Winter Sports 2018

WINTER Sports 2018-2019

Featuring

•Basketball •soccer •bowling

2 | Winter Sports 2018-2019

pontotoc-progress.com • Pontotoc Progress

pontotoc-progress.com • Pontotoc Progress

Winter Sports 2018-2019 | 3

Letter From the Sports Editor Loyal readers of the Pontotoc Progress How time flies. Unbelievably it is now time to various sports seasons would provide coverage turn the page of the high school sports calendar. fodder regardless of what takes place, but lately As of this writing, there is a possibility of football there has abundance of successes and accombeing played for perhaps few weeks, but every plishments, both from teams and individual athother fall sport has already wrapped up and the letes, all throughout the sports landscape. That is transition has essentially already happened. What a testament to the coaches and the work ethic of follows is our annual team overviews and pictures our county’s student athletes. I’ll be the first to of the winter sports teams from all three county say that in the big scheme of things wins and lossschools. A great deal of work, in addition to the es are ultimately not the most important things in normal workload of newspaper production, is inathletics, but the undeniable fact is that a certain volved in publishing this magazine and the others degree success is more enjoyable for everybody our newspaper puts out throughout the year. We involved. Here’s to that continuing for years to hope you find it informative, engaging, and refleccome. Also, news is not just limited to high school tive of that effort. sports. Even at times when things are expected to In this industry it sometimes seems you hear be very slow or slim, something of interest is inmore criticism than compliments. That’s fine. It evitably passed on to me or I stumble across it by kind of comes with the territory when you work chance. Here is a chance to throw in remainder Jonathan Wise in the public eye. However, it is very rewarding that I, nor any of our staff, nor any other commuSports Editor when people go out of their way to say thanks for nity journalist for that matter, has eyes and ears the pictures of their children or grandchildren that ran in the paper, everywhere and is necessarily is aware of something. So please confor covering the sport their student athlete(s) play, or for doing a tact me if you know of something that might be newsworthy. good job covering the entire realm of high school sports. It happens Our newspaper looks forward to providing our readers the best enough to where my job must be getting done at least pretty good, winter sports coverage possible within our available resources. The but ultimately that is not for me to say.

Progress wishes all our county athletes featured in these pages the It is a great situation to be able to serve a community where there best in both success and injury free competition over the coming is lots of impressive sports news to report. Every school year the months. Please come out and support these student athletes if you good news just seems to keep on rolling so to say. Of course the have the opportunity.

4 | Winter Sports 2018-2019

pontotoc-progress.com • Pontotoc Progress

Table of Contents 4 Letter from the Sports Editor

20 pontotoc city warriors men’s soccer

6 Pontotoc city Warriors men’s Basketball

22 pontotoc city warriors women’s soccer

8 Pontotoc city Warriors women’s Basketball

24 north pontotoc vikings men’s soccer 26 north pontotoc vikings women’s soccer

10 north pontotoc vikings men’s basketball

28 south pontotoc cougars men’s soccer 12 north pontotoc vikings women’s basketball

30 south pontotoc cougars women’s soccer

14 south pontotoc cougars men’s basketball

34 pontotoc city warriors bowling

16 south pontotoc cougars women’s basketball Algoma Country Store..................................18 America’s Best Value Inn..............................38 Ashley Furniture.............................................2 Boyles Tire & Auto Care.............................32 Crossroads Rehabilitation.............................18 First Choice Bank.........................................40

36 north pontotoc vikings bowling

Advertisers

Market Basket.................................................3 Melinda Nowicki..........................................32 MississippiCare............................................19 Montgomery Drugs.......................................33 Pontotoc Progress..........................................39 Renasant Bank..............................................18

On The Cover Featured on this year’s cover is Pontotoc High School sophomore basketball player Rock Robinson.

pontotoc-progress.com • Pontotoc Progress

Rick’s Auto Repair........................................38 Ricky Ferguson.............................................33 Torrance School Photography.......................38 Trent’s Portrait Design..................................32 True Value.......................................................3 Young’s Tire Store.........................................38

Writers

Jonathan Wise, Sports Editor Will Ruff, Sports Writer, Beth Hurst, Sports Writer

A Special Thanks To

Trent’s Portrait Design & Steve Montgomery for the photos.

Designed by Chelsea Williams, Pontotoc Progress Winter Sports 2018-2019 | 5

2018-2019

Pontotoc City warriors

men’s basketball

Photo by Jonathan Wise

This year’s Pontotoc Warriors basketball team includes (bottom left to right) Walt Gardner, Kourtland Armstrong, Dajarious Scott, Dartayveus Buggs, Kelvin Smith, Ethan Ball, Marty Reel, Jordan Ball, (middle row) Parker Blansett, Manoj Nickson, Jalynn Washington, Jamarkus Whitfield, Ralph Dunn, Monte Townsend, Jaylen Edwards, Joshua Spates, (top row) Rock Robinson, Austin Nickson, Joe Haze Austin, Tres Vaughn, Cade Armstrong, Whit Franklin, Kyleal McShan, and Caleb Hobson.

6 | Winter Sports 2018-2019

pontotoc-progress.com • Pontotoc Progress

Tipler seeks to replicate past success at Pontotoc Jonathan Wise Sports Editor

Pontotoc High made one of the biggest profile coaching hires in North Mississippi this past offseason, as the school tabbed Rolley Tipler to lead its boys basketball program.

Tipler led Ashland’s boys to a 115-48 record and two 1A state championships during his five years as coach.

He takes over a Pontotoc program that has experienced some recent success. However, a deep postseason run has alluded the Warriors.

Tipler is happy with the way his charges have responded to his coaching style.

“Me and the guys have bonded pretty quickly and formed some good relationships, so that is always a good thing,” Tipler said.

Pontotoc will also have to

make up for 32.2 points per game of lost production from its two departed seniors from a year ago.

“We could play up to 8, 9, or 10 guys, because we have a lot of guys that have similar-type games,” Tipler said.

“We shouldn’t have a problem rotating guys in and out. For us it is going to be about fine-tuning.

“What is going to put people in the mix is how hard they play. The ones that play the hardest, especially defensively, are the ones that are going to play.

Kourtland Armstrong is one of the most experienced returning players and will handle point guard duties. Armstrong dished out 3.4 assists per game a season ago. He has impressed Tipler with his ability to take care of the ball.

6’4 sophomore Rock Robin-

son is the team’s top returning scorer. Robinson averaged 8.5 points per game, as well as 6.3 rebounds and 1.4 steals, as freshman, and his game has continued to improve. He is also a versatile defender.

“Rock has figured out how to guard all positions,” Tipler said. “We worked on him guarding point guards all the way to the five man. With him being a guy that can shoot from the perimeter plus work the post game, I think he can be a matchup problem for other teams.”

Austin Nickson and Manoj Nickson were effective in the Warriors’ early action. Dajerious Scott, Whit Franklin, Miles Galloway, Ralph Dunn, Tres Vaughn, Cade Armstrong and Dartayveus Buggs return from last season.

Junior Caleb Hobson is another key returnee who saw

extensive action last season.

Hobson is an extremely athletic player with a high ceiling.

Much about the Warriors is still yet to come into focus.

Pontotoc played in a handful of summer games in which Tipler got to get a read on his players, but at press time Pontotoc had 10 players still playing on the gridiron who haven’t practiced with the team this fall.

“This is my first year to have them, so we don’t have the advantage of them coming in (from football) and knowing everything that we do,” he said. “So it is going to be packing a lot in small window.

Plus some of their roles will be changing from last year to this year.”

When everybody gets in the gym and the Warriors get some experience playing together, Tipler likes the team’s potential.

2018-19 Pontotoc Warriors Basketball schedule DATE: 11/15 11/20 11/30 12/01 12/04 12/7 12/8 12/11 12/14 12/18 12/21 12/29 1/05

OPPONENT: New Albany @ Oxford Classic @Tupelo Houston Shootout Walnut Presbyterian Christian (@ East Webster) Bruce Shootout @ Amory* Bruce @ Houlka Smithville (@ Amory) Booneville Kiwanis Classic Ingomar (Tangle on the Trail)

pontotoc-progress.com • Pontotoc Progress

DATE: 1/08 1/11 1/15 1/18 1/22 1/25 1/29 2/01 2/05 2/08 2/11-15

OPPONENT: Shannon* @ Itawamba* @ Mooreville* Caledonia* Amory* @ Shannon* Itawamba* @ Caledonia* Mooreville* Magnolia Heights Division 2-4A Tournament (ICC)

* Division game

Winter Sports 2018-2019 | 7

2018-2019

Pontotoc City warriors

women’s basketball

Photo by Jonathan Wise

This year’s Pontotoc Lady Warriors basketball team includes (front row left to right) Jasmine Smith, Emily Walker, DeeDee Shephard, Jadyn Spears, Sloan Sansing, Amber McCoy, (back row) Allie Beckley, Jessica Woods, Angela Middleton, Olivia Gray, Samya Brooks, Riley Stanford, Sky Vaughn, MaKayla Boyd, Dylan Williams, Scout Waldrop, and Janiya Buchanan.

Not pictured is Anna Grace Ritchie.

8 | Winter Sports 2018-2019

pontotoc-progress.com • Pontotoc Progress

Talented Lady Warriors aiming high Jonathan Wise Sports Editor

A young Pontotoc Lady Warriors hoops team put together an impressive season in head coach Kyle Heard’s first year at the helm in 2017-18.

PHS started the season 3-6 before reeling off 16 wins in 19 games over the remainder of the regular season, including a 10-1 mark in Division 2-4A. The Lady Warriors finished 2111 and fell just short of a trip to the state tournament in a second round loss to Byhalia, the eventual 4A state runner-up.

With loads of talent returning throughout their roster, the Lady Warriors should be a team to be reckoned with in Class 4A, and the potential is there is be playing deep into the postseason.

“Our goal is obviously to get as far as we possibly can,” said coach Heard. “We want to win the division tournament and get that number one seed to put us in the best possible position.

I think this team has the pieces

and ability to possibly make a run.”

Forward Amber McCoy is one of those pieces, as the explosive junior put up 14 points per game in 2017-18.

“Over the last year Amber has really grown as a player, as far as understanding more details of the game and learning how to play within our offense,” Heard said. “I think this year she can take another step as a more complete basketball player.”

The Lady Warriors have a lot of depth in the backcourt. Junior point guard Jadyn Spears is an effective distributor of the ball. Allie Beckley also has experience at the point and will provide depth.

“I really feel good about our point guards,” Heard said. “Jadyn (Spears) is just a leader.

She takes care of the ball and gets it where it needs to go, and she has also improved her ability to score. Allie (Beckley) has embraced defense and has been a great defensive player for us this fall, and she is un-

derstanding a lot more of the point guard role.”

Other guards include Sloan Sansing, Emily Walker, Dee Shephard, a transfer from Houston, and Sky Vaughn, who will be team’s defensive leader.

“Sloan (Sansing) is a dirty work player,” Heard said. “She shoots the three; she is going to lead our team in charges.

She is as much of a team-first player as you can find. Emily (Walker) led us in three-point shooting last year and continues shooting the ball well. She is going to have a nice role in our offense.

“DeeDee (Shephard) has fit in very well with us. She has just wanted to come in and compete and be a part of it. She has been a nice addition for us offensively.

“Sky (Vaughn) is a very versatile player. She enjoys doing things like rebounding and playing defense, and that usually leads to her getting scoring opportunities. I expect her to have a huge year defen-

sively. She embraces going and guarding the other team’s best player, and that is a huge thing for the other players to see.

Sophomore Angela Middleton emerged as a consistent scoring threat a season ago.

Heard moved freshman Samya Brooks up to the varsity squad late last season as an eighth grader, and she immediately payed dividends. Brooks led the team in scoring in several games down the stretch. This season the two should provide a tough to defend tandem down low.

“Those two give us so much of a presence inside,” Heard said. “Angela (Middleton) is trying to expand her game a little and play out on the floor more, so that she and Samya can play together. Angela rebounds hard all the time and is a bulldog around the basket.

Samya’s confidence has started to kick in, and my expectations for her are extremely high.

“Everybody buying into their roles will determine how far we can go.”

2018-19 Pontotoc lady Warriors Basketball schedule DATE: 11/15 11/20 11/30 12/4 12/7 12/11 12/14 12/18 12/27-29 1/05 1/08 1/11

OPPONENT: New Albany @ Oxford Classic @ Tupelo Walnut Presbyterian Christian (@ East Webster) @ Amory* Bruce @ Houlka @ Milan (TN) Christmas Classic Ingomar (Tangle on the Trail) Shannon* @ Itawamba*

pontotoc-progress.com • Pontotoc Progress

DATE: 1/15 1/18 1/22 1/25 1/26 1/29 2/01 2/05 2/08 2/11-15

OPPONENT: @ Mooreville* Caledonia* Amory* @ Shannon* @ Robertson’s Lady Challenge (Booneville) Itawamba* @ Caledonia* Mooreville* Magnolia Heights Division 2-4A Tournament (ICC)

* Division game Winter Sports 2018-2019 | 9

2018-2019

North Pontotoc Vikings

men’s basketball

Photo by Jonathan Wise

This year’s North Pontotoc Vikings basketball team includes (back row) Anna Chandler (manager), Will Simmons (manager), Ty Roberson, Tyler Ford, Tae McShan, Jordan Meaders, Jake Reeder, Mitch McCord, Ethan Dyer, Kenaan Lockridge, Bo Haygood, Sam Dowdy, Daniel Beaman (manager), Keaton Varnon (manager), (front row) Bryce Reeder, Dontae Wilson, Kalor Kirby, Jake Hall, Trey Miller, Kyle Sappington, Andrew Wilder, Gavin Dyer, Brayden Nowlin, Michael Anderson and Jordan Pitts.

10 | Winter Sports 2018-2019

pontotoc-progress.com • Pontotoc Progress

New look Vikings seek to keep momentum going Jonathan Wise Sports Editor

The North Pontotoc Vikings had a historically successful hoops season last winter, as they brought home the program’s first division title since 1976 after winning the Division 1-3A tournament. North rolled to a 24-6 overall record that included wins in 19 of 21 games before falling one victory short of a trip to the state tournament.

This season’s edition of the Vikings will look quite a bit different, as last year’s squad was especially senior laden.

The six key players North lost to graduation produced approximately 90 percent of the team’s scoring and 94 percent of their rebounding.

Despite the turnover, three experienced and dependable players return and will lead the

team- sophomore Ty Roberson and seniors Ethan Dyer and Jake Reeder.

“Ty is very gifted offensively,” head coach Chris Parman said. “He is probably one of the best offensive players I have coached. He has a lot of natural ability. With him on the floor we are dangerous team, and he has really worked to get better defensively.

“Ed (Dyer) really stepped up during the summer, and he became not just a role player but a major player you might say. I expect him to have a breakout year.

“Jake (Reeder) has put on about 20 pounds of muscle. He has really shot the ball well. He does a good job in the press rotating and making plays.”

Beyond those a number of players are in the mix, including sophomores Jordan Me-

aders and Andrew Wilder and juniors Kenaan Lockridge, Jacoree Westmoreland, Kyle Sappington, Sam Dowdy and Bo Haygood.

“Jordan Meaders has a ton of potential, and about the middle of August he started to figure it out,” Parman said. “Andrew (Wilder) has really come along, and I think he will help a lot. He takes a ton of charges and hustles on defense. He shoots the three really well. He will be a big factor.

“Kenaan Lockridge can do a little bit of everything. He would have probably played a lot more last year if he hadn’t got hurt. Jacoree (Westmoreland) is an athletic kid who is a difference maker on defense.

Kyle (Sappington) is small in stature, but he has got a lot of heart, knows how to play, and is tough. He plays well on of-

fense and defense, and he will get a lot of minutes. Sam is going to be our post player. He is athletic; he can move, and he does the things we need him to do inside.

“Bo Haygood is a smart player and is one of our better shooters. He is probably our most improved player from couple of years ago.”

The Vikings will not be a team with a great deal of size, so playing fundamentally sound will be critical to how the season goes.

“We’ve got to box out when rebounding,” Parman said.

“Overall we have a high basketball IQ, which will help us.

We have several players that have really improved. I think we have a chance have a pretty good year. The pieces are there, we just have to put them all together.”

2018-19 North Pontotoc Vikings Basketball schedule DATE: 11/15-16 11/19-20 11/27 11/30 12/01 12/04 12/07 12/11 12/14 12/18 12/21 12/27-28 1/04

OPPONENT: @ Wheeler Tournament @ Tremont Tournament Wheeler Bruce @ Houston Shootout @ South Pontotoc @ Walnut @ Bruce Ingomar Mooreville Myrtle @ West Union Tournament West Union

pontotoc-progress.com • Pontotoc Progress

DATE: 1/08 1/11 1/15 1/18 1/22 1/25 2/01 2/05 2/08 2/11-15

OPPONENT: Kossuth* Falkner @ Mantachie* @ Belmont* Alcorn Central* Tupelo Christian Prep Tremont Booneville* Amory Division 1-3A Tournament (Northeast)

* Division game

Winter Sports 2018-2019 | 11

2018-2019

North Pontotoc Vikings

women’s basketball

Photo by Jonathan Wise

This year’s North Pontotoc Lady Vikings basketball team includes (front row left to right) Belle Ross, Shemiah Hadley, Zykeria Ford, Breanna Nowlin, Tiffany Bishop, Maddie Guerin, Tayler Bishop, Riley Mitchell, (back row) McKenzie Garrett, Macey Thomas, Haisley Coker, Payton Bailey, Brooke McBrayer, Karson Mitchell, Kierra Green, and Bindi Seale.

12 | Winter Sports 2018-2019

pontotoc-progress.com • Pontotoc Progress

North girls expect to compete well in Division 1-3A Jonathan Wise Sports Editor

North Pontotoc’s girls had a slow start to last season, but after a great deal of improvement they were playing very solid basketball by the end of the year. Heading into the 2018-19 campaign, the Lady Vikings return a number of players who got significant minutes on what was a very young team.

Coach Matt Waldrop likes the potential of his group.

“I would still classify us a young team when the majority of your players are sophomores,” he said. “I expect to see strides toward what we can eventually become for sure.”

Waldrop is pretty high on a deep sophomore class. The biggest returning contributors from that group are Shemiah

Hadley, Maddie Guerin and Macey Thomas.

Hadley continued to get better throughout the season a year ago, and she become a very reliable offense player.

“Shemiah (Hadley) has immense talent,” Waldrop said.

“She is going to be more versatile. She is not going to be just an around the basket player; she can step out and shoot the three. She sees the floor really well.

“Maddie (Guerin) is another versatile inside-outside kid who can score in different ways. She has got a feel for the game.

“Macey (Thomas) is undersized, but she is extremely intelligent. She is a good shooter and a mentally tough and poised kind of kid. You know what you are going to get out of Macey every night. She was

playing really good basketball at the end of last year, and she has really improved since then.

Senior Zykeria Ford is another important veteran and returning starter.

“Zykeria is a good athlete, a great rebounder, and a incredible defender,” Waldrop said.

“We will count on Zykeria a lot. She will have some tough defensive assignments.”

Other returners with varsity experience are senior Breanna Nowlin and Belle Ross.

Sophomores Riley Mitchell and Haisley Coker played well over the summer and are in position to see significant playing time as well. Sophomore Tayler Bishop also continues to improve, and Waldrop expects her to contribute to the squad.

“I also wouldn’t rule out a freshman or two playing at

some point this year,” Waldrop said.

North’s Division 1-3A competitors are always stout, with perennial hill country powerhouses Belmont and Booneville. Kossuth had a big year last season as well, going 273. Waldrop thinks the potential is there for the Lady Vikings to battle with those programs that lost a good deal of veteran experience and high level talent.

“As far as 3A goes, year and year out this is probably the toughest division in the state,” Waldrop said. “There were a bunch of senior-laden teams in this division last year. Those teams are never going to fall off, but you like your chances better when they are going to be playing young players like you are. I really think we have a shot to compete in this division this year.”

2018-19 North Pontotoc lady Vikings Basketball schedule DATE: 11/15-16 11/19-20 11/27 11/30 12/04 12/07 12/11 12/14 12/18 12/21 12/27-28 1/04

OPPONENT: @ Wheeler Tournament @ Tremont Tournament Wheeler Bruce @ South Pontotoc @ Walnut @ Bruce Ingomar Mooreville Myrtle @ West Union Tournament West Union

pontotoc-progress.com • Pontotoc Progress

DATE: 1/08 1/11 1/15 1/18 1/22 1/25 2/01 2/05 2/08 2/11-15

OPPONENT: Kossuth* Falkner @ Mantachie* @ Belmont* Alcorn Central* Tupelo Christian Prep Tremont Booneville* Amory Division 1-3A Tournament (Northeast)

* Division game

Winter Sports 2018-2019 | 13

2018-2019

South Pontotoc Cougars

men’s basketball

Photo by Steve Montgomery

This year’s South Pontotoc Cougars basketball team includes (front row left to right) Channing Lackey, Skylar Holloway, Carson Newell, Eddie Ivy, Treylyn Berry, Alex Collins, Bryce Howell, Clayton Heatherly, (back row) Aaron Pilcher, Stroud Mills, Will Reeves, Pete Gouine, Brett Riley, Haydon Billingsley, Eli Austin and Jayden Hooker. Not Pictured: Ethan Boyett

14 | Winter Sports 2018-2019

pontotoc-progress.com • Pontotoc Progress

Cougars have pieces in place for more success Jonathan Wise Sports Editor

South Pontotoc’s boys hoops team put together its best season in years last winter, going 21-10. Although they will have to replace key players, the Cougars have a strong returning nucleus of players that they will count on for leadership in order to produce another solid season.

Three senior veterans who played as big a role in last season’s success as anybody are back in seniors Eddie Ivy, Carson Newell and Brett Riley.

Ivy and Newell will play in the backcourt. Ivy, a point guard, is entering his fourth year as a starter. Newell has led the squad in three point shooting the last three seasons.

“We need Eddie to take care the ball for us, keep turnovers down, and get to the rim when

possible,” said head coach Shane Murphree. “It would be great if his outside shooting could improve, but he has been really good for us. He brings us a lot of energy guarding on the defensive end, and he needs to be a leader.”

“Carson is going to help us by making the defense guard farther out. You have to respect his shot because he has such good range. We need him to step up and do some other things as well, maybe score off the dribble more. He is also a really good free throw shooter.

“Brett took a big jump last year and stepped up his role, and we need him to continue to do that. He can be dominating, and we need him to show up every night, give a lot of energy, bring down a bunch of rebounds and be a force on the defensive end.

“We do have some experi-

ence coming back. We did lose two really good players, so are going to have to have some role players from last year step up and play a lot bigger roles. We have to pick about 25-27 points and 14-15 rebounds a game that we lost. So those guys are not only going to have to play more, they are going to have to produce in the stat sheet.”

Two other important players will be junior guard Alex Collins and junior forward Will Reeves, both of whom played significant minutes last year and will be counted on to continue to make strides. Others who are in the mix are sophomore forward Channing Lackey, sophomore guard Stroud Mills, and senior forward Treylyn Berry.

“Both Alex and Will played a lot last year, but they are going to play a lot more,” Murphree said. “Alex is going to help us

out with some ball handling and be a good defensive player. Will is not a big kid, but he plays really hard. We are hoping he can give us some valuable points inside. Channing Lackey can play both inside and outside, and we think he is going to be able to help us out. Stroud has come on for us at guard. We are hoping he can knock some shots down for us.”

Murphree expects the Cougars to be a competitive team once again that has the potential to have another successful season.

“We are going to be a little smaller, but I feel like if we shoot the ball the way we are capable of we have a chance to be pretty good this year. I like this team, because we have a really good point guard, a really good big man, and a really good shooter, and we have some good pieces around them.”

2018-19 South Pontotoc Cougars Basketball schedule DATE: 11/16 11/26 11/27 11/30 12/4 12/7 12/14 12/15 1/08 1/11

OPPONENT: @ Bruce Houlka @ Amory @ New Site North Pontotoc East Union Walnut Smithville (@ Tupelo Shootout) Tupelo Christian Prep @ Choctaw County

pontotoc-progress.com • Pontotoc Progress

DATE: 1/15 1/18 1/22 1/25 1/29 2/01 2/05 2/07

OPPONENT: @ Aberdeen Hatley @ Houlka Houston East Webster Nettleton @ Blue Mountain @ Falkner

* Division game

Winter Sports 2018-2019 | 15

2018-2019

South Pontotoc Cougars

women’s basketball

Photo by Steve Montgomery

This year’s South Pontotoc Lady Cougars basketball team includes (front row left to right) Adriannah Holley, Lexie Ward, Mattie Pilcher, Abbey Montgomery, Kaylee Ray, Arnicha Cherry, Shylee Canerdy, (middle row) Maggie Ross, Laila Houpt, Sydney Brazil, Rebekah Pilcher, Caroline Cook, Hailey Rackley, JeMiracle Usher (manager), (back row) head coach Bill Russell, Brianna Jamison, Anna Catherine Roye, Maisy Canerdy, Katie Goetzinger, Leah Pennington, Aniyah Reed, assistant coach Brandy Higgason, and assistant coach Jeff Harmon.

16 | Winter Sports 2018-2019

pontotoc-progress.com • Pontotoc Progress

Lady Cougars look to continue improvement Will Ruff

Sports Writer

South Pontotoc’s girls hoops program saw a big improvement last season in head coach Bill Russell’s first year at the helm of his alma mater.

The Lady Cougars made the playoffs after making an appearance in the region tournament championship game, finishing 18-14 overall after only seven wins the season before.

This year the Lady Cougars increased their summer schedule, as they look to fill the void after the inevitable roster turnover that happens at the high school level. Three key players who provided a great deal of production graduated, and although a number of players come back with experience, many of their roles

will have to expand.

“I didn’t think we had a great summer,” said coach Russell. “We moved some kids around, did things a lot differently, but I think we got a lot better towards the end of the summer and have progressed since then.”

Coming back from last year’s team are leading scorer Rebekah Pilcher, still only a freshman, senior Mattie Pilcher, senior Lexie Ward, and senior Abbey Montgomery. All played significant minutes for the Lady Cougars, and they will need more of the same from them this season. Junior Anna Katherine Roye will play meaningful minutes as well.

“I think we have a good nucleus returning that have experience,” Russell said. “We have four players returning

that started on and off, and five seniors that will provide good leadership for us.”

Last season the Lady Cougars relied heavily on Rebekah Pilcher’s scoring ability, and again the freshman should be the focal point of most opponents’ defenses.

South Pontotoc will also play a lot of players, and will be looking for others to step in fill the void.

“Rebekah drew a lot of attention from defenses last year, and I expect teams to key on her again,” said coach Russell. “I also think that our seniors will accept any role they are given, and they will do what it takes to make the team better and win.”

Junior Leah Pennington returns to the court fully healthy after missing last year due to injury. Senior Kaylee

Ray was slated to play a big role, but she went down with a season-ending injury in the opener against North Pontotoc.

Guard Arnicha Cherry is South’s other senior returnee. 5’8 junior Maisy Canerdy will play the post and should do a good job in that role.

The Lady Cougars will still be relying on coach Russell’s up tempo style to create turnovers via the press, stretch the floor, and score in transition.

“Tempo will dictate a lot of games for us,” coach Russell said. “I think we will be more balanced offensively this year. Lexie (Ward), Mattie (Pilcher), and Abbey (Montgomery) have been shooting it well in practice. I think that if we can stretch the floor and shoot like I know we can, we will be successful.”

2018-19 South Pontotoc lady Cougars Basketball schedule DATE: 11/16 11/26 11/27 11/30 12/1 12/4 12/7 12/11 12/14 12/15 12/27-29 1/08

OPPONENT: @ Bruce Houlka @ Amory @ New Site Kosciusko (@ Houston) North Pontotoc East Union @ Tremont Walnut Saltillo (@ Tupelo) East Webster Tournament Tupelo Christian Prep

pontotoc-progress.com • Pontotoc Progress

DATE: 1/11 1/15 1/18 1/22 1/25 1/29 2/01 2/05 2/07

OPPONENT: @ Choctaw County @ Aberdeen Hatley @ Houlka Houston East Webster Nettleton @ Blue Mountain @ Falkner

* Division game

Winter Sports 2018-2019 | 17

Good Luck

to all the teams this season!

18 | Winter Sports 2018-2019

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pontotoc-progress.com • Pontotoc Progress

Winter Sports 2018-2019 | 19

2018-2019

Pontotoc City warriors

men’s soccer

Photo by Trent’s Portrait Design

The 2018-19 Pontotoc Warriors soccer team includes (front row left to right) Kevin Cruz, Dylan Shipton, Carlos Aguilar, Nate Criswell, Jolan Mills, Spencer Bass, Robert Ramos, Paul Yat, Jordan Tzib, (top row) assistant coach Kyle Walker, Miles Galloway, Marco Gasca, Michael Moore, Reed Emison, Freddy Porter, Ross Mathews, Branden Harris, and head coach Tyler Moore.

20 | Winter Sports 2018-2019

pontotoc-progress.com • Pontotoc Progress

Skilled Warriors have capability to make some noise Jonathan Wise Sports Editor

The Pontotoc Warriors had a solid 11-8-1 season in 201718, making the postseason before dropping a tough double overtime decision at Northeast Jones. Heading into this year, PHS has the talent and potential to take a big step.

“I am very excited about the group that I have this year,” said head coach Tyler Moore.

“They are probably the most well balanced group that I’ve had. There is skill in every grade level, and most importantly there is really good leadership in my junior and senior classes. So our younger guys have good examples to look up to, and hopefully that creates a domino effect.”

The Warriors return what Moore thinks is a “very well rounded” team.

PHS brings back a great deal of talent on defense, as well as their starting goalkeeper in Jolan Mills.

“Jolan was good for us last year, but he is going to be great for us this year. His skill level has jumped off the charts, and he knows the game. We are excited about him,” Moore said.

Paul Yat was moved from forward/midfield to center back, to go along with defensive returnees Nate Criswell, Carlos Aguilar, and Robert Ramos.

“He (Yat) has worked hard

to make that transition and has taken that role on pretty well,” Moore said. “He understands the game, sees the field, and tells the guys the space to move to. He is complimented very well by Nate Criswell, the other center back, Carlos Aquilar, and Robert Ramos. That is probably the most skilled back line I have coached, so I am excited to see if we can keep some games scoreless through-

out the year.”

Reed Emison will be play in the midfield, along with Enrique Mendoza, a freshman transfer. Midfielder Marco Gasca, an Itawamba Community College signee, had a big year last season and will be counted once again.

“They are a very coachable group and do what is best for the team. They sacrifice a lot of their energy to make others look better all over the field, whether it is giving support in the back (end) or distributing balls to the top. They are an exciting group to watch and a very selfless group,” Moore said.

The forwards will be led by the team’s leading returning scorer in Kevin Cruz. Miles Galloway, Spencer Bass, and Ross Mathews will also play big important roles on offense.

“It is probably the fastest front line I have ever had, and they know space,” Moore said.

“I hope they can be a back line’s worst nightmare this year.”

2018-19 Pontotoc Warriors soccer schedule DATE: 11/17 11/27 12/01 12/04 12/07 12/11 12/13 12/15 12/18 12/20

OPPONENT: @ Vardaman Lake Cormorant Corinth/Kosciusko (@ Corinth) Amory* Itawamba* @ New Albany* @ Tishomingo County @ Tupelo Christian Prep Mooreville* Center Hill

pontotoc-progress.com • Pontotoc Progress

DATE:

OPPONENT:

1/04 1/08 1/11 1/15 1/18 1/19 1/22

@ Itawamba* @ New Hope New Albany @ Amory* @ Mooreville* @ Senatobia North Pontotoc

* Division game

Winter Sports 2018-2019 | 21

2018-2019

Pontotoc City warriors

women’s soccer

Photo by Trent’s Portrait Design

This year’s Pontotoc Lady Warriors soccer team includes (front row left to right) Megan Linley, Jaleesha Dandrige, DeAisha Browner, Katie Munlin, Joanna Browner (manager), Anna Crane Watts, Katie Hogue, Maria Castaneda, Brenda Mendoza, (back row) assistant coach Reed McRaney, Belinda James Castleman, Rylee McIntyre, Hannah Fletcher, Brook Hendrix, Caroline McAuley, Holly Stewart, Abby Feathers, and head coach Justin Jensen.

22 | Winter Sports 2018-2019

pontotoc-progress.com • Pontotoc Progress

Lady Warriors like potential for 2018-19 Jonathan Wise Sports Editor

Pontotoc girls soccer had a change at the top of the program in the offseason, as former head coach McKinley Holland stepped away from the education field to work in his family’s business. The Lady Warriors’ assistant coach Justin Jensen was promoted to head coach, so PHS has a good amount of continuity despite the coaching change.

Pontotoc lost some important players that had been with the program a long time, but they return a solid core as well.

“We have a lot of potential,” coach Jensen said. “We are going to have some younger girls playing with some older players, so early in the season we just want to get a feel for how we want to play and dictate the game, how we want to work the ball, things like that.”

Pontotoc should be strong on defense with veterans manning the back line, including junior

center back Jaleesa Dandridge and senior outside back Hannah Fletcher. Sophomore Abby Feathers played a lot last year and will step up into a starting role as well. The Lady Warriors also return their starting goalie in senior Brook Hendrix.

“I feel pretty good about our defense,” Jensen said. “They just need to do what they do in practice and keep working hard every day, and I think they should have a solid year back there.”

In the midfield, junior Katie Munlin and seniors Maria Castaneda and Caroline McAuley are proven commodities that will provide steady play.

Transfer Brenda Mendoza is expected to make an impact as well.

“Maria does a great job of both playing both sides, defense and offense. She does a lot for us,” coach Jensen said.

“Katie has played all over the field for us during her career, and she’s a utility player who

will be really good wherever we put her. She does a good job in the middle of the field.

“Once they all figure out how to play together, we should be fine there.”

The Lady Warriors lost five seniors from a year ago, all on offense, including a pair of current ICC players.

Junior Megan Linley will play at forward, along with a pair of junior high students in Paola Gomez and Avery Walton. Freshman Holly Stewart, a newcomer to the team, will see time there as well.

“It’s tough when you lose 90 percent of your offense, but we are going to try to replace them as best we can,” Jensen said. “We’ve got some younger girls at those positions that will hopefully be with the program for the next 4-6 years.”

“We are going to have to be able to keep teams close, so that we can knock a couple in the back of the net and hopefully be able to pull out a good number of wins.”

2018-19 Pontotoc lady Warriors soccer schedule DATE: 11/17 11/27 12/01 12/04 12/07 12/11 12/13 12/15 12/18 12/20

OPPONENT: @ Vardaman Lake Cormorant Corinth/Kosciusko (@ Corinth) Amory* Itawamba* @ New Albany* @ Tishomingo County @ Tupelo Christian Prep Mooreville* Center Hill

pontotoc-progress.com • Pontotoc Progress

DATE: 1/04 1/08 1/11 1/15 1/18 1/19 1/22

OPPONENT: @ Itawamba* @ New Hope New Albany @ Amory* @ Mooreville* @ Senatobia North Pontotoc

* Division game

Winter Sports 2018-2019 | 23

2018-2019

North Pontotoc Vikings

men’s soccer

Photo by Jonathan Wise

The 2018-19 North Pontotoc Vikings soccer team includes Zack Algamal, Nathan Najero, Matthew Tidwell, Adrian Vega, Erik Gonzalez, Ahiezer Bueso, Jose Hernandez, Tristan Hester, Ty Bramlett, Christian Najero, Collin Copeland, Brian Meza, head coach Donnie Sellers, Luis Herrera, Jesus Juarez, Carlos Tovar, Javier Ramirez, Jesus Romero, Noah Berryhill, Luis Guerrero, Jeff Parchman, Braxton Sudduth, Jaden Ezell, Samuel Franco, and Kevin Rodriguez. Not pictured: Christian Mounce and West Sutton.

24 | Winter Sports 2018-2019

pontotoc-progress.com • Pontotoc Progress

Vikings have high expectations once again Will Ruff

Sports Writer

Last season the North Pontotoc Vikings were Class 1A/2A/3A Region 1 soccer champions. They beat Philadelphia in the first round of the playoffs before losing a close game at home to St. Andrews in the second round.

It was the fourth consecutive year North has made the playoffs. Postseason soccer is something the Vikings have grown accustomed to, and this year should be no different as head coach Donnie Sellers’ expectations remain high for his team.

“I think it will be tough in the beginning, in non-region play,” coach Sellers said. “We graduated a lot of experienced players, but I think by the time we get into region play we will be fine. I think we can win the division and of course make the playoffs again.”

The Vikings will be changing offenses this season, as coach Sellers has installed a 4-5-1 system in place of the

4-4-2 he used last season.

“So far in practice they have caught on well,” said coach Sellers. “But we need to play to get some game experience, and I think they will catch on more.”

Offensively coach Sellers does not expect a drop off in scoring, as he has quite a few players who can put the ball in the back of the net at will.

“I have at least 6 guys that when the ball is on their foot they are capable of scoring,” coach Sellers said. “My seniors Braxton Sudduth and Kevin Rodriguez should provide a lot of goals for us, and our season will go as they go.”

Carlos Tovar, Samuel Franco, West Sutton and Javier Ramirez will play meaningful minutes as defenders and in the midfield for the Vikings.

“I think we will be very competitive again,” Sellers said. “We have the potential to be as good as we have been in the past and maybe better.

It might take a little longer to get there, but I think we can do it.”

2018-19 North Pontotoc Vikings soccer schedule DATE: 11/17 11/26 11/30 12/06 12/10 12/14 12/18 12/20

OPPONENT: @ Oxford Shannon @ Center Hill Vardaman* Tupelo Christian Prep* South Pontotoc* Nettleton* @ New Albany

pontotoc-progress.com • Pontotoc Progress

DATE: 1/07 1/10 1/14 1/18 1/22 1/24

OPPONENT: @ South Pontotoc* @ Vardaman* @ Tupelo Christian Prep* @ Nettleton* Pontotoc Mooreville

* Division game

Winter Sports 2018-2019 | 25

2018-2019

North Pontotoc Vikings

women’s soccer

Photo by Jonathan Wise

The 2018-19 North Pontotoc Lady Vikings soccer team includes Lily Voyles, Stephanie Guerrero, Gabby Nava, Liz Tovar, Yeraldi Gonzalez, Vanessa Lopez, Rosa Lopez, Tanya Gonzalez, Maria Tinajero, Janelly Juarez, Fatima Tovar, Karen Lopez, Nikki Lopez, Kari Wise, Brianna Mathis, Lexi May, Karley Robbins, Laura Gonzalez, Karen Rodriguez, and Jackie Tovar. The team’s head coach is Donnie Sellers.

26 | Winter Sports 2018-2019

pontotoc-progress.com • Pontotoc Progress

Lady Vikings working to return to playoffs Will Ruff

Sports Writer

A season ago the North Pontotoc Lady Vikings soccer team finished third in Class 1A/2A/3A Region 1 and missed the playoffs. This season coach Donnie Sellers expects to compete in the region and ultimately earn a postseason berth.

“I feel like because we were young and inexperienced last year we will be better and more improved this season,” coach Sellers said. “We have more experience, and I think we can finish well in the division and make the playoffs. We can meet those expectations.”

Returning players to watch for the Lady Vikings are Liz Tovar, Maria Tinajero, and Brianna Mathis. With ICC signee and leading scorer Brittany Mathis gone, North will need one of them to fill a huge void left by her offensively and replace 26-30 goals this season.

“We are going to need Maria and Liz to step up offensively

and score for us this year,” said coach Sellers. “Our big foot Brianna will play all over the field for us, and we will move her around a lot in games.”

North will have one senior this season in Lexi May. She, along with Karley Robbins and Vanessa Lopez, will handle midfield and defensive duties and will be relied upon

heavily for stops.

“Lexi will provide us good leadership, and I want her to be vocal and make sure everyone jells together,” said coach Sellers. ”Karley and Vanessa will be leaned on a lot defensively for us.”

Karen Rodriguez and Gabby Gonzalez will also see a lot of time on the pitch this sea-

son as well. The Lady Vikings will look to fill the rest of their roster out with younger and less experienced players, but coach Sellers thinks that only means his girls will need to get a few games under their belts.

He thinks that as more opportunities to get better present themselves the they will take advantage of them.

2018-19 North Pontotoc lady Vikings soccer schedule DATE: 11/17 11/26 11/30 12/06 12/10 12/14 12/18 12/20

OPPONENT: @ Oxford Shannon @ Center Hill Vardaman* Tupelo Christian Prep* South Pontotoc* Nettleton* @ New Albany

pontotoc-progress.com • Pontotoc Progress

DATE: 1/07 1/10 1/14 1/18 1/22 1/24

OPPONENT: @ South Pontotoc* @ Vardaman* @ Tupelo Christian Prep* @ Nettleton* Pontotoc Mooreville

* Division game

Winter Sports 2018-2019 | 27

2018-2019

South Pontotoc Cougars

men’s soccer

Photo by Jonathan Wise

This year’s South Pontotoc Cougars soccer team includes Will Allen, Barrett Griggs, Bradley Owen, Oscar Venegas, Brandon Sanchez, Cristabol Sanchez, Eliseo Fernandez, Noah Fleming, Austin Simpson, Jacob Bard, Marcus Holley, Braxton Ratliff, Armando Rangel, Rene Martinez, Edgar Almazan, Joshua Fernandez, Jon Brian Waldo, Salvador Diaz, Shaun Mooneyham, Jonah Higgason, Caleb Tuggle, Gable Steward, Aden Sprinkle, and Joey Kuzma. Not pictured are Will Fleming, Ezequiel Martinez, Michael Smith and Gavin Floez.

28 | Winter Sports 2018-2019

pontotoc-progress.com • Pontotoc Progress

Cougars ready to compete on the pitch Jonathan Wise Sports Editor

The South Pontotoc boys soccer team has a mix of young players and veterans for this upcoming season.

Longtime head coach Horace Kitchens retired in the offseason, and Rod Cook was named head coach for the Cougars.

“This is my first year to coach soccer at South Pontotoc, and I am excited and looking forward to it,” coach Cook said.

Cook has served as the defensive coordinator for South Pontotoc’s football team for the past five years, previously coaching soccer for 10 years at Winona High School during his time there.

At press time the Cougars had just began their initial practices as a full team after several joined the team after the completion of football season, and coach Cook was still getting a full read on his personnel. As the team gets more playing time under their belts he thinks that improvement will come as well.

South will play a final season (before reclassification changes) in Class 1A-2A-3A Region 1 along with Nettleton, North Pontotoc, Tupelo Chris-

tian Prep and Vardaman. North Pontotoc is the defending region champion.

The Cougars will compete to try to earn one of the region’s top two spots and a playoff berth.

The Cougars’ primary losses from last year were on defense, as they lost most of their back line. However, South has some talented players returning, including Armando Rangel, a skilled multi-year starter who is a dangerous scoring threat. Also coming back as a multi-year starter is Oscar Venegas. Will Fleming should provide a boast to the squad after injury problems a year ago. Barrett Griggs is a hard nosed athlete who has played before as well.

Other returners include Braxton Ratliff, Jon Brian Waldo, Ivan Martinez, Salvador Diaz, Joshua Fernandez, Marcus Holley, Caleb Tuggle, and Eliseo Fernandez. Despite the coaching transition, the experience gained a season ago from a number of players should give the Cougars some confidence.

“Our strength will be our returning starters and a young group of underclassmen that are are energetic,” coach Cook said. “I am expecting our team to jell together and play hard for each other.”

2018-19 South Pontotoc Cougars soccer schedule DATE: 12/8 12/14 12/15 12/17 12/21 1/07

OPPONENT: Tupelo Christian Prep* @ North Pontotoc* @ Saltillo Vardaman* @ Mooreville North Pontotoc*

pontotoc-progress.com • Pontotoc Progress

DATE: 1/12 1/15 1/18 1/19

OPPONENT: @ Tupelo Christian Prep* @ Nettleton* @ Vardaman* Nettleton*

* Division game

Winter Sports 2018-2019 | 29

2018-2019

South Pontotoc cougars

women’s soccer

Photo by Jonathan Wise

The 2018 South Pontotoc Lady Cougars soccer team includes (front row) Leah Montgomery, Anonia Tutor, Rayna Russell, Layne Tedder, Alanis Duke, Hannah Akers, Maria Gonzalez, Micahela Lopez, Mariana Garcia, (back row) Rachel Gann, Serena Williams, Sallie Blake Fleming, Emma Grant, Chelle’ Corder, Lana Holley, Nikki Raines, Mallory Davis, Perla Diaz, Aunika Lopez, and Makayla Carter. The team’s head coach is Kayleigh Sims.

30 | Winter Sports 2018-2019

pontotoc-progress.com • Pontotoc Progress

Lady Cougars seek to continue winning tradition Beth Hurst and Jonathan Wise Sports Writer and Sports Editor

South Pontotoc has been a powerhouse in girls socccer for a long time, as the Lady Cougars have won the Class 1A-2A-3A North Half Championship five out of the last six years. The Lady Cougars will be different this season, as they have to replace some key players, but at the same time they will be talented as always.

Longtime coach Horace Kitchens retired after the 201718 campaign, and one of his former players, Kayleigh Sims, has taken the reigns of the program. She has familiarity with some of the roster due to helping coach the Lady Cougars toward the end of year.

“I assisted coach Horace last year just for the month of January because I was still in school, but something I can carry over from last season is the drive the players have,” coach Sims said. “They are fully capable; they are skillful athletes. When they want it, they want it. It’s just a matter

of targeting the skills they need to improve and finessing on the skills they already carry.”

South has some key pieces returning, including Layne Tedder, forward Rayna Russell, forward/midfielder Lana Holley, and forward Serena Williams, all of whom are proven scoring threats. Other key returners are midfielders Sallie Blake Fleming and Leah Montgomery.

“We’ve been working on a lot of transitioning,” Sims said.

“We’re working on switching from offense to defense without hesitation and communicating more than this team has in the past. From what I can see so far, we’re moving the ball very well and our shots are powerful. It’s still early in the season, so it’s hard to tell everything.”

One important quality that

Lady Cougars look to have is good leadership from their veterans.

“The girls that have heart really show it out on the field.,” Sims said. “Seniors Rayna Russell and Layne Tedder have really gone above and beyond even in the offseason.

They lead practice and uplift the younger players. Several of the other older players are showing leadership qualities as well.

South’s expectations are fairly simple. They want to continue the program’s traditions by competing at the high level, getting better, and seeing where that takes them in the postseason. The Lady Cougars have currently won seven straight division titles.

“You know, we’re all kind of learning together,” Sims said.

“This is their first year under a coach that isn’t coach Horace Kitchens, and he really left a legacy with both the boys’ and girls’ teams. We’re just looking to finish strong with a winning season and make our school proud.”

2018-19 South Pontotoc lady Cougars soccer schedule DATE: 12/8 12/14 12/15 12/17 12/21 1/07

OPPONENT: Tupelo Christian Prep* @ North Pontotoc* @ Saltillo Vardaman* @ Mooreville North Pontotoc*

pontotoc-progress.com • Pontotoc Progress

DATE: 1/12 1/15 1/18 1/19

OPPONENT: @ Tupelo Christian Prep* @ Nettleton* @ Vardaman* Nettleton*

* Division game

Winter Sports 2018-2019 | 31

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2018-2019

Pontotoc City warriors

bowling Teams

Photos by Jonathan Wise

The 2018-19 Pontotoc Warriors bowling team includes (front row) Landon Johnson, Cooper Parmer, Carson Long, Johnny Kelly III, (middle row) Will Porter, Cameron Chunn, Bryan Wray, Grant Stewart, (back row) assistant coach Nathan Bailey, Anthony Osborne, Aaron Littlejohn, and head coach Curt Sparks.

The 2018-19 Pontotoc Lady Warriors bowling team includes (bottom row) Sara Kitchens, Tierra Zinn, Carla Ramirez, Layla Tutor, (middle row) Bre Porter, Madison Clements, Lexi McGregor, Cadence Griffin, (back row) assistant coach Nathan Bailey, Lexi Samples, Maddie Moorman, Taylor Bramlett, and head coach Curt Sparks.

34 | Winter Sports 2018-2019

pontotoc-progress.com • Pontotoc Progress

Pontotoc expects another successful year on the lanes Beth Hurst Sports Writer

With both the Warrior and Lady Warrior bowlers qualifying for the Class II State Tournament last year, Pontotoc is looking to build off that success heading into the 2018-19 campaign.

The boys’ team finished with a season record of 8-4 and a third place showing at regionals. The girls went 6-6, finishing as runners-up in the Class II North Region Tournament.

“I was proud of the season that both teams had last year,” said second-year coach Curt Sparks. “It was the first time that both teams made it together to the state championship (tournament). We have built the program in a way that we can now compete in both girls and boys.

“I expect both to have a lot of success in the regular season and make a push to compete and win a regional championship. I know that we are capable of bringing home at least one if not two regional championships. I expect us to get to

state, but the competition down there will be really tough.

“The team that we have as a whole is very young, so there is a lot of opportunity for us to compete and do some big things in the future. We know that we need to do the little things right from here going forward.”

There are a number of returning players for both teams.

Will Porter, Cameron Chunn,

Aaron Littlejohn, Carson Long, Cooper Parmer, AJ Osborne, and Johnny Kelly III come back for the boys. Tierra Zinn, Bre Porter, Sara Kitchens, Layla Tutor, and Maddie Moorman return for the girls.

Sara Kitchens earned a spot on the All-Region team last season. Zinn and Porter were All-Region in 2017.

“I expect Cameron Chunn, Will Porter, and Aaron Little-

john to step up and guide the team. On the girls’ side, I expect Tierra Zinn, Bre Porter, and Sara Kitchens to guide the team,” Sparks said.

“We have key players returning on both teams that will help us tremendously this season. We have a solid core of A players that will help guide the younger kids on the team.

Both teams know how to win and compete in pressure situations. We got put in pressure situations last year in the regional championship, and both teams competed well enough to make it to the state championship. This year I expect them to embrace the role and finish the job.”

Coach Sparks considers Lafayette, Corinth and Itawamba Agricultural (IAHS) to be tough inside the division.

“The boys finished third last year to Corinth and IAHS; the girls team lost to IAHS in a playoff for the regional championship,” he said. “We know that if we can compete with them in regular season we have a really good shot at making it to state again this year.”

2018-19 Pontotoc Warriors bowling schedule DATE: 11/15 11/26 12/03 12/05 12/10 12/12 12/13

OPPONENT: West Union/IAHS/Tupelo Alcorn Central Corinth Tremont New Albany Oxford Cleveland Central

pontotoc-progress.com • Pontotoc Progress

LOCATION: Tupelo Tupelo Tupelo Fulton New Albany Tupelo Tupelo

12/17 1/09 1/15 1/16

Biggersville Tremont North Pontotoc Mantachie

Tupelo Tupelo Tupelo Tupelo

*Venues for bowling matches will in Rebel Lanes in Tupelo, Thunder Bowl in Fulton and Action Lanes in New Albany

Winter Sports 2018-2019 | 35

2018-2019

North Pontotoc Vikings

bowling teams

Photos by Jonathan Wise

This year’s North Pontotoc boys bowling team includes (left to right) Gage Chism, Jon Major Earnest, Jed Fitts, Eli Pierce, and Cole Montgomery. Team members not pictured are Evan Funderburk, Hunter Miles, Garrett Oglesby, Colten Turner and Kaden Wilson.

This year’s North Pontotoc girls bowling team includes (left to right) Chloe Wright, Madison Monts, Serenity Clayton, Aubrey Holcomb, Jade Carwyle and Maly Mae Fitts. Team members not pictured are Lillian Angle, Tishuna Blanch, Addison Clements, Jada Price, Riley Sappington, Marlee Schaefer and Kari Wise.

36 | Winter Sports 2018-2019

pontotoc-progress.com • Pontotoc Progress

North bowlers look to take a step forward Jonathan Wise Sports Editor

North Pontotoc is looking move into the ranks of consistently strong bowling programs in MHSAA Class I. With the 2018-19 season about to get underway, coach Bob Wingo is optimistic about the Vikings and Lady Vikings’ prospects.

“I have some new bowlers, but I also have some experience,” Wingo said. “I don’t necessarily just mean kids that have played for us before, but kids that bowl as a hobby. The scores that I have seen so far, especially from our new ones, are higher than the ones I have started out with in the past. So that is promising.”

The boys squad has two returning players in Evan Funderburk and Jed Fitts. New to the team this season are Gage Chism, Jon Major Earnest, Eli Pierce, Cole Montgomery, Hunter Miles, Garrett Oglesby, Colten Turner and Kaden Wilson.

“We’ve got several kids this season that play other sports, so they already have that competitive mindset, which is dif-

ferent than maybe we’ve had in the past,” Wingo said. “So this could be a year where we can really grow.”

The Lady Vikings have more in the way of veteran bowlers, with five total returnees- Lillian Angle, Tishuna Blanch, Maly Fitts, Riley Sappington and Marlee Schaefer.

New players are Addison Clements, Jada Price, Kari Wise, Chloe Wright, Madison Monts, Serenity Clayton, Aubrey Holcomb and Jade Car-

wyle.

“I would like to see our (girls) scores get into the 150 and above range; that would greatly increase our chances to be succcessful,” Wingo said. “For the boys we have several football players that haven’t had the chance to practice with us, but as we go through the season I expect their scores as a whole steadily go up.”

The Vikings will again be in the Class I North region,

along with West Union, Alcorn Central, Biggersville, East Union, Kossuth and Myrtle. The teams will work toward ultimately competing in the Region Tournament, where they will seek to earn a berth in the Class I Bowling State Championships.

“Hopefully we will be committed to practicing and getting better,” Wingo said. “If we do that I think the potential is there for a lot of improvement this year.”

2018-19 North Pontotoc Vikings bowling schedule DATE: 11/29 12/10 12/11 12/15 1/10

OPPONENT: West Union

East Union

New Albany

Tupelo Tourney Nettleton

pontotoc-progress.com • Pontotoc Progress

LOCATION: New Albany Tupelo New Albany Tupelo Tupelo

DATE: 1/15 1/17

OPPONENT: Pontotoc

Lafayette

LOCATION: Tupelo Oxford

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