Petit and Self tie for eighth in Wynlake Wynter Nationals

from school reports

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Meridian Community College golfers Dustin Petit and Bryant Self finished tied for eighth at the Wynlakes Wynter Nationals that concluded on Tuesday at Wynlakes Country Club in Montgomery, Ala. Over ninety collegiate golfers from seventeen different schools competed in the event. As a team, MCC finished the event in sixth place out of seventeen teams. This was MCC’s sixth top ten finish in the 2006-07 season.

The Eagles concluded the 36-hole tournament with a round of 313. On Monday MCC registered a 310, finishing the event with 623. Pacing the MCC line up on the final day was Petit and Self, both with 3-over par rounds of 75. The Eagle linksters posted rounds of 76 on day one. With the 151 two day total, both Petit and Self marked their second consecutive top ten individual finish. Justin Eaves recorded a two day score of 158 (81-77), while Zach Rushing shot 163 (77-86). Curt Sparks closed out the team scoring for MCC with a 171 (85-86). Jarrod Lemaster competed in the event as an individual a fired rounds of 76-80.

“As a team, it wasn’t our best effort this season,” said MCC head coach Sean Covich.

“But there were bright spots of individual scoring, especially with Bryant and Dustin. It was a long course in tough conditions so overall I think we learned a lot and enjoyed the opportunity to travel and play at such an outstanding event.”

Five time NJCAA Div. I national champion, Central Alabama Community College claimed team honors with a two day total of 605 (299-306). CACC overcame a three-shot deficit to top two-time defending NJCAA Div. II national champion, Darton (GA) College, who led after 18 holes. Darton ended up third with a 614 (296-318) behind Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, 611 (308-303). CACC’s Brett Willis carded a 144 (70-74) to win by one stroke over ABAC’s Mitch Baxley, 145 (78-67).

MCC returns to action on Tuesday, March 6, when they host the annual MCC/Rush Spring Invitational at historic Northwood Country Club in Meridian

Lady Eagles clinch playoff spot with win

By Jeff Edwards/assistant sports editor

The Meridian Community College Lady Eagles can breathe a little easier now.

They did what they had to do to get into the MACJC state playoffs, thrashing Mississippi Gulf Coast 75-58 on the road Thursday evening.

MCC finishes the regular season with a 15-10 overall record and an 8-6 record in South Division play.

With the win, the Lady Eagles clinched a spot in the playoffs, which will begin Monday. The brackets for the tournament will be released tomorrow.

MCC led 36-26 at halftime and stretched out their lead throughout the second half.

Meridian put five players in double figures, led by NaDosha Strickland with 21 points. Hilal Yildirim, Jennifer Wair and Holly Dial all scored 12 points while Anesia McBride talled 11 points in the win.

Janice Schonberg led Gulf Coast with 14 points.



Gulf Coast 94
Meridian men 85

The MCC men got a great night from Dexter LeFlore, but it wasn’t enough to offset a hot shooting Gulf Coast team as the Eagles fell in their final game of the season.

LeFlore scored 31 points, while Chris Leggett tallied 18 and Maurice Naylor chipped in 14 for the Eagles in the losing effort.

Henry Salter led Gulf Coast with 25 points.

Gulf Coast was up only 40-38 at halftime, but outscored Meridian 54-47 in the second half to take the win.

MCC finishes up its season with a 7-18 record.

MCC women keep playoff hopes alive

By Jeff Edwards / assistant sports editor
The Meridian Star

The Meridian Community College Lady Eagles did what they had to do.

They knew that had to win their remaining two games to make the playoffs, and took care of the first one, defeating Southwest Community College 74-66 Monday night at Graham Gymnasium on Sophomore Night.

MCC led 39-38 at halftime before pulling away.

NaDosha Stickland led the Lady Eagles in scoring with 23 points while Holly Dial scored 13. Jennifer Wair tallied 12 and Carla Latham chipped in with 10 points to lead MCC to the win.

Carmiel Gamble led Southwest in scoring with 19 points in the losing effort.

Meridian, which improved to 14-10 overall and 7-6 in South Division play, will travel to play Gulf Coast Thursday with a playoff spot on the line. If the Lady Eagles win, they are in the playoffs.



Southwest 84
Meridian men 69

After three straight wins, the Eagles came back down to earth, falling by 15 points to Southwest.

The Eagles trailed only 36-31 at halftime, but were outscored by 10 points in the second half to take the loss.

MCC’s Chris Leggett led all scorers with 24 points while Dexter LeFlore pitched in with 18 and Keith James added 12.

Brian Phelps led Southwest with 20 points.

Meridian closes out its season Thursday night when they travel to take on Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Eagles sweep, go 4-0 in Rush

By Jeff Edwards/assistant sports editor

The Meridian Community College Eagles completed an undefeated run in the Rush Invitational Tournament, winning two games Sunday to finish the tourney with a 4-0 record.

The Eagles, now 7-1 on the season, beat Wabash Valley (Ill.) College 9-3 in the first game and defeated Southeastern Illinois Community College 7-2 in the nightcap.

“It was a good tournament,” MCC coach Chris Rose said. “We obviously want to win every game and we were able to do that. I’m pretty pleased but, make no mistake, we still have a long way to go if we want to make a run in the playoffs.”

In the opening game, the Eagles found themselves down 2-0 before the even got to bat. Wabash’s Josh Dutton had an RBI groundout off MCC starting pitcher Kedrick Martin and Axel Gonzalez then scored on a wild pitch to give Wabash the early lead.

“We’ve got to figure out how to get Kedrick out of the first inning,” Rose said. “He usually gives up some runs in the first inning and settles down after that. We’ve tried 45 different things and we’ll try 46. It’s something he understands and hopefully we’ll figure it out.”

Martin, the former Meridian High standout, did settle down nicely after the first inning, allowing only one more run in five innings of work.

MCC jumped out on top in the bottom of the third, scoring four times in the frame.

Shannon Steed led off the inning with a triple and was driven in by a Toddrick Stephenson sac fly. Another sacrifice fly, this one by Tyler Moore, scored Matt Holliman before Michael Guerrero scored on a passed ball. Drew Snider closed the scoring in the inning with a single that scored Jerrod Parks.

Parks came up big again for the Eagles in the fourth inning, slamming a two-out, bases-loaded double in the gap that cleared the sacks and put the game away.

MCC added one more run in the fifth when Moore singled in Steed.Parks, Guerrero and Snider led the way for the Eagles with two hits apiece while Jacob Willsey had three hits for Wabash.

Martin struck out five to pick up the win while Jonathan Wray pitched the final two innings in relief and fanned four.

In the second game of the day, the Eagles let Southeastern hang around for much of the game before finally blowing it open with a big fifth inning.

MCC was up 3-2 heading into the bottom of the fifth, but Southeastern pitcher Kenny Ford quickly found trouble, hitting leadoff batter Josh DeMoney, giving up a single to Justin Worby and walking Scott Mosely to load the bases with no outs.Stephenson made Ford pay for his mistakes with a two-run single just over the glove of the Southeastern second baseman.

After a double-steal, Holliman hit a sacrifice fly to center that scored Mosely before Guerrero closed the scoring with a double down the line that scored Stephenson.

The runs were plenty for the Eagle pitching staff, which allowed two or fewer runs for the fifth time in eight games this season.

“No doubt the pitching and defense has been good,” Rose said. “I couldn’t be happier with our defense. It also helps when we score runs. When we get three or four runs, it takes away what the other team wants to do offensively and makes our defense and pitching stronger.”

Southeastern jumped to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first when Luke Pahl scored on a fielding error. MCC quickly retook the lead in the bottom of the inning. Holliman walked and advanced to third on a Guerrero double before scoring on a passed ball. Guerrero then scored on a sacrifice fly by DeMoney.

Southeastern tied the game back up in the second when Eric Riley scored on a passed ball. However, that was the last time Southeastern cracked the scoreboard.

MCC took the lead for good in the fourth when Moore hit a chopper that found the hole between shortstop and third base for an RBI single that scored Holliman. The Eagles then put the game away with their big fifth inning.

Guerrero led the way for the Eagle offense with his two doubles while Parks had a triple. Justin Cruse had two hits for Southeastern Illinois. Chase Porch started and went three innings, allowing two runs on two hits and striking out five. Jason Coats pitched the next three innings, allowing only two hits while Ian Sharp pitched the final frame, striking out two to close the deal.

“We had some quality teams in this tournament,” Rose said. “I’m excited about the quality of the competition we were able to beat.”

Eagles post convincing wins on first day of Rush Classic

Sean Covich/special to The Star

The Meridian Community College baseball team started off the 2007 Rush Invitational with a commanding performance behind the arm of starting pitcher, Lee Swindle (2-0).

MCC defeated Wabash Valley Community College of Illinois 11-1 in a run-ruled shortened game.

Swindle used just 61 pitches to shut down the Wabash Valley College lineup in 6 innings. Swindle gave up just 2 hits and struck out four batters.

“Swindle pitched like he’s suppose to pitch, he did a good job on the mound,” said MCC’s head baseball coach, Chris Rose.

“Our catcher (David Woods) also did an excellent job behind the plate.”

Meanwhile the Eagle offense exploded right out of the gates. In the first inning MCC used four hits to score eight runs in the bottom half of the first inning to take a commanding 8-1 lead.

“Our offense took advantage of what they gave us,” said Rose.

MCC’s centerfielder, Toddrick Stevenson, got the scoring started. After a leadoff walk, Stevenson stole second base to get into scoring position. After a few walks, Stevenson moved to third where he scored after a wild pitch. Stevenson would end up batting again in the inning and drove in a run with a sacrifice fly to centerfield.

From that point on, the floodgates opened and MCC would score all eight of their eleven runs in the first inning.

The Eagles added two more runs in the fourth and one more run in the sixth inning to seal the game. With the win, MCC improved to 4-1 on the season. Wabash Valley starts off their season at 0-1.

MCC 10

SEICC 2

MCC’s strong pitching performance got even stronger in game 2 versus Southeastern Illinois Community College.

The Eagles started sophomore Wade Weathers. Weathers tossed five strong innings giving up no hits and striking out eight batters.

“Wade really gained control of his pitches in the third inning,” said Rose.

“(John) Hendrix also did a good job in closing out the game.”

Offensively the Eagles hit the long ball well, notching four homeruns in the second game. Tyler Moore hit a two run homerun in the fifth inning, which gives him a team high four homeruns on the young season. Michael Guerro’s two run shot in the sixth inning put the game away as the Eagles took a 10-2 lead.

Justin Worby, who played catcher for game two, had a productive game at the plate going 3 for 3 with two singles and a double.

“When we hit the ball we hit it well,” said Rose.

“Four homeruns as a team in one seven inning game isn’t too bad.”

With the win, Weathers improves to 2-0 on the year. Seth Cockrum lost his first start for SE Illinois, 0-1.

MCC (5-1) will take tomorrow off and return to the Rush Invitational on Sunday when they play Wabash Valley at 2 p.m. and then Southeastern Illinois at 4 p.m.

Pear River will play back to back games tomorrow in day two of the Rush Invitational, versus Wabash Valley and Southeastern Illinois. Alabama Southern and Wabash Valley close out the action Saturday night.

MCC men shock Co-Lin

The Meridian Star
from staff reports

The Meridian Community College men's basketball team ventured to Wesson Monday night and pulled a South Division shocker, beating host Copiah-Lincoln 85-80 in area junior college hoops action.

MCC won its second straight game and improved to 6-18 overall and 3-8 in division play. Co-Lin fell to 16-5 and 7-3.

Freshmen Chris Leggett of Meridian and Regis Huddleston of Bay Springs pumped in 22 points apiece to lead Meridian, which led 41-31 at halftime. Keith James and Dexter Leflore scored 14 points apiece and ex-Meridian High standout Maurice Naylor added 10 for the Eagles.

Greg Truvillion led the host Wolves with 22 points.

MCC is at home Thursday, hosting Pearl River in another division matchup.


Copiah-Lincoln 59
MCC women 57


The Lady Eagles lost a nail-biter to the nationally-ranked Lady Wolves after holding a seven-point advantage at halftime.

MCC was up 26-19 at the break.

Holly Dial and Jennifer Wair scored 16 points apiece to lead MCC, while freshman NaDosha Strickland of Bay Springs chipped in 12. The Lady Eagles, who host Pearl River Thursday, fell to 12-10 overall and 5-6 in league action.

Co-Lin ran its mark to 20-2 overall and 10-1 in South Division play. The Lady Wolves got 12 points from Erica Trahan.

MCC baseball to host Rush Inv.

MERIDIAN, Miss. – The Meridian Community College baseball team opened up their 2007 season with a successful weekend. The Eagles shutout L.B. Wallace Community College in a two game series on Saturday, 7-0 in game one and 2-0 in game two. Then the Eagles split with Alabama Southern Community College on Sunday, losing game one 0-7 and then winning game two, 9-6.

MCC (3-1) will host the annual Rush Invitational Tournament this weekend (Feb. 16-18) at Scaggs Field, which will feature out-of-state teams, Alabama Southern Community College, Wabash Valley College and Southeastern Community College. Pearl River Community College of the MACJC will also be participating.

MCC plays back-to-back game on Friday, v. Wabash Valley at 1:00 pm and then v. Southeastern at 4:00 pm. Then the Eagles will be back in action in back-to-back games on Sunday, v. Wabash Valley at 2:00 pm and v. Southeastern at 5:00 pm.

See the full Rush Inv. Schedule below:

2007 Rush Tournament Schedule

Friday - February 16th
1:00 MCC vs. Wabash Valley
4:00 MCC vs. Southeastern
7:00 Alabama Southern vs. Southeastern (9 innings)

Saturday - February 17th
1:00 Pearl River vs. Wabash Valley
4:00 Pearl River vs. Southeastern
7:00 Alabama Southern vs. Wabash (9 innings)

Sunday - February 18th
2:00 MCC vs. Wabash Valley
5:00 MCC vs. Southeastern

MCC gets hard-earned split

By Jeff Edwards/assistant sports editor

The Meridian Community College Eagles were able to salvage a split of their Sunday doubleheader against Alabama Southern Community College, but had to hang on for dear life to do so.

The Eagles came out flat in the first game in dropping a 7-0 decision, and almost blew an 8-0 lead in Game 2 before holding on for a 9-6 victory. MCC’s record stands at 3-1 with the split while Alabama Southern is 5-4.

“Alabama Southern is a good, physical team who knows how to pitch,” MCC coach Chris Rose said. “Our offensive approach in the first game was not perfect and carried over from the second game yesterday (a 2-0 win over Lurleen B. Wallace). We made an adjustment in the second game and hit the ball well.

“Coach (Joe) Caruso has done an excellent job with hitting. If the players continue to buy into his approach, they are going to be tough outs.”

After collecting only four hits in the shutout loss in the first game, the Eagles came out on fire in Game 2, scoring five runs in the first three innings.

MCC jumped out with two runs in the first inning on a Michael Guerrero RBI groundout and a Tyler Moore double.

Moore struck again in the third inning, belting a two-run homer over the right-center field wall to give the Eagles a four-run lead. After an error by Alabama Southern first baseman Nick Avila kept the inning alive, Drew Snider made them pay with a two-out double that scored Jarrod Parks.

MCC kept piling on the runs in the fourth inning, as Guerrero pounded a three-run blast well up on the hill beyond the left-field wall, making the score 8-0 and the game looking like a laugher.

However, Alabama Southern would start to climb back into the game in the top of the fifth inning. ASCC scored twice in the inning off of tiring starter Kedrick Martin.

Josh Pitts plated the first run with a single and Ricky Moulton grounded into a 6-4-3 double play that plated another run.

Martin allowed two runs on five hits in five innings of work to pick up his first win of the season.

With the score 8-2, Chase Porch replaced Martin in the sixth and quickly found trouble.

After the first two ASCC batters reached base, Josh Dannelly stroked a single into left that plated the first run of the inning. A Chris Murrill single plated another run before Pitts drove in two more runs with yet another single that put runners at first and second with one out.

However, ASCC ran itself out of the inning when they attempted a double-steal a couple of pitches later.

MCC catcher David Woods gunned down Murrill at third base for the second out and Moulton then grounded to short for out number three to keep the score at 8-6.

“That play was huge for us,” Rose said. “He (Woods) has a tremendous arm and I’m proud of the way he played. He handled the pitching staff well and kept their running game in check.”

MCC scored a run in the bottom of the sixth on an Adam Haygood single before Porch came back out and pitched around a one-out double in the top of the seventh to nail down the win.

“I recruited Chase and I know what he can do,” Rose said. “It was his first outing out there and he got some jitters. Once he settled down, I knew he would get the job done.”

While the MCC bats were hot in Game 2 of the twinbill, the first game was a different story.

Jonathan Stephens baffled the Eagle hitters the entire game, going the distance in a four-hit shutout. The ASCC sophomore righty struck out eight and walked only one.

ASCC got on the board in the third inning, taking advantage of two MCC walks and a throwing error to score two runs.

Alabama Southern added to its lead in the fifth inning, scoring one on a bases loaded walk and the other two on a Kevin Orso single up the middle.

ASCC scored on a double play in the sixth and closed out the scoring with an Orso double in the seventh.

Jordan Brown was saddled with the loss for MCC, allowing three earned runs in 4 2/3 of an inning.

Eagles open season with sweep

By Jeff Edwards / assistant sports editor
The Meridian Star

The Meridian Community College Eagles got an outstanding pitching effort in sweeping a doubleheader against Lurleen B. Wallace Community College on opening day at Scaggs Field Saturday afternoon.

The Eagles shut out L.B. Wallace in both games, taking the first game by a 7-0 score and completing the sweep with a 2-0 win in game two. Both games were seven inning affairs.

“You can’t do much better than put up a goose egg in a doubleheader against a quality team,” MCC coach Chris Rose said. “I couldn’t ask more from the pitching staff and defense. I’m excited about it.”

The Eagles used the arms of Lee Swindle and Jason Coats and the bats of Tyler Moore and Toddrick Stevenson to take the first game.

Swindle needed only 50 pitches to toss five shutout innings and Coats came on in relief to finish the game with two more shutout frames.

“They got the job done,” Rose said. “I’m excited about the effort.”

Swindle and Coats combined to allow only five hits.After two scoreless innings, the Eagles would get all the runs they needed in the third. After Stevenson and Matt Holliman led the inning off with singles, Moore followed up with a three-run blast that gave MCC a 3-0 cushion.

Meridian added another run in the fourth inning, as Moore hit his second homer of the game, this one a solo shot.

“Tyler Moore did an excellent job,” Rose said. “He did what we expect of him.”

The Eagles capped off their scoring in the sixth, as Stevenson would hit a three-run round-tripper to score Josh Demoney and Shannon Steed. MCC belted out 11 total hits in the game.

While the first game was a walk in the park, the second game of the doubleheader was a nailbiter that came down to the final inning.MCC scored both of their runs in the first inning.

After the first two were out, Michael Guerrero and Moore both drew walks. A passed ball scored Guerrero from second base and Moore then scored on a Jerrod Parks single.Eagle starting pitcher Wade Weathers made those two runs stand up for six innings, as he baffled the L.B. Wallace batters, allowing only two hits and striking out four. Ian Sharp came on in the seventh to try and nail down the save, but would quickly find trouble.

Sharp walked leadoff batter Joe Nunnari and Chris Fulford followed with an infield single. Seth Basinger then laid down a masterful bunt for a base hit that loaded the bases with no outs.Sharp then exited and Stevenson was brought in from center field to pitch. The Eagle freshman got Michael Matherly to pop up to second base and Cody Adams to fly out to shallow right for the first two outs before striking out Jeremy Jones on three pitches to end the game.

“We recruited him as a duel guy,” Rose said of Stevenson. “He hadn’t pitched much but he’s a gamer and wants the ball.”

MCC is back in action this afternoon with a doubleheader against Alabama Southern Community College. The first game begins at 1 p.m. at Scaggs Field.

As usual, Eagles expect success

Rocky Higginbotham / sports editor
The Meridian Star

A quick glance at Meridian Community College’s 2007 baseball roster shows nearly two-thirds of the Eagles are freshmen.

But it’s the quality of the 10 returing sophomores which has second-year head coach Chris Rose and MCC excited about another title run this spring.

Two-time defending MACJC state champion Meridian opens its 2007 campaign this weekend, hosting L.B. Wallace (Saturday) and Alabama Southern (Sunday) in a pair of 1 p.m. doubleheaders at MCC’s Scaggs Field.

Rose’s bunch wasn’t necessarily hammered by graduation, but the Eagles did lose three returning sophomores who transferred to other schools — including starting shortstop Paul Gatchel, who left at the Christmas break to go to Chipola, Fla.

“But we’re returning the meat of our order and the meat of our rotation,” Rose said. “So it’s hard not to get excited about those guys.”

Gone from the 2006 MCC team which went 35-18 are Gatchel, former West Lauderdale standout Parker Temple and ex-Clarkdale standout Kyle Boswell.Gatchel hit .289 and played in all 54 games a year ago. Temple, an outfielder/pitcher, is not at Northeast Texas and Boswell — a pitcher — is now at Jones County Junior College.

Back for MCC are the team’s top two power hitters as well as four pitchers with a bulk of big-game experience.

Sophomore outfielder Michael Guerrero and first baseman Tyler Moore combined for 29 home runs a year ago, and they’re also both back after being picked in the 2006 Major League Baseball draft.

Guerrero led the team in batting average (.379), hits (74), runs scored (60), stolen bases (17), doubles (20) and slugging percentage (.708) while also slugging 14 home runs from his leadoff spot. The Ole Miss signee will move to the No. 3 hole this season.

Moore, meanwhile, will bat cleanup after hitting .298 with team-highs of 15 homers and 49 RBIs. He’s been chosen in the last two MLB drafts and has signed with Mississippi State.

“They’re our 3 and 4 hole hitters and we’re expecting a lot out of both of them,” Rose said. “It wouldn’t surprise me a bit if Tyler were to challenge the school’s home run record

The 3 hole will be a change for Michael ... the way you’re pitched in that leadoff spot is just different. But I think with the cast we have around him, I think they’ll have to pitch to him.”

Taking over in center field and in MCC’s leadoff spot is freshman Toddrick Stevenson — a 6-foot, 210-pound specimen who was originally headed to LSU.

“He’s got power and raw speed and can cover a lot of ground out there,” Rose said.

Sophomore left-fielder Nathan Wright (.306, 5 HR, 25 RBIs last year) and Guerrero will flank Stevenson in the outfield.

Moore will man first base, while Shannon Steed and fellow freshman Drew Snider of West Lauderdale are vying for time at second base.Freshman Matt Holliman of Germantown, Tenn., is the new shortstop and will likely hit in the No. 2 spot, while freshman Jarrod Parks of Madison Central will play third and likely hit fifth or sixth.

Canadian Justin Worby, who was a medical redshirt last year, heads a trio of catchers which includes ex-West Lauderdale standout David Woods and Dirk Welch. Worby has signed with Southeastern Louisiana.

Ian Sharp, who could also see time as a left-handed pitcher, is one of three players who could see time at designated hitter along with Josh Demoney and Snider.On the mound, the quartet of Lee Swindle, Wade Weathers, Jordan Brown and Kedrick Martin give the Eagles a host of experience as MCC tries to replace ace Michael Robbins — who is now at Ole Miss.

“All those guys are talented, but they’re not in any particular order right now,” Rose said. “Swindle will probably be our Game 1 starter Saturday, but every one of those guys has pitched well and is capable of being No. 1. No one has really just seperated themselves that much yet.”

Swindle, a Mississippi State signee struck out 64 and had a 2.59 earned-run average in 67.2 innings a year ago; while Martin — an ex-Meridian High star who has signed with Southeastern Louisiana — was 5-3 with two saves and a 3.46 ERA.Brown, an LSU signee who racked up 107 at-bats a year ago as a position player, was 2-2 with a pair of saves; and Weathers — a former Enterprise standout who has signed with Southern Mississippi — was 5-1 with two saves and a 2.48 ERA in 42.1 innings.

Sharp and Chase Porch are two of the freshmen who could see lots of action on the mound, while Jason Coats is another who will likely throw in long relief. Stevenson may close in some games for MCC, while Graham Upshaw, 6-foot-6 Johnathan Wray and John Hendrix are all vying for time on the hill.

After a tough-opening weekend with L.B. Wallace and Alabama Southern, MCC faces a grueling schedule which includes — among others — two doubleheaders with national powerhouse Chipola, Fla., two games at Wallace-Hanceville and two doubleheaders with Pearl River.

“I know a lot of teams in the state are going to be tough,” Rose said. “But I really tried to stack the schedule this year. Lurleen B. Wallace is solid, Alabama Southern is tough, we’ve Wallace-Hanceville for a double-dip and we play Chipola four times in two days and they’re as talented as anybody in the nation.”

MCC Lady Eagles lose in OT, Eagles pick up 4th win over rival teams

MCC women 93
Jones 96 (overtime)

The Meridian Community College Lady Eagles had not one, but two opportunities to get a big home win over Jones County Junior College and put themselves in a prime position to make the MACJC playoffs Thursday night.

But both times, they threw it away. MCC had possession of the ball at both the end of regulation and overtime but turned it over each time in a 96-93 loss to Jones at Graham Gymnasium Thursday night.

The Lady Eagles had a chance to win in regulation; taking over possession with 7.1 seconds left after Pauline Love’s basket tied the game at 85. Holly Dial brought the ball up the court and tried to get the ball to Hilal Yildirim on the wing for a shot at the buzzer. However, the pass was high and went off Yildirim’s hands and out of bounds with 0.8 seconds left.

Overtime held a similar script, as Jones’ Rosemary Green hit a basket in the lane to give the Lady Bobcats a 94-93 lead with 17.7 seconds left.

MCC’s NaDosha Strickland, who had scored all eight of the Lady Eagles’ overtime points and finished the game with 23, tried to drive the lane with time ticking down but lost control of the ball. Green picked it up and drove to the basket for a layup with 4.1 seconds on the clock.

Dial’s desperation 3-pointer at the buzzer was off the mark and Meridian was left to absorb yet another excruciating loss.

“We’ve got the best player in the state (Strickland) that has the ball in her hands,” MCC coach Hilary Allen said. “But she wasn’t able to make a play for us tonight.”

It was MCC’s second home overtime loss this season. The Lady Eagles fell 95-86 in OT against East Central on Jan. 11 and also fell to the Lady Warriors 94-90 Monday, losing a 11-point lead in the final 9 minutes.

Instead of breaking the team down, Allen thinks the close losses can build its confidence.

“The fact that we’re playing close can give us confidence,” Allen said. “We can play with anyone in the state, home or away. We’re playing close, overtime games and playing well.”

MCC led 42-37 at halftime but was pounded on the boards in the second half, especially by Love. The Jones standout was held scoreless in the first half due to foul trouble, but roared back in the second half with 20 points.

She also collected 18 rebounds, and Jones outrebounded Meridian 51-39 as a team.

“We’re not very big and we don’t rebound well because of that,” Allen said. “The other team gets two, three, four or five shots sometimes. That was the difference in the game. They got numerous baskets off of offensive rebounds. We didn’t get rebounds when we needed to.”

Jones coach Sandra Sumrall said Love knew she had to get with it in the second half.

“She got into foul trouble in the first half and got frustrated,” Sumrall said. “But she knew that it was time to play ball in the second half and got some great rebounds and baskets for us. Close to the end, we finally took care of our business.”

Meridian fell to 12-9 overall and 5-5 in South Division play while Jones improved to 16-5 overall and 7-3 in division games.

“Every game is crucial,” Allen said. “We’ve got to win games but the league is so balanced, there’s no must-wins.”

MCC men 73
Jones 63

Dexter Leflore scored 30 points to lead the Eagles to a 10-point win over Jones, only their second South Division win of the season.

MCC trailed 38-34 at halftime but outscored the Bobcats 39-25 in the second half.

Leflore led the charge but was assisted by both Chris Leggett and Keith James, who scored 16 and 11 points, respectively.

Jones County was led by Jonathan Woodland with 15 points and LeBarton Jones with 14.

Meridian improved to 5-17 overall and 2-8 in division play with the win. Both the Eagles and Lady Eagles will be back in action Monday when they travel to take on Copiah-Lincoln.

The Bobcats are now 1-9 in division play.

MCC baseball opens season

The Meridian Community College baseball will open up the 2007 season when they play host to Lurleen B. Wallace Community College of Andalusia, AL in a doubleheader on Saturday, February 10. First pitch from Scaggs Field is slated for 1:00 PM.

Coach Chris Rose, set to begin his 2nd season as head baseball coach at MCC, opens the season with a 28-player squad, including 9 returning players for the Eagles in 2006. The ’06 MCC edition posted a 35-17 record and won their second consecutive MACJC state championship.

MCC had several players ink with four-year baseball programs this year, including: Jordan Brown (LSU), Lee Swindle (MSU), Tyler Moore (MSU), Wade Weathers (Southern Miss), Mike Guerrero (Ole Miss), Kendrick Martin (Southeastern LA), and Justin Worby (Southeastern LA).

MCC takes on Lurleen B. Wallace Community College this Saturday and then Alabama Southern Community College on Sunday. The probable pitching rotation will be: Saturday Game 1- Lee Swindle, Game 2- Wade Weathers; Sunday Game 1- Jordan Brown Game 2- Kedrick Martin.

This opening weekend will begin a six-game season-opening homestand for the Eagles. During that early run of home games the Eagles also host the three-day Rush Invitational Tournament on Feb. 16-18 at Scaggs Field.

Former Eagle signs contract w/ Indians

Indians sign left-handed pitcher Cliff Lee to a multi-year contract

More than $103 million now committed to core of team; The 27-year-old lefty finished fourth in 2005 AL Cy Young voting

(Cleveland) --The Indians today announced the club has signed LHP CLIFF LEE to a three-year contract extension through the 2009 season with a club option for the 2010 campaign.

Lee owns a career Major League record of 44-25 with a 4.47 ERA in 99 career starts (582.0IP, 589H, 289ER, 202BB, 445K) with the Indians since being acquired from the Montreal Expos in June of 2002. His .638 winning percentage (44-25) currently ranks 12th among active Major League pitchers with at least 40 career wins. In 2005 finished tied for second and led all American League left-handers in wins after going 18-5 with a 3.79 ERA in 32 starts, becoming the first Indian since Bob Feller in 1951 to lead the AL in winning percentage. His fourth place finish in the AL Cy Young Award voting was the highest by an Indian since 1999.

So far this season Cliff has gone 9-8 with a 4.75 ERA in a team-high 23 starts (138.1IP, 160H, 73ER, 41BB, 91K). He went 4-0 with a 3.09 ERA in June (35.0IP, 31H, 12ER, 9BB, 20K) and has won six of his last nine decisions since the beginning of June. The contract also includes an annual donation to Cleveland Indians Charities.

"This signing is a continued demonstration of the Dolan family's commitment in maintaining the present core of Cleveland Indians players," said Cleveland Indians Executive Vice President & General Manager MARK SHAPIRO. "Cliff's willingness and concern to complete a new contract demonstrates his desire to be a part of that core. These resulting partnerships will best allow us to grow the team around our core."

Since April of 2005 the Indians have signed DH TRAVIS HAFNER, LHP CC SABATHIA, CA VICTOR MARTINEZ, OF GRADY SIZEMORE, INF JHONNY PERALTA and LEE to long-term contracts totaling more than $103 million dollars in guaranteed player salaries.

Cliff Lee BIO:

Full name CLIFTON PHIFER LEE...Resides in Benton, AR...Married, wife's name is Kristen...They have one son, Jaxon (2), and one daughter, Maci (4/5/03)...Played at the University of Arkansas in 2000, going 4-3 with a 4.45 ERA (65.0IP, 32ER, 77SO)...Played at Meridian (MS) Community College in 1998-99...Drafted by Florida in the eighth round out of high school (Benton High School) and by Baltimore in the 20th round in 1998...He is the fifth former Arkansas Razorback currently in big leagues (along with Eric Hinske, Kit Pellow, Robert Person and Dan Wright) and was named 2002 Hog Nation Minor League Player of the Year by hognation.net...Participated in a free baseball clinic with Cleveland State University for kids from the RBI Program and Cleveland Baseball Federation in 2003...He and Kristen are active in the Cleveland community with the Providence House, the Tribe's Grand Slam Literacy Program & Parent-Child Clinics.

MCC drops 6th in a row; Lady Eagles cruise

By Jeff Edwards / assistant sports editor
The Meridian Star

Not many basketball games are won or lost in the first 10 minutes. However, the Meridian Community College Eagles found out a bad first 10 minutes can signal the beginning of a long night.

MCC found itself down 20 points to Hinds 10 minutes into the game on their way to a 76-56 loss Thursday night. The Eagles dropped their sixth game in a row and fell to 4-15 overall and 1-7 in South Division play.

“We had open shots and didn’t convert and they (Hinds) played with a lot of energy and made shots,” MCC coach George Brooks said. “We can’t win when we don’t guard better than that.”

The Eagles were down 19-10 with 12:35 remaining in the first half before Hinds went on a 11-0 run over the next two-plus minutes to make the lead 30-10.

Meridian played Hinds even the remainder of the game, but the damage had been done.

Hinds led by as many as 38-16 before a Regis Huddleston 3-pointer at the buzzer cut the lead to 38-19 at the halftime break.

Even though the Eagles played Hinds even the final 30 minutes, Brooks didn’t think MCC played any better.

“They outplayed us start to finish,” Brooks said. “I don’t think we ever got in a flow. They (Hinds) just stopped making some shots. I don’t think it was anything we were doing.”

Chris Leggett led Meridian with 18 points while Dexter Leflore and Keith James each had 12.

Hinds was led by Flawaan Flaggs with 26 points and Lewis Younger, who had 11.



MCC women 87
Hinds 69

Thursday night’s game was very beneficial for the Lady Eagles. Not only did they pick up a big win against a division opponent to keep their playoff hopes alive, the large point spread allowed coach Hilary Allen to empty his bench.

“We got a lot of points from a lot of different people,” Allen said. “A lot of kids got playing time. Some players come to practice every day and practice hard but don’t get much playing time. We had several players come off the bench and be productive tonight.”

The Lady Eagles came out of the gates smoking, jumping out to a 30-12 lead. Hinds closed the gap before halftime but MCC still led 43-32 at intermission.

However, Hinds’ momentum was short-lived, as MCC would jump back out to a big lead in the first 5 minutes of the second half.

MCC led by as many as 27 at 82-55, with 5:36 to play before Allen emptied his bench.

Carla Latham and Anesia McBride led the Lady Eagles with 16 points apiece while NaDosha Strickland scored 14, Hilal Yildirim tallied 13 and Zirconia Hopkins chipped in with 10 points.

The Lady Eagles improved to 12-7 overall and 5-3 in South Division play.

“We got six tough division games coming up,” Allen said. “Tonight was a good way to get us started on the stretch run of the season. Things are really coming together for us.”

Eagles take on Hinds tonight

MCC women v. Hinds 6 pm
MCC men v. Hinds 8pm

The Meridian Community College basketball teams will be taking on MACJC south division foe, Hinds Community College tonight in the Graham Gymnasium.

Following a historic victory Monday night, in which Coach Allen recorded his 300th career victory, the MCC Lady Eagles (11-7, 4-3) are looking to move up in their division. A win tonight v. Hinds could bolster the Lady Eagles up to 2nd place in the MACJC South Division. MCC won its first meeting v. HCC, an 83-66 decision on Jan. 8th.

Meanwhile, in men’s action, the MCC men are coming off a buzzer beater loss to one of the more talented teams in the conference. Gulf Coast squeaked out a close win v. the tenacious Eagles Monday night by a score of 99-96. The Eagles fought back from a 16 point deficit with just 4:00 to play and nearly knocked off the top team in the division.

Tonight, MCC (4-11, 1-6) will try to get back in the “W” column v. Hinds. MCC lost its first meeting with Hinds back on Jan. 8 by a score of 63-58.

And remember, for those of you that cannot make it out to the gym, the games will be broadcast on WMER-1390 AM starting around 5:55 pm.