Pontotoc City & County Winter Sports 2020-2021

PONTOTOC CITY & COUNTY

winter Sports 2020-2021

FEATURING

•BASKETBALL

•SOCCER

•BOWLING

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Winter Sports 2020-2021

Winter Sports 2020-2021

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WINTER SPORTS 2020-2021 4

letter from the

sports editor LOYAL READERS OF THE PONTOTOC PROGRESS, We hope you enjoy our annual overblessing of normalcy, which I know we views and pictures of the winter sports all ready to get back to at some point in teams from all three county schools. A the future. Regardless of whatever varygreat deal of work is involved in pubing opinion one might hold about aspects lishing this magazine and the others our of the pandemic, one thing that is certain newspaper puts out throughout the year. is it has affected everyone, whether or Our desire is that it is informative and not they have been sick. Furthermore, reflective of that effort. As always we modern infastructure and medicine has, will do our best to provide coverage as as bad as it has been, helped us to chart these teams proceed through their seaa better course than if it had happened sons. a long time in the past. We are blessed Well, this school year is different than to live in the era we do. These type of any that has gone before. As I sit here disastrous events happen in history, and and write this I am thankful that athletics we are very fortunate in recent times to have been able to go as normally as poshave largely avoided it. sible. There have no doubt been issues With that being said we need a break along the way, such players in quaranfrom the pressure that life involves, even Jonathan Wise tine and games canceled. My family was normally. For some that is a walk, run or Sports Editor quarantined for two weeks with a posibike ride. For some it is reading and retive case, so our sports coverage has had search about something they are passionto work around it also. Our county has faired relatively ate about. For some its outdoor recreation, and so on and so well athletics-wise. With the cooler weather and what is forth. For many it is several things, and of course sports fits generally thought of as ‘sick season’ upon us, I suspect that this bill. The long layoff of sports was difficult for many, COVID-19 will present even more difficult obstacles. In because of the entertainment value it provides for fans and fact, I am already seeing that, but hopefully it can be mit- the many rewards it provides for participants. Thankfully igated so the students can continue with in-person classes they are back and holding their own in the COVID era at as much possible and these winter sports athletes can play most levels safety-wise. May that continue to be the case. their seasons out.

Sincerely, This whole situation has made me thankful for the Jonathan Wise, Sports Editor

Winter Sports 2020-2021

contents 4 Letter from the Sports Editor

20 Pontotoc Warriors Men’s soccer

6 Pontotoc Warriors Men’s Basketball

22 Pontotoc Warriors woMen’s soccer

8 Pontotoc 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 warriors bowling

16 south Pontotoc cougars woMen’s Basketball

36 north Pontotoc vikings bowling

Advertisers Algoma Country Store.............................32 Ashley Furniture.........................................2 Crossroads Rehabilitation.......................32 First Choice Bank.....................................40 Market Basket.........................................18 Melinda Nowicki.....................................39 MississippiCare......................................38

Montgomery Drugs.................................19 Patty Turk Properties, LLC...........................3 Physical Therapy......................................19 Renasant Bank........................................19 Ricky Ferguson........................................33 Shannon & Graham Eye Clinic................18 Snow Cream Corner.................................39

on the cover

Southern Garage.....................................18 Torrance School Photography..................38 Trent’s Portrait Design.............................18 True Value................................................32 Young’s Tire Store....................................33

WINTER SPORTS 2020-2021

table of

Pictured on this year’s cover is Pontotoc High School senior standout Rock Robinson.

Writers

Jonathan Wise, Sports Editor, Will Ruff, Sports Writer, and Galen Holley, Sports Writer

A Special Thanks To

Steve Montgomery and Regina Butler for the photos Advertising Consultant: Angie Quarles

Winter Sports 2020-2021

Graphic Designer: Chelsea Williams 5

PONTOTOC CITY

2020-2021 warriors

Men’s basketball

2020-2021 Pontotoc Warriors basketball Team

This year’s Pontotoc boys basketball team includes (front row) Kelvin Smith, Rock Robinson, Dajerious Scott, J.J. Washington, (back row) Jack Sansing, Rhett Robinson, Joe Haze Austin, Zane Tipler and Jaylen Edwards. Not pictured: Gavin Brinker, Tyler Shephard and Jemarkus Whitfield.

Photo by Jonathan Wise

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Winter Sports 2020-2021

Jonathan Wise Sports Editor

Pontotoc has quickly risen to the level of a program that people expect to be force in 4A boys basketball. In coach Rolley Tipler’s two seasons the Warriors have compiled a record of 52-12, with two Division 2-4A Tournament titles and a 20-0 division record.

This season the Warriors bring back a roster that should allow them that continue that string of success.

“We lost a lot of high basketball IQ guys and some key role players,” coach Tipler said. “I feel like we can actually score the ball more once we get our chemistry down after having not played during the summer. I don’t know about defensively yet, but offensively I think we have the talent to put us where we need to be to be successful.”

Pontotoc returns its leading scorer in ICC commit Rock Robinson, a versatile player on both ends of the court who averaged 14.3 points, 7.3

rebounds and 2.1 steals per game. Another versatile player with length is junior Joe Haze Austin.

“Having them back helps out a lot from an experience standpoint,” Tipler said. “They both have high motors, and I know exactly what I am going to get out of them effort-wise.”

Another key player is sophomore Gavin Brinker.

“I have a lot of high hopes for him,” Tipler said. “He is the kind of guy that can help put us where we need to be at. There is going to be more pressure because he is in a different, bigger role this year.”

“We have three 6’6 guys in the starting lineup (Robinson, Austin and Brinker), so that is always a good thing,” Tipler said. “Not only that, but we have tall guys that can play on the perimeter, which is something you don’t see around here a lot.”

Senior guard Jaylen Edwards is expected to make a big impact this year.

“He has always had the ability to score in bunches,” coach Tipler said.

“And after having lost six seniors we

will have a chance to use him more, and I think he is going to surprise a lot of people, from not getting a lot of minutes last year to being in the thick of things. I think he will be one of the ones people are talking about by the end of the year.”

Senior Dajerious Scott got quite a bit of playing time at the point guard position last year, and this season the spot is his alone.

“He has taken on that starting point guard role very seriously, and the way he plays defense it just energizes the whole team,” coach Tipler said.

Zane Tipler will back up Scott at point guard. Whereas Scott has dynamic ability to get to the rim, Tipler has more shooting range from the perimeter.

Tyler Shephard is also expected to play key minutes.

“I think as the season goes on our guys will develop chemistry,” Tipler said. “If we can become a more defensive-minded team and do the things we need to we can become a competitive team in 4A.”

PONTOTOC CITY

WARRIORS HAVE TALENT TO CONTINUE STRING OF SUCCESS

2020-2021 Pontotoc Warriors basketball schedule NOVEMBER 24 Potts Camp (@ North Delta) NOVEMBER 27 @ Lighthouse Classic (Corinth) DECEMBER 5 Starkville (@ Baldwyn) DECEMBER 8 @ South Pontotoc* DECEMBER 11 @ Tupelo DECEMBER 15 Mooreville* Winter Sports 2020-2021

DECEMBER 19 @ Tupelo Shootout

JANUARY 8 @ Itawamba AHS*

DECEMBER 22 New Albany

JANUARY 12 @ Mooreville*

DECEMBER 28 Northwest Rankin

JANUARY 15 Caledonia*

DECEMBER 29 DeSoto Central

JANUARY 16 Mid-MS Challenge (@ Choctaw County)

JANUARY 2 St. Andrews (Tangle on the Trail) JANUARY 5 Shannon*

JANUARY 23 Hotbed Classic (@ New Albany) JANUARY 26 Itawamba AHS JANUARY 29 @ Caledonia* FEBRUARY 2 @ Lafayette

JANUARY 19 South Pontotoc*

FEBRUARY 5 Saltillo

JANUARY 22 @ Shannon*

FEBRUARY 8-12 Division Tournament @ ICC * Division game 7

PONTOTOC CITY

2020-2021 warriors

woMen’s basketball

2020-2021 Pontotoc lady Warriors basketball Team

This year’s Pontotoc girls basketball team includes (front row) Kori Grace Ware, Ella Hill, Aniyah Reed, Allie Beckley, Anna Grace Ritchie, Molly Sansing, Jakila Feagin, (back row) Sarahia Hurd, Sky Vaughn, Olivia Gray, Riley Stanford, Samya Brooks, Sadie Stegall, Angela Middleton, Makayla Boyd and Alayna Ball. Not pictured: Alexis Gordon.

Photo by Jonathan Wise

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Winter Sports 2020-2021

Jonathan Wise Sports Editor

The Pontotoc Lady Warriors finished a win shy of the state championship game a season ago. Despite the losses of some key players, they return a talented roster that should put them in position to continue the success that has led to a 58-7 record over the past two seasons.

“With graduating some key seniors and not having this summer (to play against other teams), our biggest concern is filling out our rotation,” said head coach Kyle Heard. “We return a few players that we know what we are going to get from them in high pressure games, but we are going to be playing a bunch of new faces this year to just figure out who is ready and who can take on certain roles. That’s been the hardest part and also the most enjoyable partwatching them compete every day.”

Pontotoc brings back three college prospects that anchor its starting lineup- senior Sky Vaughn, a Mississippi College commit, senior Angela Middleton and junior Samya Brooks.

“I am really excited about the year those three are going to have,” coach Heard said. “Sky is just the type of player anyone would want. She wants to do anything she can to help the team, loves defense, and she is very versatile.

I think I could play her anywhere and she would be successful. This is her fourth year starting, and she is going to be a major factor for us.

“Angela is just a competitor. She has really grown up mentally in a year’s time, and I expect a big season out of her. Samya is our leading returning scorer. She is going to be an integral part of everything we do. She is really working on expanding her game. She can shoot it some, drive it, post up; she’s just a very valuable piece for our team.”

The Lady Warriors also bring back Allie Beckley, who will run the point guard position. She is almost another returning starter due to getting so many minutes last season.

“Last year I had full confidence in both her and (departed senior) Jadyn (Spears)” Heard said. “Allie already having that experience and getting to play along with and compete with a

point guard that was so good for us for several years, that will be a big plus.”

Another player who has seen minutes in the past but is set to take on a much bigger role is senior Makayla Boyd.

“She is going to step in and fill our shooter role,” Heard said. “She has grown up a lot mentally and is really getting some confidence. I think she is going to have a really good year for us.”

Heard expects Riley Stanford to be an important reserve player for the Lady Warriors.

“She is just a hard nosed player who will do everything you ask her to,” Heard said. “She’s really good post defender, will take a charge, and I think she is going to give us some valuable minutes.”

Sadie Stegall, Olivia Gray, Anna Grace Ritchie, Molly Sansing and Ella Hill are also in the mix for playing time.

“I think we have a really nice balance,” Heard said. “I think we have a little bit of everything that you need to have a successful team. Our biggest key is just staying healthy and everybody staying on the same page.”

PONTOTOC CITY

LADY WARRIORS SEEK TO CONTINUE WINNING WAYS

2020-2021 Pontotoc lady Warriors basketball schedule NOVEMBER 21 Olive Branch (@Biggersville) NOVEMBER 23 Earle, AR (@New Albany) DECEMBER 5 Senatobia (@ South Pontotoc Shootout) DECEMBER 8 @ South Pontotoc DECEMBER 11 @ Tupelo DECEMBER 15 Mooreville Winter Sports 2020-2021

DECEMBER 19 Tupelo Shootout

JANUARY 8 @ Itawamba AHS

JANUARY 29 @ Caledonia

DECEMBER 22 New Albany

JANUARY 12 @ Mooreville

DECEMBER 28 Raymond

JANUARY 15 Caledonia

JANUARY 30 Rogers (@ Robertson’s Sportswear Classic-Tupelo)

DECEMBER 29 Holmes County

JANUARY 19 South Pontotoc

JANUARY 2 Meridian (Tangle on the Trail)

JANUARY 22 @ Shannon

JANUARY 5 Shannon

JANUARY 26 Itawamba AHS

FEBRUARY 2 @ Lafayette FEBRUARY 5 Saltillo FEBRUARY 8-12 Division Tournament @ ICC * Division game

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NORTH PONTOTOC

2020-2021 Vikings

Men’s basketball

2020-2021 North pontotoc vikings basketball Team

This year’s North Pontotoc boys basketball team includes (front row left to right) Eli Baker, Andrew Wilder, Dontae Wilson, Ty Roberson, Trey Miller, Dontez Cook, Brayden Nowlin, Seth Boland, (back row) Nick Burchfield, Isaiah Bean, Tyler Ford, Anthony Bean, Jordan Meaders, Jordan Pitts and Hunter Allen. Not Pictured: Jake Hall Photo by Jonathan Wise

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Winter Sports 2020-2021

Jonathan Wise Sports Editor

The North Pontotoc Vikings come into the season optimistic about their prospects, as they have a roster loaded with experience.

“It has been different not playing during the summer (due to COVID-19), but it hasn’t hurt us too bad just because of having eight seniors,” said head coach Chris Parman.

“Pretty much every one of them has been here since they were in middle school. They’ve played with each other so much it has not been as big a problem as if we real real young or had a couple new faces. I feel like maybe it hasn’t affected us as much as perhaps some others as far as chemistry.”

The team will be led by senior standout Ty Roberson, an explosive scoring threat who averaged 22.9 points per contest last season. Parman expects his backcourt to be perhaps the team’s biggest strength. Other big contributors at those spots will be fellow seniors Trey Miller and Jordan

Meaders, who averaged 7.7 points had 9 double-digit scoring games in 2019-20.

“Our guard play is pretty steady with Ty, Jordan and Trey Miller back,” Parman said. “Those three are a pretty talented group.”

Another key contributor is senior guard Andrew Wilder.

“He’s another starter whose played a lot of basketball and does a little bit of everything for us,” Parman said.

They have more experience and potential in the frontcourt as well, which hopefully will pay big dividends.

“Last year it took us a while to figure out who our post players were and know they could play, that sort of thing” said Parman. “This year we have (senior) Tyler Ford back. He has improved a lot, and I am excited to see him play. Then (senior) Anthony Bean, who is 6’5, is going to get a big role this year when he really didn’t have one last year. So that should give us a much better inside game, and because we are going to get consistent play out of our guards the inside game is really the key to success for the

year.”

The final two seniors for the Vikings are Dontae Wilson and Jake Hall.

“Jake is going to play a big role coming off the bench,” Parman said.

“He is a solid player who knows his role, and he is one of those guys who is going to have to play every position.”

Other players Parman expects to play valuable minutes are sophomore Eli Baker, freshman Isaiah Bean and junior Brayden Nowlin.

“With this core group defensively there has been an improvement every year,” Parman said. “Sometimes with an offensively-minded group it takes them a while to understand that defense is what is going to win you the game in the end. They have caught that concept, and taking pride in stopping the guy you’re guarding and rebounding has really been a focus since we started back in August. It’s really just a mindset of we have to be able to do these things well to be successful.

“Overall there is a lot of experience back,” Parman said. “I know we are all excited about this season.”

NORTH PONTOTOC

SENIOR-LADEN VIKINGS EXCITED ABOUT PROSPECTS

2020-2021 North Pontotoc vikings basketball schedule NOVEMBER 20 Pine Grove

DECEMBER 11 Corinth*

JANUARY 5 @ Smithville

JANUARY 26 @ New Albany*

NOVEMBER 23 Myrtle

DECEMBER 15 @ Tishomingo County*

JANUARY 8 @ Ingomar

JANUARY 30 Baldwyn (@Houlka Shootout)

NOVEMBER 24 Ingomar

DECEMBER 18 New Albany*

JANUARY 12 Ripley*

DECEMBER 1 @ South Pontotoc

DECEMBER 28 Hickory Flat (@Wheeler Classic)

JANUARY 15 Bruce

DECEMBER 4 @ Ripley* DECEMBER 8 @ Bruce Winter Sports 2020-2021

JANUARY 2 @ Houston Shootout

JANUARY 19 @ Corinth* JANUARY 22 Tishomingo County*

FEBRUARY 2 Mooreville FEBRUARY 5 Amory FEBRUARY 8-12 Division Tournament * Division game 11

NORTH PONTOTOC

2020-2021 Vikings

woMen’s basketball

2020-2021 North pontotoc lady vikings basketball Team

This year’s North Pontotoc girls basketball team includes (front row left to right) Gracie Corley, Kierra Green, Shemiah Hadley, Macey Thomas, Haisley Coker, Kaylee Hargett, Maddie Guerin, Bindi Seale, Anna Brooke Sullivan, (back row) Abi Grace Warren, Mallory Robinson, Mackenzie Beaty, Envi Judon, Lana McCord, Kiara Shally, Bella Hayes, Meekness Harvey, and Lizzie Tutor.

Photo by Jonathan Wise

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Winter Sports 2020-2021

Jonathan Wise Sports Editor

The Lady Vikings enter the 2020 season healthy. That is something that could not be said with much regularity last season. Healthy are seniors Haisley Coker, Macey Thomas and Shemiah Hadley. All three missed a lot of time last year. Senior Maddie Guerin led the Lady Vikings in scoring a season ago, and she will be looked upon to fill the same role this year and anchor an experienced senior class.

“They are a special bunch; they had some bad luck last year, but all of them are back and are clicking on all cylinders,” said head coach Matt Waldrop. “We have high goals with this group, and we are going to take things one game at a time and see what happens.”

Six seniors are returning this season with Kaylee Hargett and Riley Mitchell rounding out the group.

“They will both contribute as much and more than they did last year,” said coach Waldrop.

“I expect us to shoot it well, and

we should be able to score in a lot of ways. Maddie and Shemiah can move around and play anywhere, and it gives us a lot of flexibility with matchups. Macey Thomas can shoot it from anywhere. Macey is in top form and will also handle the ball a lot for us.”

Last year saw three ball handlers succumb to injury, and Maddie Guerin was asked to do something that she had not been asked to do a lot of, up to that point in the season.

“She got some experience in han-

dling the ball last year,” said coach Waldrop. ”I think it improved her game a lot and will help her create more scoring opportunities.”

Shemiah Hadley is the Lady Vikings’ most versatile player, and North will need her to play that way all season long.

“She can play anywhere,” said coach Waldrop. “She is our best passer, can see the floor well, and can score from anywhere.”

She will be the difference maker for the Lady Vikings to have success come tournament time.

Haisley Coker will share ball handling duties and see a lot of minutes in the backcourt again this season. Sophomore Anna Brooke Sullivan will work in the post for the Lady Vikings, and juniors Bindi Steele and Kierra Green will get minutes, as will sophomore Gracie Corley, among others.

“We can go nine to ten deep, and that will be important especially this season,” said coach Waldrop. “I think we will have a competitive division, and we are going to compete hard every game. I think we will be in the mix.”

NORTH PONTOTOC

HEALTHY LADY VIKINGS HAVE HIGH GOALS

2020-2021 North Pontotoc lady vikings basketball schedule NOVEMBER 20 Pine Grove

DECEMBER 11 Corinth*

JANUARY 5 @ Smithville

JANUARY 22 Tishomingo County*

NOVEMBER 23 Myrtle

DECEMBER 15 @ Tishomingo County*

JANUARY 8 @ Ingomar

JANUARY 26 @ New Albany*

NOVEMBER 24 Ingomar

DECEMBER 18 New Albany*

JANUARY 12 Ripley*

FEBRUARY 2 Mooreville

DECEMBER 1 @ South Pontotoc

DECEMBER 28 Hickory Flat (@Wheeler Classic)

JANUARY 15 Bruce

FEBRUARY 5 Amory

JANUARY 19 @ Corinth*

FEBRUARY 8-12 Division Tournament

DECEMBER 4 @ Ripley* DECEMBER 8 @ Bruce Winter Sports 2020-2021

JANUARY 2 @ Houston Shootout

* Division game

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SOUTH PONTOTOC

2020-2021 cougars

Men’s basketball

2020-2021 south pontotoc cougars basketball Team

This year’s South Pontotoc boys basketball team includes (front row) Eli Holloway, Clayton Heatherly, Cole Chrestman, Braydon Gazaway, Stroud Mills, Brailon Massey, Jayden Hooker, Bryce Howell, Hunter Bagwell, (back row) Head Coach Chris Vandiver, Lane Chunn, Trace Ash, Pacey Mathews, Jayden Duncan, J.J. Cherry, William Tindall, Landon Long, Assistant Coach Jonathan Comer, and Assistant Coach Bill Russell.

Photo by Steve Montgomery

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Winter Sports 2020-2021

Will Ruff

Sports Writer

Chris Vandiver returns to his alma mater to coach the South Pontotoc Cougars basketball program in his second stint as head coach. He inherits a team that has a lot of new faces, young players and few returning starters with experience.

“I’m excited to be home; we are a young and inexperienced team, but they are working hard and I really enjoy coaching them and being around them,” said coach Vandiver. “Eight of our fifteen players are freshmen, but we are going to be ok; we just aren’t were we want to be right now.”

The Cougars return senior leading scorer Stroud Mills, who is a versatile player that will play all over the court.

Junior Jayden Hooker played a lot last year, and he will play some in the post for the Cougars.

“Everyone else is pretty much new to the team or has not played a lot for

us,” said coach Vandiver.

There will be some new faces on the court for the Cougars with junior Bryce Howell transferring in from New Site, sophomore Hunter Bagwell coming out to play basketball for the first time since middle school, and junior Clayton Heatherly, who is new to

the team as well.

“All of them can contribute and will see a lot of minutes for us,” said coach Vandiver.

Freshman Pacey Mathews and JJ Cherry will see plenty of minutes in the post for the Cougars.

“Pacey has good skills and a knack to get it in the hole,” said coach Vandiver. “JJ will play a lot for us as well.”

It will be a process for South Pontotoc to get back to its winning ways, but there is no doubt that the Cougars will be competitive night in and night out. By the end of the season the Cougars should be a much improved team and will have built a solid base for the program for years to come.

“We are going to try and be competitive at the end of the year, and I think we can win some games,” said coach Vandiver. “We will move people around early and do a lot of different things to get them ready and to really see what we can do, and we will be ready for the end of the year.”

SOUTH PONTOTOC

YOUNG COUGAR SQUAD LOOKS TO IMPROVE, BUILD SOLID FOUNDATION

2020-2021 south Pontotoc cougars basketball schedule NOVEMBER 20 Vardaman

DECEMBER 15 @ Shannon*

JANUARY 12 Shannon*

FEBRUARY 2 Itawamba AHS*

NOVEMBER 23-24 @Hickory Flat Tournament

DECEMBER 17 Walnut

JANUARY 15 Mooreville*

FEBRUARY 4 @ Hamilton

DECEMBER 1 North Pontotoc

DECEMBER 19 @ Tupelo Christmas Shootout’

JANUARY 19 @ Pontotoc*

FEBRUARY 5 @ Houlka

JANUARY 22 @ Itawamba AHS*

FEBRUARY 8-12 Division 2-4A Tournament (ICC)

DECEMBER 4 East Union DECEMBER 5 South Pontotoc Shootout DECEMBER 8 Pontotoc* DECEMBER 11 @ Caledonia* Winter Sports 2020-2021

DECEMBER 22 @ East Webster Christmas Classic JANUARY 5 Tupelo Christian Prep

JANUARY 26 Caledonia*

* Division game

JANUARY 29 @ Mooreville*

JANUARY 8 @ J.Z. George

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SOUTH PONTOTOC

2020-2021 cougars

woMen’s basketball

2020-2021 south pontotoc lady cougars basketball Team

This year’s South Pontotoc girls basketball team includes (front row left to right) Alana Corder, Gabby Higgason, Preslee Austin (managers), (second row) Kinslee Ferguson, Ella Easterling, Brianna Crowley, Brianna Jamison, Emma Irby, Mary Hays, Dasia Ivy, Arlee McClellan, (third row) Head Coach Bill Russell, Assistant Coach Brandy Higgason, Rebekah Pilcher, Laila Houpt, Maggie Gaspard, Sydney Brazil, Caroline Cook, Shylee Canerdy, Maggie Ross, Assistant Coach Chris Vandiver and Assistant Coach Blake Lovell.

Photo by Steve Montgomery

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Winter Sports 2020-2021

Will Ruff

Sports Writer

The South Pontotoc Lady Cougars return six players with game experience from a team that won 20 games a season ago.

Junior Rebekah Pilcher returns to lead an experienced backcourt with senior Brianna Jamison and junior Sydney Brazil. Juniors Caroline Cook and Laila Houpt will start in the post where they received most of their minutes last season. Sophomore Maggie Gaspard saw minutes as well, and she should see her role expand.

“I have six kids back that have a lot of experience; we have two seniors and are a junior-heavy team,” said head coach Bill Russell. “We also have some girls that didn’t play a lot that could step in and fill some roles for us.”

Top scorers Rebekah Pilcher and

Sydney Brazil will see the bulk of the scoring opportunities, with the Lady Cougars looking to Caroline Cook and Laila Houpt to fill the hole left in the post with the departure of top rebounder Maisy Canerdy.

“Caroline played a lot for us last

year in the post,” said coach Russell.

“Laila led us in defensive rebounding last year and will play in the post with Cook.

“She will have to work on filling that role, and we think she can do that.”

The Lady Cougars finished second in 2-4A last season and were runner up in the region tournament as well.

The season will be just as competitive in region play, with the Pontotoc Warriors picked as a favorite in the region and all of 4A for the second straight year. Russell believes his squad has the ability to have a successful season. The Lady Cougars entered the season ranked in the Daily Journal girls rankings.

“Everyone is chasing Pontotoc, and our goal is to be able to compete hard in every region game and play good fundamental basketball,” said coach Russell. “If we do that I think we will be in a good position late in the year.”

SOUTH PONTOTOC

LADY COUGARS POISED FOR ANOTHER SOLID SEASON

2020-2021 south Pontotoc lady cougars basketball schedule NOVEMBER 20 Vardaman

DECEMBER 15 @ Shannon*

JANUARY 15 Mooreville*

FEBRUARY 2 Itawamba AHS*

NOVEMBER 23-24 @Hickory Flat Tournament

DECEMBER 17 Walnut

JANUARY 19 @ Pontotoc*

FEBRUARY 4 @ Hamilton

DECEMBER 1 North Pontotoc

DECEMBER 19 @ Tupelo Christmas Shootout’

JANUARY 22 @ Itawamba AHS*

FEBRUARY 5 @ Houlka

JANUARY 26 Caledonia*

FEBRUARY 8-12 Division 2-4A Tournament (ICC)

DECEMBER 4 East Union DECEMBER 5 South Pontotoc Shootout DECEMBER 8 Pontotoc*

JANUARY 5 Tupelo Christian Prep JANUARY 8 @ J.Z. George JANUARY 12 Shannon*

JANUARY 29 @ Mooreville*

* Division game

JANUARY 30 @ Robertson’s Sportswear Classic (Tupelo)

DECEMBER 11 @ Caledonia* Winter Sports 2020-2021

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Winter Sports 2020-2021

Winter Sports 2020-2021

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PONTOTOC CITY

2020-2021 warriors

Men’s soccer

2020-2021 Pontotoc Warriors soccer Team

This year’s Pontotoc boys soccer team includes (front row left to right) Carson Garcia, Randy Tzib, Fernando Salinas, Kenny Gonzalez, Kevin Martinez, Issaias Chaperno, Hamilton Gonzalez, Victor Ruedas, (back row) Caiden Clements, Sawyer Ritchie, Brody Smith, Eddie Nolasco, Spencer Bass, Eli Harlow, Ashton Maffett, Dylan Shipton, Crossland Malone, Logan Moore and Juan Gould. Not Pictured: Blayze Haynes, Brayden Arratia, Jaron Hernandez, Alan Morales, Martin Torres, Caiden Ivy and Brian Valentine.

Photo by Jonathan Wise

20

Winter Sports 2020-2021

Jonathan Wise Sports Editor

The Pontotoc Warriors have been a strong contender in the Class 4A North recently, as they compiled a 33-12-2 record and won back-to-back division titles over past two seasons. A lot of key parts of those teams have graduated, but a talented group of players, albeit less experienced, remains for first-year head coach Cullen Pollard.

Pollard is Pontotoc resident who previously spent the past five seasons as a girls soccer assistant at Lafayette.

“In our early games we have been putting people in different positions to see what they are comfortable in, what we are good at and what works best for our team,” Pollard said. “We’ve got some kids who haven’t played a lot of varsity minutes because we lost so many players (due to graduation).

So we have been learning to play with

each other.”

Pontotoc has four seniors who they will look to leadership and productiongoalie Eli Harlow, defender Blayze Haynes, defender Dylan Shipton, and Spencer Bass.

“Eli did not play a lot last year just because he was behind a really good player,” Pollard said. “So he is learning as we go, but he is an awesome leader and one of my team captains.

“Blayze Haynes is a great athlete and a really good defender. Dylan has a lot of experience and is one of my

leaders as well. Spencer Bass can play all over the field. Those seniors have been my workhorses, and I’m excited to see what those guys can do this year.”

Another key player is junior Ashton Maffett.

“Ashton has done a great job of being vocal and being a leader in the midfield, a leader in the back,” Pollard said. “Every day he gives 110 percent.”

Eddie Nolasco, Brayden Arratia, Alan Sopino, Kevin Martinez, Jaron Hernandez and Issaias Chaperno are also expected to be big contributors.

“A key for us is going to be playing the ball faster, especially with some of the teams we will be facing,” Pollard said. “We’ve got to get the ball off our feet and continue to play fast. Dribbling sometimes can get you in trouble. We also have to continue to work on communicating on the field; that’s something that is a must to be successful.”

PONTOTOC CITY

WARRIORS LIKE POTENTIAL FOR 2020-21 SEASON

2020-2021 Pontotoc Warriors soccer schedule NOVEMBER 20 @ Amory

DECEMBER 11 @ Mooreville*

JANUARY 8 Shannon*

NOVEMBER 21 @ Tupelo Tournament

DECEMBER 15 Itawamba AHS*

JANUARY 12 Mooreville*

DECEMBER 1 South Pontotoc*

DECEMBER 17 @ South Pontotoc*

JANUARY 15 @ Itawamba AHS*

DECEMBER 4 @ Caledonia*

DECEMBER 18 @ Center Hill

JANUARY 16 DeSoto Central

DECEMBER 7 New Hope

JANUARY 5 Caledonia*

JANUARY 21 Lafayette

DECEMBER 8 @ Shannon* Winter Sports 2020-2021

* Division game

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PONTOTOC CITY

2020-2021 warriors

woMen’s soccer

2020-2021 Pontotoc lady Warriors soccer Team

This year’s Pontotoc girls soccer team includes (bottom row left to right) Jaelyn Cox, Carmen Owens, Mikayla Wendler, Harlee Wilson, Isabelle Moctezuma, (middle row) Lucero Zuniga, Monica Gasca, Madison Boyd, Olivia Hamblin, Lexi Jones, Cindy Martinez, (back row) coach Justin Jensen, Trinity Ivy, Julli Stutsy, Avery Walton, Jaycie Walker, Kareli Mendoza, Arabella Castleman and Rylie Mcgregor. Not pictured: De’Aisha Browner, Shelby Tigner, Amayah Pinson, Ava Robbins, Paola Gomez and Samantha Vickery.

Photo by Regina Buter

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Winter Sports 2020-2021

Jonathan Wise Sports Editor

The Pontotoc Lady Warriors enter this season with a young and inexperienced roster, but they look to compete well and lay a foundation for the future.

Almost the entire team is underclassmen after graduating five productive seniors.

The team’s lone senior is De’Aisha Browner, who will anchor the back line at defender.

“Her first year out here (playing soccer) she got All-Division,” Pontotoc coach Justin Jensen said. “You can’t teach the type of talent that she has. You could put anywhere on the field, but we need her on defense.”

The Lady Warriors also bring back experience in the goal with sophomore Jaycie Walker.

Paola Gomez is a very versatile player who can play forward, outside

midfielder and attacking center-midfielder.

Avery Walton is another scoring threat, along with Harlee Wilson, who Jensen says has made big strides.

“She (Wilson) is going to be where she needs to be and put balls in the back of the net,” he said.

Midfielder Kareli Mendoza returns as well and will play a pivotal role.

“Kareli is going to be a big help to us in the middle of the field,” Jensen said. “She is always looking to chase somebody down and get the ball of someone’s foot. She does well as defensively in the middle as I’ve seen lately.”

Shelby Tigner returns to give the Lady Warriors experience at left outside midfielder.

Two freshmen who are expected to be big contributors are Carmen Owens and Mikayla Wendler.

“Those two will be switching out at right outside mid (fielder) and right forward,” Jensen said. “They’ve got a pretty good little tandem going.”

“I don’t have a whole lot of expectations other than to be better than we were last year and learn every game and every practice. There are going to be a lot of kids playing different positions. We’ve just got to go through some growing pains before we get to where we want to be.”

PONTOTOC CITY

LADY WARRIORS WORKING TO COMPETE AND IMPROVE YOUNG ROSTER

2020-2021 Pontotoc lady Warriors soccer schedule NOVEMBER 20 @ Amory

DECEMBER 11 @ Mooreville*

JANUARY 8 Shannon*

NOVEMBER 21 @ Tupelo Tournament

DECEMBER 15 Itawamba AHS*

JANUARY 12 Mooreville*

DECEMBER 1 South Pontotoc*

DECEMBER 17 @ South Pontotoc*

JANUARY 15 @ Itawamba AHS*

DECEMBER 4 @ Caledonia*

DECEMBER 18 @ Center Hill

JANUARY 16 DeSoto Central

DECEMBER 7 New Hope

JANUARY 5 Caledonia*

JANUARY 21 Lafayette

DECEMBER 8 @ Shannon* Winter Sports 2020-2021

* Division game

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NORTH PONTOTOC

2020-2021 Vikings

Men’s soccer

2020-2021 North pontotoc vikings socccer Team

Members of the Vikings soccer team include Frank Stark, Alexis Romero, Evan Guerrero, Bryan Meza, Tyler Carter, Samuel Franco, Eric Gonzalez, Bryan Meza, Luis Guerrero, Christian Najera, Javier Ramirez, Holden Little, Colby Boyd, Tripp Little, Jonathan Tovar, Ayden Ellis, Rhys Panes, Ty Bramlett, Jimmie Alban, Cristain Lopez, Jobani Ruiz, John Mendoza, Jamie Herrera, Mason Beaman, Eathen Boyd, Miguel Garcia, Angel Lopez, and Reshaud Nanuy.

Not pictured: Dailen Hawks, Keaton Varnon, Gavin Dyer and Daniel Crotwell.

Photo by Jonathan Wise

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Winter Sports 2020-2021

Jonathan Wise Sports Editor

North Pontotoc has been a consistent soccer program for a number of years. As the Vikings enter the enter the 2020 campaign the team looks different with a number of new faces in key roles. However, head coach Donnie Sellers likes the potential his group has.

“I’ll be honest before we start playing I don’t really know where our strength is going to be,” Sellers said.

“We got two young kids starting at forward, and I graduated almost all of my back line. So we just about having to compete rebuild the defensive back line.”

“We are young and we have a lot of inexperience. We have some kids out here who have never played soccer.”

The Vikings bring back several key players in Samuel Franco, Eric

Gonzalez, Luis Guerrero and Javier Ramirez, who is a returning defender expected to anchor the unit.

North brings back goalkeeper Ayden Ellis, who was new to it last year but continued to improve throughout the season.

“He looks better than last year,” Sellers said. “He is one of those kids that has the want-to and will. He’s going to be at every practice. I look for him to have a real good season.”

Sellers expects Holden Little to be a big contributor, even though his exact position might change. Mason Beaman is another player set to be an important piece for the Vikings.

“Mason is doing extremely well,” Sellers said. “His club ball has really helped him, plus he has gotten bigger which will help him also.”

Coach Sellers has an idea where he would like everyone to be, but that could change as they get into season and based on how some of his younger players develop.

“Early in the season we need to get an idea of where we are at, what we need to do, and where we need to move some personnel around,” coach Sellers said. “We will do that until we find a combination that works. Some people might have to play something different than we have been, but all of our kids are open to moving. We’ve got the talent. We just have to get it in the right place.”

NORTH PONTOTOC

VIKINGS WORKING TO FIND RIGHT COMBINATION TO CONTINUE SUCCESS

2020-2021 North Pontotoc vikings soccer schedule NOVEMBER 19 @ Saltillo

DECEMBER 14 @ DeSoto Central

JANUARY 12 @ Corinth

NOVEMBER 30 @ Lafayette

DECEMBER 17 Tishomingo County

JANUARY 14 Ripley

DECEMBER 1 @ Tupelo Christian Prep

JANUARY 5 DeSoto Central

JANUARY 16 @ South Pontotoc

DECEMBER 3 New Albany

JANUARY 7 @ Mooreville

JANUARY 19 @ New Albany

DECEMBER 8 Corinth

JANUARY 9 Tupelo Christian Prep

JANUARY 21 @ Tishomingo County

DECEMBER 11 @ Ripley Winter Sports 2020-2021

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NORTH PONTOTOC

2020-2021 Vikings

woMen’s soccer

2020-2021 North pontotoc lady vikings socccer Team

This year’s North Pontotoc girls soccer team includes (front row) Abby Feathers, Yaquelin Tovar, Gaby Gonzales, Maria Tinajero, Stephanie Guerrero, (second row) Evelin Tovar, Kailey Coker, Naomy Camposeco, Yecenia Lopez, Salah Heatherly, Madison McGillivray, Alexandra Nova, (back row) Lexie Walker, Annslee Rhea, Carly Walker, Brooke McBrayer, Allie Grace Hamilton, Hope Culpepper, Fatima Tovar, Cheyenna Cable and Lynzee McGillivray.

Photo by Jonathan Wise

26

Winter Sports 2020-2021

Will Ruff

Sports Writer

The North Pontotoc Lady Vikings soccer team is still young, but it returns a lot of experience as they only lost two seniors from a year ago. A number of players are now in their second year of playing as well, so this season will be a lot less about teaching the game and more about taking the next step as a program.

“We were really green last year, and I think that they can take that next step this year,” said Lady Vikings head coach Kyle Robbins. “We understand the game better now and having more experience will give us more confidence.”

Seniors Liz Tovar, Abby Feathers, Maria Tinejero, Gabby Gonzalez, and Stephanie Guerrero will lead the

Lady Vikings this season and will be relied upon heavily to create offense and score.

“We will go as Liz goes offensively,” said coach Robbins. “Abby will play a lot in the middle for us as well as Maria and Gabby.”

Junior Brooke McBrayer and sophomore Carly Walker will see a lot of minutes this season for the Lady Vikings, as well as sophomores Naomi

Campenseco and Hope Cullpepper.

Ainslee Ray returns as the Lady Vikings’ keeper this season.

“We have a lot of experience in the middle; that will help us create a lot of opportunities,” said coach Robbins.

“We have gained a lot of speed and strength as well that will help us finish stronger in the box.”

The Lady Vikings finished third in division play last season and have made strides this off season to put themselves in a position to finish as well if not better this season in division play.

“We have a lot of returning pieces; we just have to get them into the right spots,” said coach Robbins. “As long as they keep working hard, learning and putting what they learn to use in games we can be more competitive in division play and should win more games.”

NORTH PONTOTOC

LADY VIKINGS EXPECT MORE SUCCESS IN 2020-21

2020-2021 North Pontotoc lady vikings soccer schedule NOVEMBER 19 @ Saltillo

DECEMBER 14 @ DeSoto Central

JANUARY 12 @ Corinth

NOVEMBER 30 @ Lafayette

DECEMBER 17 Tishomingo County

JANUARY 14 Ripley

DECEMBER 1 @ Tupelo Christian Prep

JANUARY 5 DeSoto Central

JANUARY 16 @ South Pontotoc

DECEMBER 3 New Albany

JANUARY 7 @ Mooreville

JANUARY 19 @ New Albany

DECEMBER 8 Corinth

JANUARY 9 Tupelo Christian Prep

JANUARY 21 @ Tishomingo County

DECEMBER 11 @ Ripley Winter Sports 2020-2021

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SOUTH PONTOTOC

2020-2021 cougars

Men’s soccer

2020-2021 south pontotoc cougars soccer Team

This year’s South Pontotoc boys soccer team includes (front row left to right) Lucas Vineyard, Zac Moore, Andres Chrestman, Brennan Ratliff, Emery Tedder, Marcus Holley, Salvador Diaz, Ivan Martinez, Christopher Figueroa, Grayson Hendon, (back row) Ezequiel Martinez, Rene Martinez, Aiden Sprinkle, Gable Steward, Braxton Ratliff, Noah Fleming, Alejandro Tovar, Nick Cummings and Angel Garcia Photo by Jonathan Wise

28

Winter Sports 2020-2021

Galen Holley Sports Writer

South Pontotoc was competitive in its first season in 4A last year, and a good core of scrappy players return.

The Cougars will look to keep taking steps this year.

Two returning seniors will be keys for the Cougars this season.

Rene Martinez is an ace of offense, and Angel Garcia defends tenaciously. Together they supply firepower on both ends of the field, according to second-year coach Chris Vineyard.

“We’re looking for big things out of Rene offensively again this year; he was our leading scorer last year and has a drive to compete and be even better this year,” said Vineyard. “Angel at defender will anchor a young squad. He has a natural patience with the younger guys and that makes him a great asset to me and the program as a whole.”

Marcus Holley returns at goalkeeper. He was an All-Division performer a season ago and compiled 222 total

saves.

The team will be young but tough, Vineyard said.

“We only have three upperclassmen, but we have a mentality of ‘win now’ with an eye towards a still very bright future,” said Vineyard. “South Pontotoc soccer has a good reputation for gritty, hard-nosed, grind-it-out effort and this group continues that legacy.”

Experience is the trump card for any squad, and Vineyard said he felt good about his team’s growth.

“Offensively we have everyone back and have only gotten better with a year of growth and experience,” said

Vineyard. “We have a lineup that will be able to score and keep us in ballgames and give us a chance to win.”

The Cougars will be aggressive on both offense and defense, Vineyard said, and he’s shifted some pieces on the chess board to maximize his men’s strengths.

“The best scoring teams are ones that pass well and defend high,” said Vineyard. “Our lineup will look a little different this year after moving some guys to other key spots to fortify our defense and give us a little more of an opportunity to play up top aggressively.”

Other important players will be Noah Fleming, Gable Steward, Ivan Martinez, Ezequiel Martinez and Salvador Diaz, among others.

The win-loss record is less important than playing hard, demonstrating great character, and building for the future, Vineyard said.

“We want to compete well, build a foundation, and have a season we can be proud of,” Vineyard said. “We’re doing the little things that will help us be a contender year-in and year-out.”

SOUTH PONTOTOC

COUGARS LOOK TO CONTINUE TO MAKE STRIDES

2020-2021 south Pontotoc cougars soccer schedule DECEMBER 1 @ Pontotoc*

DECEMBER 15 @ Shannon*

JANUARY 12 @ Caledonia*

DECEMBER 4 Itawamba AHS*

DECEMBER 17 Pontotoc*

JANUARY 15 Shannon*

DECEMBER 8 @ Mooreville*

JANUARY 5 @ Itawamba AHS*

JANUARY 16 North Pontotoc

DECEMBER 11 Caledonia*

JANUARY 8 Mooreville*

JANUARY 21 @ Byhalia

DECEMBER 12 Nettleton Winter Sports 2020-2021

* Division game

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SOUTH PONTOTOC

2020-2021 cougars

woMen’s soccer

2020-2021 south pontotoc lady cougars soccer Team

This year’s South Pontotoc girls soccer team includes (front row left to right) Brianna Massey, Karina Fernandez, Maria Gonzalez, Taryn Jamison, Yadhira Martinez, Leah Montgomery, Chelle Corder, Alajza Peterson, (back row) Macy Bain, Gabi Reynolds, Ella Grace Ward, Layla Kate Ward, Bailey Whitlock, Koryn Mathews, Savanna Ray and Aubrey Logan. Not pictured: Dayra Almazan, Katie Grace Jackson, Aly Sanchez and Lana Holley.

Photo by Jonathan Wise

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Winter Sports 2020-2021

Galen Holley Sports Writer

Grit, determination, and an unrelentingly positive culture will characterize this year’s Lady Cougar soccer squad, according to coach Chris Vineyard.

“The girls team is looking to rebound off a tough season,” said Vineyard, who took over the reins of the girls program this year.

The Lady Cats are entering their second year in Class 4A. “Spirits are up and the girls show up eager to learn and get better each day,” Vineyard said.

Two seniors will anchor this year’s squad, according to Vineyard. Koryn Mathews and Alajza Peterson will provide experience and help ground a young, improving team.

“I’m looking for these two seniors to anchor our defense this year and play tough down low,” said Vineyard.

“They will be tasked with helping stop some great offenses in our division.

That’s not an easy task, but both are ready for the challenge.”

Lana Holley is a veteran who has been productive for several years.

Other key returnees from last year’s squad are Leah Montgomery, Chelle Corder, Savannah Ray, Macy Bain and Yadhira Martinez.

Vineyard has liked what he’d seen in practice and the overall mentality of the team.

“Since day one, I’ve preached a culture that includes getting tougher mentally and physically,” said Vineyard.

“We have to compete from beginning to end with a team this young. As a program, we aren’t focusing on a winloss record this year. We are asking ourselves at the end of each day, ‘Are we doing the little things well that will rebuild this program into being a contender year in and year out?’”

SOUTH PONTOTOC

LADY COUGARS STRIVING TO DEVELOP WINNING CULTURE

2020-2021 south Pontotoc lady cougars soccer schedule DECEMBER 1 @ Pontotoc*

DECEMBER 15 @ Shannon*

JANUARY 12 @ Caledonia*

DECEMBER 4 Itawamba AHS*

DECEMBER 17 Pontotoc*

JANUARY 15 Shannon*

DECEMBER 8 @ Mooreville*

JANUARY 5 @ Itawamba AHS*

JANUARY 16 North Pontotoc

DECEMBER 11 Caledonia*

JANUARY 8 Mooreville*

JANUARY 21 @ Byhalia

DECEMBER 12 Nettleton Winter Sports 2020-2021

* Division game

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PONTOTOC CITY

2020-2021 warriors

bowling teams

2020-2021 Pontotoc Warriors bowling Team

This year’s Pontotoc High School boys bowling team members are Cameron Chunn, Carson Long, A.J. Osborne, Cooper Parmer, Hayden Terry, Landon Johnson, Caleb Long, Tyler Williams, Jonah Mahan, Freddy Porter, Elijah Vance and Caleb Bean.

2020-2021 Pontotoc lady Warriors bowling Team

This year’s Pontotoc High School girls bowling team members are Bre Porter, Sara Kitchens, Layla Tutor, Maddie Moorman, Cadence Griffin, Chloe Mabus, Gabi Myers and Jada Edwards. *We were not able to take pictures of the Pontotoc bowling teams due to COVID-19 issues.

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Winter Sports 2020-2021

Jonathan Wise Sports Editor

The Pontotoc bowling teams have had a recent history of success, and this year they look to continue that during the 2019-20 season.

The PHS girls have been especially strong, winning back to back regional championships. Last year they finished with an impressive 9-1 record.

Teams’ starting lineups consist of six bowlers during the regular season, which gets trimmed to five if they advance the MHSAA State Championships. Head coach Nathan Bailey will have four returning starters all year long who were reliable for the Lady Warriors in Layla Tutor, Sara Kitchens, Maddie Moorman and Cadence Griffen.

Bre Porter, one of Pontotoc’s most productive scorers and a two-time All-Region performer, is back as well. However, she will be graduating at Christmas to join the military and therefore will not be competing in the postseason.

“She has done a great job working with some of the new players in practice,” coach Bailey said.

Overall the Lady Warriors should be able well-positioned to reach their goals once again with a number of veterans returning.

“This team has the potential to win regionals for the third straight year,” coach Bailey said.

The boys also had good season in 2019-20, finishing 8-2 and making the state tournament as a wild card. They look to get back down to Jackson once

PONTOTOC CITY

PHS BOWLERS HAVE THE ABILITY FOR STRONG SEASONS ONCE AGAIN

again.

“I graduated a couple of solid bowlers; that being said, this year’s boys have a ton of potential,” Bailey said.

Returning for the Warriors are Cameron Chunn, Carson Long, AJ Osborne, and Cooper Parmer.

“The boys are working together better than ever,” Bailey said. “I’m excited to see how they compete in the upcoming matches.”

2020-2021 Pontotoc Warriors bowling schedule DECEMBER 1 Oxford Event Zona

DECEMBER 15 North Pontotoc Event Zona

JANUARY 14 Itawamba AHS Event Zona

DECEMBER 3 East Union Event Zona

JANUARY 5 Alcorn Central Event Zona

JANUARY 19 Tupelo Event Zona

DECEMBER 8 New Alban Event Zona

JANUARY 12 Corinth Event Zona

Winter Sports 2020-2021

35

NORTH PONTOTOC

2020-2021 Vikings

bowling teams

2020-2021 North pontotoc vikings bowling Team

This year’s North Pontotoc boys bowling team includes (front row left to right) Jackson Harlow, Cole Montgomery, Blake McGloflin, Eli Pierce, (back row) Christian Najera, Hunter Carwile, Tyler Ford and Hunter Miles. Not Pictured: Garrett Oglesby and Trent Tucker.

Photo by Jonathan Wise

2020-2021 North pontotoc lady vikings bowling Team

This year’s North Pontotoc girls bowling team includes (front row) Aubrey Holcomb, Maly Mae Fitts, Liz Hale, Bindi Seale, Anna Brooke Sullivan, (back row) Lily Voyles, Madison Monts, Emily Easter and Karlee Bramlitt. Not Pictured: Kathryn Smith and Emme Thompson.

Photo by Jonathan Wise

36

Winter Sports 2020-2021

Jonathan Wise Sports Editor

The North Pontotoc bowling teams are hoping to see some improvement this year, in spite of the changes that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought.

“It wasn’t a state mandate, but (bowling) coaches were sent strong suggestions about what to do,” said head coach Bob Wingo. “Of course there was the social distancing and those things, but it was suggested to keep our teams at 10-11 or so, whereas in the past we might have 20. So those we do have will be able to get more practice time, and that should help them get better, especially as the season goes on.”

Both teams have a number of veterans returning. Jackson Harlow, Cole Montgomery, Blake McGloflin, Eli Pierce, Hunter Carwile, Hunter Miles, Garrett Oglesby and Trent Tucker are back for the boys, while Aubrey Holcomb, Maly Mae Fitts, Liz Hale, Bindi Seale, Madison Monts, Emily Easter, Karlee Bramlitt and Emme Thompson return for the girls.

Newcomers are Christian Najera,

and Tyler Ford for the boys. Anna Brooke Sullivan, Lily Voyles, and Kathryn Smith join the girls squad.

“We have kids that have been in the program,” Wingo said. “Of course some of them are rusty. We haven’t had much in the way of (team) practice, and of course the bowling alleys have been closed for a long time as far as playing on their own in the offseason.”

Still, there are indications that North might be starting from a better position that perhaps some years.

“During tryouts we had several that bowling in the 150s or so, and that’s somewhat higher than it has been at times in the past,” Wingo said. “So hopefully we can continue to improve to our bowling skills and our scores will increase.”

NORTH PONTOTOC

NORTH BOWLING LOOKS FOR IMPROVEMENT IN 2020-21

2020-2021 North Pontotoc vikings bowling schedule NOVEMBER 19 Tupelo Event Zona (Tupelo)

DECEMBER 8 Oxford Premier Lanes

JANUARY 12 Nettleton (Boys) Event Zona

NOVEMBER 30 West Union Action Lanes

DECEMBER 15 Pontotoc Event Zona

JANUARY 20 Myrtle Action Lanes

DECEMBER 1 Corinth Plaza Lanes

JANUARY 6 Myrtle Action Lanes

JANUARY 21 Biggersville Action Lanes

Winter Sports 2020-2021

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