Spring Sports Preview 2016

New Albany • East Union • Ingomar • Myrtle • West Union

2016

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW N e w A l b an y Ga zette

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2016 Spring Sports Preview

Table of Contents

Pages: 6 New Albany Baseball 7 New Albany Softball 8 East Union Baseball 9 East Union Softball 10 Ingomar Softball 11 Ingomar Baseball 14 Myrtle Softball 15 Myrtle Baseball 16 West Union Softball 17 West Union Baseball 20 New Albany Track 21 East Union Track 22 Ingomar Track 23 Myrtle Track 26 New Albany Powerlifting 27 East Union Powerlifting 30-31 Archery 34 New Albany Golf 35 Ingomar Golf 37-38 New Albany Tennis New Albany Gazette A Journal Publishing Company product

On The Cover

From left are: Jesslyn Brewer (West Union), Witt Roaton (East Union), Amber Cook (Myrtle), Austin Gafford (New Albany), Kelly Mayo (Ingomar) Cover photo by Donica Phifer.

This publication was designed, and edited by Donica Phifer, Sports Editor, New Albany Gazette. Articles written by Donica Phifer, Sports Editor, and Dennis Clayton, Sportswriter.

Special Thanks John Walker, Tom Zahller, Josh Blythe, Chris Basil, Andy Wilbanks, Jonathan Ashley, Kelly Ashley, Robert Gordon, Marty Cook, Ashley Russell, Hugh Yates, Trey Humphreys, Jake Hill, Shane Sanderson, Scott Duley, Mike Conway, Tate Thigpen, Bert Anderson Nathan McLellen, Chris Greer, Suzy Bowman, Austin Epting, Jesslyn Brewer, Witt Roaton, Amber Cook, Austin Grafford, Kelly Mayo, Roberto Valadez, Brandon Perkins, Cade Hall, Jordon Salmon and Gracen Conlee. Additional thanks to BNA Bank Park for use of Legion Field for the cover photoshoot.

Inside Cover athletes (from left) Roberto Valadez (New Albany), Austin Gafford (New Albany), Amber Cook (Myrtle), Kelly Mayo (Ingomar), Brandon Perkins (Myrtle), Witt Roaton (East Union), Cade Hall (Ingomar), Jordon Salmon (East Union), Jesslyn Brewer (West Union), Gracen Conlee (West Union).

Spring Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette 5

Donica Phifer | Gazette Staff

2016 New Albany Bulldogs Baseball Team includes: Trip Mills, Austin Gafford, Justin Dean, Cody Roberts, Aaron Estes, Sam McMillin, Austin Cook, Eli Jackson, Jordan Lipsey, Loden Bolen, Alex Mirfield, Ruston Adams, Will Norwood, N’Shaun Cameron, Caleb Vance, Payton Goins, Bowen Brown, Peyton Jolly, Zack Ball, Hayden Anderson, Tucker Owens, Tyler Lipsey, Caleb Hudspeth, Clayton Ledbetter, Caden Johnson, Artavious Nugent.

New Albany Baseball

Bulldogs rebuilding with young talent Donica Phifer Sports Editor

After a 2015 campaign that featured 11 senior starters, New Albany’s 2016 line up looks considerably different.

The Bulldogs return only one starter to the field - junior outfielder and pitcher Sam McMillin - and two other players who played in a handful of games with the 2015 varsity squad.

“From an experience stand point, we are extremely limited,” Bulldogs coach

John Walker said, “...we are searching for our identity.”

McMillin will anchor the team from both the mound and the outfield along with Eli Jackson and Trip Mills.

“Those are our three rotational staters, and there is no particular order to that.

They’re very smiliar...three guys that I think all have the ability to really pitch and help us win,” Walker said.

Justin Dean is another face that Bulldogs fans will see take the mound this year, filling the void left by the graduation of 2015 closer

Jack Mason.

The infield positions for New Albany will see the most change. Senior Austin Gafford will lead the interior playing out of his usual second base position to take up shortstop while freshman Cody Roberts will take up second base. “[Austin] is going to do a good job, I knew coming in to this season that he would probably be our shortstop and he’s filled the role,” Walker said, “And Cody is a gritty kid that has played a lot of baseball and really gets

after it.”

The First base spot will be a battle in the opening weeks of the season between Artavious Nugent and Clayton Ledbetter. Third base will also be a fluid position that is utilized by a strong hitter who can play infield., Walker said.

Dean, Jackson, Mills and McMillin will rotate in the outfield depending on what Bulldog is on the mound.

“There is a multitude of people who might be out there,” Walker said.

New Albany 2016 Baseball Schedule February 26-27 Bulldog Classic

March 01 Hickory Flat 04 Senatobia * 05 @ Noth Pontotoc Pine Grove

08 Pontotoc 11 @ Senatobia * 12 @ Itawamba 14-15 @ Oxford Spring Break Tournament 16-18 @ Saltillo Spring Break Tournament 22 @ Byhalia *

6 Spring Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette

24 Byhalia * 29 @ Lafayette *

April 01 Lafayette * 02 @ Caledonia Round Robin 05 Ripley *

08 @ Ripley * 09 Itawamba 12 @ Rosa Fort * 15 Rosa Fort * 16 @ Lewisburg Round Robin * denotes division game

Donica Phifer | Gazette Staff

2016 New Albany Lady Bulldogs Softball Team includes: D’Anna Gillon, Beth Barnes, Brittany Prince, Sydni Lewis, Kaitlyn Cavender, Sierra Kimbrell, Jazmine Hood, Meadow Golden, Brooke Moody, Caroline Truemper, Alexis Mayo, Meagan Whiteside, Payton Robbins, Kelsey Ledbetter, Lexi Mirfield, Gracie Stanford, Grace Bolden, Yesenia Rivera, Aysiah Clark, Terrica Smith, Rianna Hood, and Katie Topper.

Lady Bulldogs looking for healthy season Sports Editor

A rash of injuries have already made the Lady Bulldogs 2015 season a difficult campaign.

2015’s young and inexperienced squad is one year wiser, and spent the offseason improving on their game, until the injury bug arrived.

“We’ve just had a string of freak injuries and accidents that have hampered the start of our season,” Bulldogs head coach Tom Zahller said. “Arm injuries, ankle injuries, a concussion, it’s all

happened quickly and kept us juggling our players. Our goal is now to get healthy before division starts and, if we get healthy, to make a run.”

When healthy, New Albany features four seniors that includes pitcher Beth Barnes and center fielder D’Anna Gillon as well as Sydni Lewis who will transition from her 2015 position at first base to work the opposite side of the field at third.

Kaitlyn Cavender will once again anchor the team from behind the plate.

“It really starts with her, she’s leading the team, she’s

come a long way and is very skilled,” Zahller said. “[Cavender] and Beth will be a good test for some teams.”

Sierra Kimbrell will take the shortstop position while second base in up in the air between senior Britney Prince and sophomore Alexis Mayo.

Eighth grader Kelsey Ledbetter will also likely draw the start at first base.

Gillon will “hold down the fort” in the right field with Caroline Trumeper in center and mixture of players in the left field spot, Zahller said.

“I feel comfortable about our outfield and the infield is always a work in progress.

But everything starts with a good pitcher and catcher, and we have that,” Zahller said.

In addition to Barnes on the mound, Brooke Moody and Kimbrell will see some timing tossing the ball for New Albany.

Zahller also expects the Bulldogs to see success on the offensive side of the ball with off season conditioning translating into long balls for base hits.

New Albany 2016 Softball Schedule February 20 @ Tupelo Jamboree 27 @ Center Hill Classic

March 01 @ Pine Grove

03 @ Saltillo 04 @ South Pontotoc 10 Pine Grove 11 Senatobia * 12 @ Battle in Batesville 18 North Pontotoc 19 @ North Pontotoc

21 Saltillo 22 @ Pontotoc 24 Ripley * 29 @ Lafayette * 31 Byhalia *

07 Pontotoc 11 South Pontotoc 12 @ Ripley * 14 Lafayette * 19 @ Byhalia *

April

* denotes division game

05 @ Senatobia *

Spring Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette 7

New Albany Softball

Donica Phifer

Donica Phifer | Gazette Staff

2016 East Union Urchins Baseball Team includes: Haygen Richey, Cade Bell, Thomas Moore, Dillin Eddings, Dalton Haynes, Joel Wilkinson, Jacob Raines, Preston Crump, Jake Wood, Josh Basil, Zane Wilkinson, Thomas Gentry, John Logan Duran, Ty McDonald, Drew Edwards, Witt Roaton, Bobby Darren Stafford, Grant White, Kye Roberts, Jay Tate, Caleb Stephens.

East Union Baseball

Urchins looking for successful season Donica Phifer Sports Editor

After a 2015 campaign that saw the Urchins advance to a second round Class 2A playoff appearance, East Union is looking to go further.

“We’re excited about this year,” East Union coach Chris Basil said, “We’ve got a group of kids who can compete and want to be successful and want to do whatever it takes to be successful.”

That success begins with senior Witt Roaton who will

take the mound as the Urchins pitching ace.

“We are going to ride him hard,” Basil said, “And he wants that role, he wants to be that guy.”

Roaton is joined by outfielder Thomas Moore and Dillin Eddings to make up the Urchins senior class.

Moore will lead an outfield that includes Joel Wilkinson and junior Ty McDonald.

Eddings is also the player tapped to replace 2015 graduate Lane Plunk after sitting out with injury for the past

two seasons.

In the infield, Cade Bell, Zane Wilkinson and Josh Basil all return to their positions from 2015 at second base, shortstop and third base.

Drew Edwards will hold the first base position when not on the mound.

“Position wise we only lost one player and probably our biggest concern is finding enough pitching. We are looking for that number three guy in the rotation that’s going to step up and battle for us in that third game and be a

weekend starter,” Basil said.

Basil also expects that the addition of an indoor hitting facility will go a long way towards helping East Union field a strong season.

“The key is leadership, those kids who weren’t leaders last year are developing.

That will be tremendous for us this year....the leadership, our weight room and the inside building are the three things that should give us a little advantage this year over the last few years,” Basil said.

East Union 2016 Baseball Schedule February 27 @ West Union Classic

March 03-05 @ Pontotoc Tournament 08 Booneville

11 Kossuth 12 @ Hatley 17 @ West Union Spring Break Tournament 18 @ Mantachie * 22 Baldwyn * 24 @ Baldwyn *

8 Spring Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette

26 Hamilton 28 Pine Grove

April 02 South Pontotoc Tishomingo County 05 @ Walnut * 08 Walnut * 09 @ Hamilton

@ Kossuth 12 @ Ingomar * 15 Ingomar * 16 @ Tupelo @ Booneville 18 Mantachie * *denotes division game

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

2016 East Union Lady Urchins Softball Team: (Front Row, Left to Right) Savannah Greer, Kaitie Boatner, Karley Conwill, Jessie Roberts, Maggie Hawkins, Danielle Cooper, Jade Parker, (Second Row, Left to Right)Sylvie McVey, Sallie Pannell, Kensie Roberts, Claudia Hill, Jaley White, Cayley Johnson, Logen Ellis, Karen Dobbs, Jayda Lamb, (Back Row: Left to Right) Rebecca Sheffield, Emily Bruce, Tianna Castillo, Kallie Roberts, Raelee Bell, Hannah White, Lexi Samples, Colby Stafford, Kirsten Dobbs, Callie Frazier, Bryanne Dill, Liz Hall.

East Union returns loaded lineup in 2A Sportswriter

In 2016, the Lady Urchins will return every starter and role player that made contributions to the team the previous year.

“Last year we didn’t lose anyone off this team and that was a positive,” East Union coach Josh Blythe said.

Tianna Castillo is the lone senior starter for the Lady Urchins.

Blythe looks for Castillo to have a huge season and

provide the vital senior leadership to the younger players.

Raelee Bell and Kaitie Boatner will again be the one and two hitters in the lineup and provide speed on the base paths.

“I’m counting on those two a lot,” Blythe said. “Callie Frazier is a workhorse on the mound, she’s not going to throw it 65, but she’s going to locate and throw a lot of strikes.”

Rebecca Sheffield returns to play shortstop and has

been a starter since the seventh grade.

Sallie Pannell will play first and also platoon according to Blythe.

“Everyone knows how good Sheffield is and Sallie has swung the bat really well for us the past couple of years,” Blythe said.

Hannah White and Colby Stafford are eighth graders that return to start for the Lady Urchins in the outfield and behind the plate respectively.

Junior Kallie Roberts will

again get the start at second base this season.

Blythe also plans to give Savannah Greer some starts at pitcher and Emily Bruce should see some action as a position player.

Claudia Hill should also see some quality playing time according to Blythe.

“I like the team, I like the makeup,” Blythe said. “The schedule is going to be pretty tough, so I hope that we can win some games.”

East Union 2016 Softball Schedule February 27 @ Booneville Classic 29 Itawamba

March 03 @ Vardaman 07 @ Ripley 10 @ Saltillo

11 Tupelo 18 @ Northeast Tournament 19 @ West Union 21 @ Walnut * 24 Ingomar * 26 @ Mooreville

28 New Site 31 Mantachie *

April 01-02 Union County Tournament (@ Ingomar) 04 @ Baldwyn * 07 Walnut *

08 @ Hatley 09 Mooreville 11 @ Ingomar * 15 Myrtle 16 @ Tupelo Tournament 18 @ Mantachie * 21 @ Baldwyn * *denotes division game

Spring Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette 9

East Union Softball

Dennis Clayton

Submitted Photo

2016 Ingomar Falcons Baseball Team includes: Cade Hall, Braxton Dowdy, Logan Nobles, Cole Mohundro, Easton Williams, Ross Sprouse, Jake Webb, Kelton Hall, Cole Means, Jordan Hill, Brady Hill, Elijah Edwards, Ty Hall, Chandler Bryant, Ryan Hodges, Preston Pichette, Zack Koon, Kelon Hall, Reed Huffstatler, Gabe Robbins, Hunter Gammel, Reed Vandiver, and manager Dylan Reeder.

Falcons looking to win ‘a different way’ Donica Phifer

Ingomar Baseball

Sports Editor

Ingomar’s 2015 season ended one game away from playing for a state championship with a senior heavy roster.

The 2016 version of the Falcons features a team with experience that will work around the challenge of the graduation of nearly all the pitching staff in 2015.

“It’s a total revamp,” Falcons coach Andy Wilbanks said, “Last year we knew who our one, two, and three guys were. This year we have no clue, but I don’t think we

will have just three guys.

Every game we are probably going to throw four or five.”

Without any arms that can easily go the distance, Ingomar will pitch by committee off Kelton Hall, Easton Williams, Braxton Dowdy, Cade Hall, Zack Coon and Jordan Hill.

With so many players in the pitching rotation, Ingomar will have a “merrygo-round” on the defensive side.

“What our set up will look like is going to depend on who has the ball,” Wilbanks said.

Senior Logan Nobles will anchor the infield at first base with Williams playing shortstop and Kelton at third base when not on the mound.

Junior Ross Sprouse will step into the outfield to anchor the team at center with freshman Kelon Hall at left.

Right field remains uncertain as Hill, Brady Hall, and Elijah Edwards are all in contention to earn the spot and see quality playing time.

Offensively Ingomar will also change their approach, focusing on small ball rather than a few big plays over a couple of innings.

“Last year we had the ability to go double, double, home run but this year we are going to have to hit and run, to bunt a lot more and move runners and play for a run an inning. We have to manufacture our runs instead of trying to play for that big inning,” Wilbanks said. “It’ll be different but you play to your personnel....these guys will have confidence in it.

That’s the way we’ve gotta win and hopefully we’ll be successful.”

Ingomar 2016 Baseball Schedule March 01 West Union 04 Myrtle 05 @ Hickory Flat 08 Bruce 11 @ Falkner 12 North Pontotoc

18 @ North Pontotoc 19 @ West Union 22 @ Walnut * 24 Walnut * 26 @ Myrtle 29 Baldwyn *

10 Spring Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette

April 01 @ Baldwyn * 02 Falkner Wheeler 05 @ Mantachie * 08 Mantachie * 09 @ Pine Grove

12 East Union * 15 @ East Union * 16 @ Ripley 18 Smithville *denotes division game

Submitted Photo

2016 Ingomar Falcons Softball Team includes: Kelly Fooshee, Kasey Carson, Kelly Mayo, Morgan Gooch, Maggie Smithey, Lindsay Hall, Abbie Williams, Kourtney Parker, Gara Beth Self, Lauren Thompson, Abby Deaton, Ashley Forester, Carson Grisham, Alex Wilhite, Zamaria Ball, Kaily Edwards. Managers are Laurn Coltharp and Laura Hogue.

Lady Falcons focused on finding pitching Sports Editor

The Lady Falcons are looking for a leader.

With last year’s starting pitcher Erin Wall graduating in 2015, Ingomar is looking for someone to fill the role both during games and inside the dugout.

Seniors Kasey Carson and Kelly Fooshee both return to the field for their final season, as well as a pair of juniors in Kelly Mayo and Morgan Gooch.

Mayo will again take up her position behind the plate

though who will be pitching to her has yet to be determined.

“Alex [Wilhite] pitched some last year and then there are several others who have been working at it,” Falcons coach Jonathan Ashley said, “We haven’t done it in a game yet so there will be a lot of figuring it out as we go.”

If not on the mound, Lauren Thompson will resume her spot at third base from last season as will Gara Beth Self at shortstop, Ashley Forester at second base and

Fooshee at first.

Maggie Smithey will start at center field, with Carson in right and Lindsay Hall at left.

Fans will also see Abby Deaton, Carson Grisham and Abbie Williams on the field at various points in the season.

With the success of Ingomar’s Lady Falcons basketball program, the softball team will begin their season a bit behind, Ashley said.

“Once basketball is over we are going to be playing catch up and that makes it

tough. These girls are competitive and they’ll do a good job, it’s just a game that is so much about pitching and I think if our pitching goes well we have a chance to compete and if it doesn’t we might have a long year,” Ashley said.

“For us its about how quick can we catch up or if we can we catch up to teams who will be weeks ahead of us,” Ashley said.

Ingomar will open their season on March 18 with an appearance in the South Pontotoc tournament.

Ingomar 2016 Softball Schedule March 03 @ Houlka 10 Houlka 18-19 @ South Pontotoc Tournament 21 Myrtle 22 Smithville

24 @ East Union * 28 Mantachie * West Union 29 North Pontotoc 31 @ Baldwyn *

April

01-02 Union County Fast PItch Tournament (@ Ingomar) 04 @ Walnut * 07 @ North Pontotoc 08 Pine Grove 11 East Union *

12 @ Smithville 14 @ Mantachie * 15 @ West Union 18 Baldwyn * 19 @ Pine Grove 21 Walnut * *denotes division game

Spring Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette 11

Ingomar Softball

Donica Phifer

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Donica Phifer Sports Editor donica.phifer@journalinc.com Twitter: @donicaphifer

12 Spring Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette

Dennis Clayton Sportswriter dennis.clayton@journalinc.com Twitter: @denclayton

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Spring Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette 13

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

2016 Myrtle Hawks Baseball Team: (Front Row: Left to Right) Brady Hogue, Chandler Moody, Austin Foster, Hunter Brown, JT Hudson, Blake McNeal, Mason Cook, Brayden Cobb, Ethan McGehee, Dylan Byers, (Second Row: Left to Right) Tyler Bramlett, Trace Thompson, Zai Penson, Alec Lipsey, Paxton Gordon, Lane Bishop, Zack Whitehead, Tristan Prestage, Hunter Matkins, Luke Gaines, Logan Wallace, Bennett McCullough, (Back Row: Left to Right) Dillon Kennon, Trey Decanter, Titus Gillard, Dylan Maharrey, Colby Gray, Brandon Perkins, Hunter Thompson, Abiram Frazier, Anthony Lipsey, Tanner Cox, Chris Rocha, Jeremy McIntosh, JD Messer, Jacob Gaines, Jacob Kent.

Myrtle Baseball

Myrtle Hawks one year older and wiser Dennis Clayton Sportswriter

Coach Robert Gordon returns a veteran club this year after losing one lone starter in catcher Zack Perkins from the 2015 edition.

“We’ve had a major setback at catcher with the injury to John Thomas [Gaines],” Gordon said. “He was going to be our starting catcher this year and had really worked hard at getting himself ready.

We’ve got some guys that we are going to throw back there

that have been working hard so other than that we are one year older and hopefully have a little bit more baseball knowledge and wiser.”

Although Myrtle returns a host of starters, the Hawks still have a large number of underclassmen that will make up the lineup and Gordon expects his younger players to make significant contributions at the plate.

“We have a big sophomore class and we will have the main pitchers from last year with Brandon Per-

kins, Lane Bishop, Anthony Lipsey and Jacob Kent will be our southpaw,” Gordon said.

The Hawks will have a couple more left-handers to turn to on the mound with Titus Gillard and Tristan Prestage as Gordon tries to work several pitchers into action.

Hunter Thompson will see some time on the mound as well.

Myrtle will again play in Division 2-1A this season and will have county

rival West Union as a primary contender. Pine Grove moves over into the division to replace Ingomar who moved up to 2A. “Pine Grove will have a lot of senior depth this year and they made a pretty good run last year before being put out by Hamilton,” Gordon said. “West Union has another year of experience which is always scary because they will be strong and I look for them to be at the top of the division. Hickory Flat should be strong as well.”

Myrtle 2016 Baseball Schedule March 01 @ Thrasher 04 @ Ingomar 05 Wheeler @ Potts Camp 08 Pine Grove * 11 Blue Mountain *

17 @ West Union Spring Break Tournament 22 @ Hickory Flat * 24 Ashland * 26 Biggersville Ingomar

14 Spring Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette

29 @ West Union *

April 01 @ Pine Grove * 02 @ Booneville @ Baldwyn 05 @ Blue Mountain * 08 Hickory Flat *

09 Thrasher Potts Camp 12 @ Ashland * 15 West Union * 16 Baldwyn Falkner 18 Walnut *denotes division game

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

2016 Myrtle Lady Hawks Softball Team: (Front Row, Left to Right) Joanna Black, Hannah Merritt, Cailyn Rape, Jessica Pickens, Haleigh Jamison, Lexi Hutcheson, Mikayla Denson, Claire Jackson, (Second Row: Left to Right) Megan Lowrey, Sarah Kate Thompson, Keragen McCullough, Allie Smith, Haley Barkley, Breanna Smith, Gracie Martin, Mia Stewart, (Back Row: Left to Right) Kristen Young, Emily Coggin, Heather Smith, Karlie Bolden, Tyesha Bills, Sara McDonald, Amanda Watkins, Callie Denton, Amber Cook.

Lady Hawks loaded with pitching Sportswriter

Myrtle head coach Marty Cook has a luxury that most coaches can only dream about.

This season Cook has four players that have pitching experience in either high school or travel ball and Cook hopes to utilize all four if possible.

“The luxury that I have right now, barring any injuries, is four pitchers,” Cook said. “Sara McDonald is a sophomore and Megan

Lowery pitched the bulk of the load last year. She won’t pitch as much this year, but she will still pitch. Allie Smith who transferred in from Potts Camp is a ninth grader and Emily Coggin is a seventh grader. I will have plenty of arms, but we are going to have to score runs to be competitive in most games.”

Seniors Amber Cook and Callie Denton will lead the Lady Hawks both on and off the diamond.

Cook is a fixture at short-

stop and Denton will play left.

Junior Heather Smith will again assume the catching duties for Myrtle.

Other returning starters include Karlie Bolden, Kristen Young and Lowery as other position players that Cook is counting on to contribute.

“I’ve tried not to sugarcoat my schedule and we’re going down to Florida to play some 6A and 5A schools,” Cook said. “ I’m not necessarily worried about the re-

cord, I’m concerned about getting better.”

The Lady Hawks will compete in Division 2-1A and the competition should be very stiff with Pine Grove moving over to replace Ingomar.

Union County rival West Union should also be in primary contention for a playoff spot along with Myrtle.

“I’m excited about this year, I think we’ll be competitive and once you get in the playoffs you never know what can happen,” Cook said.

Myrtle 2016 Softball Schedule March 04-05 @ Tupelo Tournament * 08 Independence 11 @ Potts Camp 14 @ Freeport (FL) 15 @ Rutherford (FL)

21 @ Ingomar 22 @ Hickory Flat * 24 South Pontotoc 28 Oxford 29 Pine Grove * 31 Hickory Flat *

April 01 Union County Tournament (@ Ingomar) 04 South Pontotoc 08 Ashland (DH) * 09 West Union * 11 @ Pine Grove *

14 @ West Union * 15 @ East Union 19 Mantachie 21 Vardaman *denotes division game

Spring Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette 15

Myrtle Softball

Dennis Clayton

Donica Phifer | Gazette Staff

2016 West Union Eagles Baseball Team includes: Hunter Baggett, Hayden Basil, Austin Kiddy, Ryder Willard, Jacob Shirley, Caleb Jennings, Clay Jennings, Sam Callicut, Luke Willard, Jayden Carlisle, Chance Bogue, Riley Bogue, Boo Robertson, Braden Willard, Andrew Childers, Reed Schiele, Brandon Phillps, Andrew Rowe, Jerrod McDonald, Dylan Gates, Cole Phillips, Gunner Carlisle, JQ Brewer.

West Union looking for leaders on field West Union Baseball

Donica Phifer Sports Editor

After the graduation of leading hitter and pitcher John Austin Taylor, the Eagles are looking for someone to step up and fill his shoes.

“There is no question that a couple of guys will have to step up and fill that role, not just from on the field but in the leadership John Austin gave off the field,” West Union coach Ashley Russell said, “But I think we have some guys that can do that.”

The strength of the 2016

team lies in the Eagles pitching, which Russell says has the most depth that the team has had in years.

“We need one or two of these guys to step up and become our go-to guy, but as far as depth goes we are in pretty good shape,” Russell said.

West Union features two lefties in Andrew Childers and Cole Phillips. Ryder Willard, Jacob Shirley, Riley Bogue will also produce innings throwing pitches for the Eagles.

Those pitchers will usually throw to eighth grader Luke Willard, who enters his second varsity season behind the plate. Willard’s classmate, Boo Robertson, will draw the start at shortstop while Ryder takes the third base spot.

Reed Schiele will anchor the first base postition and senior Hayden Basil again returns to his position in right field.

Phillips and Childers will also spend time in the outfield at left and center when

not throwing for the Eagles.

West Union will also hand the designated hitter spot to Caleb Jennings while Bogue floats as a utility player who will rotate through the field as needed depending on who is throwing from the mound.

“We should be pretty good defensively,” Russell said, “If we can put the pressure on people, manufacture some runs, get some timely hits then we could be pretty good. But we have to improve offensively.”

West Union 2016 Baseball Schedule February 27 New Site East Union

March 01 @ Ingomar 04 Houlka 05 @ West Union

Tournament 08 @ Hickory Flat * 11 Pine Grove * 17 @ West Union Spring Break Tournament 19 Ingomar 22 Ashland *

16 Spring Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette

24 @ Blue Mountain * 29 Myrtle *

April 01 Hickory Flat * 02 @ TCPS 05 @ Pine Grove * 08 @ Ashland *

09 @ Houlka Tournament 12 Blue Mountain * 15 @ Myrtle * 16 @ Biggersville @ Walnut 19 Wheeler * denotes division game

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

2016 West Union Lady Eagles Softball Team (Front Row, Left to Right) Mary Greer, Mattie Pilcher, Sophie Hooker, Katie Wallace, Mattie Hill, Anna Jackson, Halo Floyd, Kylie Massengill, (Second Row: Left to Right) Chloe Wright, Haley Steen, Eden Conlee, Samantha Stevens, Ashley Hatton, Cassie Reno, Mikayla Stewart, Anna Grubbs, (Back Row: Left to Right) Jennah Morris, Mackenzie Morris, Maegan Whittington, Jenny Thompson, Jesslyn Brewer, Gracen Conlee, Chase Coffey, Annie Orman, Parker Childers, Coach Hugh Yates. Not Pictured: Assistant Coach Kimberly Jumper.

West Union looks to make playoff run Sportswriter

West Union’s Lady Eagles have been a fixture in the 1A fastpitch playoffs for many years and the Lady Eagles have high hopes to return again this year.

“We’ve got some experience as far as our senior leadership and we have some young energy that has been brought to this team and in the middle, we’ve got stability,” Eagles head coach Hugh Yates said.

The Lady Eagles will be led by seniors Jesslyn Brewer, Chase Coffey and Ashley Hatton on the field.

Another senior, Gracen Conlee, will miss the season due to a knee injury, but Yates hopes Conlee can continue to lead the team off the field and from the dugout.

“Our seniors have been though these battles and they know what it takes plus they will help bring these younger players on too,” Yates said.

Yates will look to a couple of seventh graders to handle

most of the pitching duties, Eden Conlee and Annie Orman.

“We may have to pitch by committee and get a few of these older girls to pitch too,” Yates said. They [Conlee and Orman] have really worked hard in our practices and hopefully they will be able to step up and do it.”

The Lady Eagles have scheduled 3A and 4A teams in their tough non-division schedule in hopes of preparing the team for a competitive Division 2-1A.

“We are going to Booneville to play in a tournament, then to the Robertson’s Tournament in Tupelo, so we’re trying to play up and play harder competition,” Yates said. “It only makes you better in your division.”

Division 2-1A will be a battle according to Yates with the addition of Pine Grove this season.

“They’re going to be tough,” Yates said of the Lady Panthers.

West Union 2016 Softball Schedule March 01 @ Lafayette 03 @ Falkner 08 Ashland * (DH) 18 @ Booneville Tournament 19 East Union 21 Independence

28 @ Ingomar 29 @ Hickory Flat * 31 Pine Grove *

April 01-02 Union County Tournament (@ Ingomar)

04 Hickory Flat * 07 @ Pine Grove * 09 @ Myrtle * 12 Nettleton 14 Myrtle * 15 Ingomar 16 Robertson’s Sportswear

Tournament 18 @ Independence * denotes division game

Spring Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette 17

West Union Softball

Dennis Clayton

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New Albany Track

2016 New Albany Bulldogs Tack Team: (Front Row, Left to Right) Kennedy Rogers, Latavia Harris, Kenidi Sanders, Stacia Massey, Monica Espinoza, Victoria Brown, Anna Walls, Kierstyn McKenzie, Emoni Anderson, Deja Hasan, Kiara Collins, (Second Row, Left to Right) Bryce Strong, Camryn Turner, Isaiah Powell, Jeremiah Gardner, Jamal Hunter, Aprentice McWilliams, Chris Davis, Davon Blackwell, (Back Row, Left to Right) Jonathan Tucker, Chris Hines, Joseph Rutherford, Braudrique Boyd, Darrell Cheairs, Hunt Parks, Zach Simmons. Not Pictured: Maria Favela.

Bulldogs track filled with new faces Donica Phifer

Sports Editor

New Albany’s track team returns one state champion from the 2015 edition in senior Braudrique Boyd.

The remainder of the team consists of a mix of returning athletes and first timers who coaches Tate Thigpen and Bert Anderson hope will find success for the Track and Field program.

“I’ve been able to coach successful teams everywhere I’ve been,” first year coach Thigpen said, “And we hope for that to continue

with New Albany. This is a very talented team that could compete for state.”

Boyd will anchor the boys relay team as one of his events, with Isaiah Powell, Chris Davis, and Zach Simmons.

Bryce Strong and Chris Davis will do sprinting events along with the relay team while Ben Cherry, and Darrel Cheairs take on the javelin, discus and shot put.

The Bulldogs are still looking for runners to compete in the distance events, though Thigpen feels that those athletes will come in

time.

“We also have some new guys that are new, they are all training and learning together and we are looking for some of them to step up and fill some roles,” Thigpen said.

For the girls team, Victoria Brown, Latavia Harris, and Kierstyn McKenzie return to a team that features a host of freshman.

Kenidi Sanders and Emoni Anderson are two of those newcomers that Bert is expecting to do well during the season, as well as cross country runner Maria

Favela.

“We are in a good position for running events, but we need to find people to do field events,” Anderson said.

The Bulldogs will host three track meets this season, including a new event on April 5 called the Bulldog relays that is a different format from usual meets.

“You compete in everything like it is a relay. Four from each school in an event and total the points from the results of all four competitors,” Thigpen said, “It should be a fun meet for teams to be a part of.”

New Albany 2016 Track Schedule March

April

04 New Albany Track Challenge 11 @ Byhalia Relays 21 @ Pontotoc 24 New Albany Invitational

05 Bulldog Relays 16-17 District Meet 23 Regional Meet 30 North Half Meet

20 Spring Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

2016 East Union Urchins Track Team: (Front Row, Left to Right) Katie Roberts, Kaitlyn Owens, Sarah Duley, Haley Hatfield, Lauren Jane Whitenton, Cayce Smith, Monae Graham, Teresa Cobb, Amanda Pace, Jasmine Keys, Amber Jarvis, Cameron Nichols. (Second Row, Left to Right) Craig Hutchens, Jesus Rodriquez, Jared Cunningham, Steven Ragsdale, Noah Ford, Jordon Salmon, Zach Rowan, Hunter Nobles, Clayton Fulgham, (Third Row, Left to Right) Joseph Yeager, Dustin Wildmon, Joey Pace, Izaiah Rich, Chance Betts, Micah Fulgham, Larry Robbins, Zac Cisowski, Reid Raines, (Back Row: Left to Right) Tyler Chadwick, Andrew Pilcher, Zack Moody, Payton Wages, John Briggs, Mary Kate Nobles, Keirsten Hitt.

Dennis Clayton

Sportswriter

East Union had never had a state champion in any track and field event until last year.

In 2015, the Urchins turned in an impressive performance as they finished the 2A competition with five state championships under their belt.

“Jordon Salmon is the defending state champion in the 800 and the mile (1600 meters) and he’ll be back,”

East Union coach Nathan McLellen said. “On the girls side, we’ve got Katie Rowan back, she’s the state champion in the long jump and 100 hurdles. Cayce Smith is the defending state champion in pole vault.”

Another athlete that the Urchins will rely on is Zach Rowan who will compete in the boys pole vault, distance running and speed events.

McLellen will be without the services of one of his top runners on the girls team as

Hannah Duley, who turned in some high scores for the Lady Urchins last year, will be out due to injury.

“We’ve got a new addition, Monae Graham, we hope that she can score a lot of points for us,” McLellen said. “She’s very athletic and a hard worker, so we’re excited about her.

East Union will travel to Madison to compete against some tough competition from across the state.

The Urchins also will

compete in the inaugural Tri-County meet at Byhalia.

“We excited that we can have something to kinda compare to a Union County championship in other sports,” McLellen said of the Byhalia meet.

The East Union Lady Urchins finished third in the 2015 State Championship, missing second place by two points.

East Union 2016 Track Schedule March

April

11 @ Byhalia Relays 19 @ Fleet Feet Racing Classic 29 @ Pontotoc Invitational

02 @ Tri-County Championship 12 Division 1-2A Championship Meet 23 Region 1-2A Championship Meet 30 North State Championship Meet

Spring Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette 21

East Union Track

Five state champions leading Urchins

Ingomar Track

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

2016 Ingomar Falcons Track Team: (Front Row, Left to Right) Alex Sanders, Lauren Watson, Sydney Roberts, Audrey Melton, Cayson Ferguson, Zamaria Ball, Gloryana King, Carli Bridges, Macy Kirk, Luke Roberts, (Back Row, Left to Right) Head Coach Austin Epting, Chelsea Gammell, Sanaa Finley, Nathan Moyer, Kyle Raines, Spencer Ladner, Thomas Floyd, Caleb Merritt, Alex Wilhite, Jackson Phillips, Anna Beth Gandy, Jakilah Banks. Not Pictured: Jacob Harden.

Ingomar looks to improve on previous success Dennis Clayton

Sportswriter

Coach Austin Epting will return three key pieces to his track program this season after the trio recorded top five finishes in 1A state competition.

“The main leadership that I’m going to look for is our returners from state, Alex Sanders and Jacob Harden in the boys and Sydney Roberts in the girls, who were All-State selections,” Epting

said. “A new pickup, Nathan Moyer, is new to this school from Kansas and he’s been an optimistic figure ever since he got here.”

Roberts had two third place finishes in the 1,600 and 3,200 meter runs. Sanders had a fourth in the 800 meters and Harden placed fifth in the 1A discus.

Ingomar will also return two senior girls, Macy Kirk and Lauren Watson with previous experience in track and cross country who should

lend some leadership to the younger Falcons.

Epting hopes to see improvement, consistency and strength in his throwers this season.

“I know 2A will be a lot more competitive, so I’m doing my best to prepare them for that,” Epting said.

“Everyone’s goal is to make North Half and then make State. Most everybody made North Half last year and I’m hoping for the same results this year.”

Ingomar has scheduled some extremely competitive meets to prepare for the road to the state championship at Pearl. The Falcons will travel to Center Hill and Pontotoc twice for practice meet during the season.

“I think our team is young and energetic. I have to thrive over positive energy and that positive energy is what is going to keep our team rolling and that creates a snowball effect toward everyone else,” Epting said.

Ingomar 2016 Track Schedule March

April

05 @ Center Hill Practice Meet 10 @ Center Hill Practice Meet 21 @ Pontotoc Practice Meet 29 @ Pontotoc Invitational

02 @ Tri-County Championship (@ Byhalia) 09 @ Daily Journal Relays (@ Tupelo) 14 @ Division 1-2A Championship Meet 23 Region 1-2A Championship Meet 30 North State Championship Meet

22 Spring Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

Myrtle track hopes to challenge in 1A Dennis Clayton Sportswriter

Coach Chris Greer’s 2015 track teams finished sixth in girls and 12th in boys at the 1A state championships in Pearl and the Hawks are optimistic about both teams improving this season.

“In girls track, we have back Geniesha [Montgomery], Ivory [Montgomery] and Caroline [Greer] back and we hope to score a lot of points with them,” Greer

said. “We hope that new people like Tyesha Bills and Sara McDonald really contribute in the throwing events.”

Karlie Bolden and Hailey Brown will handle the pole vault and Brown will also be called upon to run some distance events as well.

“We’ve got some young girls that have got to step up, but we’re hoping the best for them.” Greer said. “We’ve got a chance [for state title] in girls.”

Myrtle boasts a return-

ing state champion as Ivory Montgomery is the defending high jump champion in 1A with her jump of 4-10.00.

The Myrtle boys also return a state champion in Abiram Frazier, who won the 1A Discus with a throw of 12903 and Frazier hopes to add more distance plus another medal this season.

Greer looks to Braxton Wilson and Josh Sampson to help the Hawks in the running events in 2016.

“Braxton and Josh have been with us a long time and

we look to them to step up,” Greer said. “We also hope Hunter Hall steps up. We can make a good showing in boys this year. I think the boys [competition] will be wide open.”

Myrtle will participate in some very competitive meets leading up to the state championships with the Journal Relays plus a new Tri-County meet at Byhalia that will feature teams from Union, Benton and Marshall Counties.

Myrtle 2016 Track Schedule March 24 @ Indian Invitational 28 @ Pontotoc Invitational

April

02 Tri-County Championship (@ Byhalia) 09 @ Daily Journal Relays (@ Tupelo) 14 Division 2-1A Championship 23 Regional 2-1A Championship 30 North Half Championship

Spring Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette 23

Myrtle Track

2016 Myrtle Hawks Track Team: (Front Row, Left to Right) Myriah Street, Layken Dulaney, Jenna Sampson, Brianna Nugent, Caroline Greer, Hailey Brown, Sierra Kiddy, Kaitlyn Senn, (Second Row: Left to Right) Karlie Bolden, Geniesha Montgomery, Mykailla Foster, Cole Windham, Colt Hall, Blake McNeal, Daylon Jones, Ivory Montgomery, Sara McDonald, Tyesha Bills, (Back Row: Left to Right)Braxton Wilson, Colby Gray, Jarrett Prather, Darshawn Hill, Abiram Frazier, Dee Johnson, Roy Contreras, Evan Gann, Hunter Hall, Josh Sampson.

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New Albany Powerlifting

New Albany Powerlifting

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

2015-2016 New Albany Lady Bulldogs Powerlifting Team: (Front Row: Left to Right) Claireese Pannell, Kaitlyn Cavender, Jasmine Hood, Maggie Creekmore, Laura Suzanne Creekmore, (Back Row: Left to Right) Anna Trexler, Audrey Littlejohn, Olivia Thompson, Kennedy Rogers, Katelin Denham.

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

2015-2016 New Albany Bulldogs Powerlifting Team: (Front Row, Left to Right) Jakob Roby, Darrel Cheairs, Jeremiah Gardney, Camryn Turner, (Second Row, Left to Right) Davon Russell, Overton Johnson, Chris Hines, Bryce Strong, (Back Row) Jamal Hunter.

26 Spring Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette

East Union Powerlifting

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

2015-2016 East Union Urchins Powerlfiting Team: (Front Row, Left to Right) Joel Wilkinson, Noah Watts, Thomas White, Jesse Crump, Dalton Hall, Jared Cunningham, (Second Row: Left to Right) Chase Hall, Cody Taylor, Bubba Higgins, Reid Raines, Eli Hodges, Caleb Harper, (Back Row: Left to Right) Head Coach Scott Duley, Ben Roberts.

Spring Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette 27

East Union Powerlifting

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

2015-2016 East Union Lady Urchins Powerlifting Team: (Front Row, Left to Right): Yilah Isby, Kaitle Boater, Sylvie McVey, Jessie Roberts, Jaley White., (Second Row: Left to Right) Katlin Prewett, Janna Humphreys, Kensie Roberts, Lindsey Hill, Tianna Castillo, Calla Basil, (Back Row:) Head Coach Scott Duley. Not Pictured: Katie Roberts.

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2016 Archery

Archery

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

2016 East Union Urchins Archery Team: (Front Row:) Sallie Humphreys, (Second Row: Left to Right) Lexi Smith, Emma Dunlap, Ashley Rea, Aaliyah Windham, Savannah Wildman, Hillary McBrayer, (Third Row: Left to Right) Assistant Coach Jackye White, Bradley McBrayer, Grayson Blair, Becca Gregory, Melinda Cooper, Alyssa Phifer, Carley Hitt, Michael Cooper, Jeremy Rakestraw, Head Coach Trey Humphreys, (Back Row: Left to Right) Carson Hall, Will Duley, Colton Bailey, Jason Rakestraw, Bryant White, Grady Randall, Austin Schallock.

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

2016 Ingomar Falcons Archery Team: (Front Row, Left to Right:) Courtney Aker, Mallory Nance, Makenzie Richardson, Haley Duke, Abbie Williams, Morgan Nance, Alex Wilhite, Amber Galloway, (Second Row: Left to Right) Cody Bridges, Courtney Dillard, Gabby Parker, Connor Little, Wade Baker, Jackson Phillips, Ethan Moody, Madison Nobles, Morgan Gooch, Robert Richardson, (Back Row: Left to Right) Melissa Reed, Kensie Shook, Katelyn Thompson, Katie Wright, Clayton Rakestraw, Mallory Russell, Amber Rakestraw, Allie WIlliams, Jeff Williams, Sherrie Little. Not pictured: Ethan Bullock.

30 Spring Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette

2016 Archery

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

2016 Myrtle Hawks Archery Team: (Front Row, Left to Right) Hunter Matkins, Brady Hogue, Hunter Brown, JT Hudson, Austin Ketchum, Anna Rae Jeter, Stephanie Floyd, Harley Watson, Emily Bridges, Haley Barkley, Ellie Fitts, Brody McCammon, Tyler Bramlitt, Josh Goolsby, Dawson Gann. (Second Row: Left to Right) Lane Bishop, Cal McGeHee, Zack Whitehead, Jacob Gaines, Alex McDonald, Christian Thomas, Abiram Frazier, Jacob Kent, Evan Gann, Austin Hall, Trey DeCanter, and Trace Thompson. Not Pictured: Tristan Prestage and Brayden Cobb.

Archery Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

2016 West Union Eagles Archery Team: (Front Row, Left to Right) Valerie Kitchens, Laura Dyer, Savannah Griffin, Kara Hall, Bella Brice, Ashley Russell, Hannah Azlin, (Second Row: Left to Right) Laura Dyer, Savannah Griffin, Kara Hall, Bella Brice, Ashley Russell, Hannah Azlin. Second row left: Katie Cornelius, Helen Grace Grisham, Molly Porter, Amanda Keierleber, Kateri Fetter, Lindsay Bradford, Bailey Feathers, Sidney Pounders, (Back Row: Left to Right) Head Coach Kelvin Meeks, David Clayton, Jacob Isbell, Andrew Trivelli, Brandon Willard, Brian Allen, Garen Mitchell, Caleb Russell. Not pictured: Annemarie Fetter, Zack Sanford, Sam Sanders, Matthew Lewis, Sarah Willis, Taylor Dees, Mikayla Williams, Alexis Barnes, Lindzy Bradford.

Spring Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette 31

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Spring Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette 33

New Albany Golf

2016 Golf

Donica Phifer | Gazette Staff

2016 New Albany Lady Bulldogs Golf Team: (Left to Right) Olivia Thompson, Lucy Martin, Lauren Dunlap and Carley Adams.

Donica Phifer | Gazette Staff

2016 New Albany Bulldogs Golf Team: (Front Row: Left to Right) Andrew Fennell, Tyler Dickens, Jack Herrington, Caleb McDonald, (Back Row: Left to Right) John Wright Wlborn, Jack Cooper, Boone Faulkner, Dean Garrett, Matt Cherry.

34 Spring Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette

2016 Golf

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

2016 Ingomar Falcons Golf Team (Left to Right) Coach Mike Conway, Zach High, Nick Cobb, Dylan Reeder, Caleb Gullick, Thomas Wall, Chance Weathers.

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Spring Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette 35

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2016 New Albany Bulldogs Tennis Team includes: Trace Thompson, Chris Shands, Michael Crotts, Roberto Valadez, Grayson Godbold, Seth Male, Anderson Parks, Garrett Meggs, Hayes Trexler, Mason Richey, Joseph Fennell, Andrew Fennell, Gray Goode, John M Davis, Luke Bolen, Logann Cossey, Jackson Christ and Addision Ziegler.

New Albany Tennis

Senior heavy roster built for success Donica Phifer Sports Editor

Of the 17 members of the Bulldogs 2016 tennis team, nine of them are seniors.

“It’s an unusual situation,” Bulldogs head coach Suzy Bowman said, “But it’s nice to know that we have so much experience to rely on.”

That experience comes in the form of reigning 4A boys doubles champions Chris Shands and Trace Thompson, as well as one half of

the 4A runner up pair in 2015 with Michael Crotts.

The Bulldogs, who won their fourth consecutive Class 4A state title last year, also return Roberto Valadez, who played mixed doubles last season, and Grayson Godbold in singles.

The 2015 line up will see some changes as the rotation depth between those starters and the additional experience of seniors Anderson Parks, Garrett Meggs, Hayes Trexler, and Seth Male al-

low Bowman an opportunity to try different looks.

“You might see Chris playing some singles, you might see Roberto paired with Michael,” Bowman said.

Godbold will play singles and alternate with time on the doubles court.

The younger members of the Bulldog team will also see valuable court time, Bowman said.

“It’s important to put some of these younger play-

ers out there and let them get some experience because soon they’ll be the players that we are depending on,” Bowman said, “We want to get them playing time so that we aren’t hurting next year.”

Joseph Fennell, Mason Richey, Andrew Fennell, and John M. Davis are two of those younger players that Bowman is expecting to have a strong year for the New Albany program.

New Albany 2016 Tennis Schedule February 29 Grenada

March 01 Tupelo 03 Corinth 04 @ TCPS

07 Rosa Fort * 08 Lafayette (JV) 10 Ripley * 19 New Albany Tournament 22 Pontotoc 24 @ Lafayette *

36 Spring Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette

25 Grenada 28 @ Oxford 29 @ Tupelo 31 @ Alcorn Central

April 02 @ Newton County Invitational

04 Oxford 07 Senatobia * 08 East Webster 12 District Tournament (@ New Albany) * denotes division game

Donica Phifer | Gazette Staff

2016 New Albany Lady Bulldogs Tennis Team includes: Laura Creekmore, Meghan Van, Katie Davis, Rachel Rainey, Morris Kelly Clayton, Maggie Creekmore, Greta Blakemore, Lexie Kent, Emma Blakemore, Molly Scott, Madilyn Morris, Avery Shaw, Maggie Jo Everett, Emma Myers, Meredith Perscott, Lauren Paige Hamilton, Taylor Willis.

New faces add depth for Lady Bulldogs Sports Editor

New Albany’s Lady Bulldogs tennis team returns a roster full of experience after winning their fourth Class 4A state championship in 2015.

“Last year we didn’t have a lot of depth on the girls side, but this year we really do,” Bulldogs head coach Suzy Bowman said.

The Lady Bulldogs will be anchored by three seniors in doubles pair Meghan Van

and Katie Davis, and half of another doubles pair in Laura Creekmore.

New Albany also brings back sophomore Morris Kelly Clayton, who took home the 4A girls singles title in 2015.

Much as with the Bulldogs boys team, Bowman will rotate the line up to mix up partners and give opportunities to her team leaders to play with other partners and on other courts.

“We have three up and coming players that will

make an entrance this year and we are going to put those girls with our experienced ones at times,” Bowman said.

Rachel Rainey, Greta Blakemore and Lexi Kent are those three players, with Rainey being the most advanced of the bunch as a sophomore.

Kent is in seventh grade and Blakemore in eighth.

“I plan to get them a lot of playing time,” Bowman said.

For mixed doubles, Clay-

ton will see some time on that court to expand options on the singles court.

Creekmore will again pair with her younger sister, Maggie Creekmore in girls doubles.

“Our goal as always is to win a state title,” Bowmain said, “But I also think that this year we have an opportunity to showcase some of these younger kids and keep the strength of this program going after these seniors have graduated.”

New Albany 2016 Tennis Schedule February 29 Grenada

March 01 Tupelo 03 Corinth 04 @ TCPS

07 Rosa Fort * 08 Lafayette (JV) 10 Ripley * 19 New Albany Tournament 22 Pontotoc 24 @ Lafayette *

25 Grenada 28 @ Oxford 29 @ Tupelo 31 @ Alcorn Central

April 02 @ Newton County Invitational

04 Oxford 07 Senatobia * 08 East Webster 12 District Tournament (@ New Albany) * denotes division game

Spring Sports Preview/New Albany Gazette 37

New Albany Tennis

Donica Phifer

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