Spring Sports Preview 2017

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

2017

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW N e w A l b an y G az ette

Spring Sports Preview | New Albany Gazette

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Inside Cover: Caroline Greer (Track and Field), Myrtle High School, Madison Worthy (Golf), Ingomar High School, Grayson Godbold (Tennis), New Albany High School, Cayce Smith (Track and Field), East Union High School, Sidney Pounders (Archery), West Union High School. Front Cover: Anthony Lipsey (Baseball), Myrtle High School, Andrew Childers (Baseball), West Union High School, Easton Williams (Baseball), Ingomar High School, Callie Frazier (Softball), East Union High School, Eli Jackson (Baseball), New Albany High School.

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Spring Sports Preview | New Albany Gazette

2017 Spring Sports Preview 6 New Albany Softball 7 New Albany Baseball 10 East Union Softball 11 East Union Baseball 12 IngomaR Softball 13 Ingomar Baseball 16 Myrtle Softball 17 Myrtle Baseball 18 West Union Softball 19 West Union Baseball 22 New Albany Track and Field 23 East Union Track and Field 24 Ingomar Track and Field 25 Myrtle Track and Field 28-29 Archery 32 New Albany Golf 33 Ingomar Golf 34 New Albany Girls Tennis 35 New Albany Boys Tennis Special Thanks Tom Zahller, John Walker, Suzy Bowman, Bert Anderson, Zach Matkins, Shane Sanderson, Josh Blythe, Charlie Porch, Chris Basil, Justin Weeden, Trey Humphreys, Andy Wilbanks, Mike Conway, Stephen Adams, Melissa Williams, Larrie Hogue, Marty Cook, Robert Gordon, Chris Greer, Hugh Yates, Kaitlyn Booth, Ashley Russell, Brad Bogue, and Penny Heard as well as the athletes from Union County and New Albany High schools. Additional thanks to BNA Bank Park for use of Legion Field for the cover photo.

Articles written by Donica Phifer, Sports Editor, and Dennis Clayton, Sportswriter. Cover Photo by Donica Phifer. Photo on contents page by Donica Phifer. Advertising sales by Dennis Clayton.

New Albany Gazette Spring Sports Preview | New Albany Gazette

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New Albany Softball

Donica Phifer | Gazette Staff

2017 New Albany Lady Bulldogs Fast-Pitch Softball Team: Kaitlyn Cavender, Meadow Golden, Brooke Moody, Caroline Truemper, Alexis Mayo, Meagan Whiteside, Payton Robbins, Kelsey Ledbetter, Alexis Mirfield, Gracie Stanford, Grace Wages, Aysiah Clark, Rianna Hood, Charlsey Stacks, Jenna Blades, Bailey Robertson, Rosalee Roberts, Katherine Truemper, Savanna Johnson. Head Coach Tom Zahller and Assistant Coach Brandon Cutrer.

Cavender leads Lady Bulldogs in final season Dennis Clayton Sportswriter

Kaitlyn Cavender will wrap up an illustrious career for New Albany with the 2017 season after being an integral part of the team since the seventh grade.

“I’ve gone from watching her be a little bitty thing to a force to be reckoned with,” New Albany head coach Tom Zahller said.

Cavender will again be counted on to work the catcher’s spot on the team and handle the Lady Bulldog pitchers.

“I think that if we work hard, play as a team and give it our all that we can be pretty good,” Cavender said. “I think we will be competitive...It’s been a really wonderful ride so far.

This season brings a lot of joy to me.”

The Lady Bulldogs have a big group of juniors including Meagan Whiteside at third, Payton Robbins at second, Brooke Moody will be on the mound and Meadow Golden 6

will play left field.

“The anchor of our outfield is Caroline Truemper, she is the complete package,” Zahller said. “She makes plays that honestly she shouldn’t be able to get to. We also have a newcomer, Rosalee Roberts, who I hope will put up some big numbers this year.”

The Lady Bulldogs will be in a very competitive division again this year with Lafayette, Pontotoc, and Senatobia.

“Pontotoc returns every single player that they had last year and they’ve got a junior pitcher that is something special,” Zahller said. “Lafayette and Senatobia are both returning their key players and our division is very tough. Your defense and your offense has to be able to match that level of competition and this year is no different, it’s going to be tough.”

Zahller see potential in his team in that if they decide to come together and develop the proper chemistry, they can

Spring Sports Preview | New Albany Gazette

New Albany 2017 Softball Schedule February 25 @ Southaven Classic

March 02 @ Pine Grove 03 Hickory Flat 04 @ Horn Lake 10 Wheeler 11 @ Batesville Tournament 17-18 @ South Pontotoc Tournament 21 Lafayette * 23 @ Byhalia * 25 @ Hickory Flat accomplish much this year.

“The enthusiasm is there, there’s some trust there, but we are still kinda

28 Pontotoc 30 @ Ripley *

April 01 @ Wheeler Tournament 03 Pine Grove 04 Senatobia * 06 @ Lafayette * 07 Horn Lake 11 Byhalia * 13 @ Pontotoc 18 Ripley * 20 @ Senatobia *denotes Division 2-4A game

playing apprehensive,” Zahller said. “I think it’s there, they just haven’t unraveled it yet.”

Bulldogs relying on starting pitching depth Dennis Clayton Sportswriter

New Albany will have the luxury of returning several veteran pitchers for the 2017 campaign and will rely on them to carry the team in a tough 4A division.

“We do have some experience returning and that was one of the benefits of being so young and inexperienced last year,” New Albany head coach John Walker said. “I think on the mound especially, we will return every arm that we used in a varsity game last year, so we are excited about the opportunity for our pitching staff.”

The Bulldogs will be led on the mound by seniors Sam McMillin and Eli Jackson with junior Tripp Mills also playing a key role in the pitching rotation.

“We are going to be the same type team as far as we will pitch by committee and how we will string together a bullpen will change with the pitch count and

play into that as well. I feel really confident with any of our arms, we have 10 or 11 that can go out there,” Walker said.

Caleb Vance and Justin Dean have had tremendous off24-25 Bulldog seasons on the mound according Classic to Walker and he hopes that will 28 Hickory Flat carry over into this spring.

“We’re still trying to figure out a way to generate runs and 02 @ Pontotoc create a little offense,” Walker Tournament said. “I think with time plus 04 @ Pontotoc a little bit of seasoning with Tournament practice situations, we will be 07 Senatobia able to bring that along.”

10 @ Senatobia * Even though New Albany 11 @ Itawamba returns several key position AHS players for the 2017 season, 15-17 @ Saltillo Walker says by most standards, Spring Break the Bulldogs are pretty young.

Tournament “We are going to put a lot 21 @ Byhalia * of our defensive emphasis on 24 Byhalia * Cody Roberts who is going to 25 @ Pontotoc move into the shortstop role @ South permanently. He’s played it a Pontotoc little bit before, probably a more natural second baseman, but he’s our best fit at shortstop.” will be wide open and Walker believes the division hopes to have the Bulldogs

New Albany 2017 Baseball Schedule February

March

28 Lafayette * 31 @ Lafayette*

April 01 Itawamba AHS Caledonia 04 @ Ripley * 07 Ripley * 08 @ Starkville 10 @ North Pontotoc 11 @ Rosa Fort* 13 Rosa Fort * 15 @ Walnut 17 @ Pine Grove *denotes Division 2-4A game

in the hunt for the division crown.

Spring Sports Preview | New Albany Gazette

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New Albany Baseball

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

2017 New Albany Bulldogs Baseball Team: Tripp Mills, Justin Dean, Cody Roberts, Sam McMillin, Eli Jackson, Zack Ball, Mavryck Zinzer, Ruston Adams, Will Norwood, Drew Vance, Caleb Vance, Payton Goins, Tyler Lipsey, Peyton Jolly, Caden Johnson, Pete Mueller, Tucker Owens, Caleb Hudspeth, Clayton Ledbetter, Artavious Nugent. Head Coach for the Bulldogs is John Walker, Assistant Coaches are Reid Gann and Luke Hargett.

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East UnioN Softball

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

2017 East Union Lady Urchins Fast-Pitch Softball Team: Harleigh Wheelington, Jorja Roberson, Kylie Rackley, Maggie Hawkins, Raven Watson, Jade Parker, Maggie McVey, Colby Stafford, Abby Niemenin, Bailey Pannell, Emily Coggin, Carrie Wilkinson, Jessie Roberts, Savannah Greer, Genevieve Bowker, Anna Lauren Dunaway, Maria Cabarella, Jaley White, Rebecca Sheffield, Emily Bruce, Bryanne Dill, Cayley Johnson, Sylvie McVey, Kallie Roberts, Hannah White, Raelee Bell, Sallie Pannell, Callie Frazier, Kaitie Boatner, Callie Smith.

Lady Urchins looking to win division title Donica Phifer Sports Editor

The experienced East Union lineup has one goal in mind winning their first Division 1-2A fast-pitch title.

“This bunch has never lost a slow-pitch division, but we’ve never won a fast-pitch division,” East Union head coach Josh Blythe said.

The “bunch” includes the Lady Urchins seven seniors, four of whom have been in East Union’s starting lineup since their seventh grade year.

Of that group, Callie Frazier and Rebecca Sheffield are the players that Blythe expects to lead the team on and off the field, the duo bolstered by signing to play college softball at Northeast Mississippi Community College.

Frazier will return on the mound, splitting time throwing strikes with eighth grader Emily Coggin.

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Coggin is the player in the batting order tapped to replace now graduated Tianna Castillo, Blythe said “Tianna was such a utility player for us, but Coggin can swing the bat and sling it, so we’re looking for big things from her,” Blythe said.

The Urchins lineup will shift and change depending on the opponent, with various combinations of infield and outfield players, Blythe said.

Among those, Sheffield will anchor the team at shortstop with a revolving infield lineup including fellow senior Sallie Pannell, Coggin, and freshman Kaitie Boatner.

In the outfield Jaley White, senior Kallie Roberts, junior Raelee Bell and freshman Hannah White will all see quality playing time.

East Union will be anchored behind the plate by freshman Colby Stafford, returning for her third season starting for the

Spring Sports Preview | New Albany Gazette

East Union 2017 Softball Schedule February 25 @ Booneville Classic 28 Amory

March 02 Vardaman 03 @ Mooreville 04 @ Oxford Tournament 07 Tupelo 09 West Union 11 @ Corinth Tournament 18 @ NEMCC Tournament 20 @ Baldwyn * 23 @ Ingomar * 27 @ Walnut * Lady Urchins.

“We’ve just got a good group of young, talented players and veterans,” Blythe said, “Even where we are young we’ve got

20 Mantachie * 31 Union County Tournament (@ Ingomar)

April 01 Union County Tournament (@ Ingomar) 04 @ North Pontotoc 06 Ingomar * 07 Mooreville 10 Baldwyn * 17 @ Mantachie * * denotes Division 1-2A game

experience because a lot of those kids have been playing for years. So I think the pieces are there, we’ve just got to get some breaks.”

East Union returning depth and experience Donica Phifer Sports Editor

The defending Class 2A state champions have no plans to stop with one title, despite knowing the challenges of repeating as back-to-back champions.

“They know how tough it was last year and how tough it’s been since ‘62 since the school has been there. But they [the Urchins] don’t feel any pressure, they just feel like we should be there,” East Union head coach Chris Basil said.

The 2017 version of the Urchins features a few new faces as East Union looks to replace pitcher Witt Roaten, center fielder Thomas Moore and first baseman Dillen Eddings.

The Urchins will also replace senior Drew Edwards who is unable to play this season.

“Losing Drew was really a slap in the face,” Basil said, “We ended up losing four really good guys, four guys that contributed a whole lot for our program last year. It’s just the next man

up, giving other people the opportunity to get some playing time. It’s not where we start, it’s where we finish.”

East Union will turn to five key players to pitch in Joel Wilkinson, Cade Bell, Josh Basil, Ty McDonald and Zane Wilkinson and look to a few new faces to fill the gaps left by graduation.

One face is seventh grader Ethan Hitt who has started in early games for the Urchins playing left field and second base when Bell is on the mound.

Sophomore Jake Wood will step in at first base while Thomas Gentry moves into right field.

McDonald will take over at center field for the Urchins when he isn’t pitching and classmate Zane will again play at shortstop while Josh begins another season at third base.

Another senior, Jacob Raines, will once again anchor the team behind the plate.

Offensively, consistency will be the key for East Union, Basil said.

East Union 2017 Baseball Schedule February 25 @ Booneville Classic 28 @ Pontotoc Tournament

March 03-04 @ Pontotoc Tournament 07 Tupelo 10 @ Houlka 11 Smithville Hamilton 16 @ West Union Spring Break Tournament 21 Ingomar * 24 @ Ingomar “I think we have more people on the bench this year that are going to be able to contribute and get that at bat during a game.

We have multiple folks

25 Corinth West Union 28 @ Baldwyn * 31 Baldwyn *

April 01 Booneville @ Corinth 04 Walnut * 07 @ Walnut * 08 @ Hamilton @ Pine Grove 11 @ Mantachie * 13 Mantachie * 17 Hatley * denotes Division 1-2A game

who can hit the ball out of the ballpark but we just have to be more consistent as far as squaring up balls,” Basil said.

Spring Sports Preview | New Albany Gazette

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EasT Union Baseball

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

2017 East Union Urchins Baseball Team: Ethan Hitt, Aaron Walters, Andrew Pilcher, Dalton Haynes, Kolby Gray, Preston Crump, Madison Croft, Rett Johnson, Hayden Roberts, Chandler Moody, Taylor McDonald, Bobby Darren Stafford, Jacob Raines, John Logan Duran, Haygen Richey, Kagan Garrison, Joel Wilkinson, Josh Basil, Zane Wilkinson, Jace Basil, Cade Bell, Thomas Gentry, Ty McDonald, Kye Roberts, Jacob Wood, Drew Edwards. Head Coach for the Urchins is Chris Basil, Assistant Coaches are Bo Garrett and Zane Treadaway.

Ingomar Softball

Donica Phifer | Gazette Staff

2017 Ingomar Lady Falcons Fast-Pitch Softball Team: Alex Wilhite, Ashley Forester, Abby Deaton, Lauren Thompson, Katelyn Thompson, Morgan Gooch, Kelly Mayo, Lindsay Hall, Maggie Smithey, Gara Beth Self, Lexi Campbell, Lila Stanton, Kathryn Smith, Addison Pickens, Lydia Haynie, Katie Beth Hall, Whitnye McMillen, Camleigh Ball, Kortney Parker, Kaily Edwards. Head Coach for the Lady Falcons is Justin Weeden and Assistant Coach Katherine Downing.

Lady falcons fielding athletic team of talent Donica Phifer Sports Editor

Thanks to success on the basketball court, Ingomar’s Lady Falcons are getting a late start to the 2017 softball season but that doesn’t mean they won’t be competitive.

“They’re all athletes,” Ingomar head coach Justin Weeden said, “It doesn’t matter what sport they are playing, it could be badminton, they’re competitors and they want to win. When they get onto the field they just turn it on.”

Weeden takes over the program from Jonathan Ashley, and in his first year Weeden will have three seniors on to lead his team in Kelly Mayo, Morgan Gooch and Katelyn Thompson.

Gooch will take up a spot at first base while Mayo will play in the outfield with Lindsay Hall and Maggie Smithey.

On the infield with Gooch will be Ashley Forester at second base and Gara Beth Self playing at shortstop for the Lady 12

Falcons.

Third base will be split between pitchers Alex Wilhite and Lauren Thompson, though Falcon fans could also see Mayo at third base if there is a change at catcher.

Abby Deaton will pull most of the starts for Ingomar behind the plate, but eighth grader Kaily Edwards could also see time behind the plate. That move would allow Deaton to go into the outfield to replace Mayo, and Mayo to move to third base.

“We are definitely blessed that we aren’t searching for anyone to play positions. We have multiple people that could play in multiple positions,” Weeden said.

The Lady Falcons will play a shortened scheduled that has become a necessity due to the extended basketball season, but Ingomar still looks to be competitive and make a run for a spot in the playoffs.

“I think we can compete with everyone in our division, but there is no guaranteed win. Just

Spring Sports Preview | New Albany Gazette

Ingomar 2017 Softball Schedule March 18 @ Potts Camp @ Myrtle 21 @ Pine Grove 23 East Union * 24 @ West Union 27 @ Mantachie * 30 Baldwyn * 21 Union County Tournament (@ Ingomar)

06 @ East Union * 07 Hatley 10 Mantachie * 17 Walnut * 18 @ Baldwyn * 29 West Union * denotes Division 1-2A game

April 01 Union County Tournament (@ Ingomar) 03 @ Walnut *

like in all other sports, if we can get hot at the right time there is no limit to what these girls can do. I think everyone has seen that. The talent is there, we’ve just got to get it all

to come together,” Weeden said.

The Lady Falcons will also host the 2017 Union County Fast-Pitch Tournament on March 31 and April 1.

Ingomar focused on taking the next step Donica Phifer

Sports Editor

An idea that Ingomar head coach Andy Wilbanks began coaching with a couple seasons ago has carried itself to the 2017 season for Ingomar.

“We just spread it out between everybody. Nobody has to be the superstar or the one man that carries us. We just want one through nine or one through ten to work, just spread it out and let everybody do their part,” Wilbanks said.

The Falcons finished 2016 as the Class 2A North Half runnerup, falling to Union County rival and eventual state champion East Union, but this season Ingomar would like to take the next step after two back-to-back years with trips to the North Half series.

“We’ve talked to our kids about taking the next step,” Wilbanks said. “We’ve just got to stay healthy. That’s our number one thing because this year we do have to play musical

chairs. So an injury here, an injury there, kids are out of position and it hurts us.”

Ingomar will see Easton Williams return for his final season at shortstop when he isn’t pitching. Kelton Hall will again see time at third base and pitch, and also fill in a bit at shortstop and at catcher for the Falcons.

Gabe Robbins and Cole Means will be the new faces for Ingomar fans to see on the right side of the field as Robbins plays second base and Means takes over at first for graduated Logan Nobles.

In the outfield, Kelon Hall will anchor the left side when he returns from an early season injury, though fans should expect Spencer Hall, Jake Webb, or Elijah Edwards to fill in.

Senior Ross Sprouse returns for a final season in center field and Brady Hall will play his junior year at his 2016 position in right field.

At catcher the role will be split between Jordan Hill and Zack Koon.

Ingomar 2017 Baseball Schedule February 24 @ Hickory Flat Classic 25 Ingomar Classic 28 Falkner

March 03 Myrtle 04 TCPS 07 Walnut * 10 @ Walnut * 11 @ Pine Grove 16 @ Booneville 17 @ Myrtle Tournament 18 Smithville 21 @ East Union *

Pitching will be done by committee as it has been the past couple of years, with Wilbanks asking just a few innings out of each guy that can throw it for the Falcons.

“We are going to

24 East Union * 25 @ North Pontotoc 28 Mantachie * 31 @ Mantachie *

April 01 @ Kossuth 04 @ Baldwyn * 07 Baldwyn * 08 @ TCPS 10 Bruce 13 @ Falkner 15 @ Smithville 17 @ West Union * denotes Division 1-2A game

piggyback each guy and pitch by committee. Again, just kind of spread the load. We’re in the motto of not putting too much on any one kid. It’s worked for us the past couple of years,” Wilbanks said.

Spring Sports Preview | New Albany Gazette

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Ingomar Baseball

Donica Phifer | Gazette Staff

2017 Ingomar Falcons Baseball Team: Ryan Hodges, Kelton Hall, Brady Hall, Zack Koon, JD Gault, Easton Williams, Spencer High, Reed Huffstatler, Tyler Pickens, Ross Sprouse, Gabe Robbins, Hunter Gammel, Kelon Hall, Elijah Edwards, Jordan Hill, Cole Means, Jake Webb, Reed Vandiver, Nyheim Jones, Payton Roberson. Head Coach for the Falcons is Andy Wilbanks and Assistant Coach Matt Browning.

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Myrtle Softball

Donica Phifer | Gazette Staff

2017 Myrtle Lady Hawks Fast-Pitch Softball Team: Heather Smith, Karlie Bolden, Ally Smith, Kinsley Gordon, Caylie Streich, Gracie Martin, Haleigh Jamison, Sarah Kate Thompson, Keragen McCullough, Breanna Smith, Kristen Young, Lily Jeter, Kenzie Waits, Sara McDonald, Mia Stewart, Megan Lowrey, Amanda Watkins, Lexi Hutcheson, Haley Barkley, Ashley Roark. Head Coach for the Lady Hawks is Marty Cook and Assistant Coach Brooke Gordon.

Lady Hawks using new offense for 2017 Donica Phifer

Sports Editor

While defense remains a priority for Myrtle’s softball squad, the Lady Hawks will look a bit different on the offensive side of the ball this season.

“We are really going to use pressure and team speed on offense this year,” Myrtle head coach Marty Cook said, “We’re going to try to put more pressure on the defense as opposed to, in years past, getting a couple of runners on and looking for a big hit in a gap or a home run or something.”

Three of Myrtle’s hitters have converted to being slappers to help the change in the Lady Hawks offense, an asset that Cook expects will help the team in scoring runs during the 2017 season.

Myrtle’s lineup will again feature some veteran faces as Heather Smith returns as the lone senior on the team for 16

her final season with the Lady Hawks.

Smith will begin the season alternating between first base and third base but eventually move back into her usual role at catcher for Myrtle.

To start the season, seventh grader Kinsley Gordon will take Smith’s spot behind the plate, catching pitches from both Sara McDonald and Megan Lowrey.

When not inside the circle, Lowrey will play in center field and anchor the outfield with Keragen McCullough and Breanna Smith.

Karlie Bolden will fill the spot at shortstop, replacing 2016 graduate Amber Cook.

Joining Bolden in the middle infield will be Kristen Young at second base.

Once again Myrtle will play in Division 2-1A against Union County rival West Union along with defending 2-1A champion Pine Grove but the Lady Hawks goal remains the same.

Spring Sports Preview | New Albany Gazette

Myrtle 2017 Softball Schedule February 25 @ Belmont Classic 27 @ South Pontotoc

March 02 Oxford 03-04 @ Oxford Tournament 06 Mantachie 09 @ Houlka 10 Hatley 18 Houlka Ingomar 21 Hickory Flat * 23 @ Mantachie 27 @ Pine Grove* 28 @ Hatley

“At the end of the year you want to win your last game and that game ends in a state championship,” Cook said, “But beyond that, I just want these girls

30 @ Hickory Flat* 31 Union County Tournament (@ Ingomar)

April 01 Union County Tournament (@ Ingomar) 03 @ West Union* 07 Ashland * (DH) 08 Independence 10 Pine Grove * 13 West Union * 17 @ Oxford 20 @ Vardaman *denotes Division 2-1A game

to grow as teammates, grow at the game and become a better person at the end of the season.”

Donica Phifer | Gazette Staff

Myrtle filling the field with young talent Donica Phifer Sports Editor

There is no shortage of talent to play for the Hawks in 2017, but a lot of that talent is young and stepping into high school baseball for the first time.

A crop of talented junior high and freshman athletes are on the verge of breaking into the lineup for Myrtle as the team will be led by senior pitcher and third base man Anthony Lipsey in his seventh season for the Hawks.

“Anthony is just a special player,” Myrtle head coach Robert Gordon said, “He’s already going to be playing at the next level at Northeast next year, but he’s developed as a pitcher, he’s always been able to hit and we will rely on him a lot this year.”

JD Messer, Jacob Gaines, and Titus Gillard are the three other seniors that round out the Hawks graduating class and all of them are expected to see playing time this season.

On the mound, Myrtle will see the return of Jacob Kent and Lane Bishop, two pitchers that carried the Hawks last season along with now graduated Brandon Perkins.

“Jacob had a bit of arm trouble this summer and has been rehabbing, but he’s back and he feels great,” Gordon said, “And Lane is back for us and he’s just a gamer and a guy you want on your team that’s always clicking on all cylinders.”

Freshman Paxton Gordon, sophomores Hunter Matkins, Dylan Maharrey and Bennett McCullough are other names that will see time on the field for Myrtle.

Seventh grader Jackson Mayer is also a player that Gordon is expecting big things from this season and could draw a couple of starts or come off the bench to play for the Hawks.

Myrtle will also see Hunter Baggett this season, a sophomore transfer from West Union.

Myrtle 2017 Baseball Schedule February 25 @ Ingomar Classic 28 @ Walnut

March 03 @ Ingomar 04 Baldwyn 07 @ Pine Grove* 10 Pine Grove * 11 @ Biggersville @ Thrasher 16 @ West Union Spring Break Tournament 17 Ingomar 21 @ Hickory Flat * 24 Hickory Flat *

With so many new faces, finding the right fit for the team defensively and producing on offense will be the keys to a successful season, Gordon said.

“We have to find our-

2 5 Falkner 28 West Union * 31 @ West Union*

April 01 @ Marshall Academy @ Byhalia 04 Blue Mountain * 07 @ Blue Mountain * 08 @ Corinth 11 @ Ashland * 13 Ashland * 15 Marshall Academy Wheeler 18 Walnut *denotes Division 2-1A game

selves, figure out or chemistry and our makeup and they have accepted that challenge. We just have to keep grinding and find a way,” Gordon said.

Spring Sports Preview | New Albany Gazette

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Myrtle Baseball

2017 Myrtle Hawks Baseball Team: JT Gaines, Dylan Byers, Tai Penson, Luke Gaines, Jeremy McIntosh, Jackson Mayer, Dalton Galloway, Mason Cook, Dylan Gaines, Ethan Hunt, Caden Hutcheson, Conner Coleman, Bryson Treadaway, Caleb Sullivan, Jacorion Patterson, Hunter Brown, Tristan Prestage, Lane Bishop, Hunter Thompson, Anthony Lipsey, Jacob Kent, JD Messer, Paxton Gordon, Trey Decanter, Dillon Kennon, Jacob Gaines, Titus Gillard, Chandler Moody, Trace Thompson, Alec Lipsey, Dylan Maharrey, Bennett McCullough, Hunter Baggett, Jaden Taylor, Hunter Matkins, Head Coach for the Hawks is Robert Gordon.

West Union Softball

Donica Phifer | Gazette Staff

2017 West Union Lady Eagles Fast-Pitch Softball Team: Kylie Massengill, Meagan Whittington, Mary Greer, Emma Callicut, Claire Douell, Emma Carwyle, Chloe Wright, Josie Baird, Jenny Thompson, Mackenzie Morris, Mattie Pilcher, Rebekah Pilcher, Eden Conlee, Annie Orman, Sophie Hooker, Anna Carwyle, Anna Grace Jackson.

Young talent to suit up for Lady Eagles Donica Phifer Sports Editor

A year older and a year stronger, the Lady Eagles of West Union return a roster of youth that has one year of varsity experience under their belts.

“We have two seniors on the team in Kylie Massengill and Meagan Whittington,” Eagles head coach Hugh Yates said, “And then two sophomores, Jenny Thompson and Mattie Pilcher. Everyone else is a seventh or eighth grader.”

Massengill and Whittington will lead the team on and off the field with Massengill playing at shortstop and Whittington at first base.

“Kylie isn’t a vocal leader, she’s the sort that leads by example. She’s got an incredible work ethic and always wants to work with and help the others out,” Yates said, “And I call Meagan our mother hen. She’s always encouraging the other girls, always making sure that we have everything we needed 18

and haven’t left anything behind.”

Thompson will spend her sophomore season in the outfield while Pilcher will play her second season at second base for the Lady Eagles.

Pitching duties will be split between eighth graders Annie Orman and Eden Conlee, both of whom started multiple games for West Union in 2016.

“They’ve both come on strong,” Yates said of the pitchers who will split time at third base when not throwing for the Eagles.

With Thompson in the outfield will be seventh grader Emma Callicut in left field and eighth grader Mary Greer in right.

Behind the plate, seventh grader Rebekah Pilcher will back up Conlee and Orman while inside the circle.

Offensively, the Eagles will depend on the bulk of the lineup to produce in key situations and rely on a small ball scheme to bunt runners over rather than re-

Spring Sports Preview | New Albany Gazette

West Union 2017 Softball Schedule February 28 Falkner

March 03-04 @ Oxford Tournament 09 @ East Union 10 Lafayette 18 @ Booneville Tournament 21 @ Smithville 20 Ashland * (DH) 24 Ingomar 28 Hickory Flat * 30 @ Pine Grove * 31 Union County

lying on big hits.

Competing again with a tough Division 2-1A slate, West Union has put their focus on winning the division title and making a deep run in the playoffs that would culminate in a state championship.

“I don’t want it for me

Tournament (@ Ingomar)

April 01 Union County Tournament (@ Ingomar) 03 Myrtle * 06 Pine Grove * 07 @ North Pontotoc 11 @ Hickory Flat * 13 @ Myrtle * 20 @ Ingomar *denotes Division 2-1A game

but for Kylie and Meagan, for Mattie and Jenny who are just sophomores but have been playing for three years. And it would mean so much for the program and what we are building here at West Union,” Yates said.

pitching depth is key for west union Donica Phifer

Sports Editor

Heading into the 2017 season, West Union feels good about where the Eagles stand defensively.

Led by seniors Andrew Childers and Riley Bogue, the Eagles will look to their pitching depth and their defensive play for a successful season.

“We’ve got some pretty good pitchers but we also got depth in pitching which helps a lot. With the new pitch count rule we don’t feel like we have to throw anybody a great amount,” West Union head coach Ashley Russell said.

Childers and Bogue will be joined on the mound by sophomores Ryder Willard and Cole Phillips.

Willard and Phillips are part of a large group of underclassmen that might be young but bring plenty of experience back to the field for the Eagles.

Many of Russell’s freshman and sophomore’s have already

played one or two seasons of varsity baseball.

Freshman Boo Robertson will suit up at shortstop for the Eagles while Willard plays at second base when he isn’t on the mound and freshman Reed Schiele plays first base.

Freshman Jerrod McDonald will get the start at third base for West Union and sophomore Chance Bogue will back the Eagles up behind the plate while freshman Luke Willard recovers from a late season basketball injury.

In the outfield, Bogue and Childers will anchor the team when they aren’t pitching and be joined by Braden Willard and Dylan Gates.

Eagles fans can expect any combination of those four players in the outfield, Russell said.

West Union will again look to make a deep run in the playoffs and hope to win the competitive Division 2-1A title, something that Russell thinks will be helped by the returning experience on the team.

West Union 2017 Baseball Schedule March

31 Myrtle *

04 Booneville Baldwyn 07 Ashland * (DH) 10 @ Potts Camp 11 West Union Tournament 16 West Union Spring Break Tournament 17 Ingomar (@ Myrtle) 21 Blue Mountain * 24 @ Blue Mountain * 25 Falkner 28 @ Myrtle *

April

“We did make it to the third round last year so we do have a bit of playoff experience coming back and in big division games that’ll help. We hope that our experience last year helps us handle the big moments in division play a little bit better this year,”

01 @ Nettleton @ Houlka 04 Pine Grove * 07 @ Pine Grove * 08 @ Walnut @ Falkner 11 @ Hickory Flat * 13 Hickory Flat * 17 @ Ingomar *denotes Division 2-1A game

Russell said.

The Eagles coach also looks for his team to become better during the season, and not count wins or losses.

“We just want to be better than we were when the year started, as a team and as people,” Russell said.

Spring Sports Preview | New Albany Gazette

19

West Union Baseball

Donica Phifer | Gazette Staff

2017 West Union Eagles Baseball Team: Riley Bogue, Andrew Childers, Ryder Willard, Clay Jennings, Sam Callicut, Luke Willard, Jayden Carlisle, Chance Bogue, Boo Robertson, Braden Willard, Reed Schiele, Brandon Phillips, Jerrod McDonald, Dylan Gates, Cole Phillips, Gunner Carlisle, JQ Brewer, Stone Whaley, Josh Kent, Wesley Harrell. Head Coach for the Eagles is Ashley Russell.

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Spring Sports Preview | New Albany Gazette

21

New Albany Track

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

2017 New Albany Bulldogs Track Team: Stacia Massey, Kennedy Rogers, Kenidi Sanders, Victoria Brown, Deja Hasan, Tyneya Finley, Charloneette Harris, Ruth Riveria, N’shaun Cameron, Eli Kenner, Ben Cherry, Corey Duke, Mason Phillips, Francisco Guerrero, Noah Gray, Gray Spencer, Jonathan Tucker, Jeremiah Gardener, Reno Montgomery, Alex Ball, Eli Parks, Brady Dean, John W. Welborn, Kysten Fiddis, Caleb Hatchett, Dakota Wood, Jaidan Deaton, Kalob Adair, Osean Finley, London Irby, BB Mason, David Sizemore, Reggie McWilliams, Joseph Rutherford. Head Coaches for the Bulldogs are Bert Anderson and Zach Matkins.

New ALbany track offers a fresh start Dennis Clayton

Sportswriter

The New Albany boys track team will feature many new faces for 2017 while the girls team returns everyone, although the returnees are not high in numbers.

“As far as the boys go, we are going to start over fresh, everyone graduated and have moved on,” New Albany co-head coach Bert Anderson said. “We have a lot of talent this year, but

we have to get everyone on same page - especially on the relays. We have a lot of youth, but it’s going to be a matter of getting experience before district. We have all the girls back and that’s a big plus for us.”

Returning for the girls team will be Victoria Brown in the sprints after a fourth place finish at the state meet in 4A 100 meters plus a fifth place finish in the 200.

Stacia Massey will compete in the discus and shot

put. Massey finished fifth in the 4A shot put competition.

“We are expecting a lot of big things from Victoria Brown, Kenidi Sanders and Deja Hasan,” Anderson said. “Stacia got fifth overall in state last year so we are expecting her to move on up. We don’t have a lot of numbers with the girls, but we have a lot of quality.”

The New Albany boys have large numbers for the 2017 season. Zach Matkins will coach the boys and looks

for his throwers to be a key element to success.

“We’ve got some new throwers to go with one returner, Osean Mosley and it’s good to have him back,” Matkins said. “Eli Keener is a first year guy for us and he’s probably our best discus thrower.”

Matkins believes he has good speed on the team and is hopeful that his distance runners will have the stamina to compete in Class 4A.

New Albany 2017 Track Schedule March 25 @ Pontotoc Invitational 28 NA Track Meet

April 22

01 @ Tupelo Invitational 04 Bulldog Relays 15 District Meet 22 Regional Meet @ Pontotoc 29 North Half Track Meet @

Spring Sports Preview | New Albany Gazette

Pontotoc

May 06 State Track Meet @ Pearl

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

Trio of state champs leading Urchins Dennis Clayton Sportswriter

East Union will turn to a trio of state champions to lead them on and off the field of competition in 2017.

Two-time state champion Cayce Smith looks to complete the trifecta in May as she seeks to become the first East Union track star to win the same event in three consecutive years.

“We’ve got Cayce coming back in pole vaulting and

are expecting another great year from her,” said first year coach Charlie Porch.

“We also have Lauren Jane Whitenton returning as the 2A high jump state champion and Clayton Fulgham was a member of the 4x800 relay champions in 2A.” Smith won the pole vault with a best of 8-00.00 and Whitenton took first in the high jump with a 4-09.00.

Smith also placed second in the 800 meters.

Sarah Duley will run the

1600 meter run again in 2017 after placing third at state.

Duley will also be competing in the 3200 meters.

Fulgham will be expected to take over in the 3200 and 1600 meter distance events, plus he may be called upon to run in the 800 meter run.

“We’ve got some new kids coming out to throw for us this year,” Porch said.

Craig Hutchens will return in the boys high jump after he placed third in the 2016 2A championships.

Hutchens is a strong prospect for the boys triple jump too.

Hannah White is another returner from 2016 and will compete in the long jump and triple jump.

Dallas Wooten will work as the 110 and 300 meter hurdler for the Urchins.

The Lady Urchins placed third overall in 2A girls in 2016 and the Urchins took third in the boys competition.

East Union 2017 Track Schedule March 09 @ New Albany Invitational 25 @ Potts Camp Invitational 28 @ Tishomingo County Inivitational

29 North Half Meet

April 06 @ Pontotoc Invitational 15 District Meet 22 Regional Meet

April 05 State Meet

Spring Sports Preview | New Albany Gazette

23

EasT Union Track

2017 East Union Urchins Track Team: Colten Wooten, Craig Hutchens, Grant White, Cayce Smith, Hannah Duley, Ally Cisowski, Camden Johnson, Dallas Wooten, Steven Ragsdale, Gracie Hill, Sylvie McVey, Madison King, Delani Akin, Liz Hall, Lauren Jane Whitenton, Peyton Wildman, Rachel Gentry, Kirsten Hitt, Analise Bailey, Anna Mims, Caleb Stevens, Micah Ellis, Bryce McLellen, Peyton Wages, Micah Fulgham, Sam Murry, Sarah Duley, Mary Kate Nobles, Carley Conwill, Eli Hodges, Tyler Chadwick, Jessie Crump, Jarod Cunningham, Ty Walton, Clayton Fulgham, John Briggs, Isaiah Sheffield, Andrew Pilcher, Hannah White, Savannah Wildman, Callie Frazier, Monae Graham, and Maggie McVey. Head Coach of the Urchins is Charlie Porch.

Ingomar Track

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

2017 Ingomar Falcons Track Team: Lane Provence, Trinity Elis, Kera Hall, Cadeeana Brown, Audrey Melton, Jaxon McDowell, McKinly Push, Chelsea Gammel, Sydney Roberts, Thomas Floyd, Gloryana King, Arden Robbins, Tylandist McDonald, Neilen Morgan, Luke Roberts, Keiria Rogers, Karla Sanders, Amber Rakestraw. Head Coach for the Falcons is Stephen Adams.

Roberts to provide leadership for Falcons Dennis Clayton Sportswriter

Senior Sydney Roberts returns for her final year with Ingomar track before moving on to Delta State in the fall and Coach Stephen Adams expects Roberts to provide much-needed leadership to his youthful Falcons team.

“Primarily, we have Sydney who leads the girls team and we have a lot of expectations for her,” Adams said. “We want to keep her free from injury, because

she is moving on to the next level, but right now she’s 100 percent. She’s our team leader, team captain and her teammates respond to her.”

Roberts hopes to return to the 2A state championships in Pearl where she placed fourth in the girls 800 meters in 2016.

“We are trying to find where she will be the most successful, right now we have her in the 3200, 1600, 800 and the 4x800 relay, but we want to trim that down eventually.”

Gloryana King returns to compete in the girls high jump after she tied for fifth in 2A in 2017 with a best of 4-06.00.

“We don’t have many jumpers, but we do have Gloryana and she will be participating in the high jump and I think we will see big things from her,” Adams said.

Chelsea Gammel will return to compete in the throwing events for the girls.

“As far as our boys go, Thomas Floyd is our strongest

runner and he hopes to carry over his success from cross country,” Adams said. “We are expecting great things from him.”

Adams sees a lot of youth when he looks at his 2017 version of Ingomar track, but the biggest issue facing him is the small numbers which will not allow the Falcons to compete as a team, so they will focus instead on individual events.

Ingomar 2017 Track Schedule March 09 @ New Albany Invitational 25 @ Potts Camp Invitational

24

April

May

06 @ Pontotoc Invitational 15 District Meet 22 Regional Meet 29 North Half Meet

05 State Meet

Spring Sports Preview | New Albany Gazette

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

Myrtle hopes to win another title in 1A track Dennis Clayton Sportswriter

The Myrtle boys took home the 2016 state track title in 1A boys and Coach Chris Greer’s Hawks hope to successfully defend their title in Pearl in May. “In our boys we are expecting big things from our seniors,” Greer said. “[Jonathan] Scales is in his first year and he will try the hurdles and high jump. Darshawn Hill will hurdle, triple jump and high jump. Titus Gillard

is going to do everything, discus, 100 meters, 200 meters and 400 meters.”

Greer hopes to utilize athlete Anthony Lipsey in the throwing events while sharing him with baseball. Josh Goolsby will hurdle and participate in the jumping events.

“Evan Gann, Colby Gray and Blake McNeal are really going to help us out in our distance events,’ Greer said.

“In the pole vault, Hunter Hall and Cole Windham will compete for us.”

“Caroline Greer and Laykin Dulaney are going to really good on our girls team,” Greer said. “Newcomers include Maggie Moody, Aaliyah Cole, Taylor Wages and Brianna Nugent.”

Cole won the 1A girls pole vault title in 2016 while Caroline was second in the 3200 meters as the Myrtle girls finished third overall at state.

“With our girls, we have got to score in distance and in the pole vault, just do the best that we can do,” Greer said.

Other new faces for the

Myrtle girls include Kinsley Gordon, Kaitlyn Senn, Laken Bullock and Ava Jones.

“We’ve got over 40 kids total and this is the biggest team that we’ve ever had,” Greer said. “Our boys won state last year and with some luck, our boys and girls could win state or finish in the top three this year. Track is a weird sport, but they’re working hard and we’re glad.”

Myrtle 2017 Track Schedule 29 North Half Meet @ Winona

March

April

04 @ Center Hill Invitational 10 @ Pontotoc Invitational 25 @ Potts Camp Invitational 28 @ Tishomingo County Invitational

01 @ Daily Journal Relays 04 @ Tishomingo County Invitational 13 Division Meet @ Coldwater 22 Regional Meet @ Oxford

May 05 State Meet @ Pearl

Spring Sports Preview | New Albany Gazette

25

Myrtle Track

2017 Myrtle Hawks Track Team: Blake McNeal, Laken Bullock, Maggie Moody, Ava Grace Jones, Caroline Greer, Laykin Dulaney, Taylor Wages, Brianna Nugent, Kinsley Gordon, Kaitlyn Senn, Sierra Kiddy, Isabella Robinson, Madison Gray, Jenna Sampson, Joe Brown, JT Jones, Ethan Hunt, Dylan Gaines, Brayden Kiddy, Colt Hall, Jason Green, Jacob Holcomb, Kentarius Milsap, Dylan Byers, Tyler Harris, Ethan McGhee, Will Greer, Carl Graham, Elijah Ingram, Daylon Jones, Evan Gann, Colby Gray, Elijah Thompson, Jonathan Scales, Gregory Woods, Darshawn Hill, Mykailla Foster, Tyesha Bills, Aaliyah Cole, Titus Gillard, Anthony Lipsey, Josh Goolsby, Ethan Neal, Cole Windham, Hunter Hall. Head Coach of the Hawks is Chris Greer.

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Spring Sports Preview | New Albany Gazette

27

Archery

Submitted Photo

2017 East Union Urchins Archery Team: (Front Row, Left to Right) Hillary McBrayer, Carson Boone, Becca Gregory, Emma Dunlap, Lexi Smith, Sallie Humphreys, Carley Hitt, (Second Row, Left to Right) Melinda Cooper, Lidia Solis, Rachel Rich, Savannah Wildman, Michael Cooper, Greyson Blair, Noah Roberts, (Back Row, Left to Right) Head Coach Trey Humphreys, Jeremy Rakestraw, Bradley McBreyer, Noah Nieminen, Aaron Hall, Bryant White, Colton Bailey, Will Duley, Jachob Robbins, Grady Randall, Carson Hall, Logan Akins, Assistant Coach Sara Beth Garrett.

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

2017 Ingomar Falcons Archery Team: (Front Row, Left to Right) Jackson Phillips, Courtney Eaker, Haley Duke, Morgan Gooch, Katelyn Thompson, Kyle Roberson, Konner Little, (Second Row, Left to Right) Mallory Nance, Kenzie Shook, Wade Baker, Ethan Bullock, Courtney Dillard, Makenzie Richardson, (Back Row, Left to Right) Gabby Parker, Robert Richardson, Cody Bridges, Claden Rakestraw, Amber Rakestraw, Katie Wright, Amber Galloway. Not Pictured: Abbie Williams, Allie Williams, Mallory Russell, Morgan Nance, Stormy Weathers.

28

Spring Sports Preview | New Albany Gazette

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

2017 West Union Eagles Archery Team: (Front Row, Left to Right) Molly Porter, Hannah Azlin, Matthew Lewis, (Second Row, Left to Right) Gavin Mitchell, Cora Dyer, Elizabeth Bailey, Abby Clark, Riley Cooper, Easton Bogue, David Clayton, Ashley Russell, (Third Row, Left to Right): Jacob Benefield, Aaliyah Windham, Valerie Kitchens, Head Coach Brad Bogue, Caleb Russell, Jacob Isbell, Sidney Pounders.

Spring Sports Preview | New Albany Gazette

29

Archery

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

2017 Myrtle Hawks Archery Team: (Front Row, Left to Right) Mya Bridges, Haley Barkley, Sierra Kiddy, Ellie Fitts, Anna Rae Jeter, Savannah Fryar, Cailyn Rape, Emily Bridges, (Middle Row, Left to Right) Austin Ketchum, Tyler Bramlitt, Hunter Baggett, Hunter Matkins, Dawson Gann, Brody McCammon, Hunter Hall, JT Hudson, (Back Row, Left to Right) Zack Whitehead, John Thomas Gaines, Evan Gann, Paxton Gordon, Jacob Gaines, Trey DeCanter, Cal McGehee, Austin Hall. Not Pictured: Lane Bishop, Alex McDonald.

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Dennis Clayton Sportswriter dennis.clayton@journalinc.com Twitter: @denclayton Spring Sports Preview | New Albany Gazette

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New Albany Golf

Donica Phifer | Gazette Staff

2017 New Albany Lady Bulldogs Golf Team: (Left to Right) Elena Thompson, Caroline King, Lucy Martin, Carly Adams, Olivia Thompson, Head Golf Coach Shane Sanderson.

Donica Phifer | Gazette Staff

2017 NewAlbany Bulldogs Golf Team: (Front Row, Left to Right) Miles Cox, Caleb McDonald, Andrew Fennell, Jack Herrington, (Back Row, Left to Right) Dean Garrett, Jack Cooper, Boone Faulker, Matt Cherry, Tyler Dickens, Head Golf Coach Shane Sanderson.

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Spring Sports Preview | New Albany Gazette

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Spring Sports Preview | New Albany Gazette

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Ingomar Golf

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Staff

2017 Ingomar Falcons Golf Team (Left to Right): Madison Worthy, Nick Cobb, Zach High, Chance Weathers, Andrew Trivelli, Thomas Wall, Caleb Gullick, Ingomar Head Golf Coach Mike Conway.

New Albany Tennis

Donica Phifer | Gazette Staff

2017 New Albany Lady Bulldogs Tennis Team: Morris Kelly Clayton, Maggie Creekmore, Greta Blakemore, Maggie Scott, Rachel Rainey, Lexie Kent, Jill Gafford, Isabella Aldridge, Taylor Willis, Molly Scott, Emma Blakemore, Ellie Myers, Madilyn Morris, Jody Parks, Emma Laney, Mary Claire Shaw, Anna Tarrant, Peyton Henry, Molly Gafford, Mary Spencer, Alex Herring. Head Coach of the Lady Bulldogs is Suzy Bowman.

Bulldogs led by experience, new faces Donica Phifer

Sports Editor

New Albany’s girls tennis team returns to the court on the hunt for a sixth straight Class 4A state title.

This year’s group of athletes consists of a mix of new and old faces, led by Morris Kelly Clayton who has a combined five state titles in team and individual competition.

“She is going for that individual gold in every position, that’s a big goal of hers and we want to help her [Morris Kelly] with that,” New Albany head coach Suzy Bowman said.

To accomplish that goal Kelly will spend the 2017 season on the girls doubles court where she will play with freshman Greta Blakemore.

Another familiar face for tennis fans will also see a change on the second girls doubles court as Maggie Creekmore begins her first season without longtime partner and sister Laura Creekmore.

34

Maggie will team up with Lexie Kent, a partnership formed by summer practices and weekend tournaments, Bowman said.

Rachel Rainey, who played on the girls singles court in 2016, also enters a new portion of tennis as she will spend the season on the Mixed Doubles court paired with either John M. Davis or Jackson Christ.

The girls singles court will be played by eighth grader Maggie Scott.

“Taking that singles position, she plays a lot of tournaments, so she brings a lot of experience even as an eighth grader,” Bowman said.

Other players that will see time on the courts include Emma Blakemore and Ellie Myers, Bowman said.

Bowman expects the girls to lead the Bulldogs team as a whole as the Lady Bulldogs bring back the most experience, losing three players in Laura, Meghan Van and Katie Davis to graduation.

Spring Sports Preview | New Albany Gazette

New Albany 2017 Tennis Schedule February 20 @ South Pontotoc 21 Saltillo 27 Grenada 28 @ Oxford (JV)

March 06 TCPS (V) Oxford (JV) 07 @ Lafayette (JV) 07 Rosa Fort * 18 Itawamba 20 Oxford (JV) 21 Senatobia * 23 @ Pontotoc 28 Lafayette * 30 Tupelo 31 Ripley * “We’ve got a deep bench again. A versatile group that can be mixed and matched, but the girls are

Northwest Rankin

April 03 Tupelo 04 Oxford 06 @ Saltillo 08 @ Northwest Rankin Tournament 10 South Pontotoc 11 Individual District Tournament @ Oxford * denotes Division 2-4A game

super strong this year and I think they will lead us in a lot of our matches this season,” Bowman said.

Bulldogs reloading rather than rebuilding Donica Phifer Sports Editor

At the end of the 2016 season, the Bulldogs tennis team saw a mass exodus as eight long-time players graduated.

Of those eight, five currently play college tennis, marking an accomplishment for a program looking to win its sixth straight Class 4A title.

“I don’t like to say we are rebuilding,” New Albany head coach Suzy Bowman said, “We are reloading.”

The Bulldogs return one varsity starter from the 2016 team in junior Grayson Godbold who will return to the boys singles court after a 2016 season playing doubles with now graduated Trace Thompson.

Godbold will also serve as the team captain for the Bulldogs this season, Bowman said.

“He’s [Grayson] really taken up the leadership role with the younger boys this year and he’s really taken them under his wing,” Bowman said.

Jackson Christ and John M. Davis will split time on the Mixed Doubles court with partner Rachel Rainey.

On the boys doubles courts, Mason Richey and Luke Bolen 20 @ South will partner up as two players Pontotoc that have come on strong be21 Saltillo tween the 2016 and 2017 sea27 Grenada sons, 28 @ Oxford (JV) “Mason really was a player last year that could have started for us,” Bowman said, “And 06 TCPS (V) Luke worked so hard this sumOxford (JV) mer and had a goal to be one of 07 @ Lafayette our starters, which he is now.

(JV) He’s a really strong player for 07 Rosa Fort * us.”

18 Itawamba Eighth grader Joseph Fennell 20 Oxford (JV) and Joseph Durrett will match 21 Senatobia * up on the second boys doubles 23 @ Pontotoc court, representing a group of 28 Lafayette * young athletes that will fill the 30 Tupelo gaps left by graduation.

31 Ripley * “I’m potentially starting three eighth graders, and maybe a seventh grader on the girls side,” Bowman said, “It’s just a hopefully return to the very versatile group of kids.”

Class 4A title match.

New Albany will again face “I want us to win it, but a slate of tough competition to I don’t feel pressure about

New Albany 2017 Tennis Schedule February

March

Northwest Rankin

April 03 Tupelo 04 Oxford 06 @ Saltillo 08 @ Northwest Rankin Tournament 10 South Pontotoc 11 Individual District Tournament @ Oxford * denotes Division 2-4A game

it. I truly believe that we are capable of getting back to the championship match,” Bowman said.

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New Albany Tennis

Donica Phifer | Gazette Staff

2017 New Albany Bulldogs Tennis Team: Grayson Godbold, Mason Richey, Joseph Fennell, Luke Bolen, John M. Davis, Gray Goode, John David Nelson, Montgomery Owen, Conner Greer, Joseph Durrett, Hayden Duran, Grant Richey, Collin Williams, Jackson Christ, Dalton McDaniel, Lane Mitchell. Head Coach of the Bulldogs is Suzy Bowman.

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Mayor Tim Kent and the Board of Aldermen Spring Sports Preview | New Albany Gazette

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