girls) Kossuth 62 Alcorn Central 37

quarter lead before taking a 28-15 advantage at halftime.

The Warriors began with a trio of Katelyn Bumpas made her first five 3-point three-pointers, two coming from MVP Will attempts in the championship game on the Crawford. When the teams returned to the way to MVP honors and Kossuth forced turn- court for the second half Corinth added seven over after turnover on their way to a 62-37 points to their lead, riding a 35-15 advantage victory. midway through the third quarter.

Zoe Essary added a first quarter three of her But when it’s Corinth and Biggersville no own as coach Malone’s team led 24-6 after lead has proven safe in recent history. Just one. Central somehow managed to slow down two years earlier the Lions rallied from a (JV Boys) Alcorn Central 35 Kossuth 29 the potent KHS offensive attach and find double-digit second half lead to win the 2019 With Corinth and Biggersville not entering some open shots as they closed the halftime ACT title by seven points.

JV boys teams, the boys final was set before the gap to 33-20.

Then last year it took a last-second Zyonn tournament began and Central and Kossuth The Lady Bears showed they still had some Mayes put-back to win it for Biggersville at made it a game worth watching as both teams bite left in the third and early into the fourth Corinth. played physical defense and with plenty of as they slowly sliced Kossuth’s once-comfortThis time it turned into a similar tug of war energy. able 18-point lead to 44-37. as the Lions fought back to pull within three Because of the physical nature of play, The Lady Aggies closed strong as they outon a Zae Davis jumper. Seconds later Corinth neither team could score much as the Aggies scored AC 18-0 down the stretch to win missed the front end of a one-plus-one to led 3-2 after one. Both squads began to find a 62-37 and claim the 2021 ACT girls champimake it 51-49 with 4.6 seconds remaining. little offense in the second as they went to the onship.

Thoughts of the night before when Central locker room tied at 12.

Bonds led Kossuth with 22 while Jessica had them in the same spot likely creeped into The offensive rhythm continued to grow Hughes paced Central with 17. Mask was the psyche of the Warriors and they respondin the third with both teams trading buckets held to a single free throw after her 32-point ed once again. early on before Rylan Henry led an offensive outburst in the semifinal win over Corinth.

Following a free throw by Cam Smith to pull burst for KHS, allowing them to take a 24-19 Biggersville to within 51-49, Cayden Betts (Varsity Boys) Corinth 53 Biggersville 49 redeemed himself by sinking a pair of free lead into the final quarter.

However, Central stepped up and took Corinth had watched Biggersville win the throws after missing one moments earlier. control in the fourth, outscoring Kossuth 16-5 2020 ACT title on their home floor and they Senior Q. Wimsatt scored 14 to lead four over the final six minutes to win the 2021 boys waited a year for redemption.

Warriors in double figures while Smith scored JV title.

They got it as they bolted to a 24-10 second a game-high 19 to pace the Lions. www.mycrossroadsmagazine.com

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