MCC basketball travels to Hinds Thursday

MERIDIAN - After the Meridian Community College basketball teams split a decision on the road with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Monday night, the Eagles prepare for a South Division showdown with Hinds Community College. Tipoff from the HCC campus is set for 6 p.m. for the women’s game and 8 p.m. for the men’s game.

Thanks to an 81-71 victory over Mississippi Gulf Coast, the Lady Eagles are in a tie for second place in the MACJC South Division. MCC is 15-3 overall and 5-2 in the division. Meanwhile, Hinds is 0-7 in the division and are 6-11 overall, which puts them in last place in the South Division.

The Lady Eagles are currently riding a three-game winning streak, and are seeking their second consecutive road win in the South Division.

MCC’s men are in a tie for third place in the South Division. The Eagles are 10-8 overall and 4-3 in the division. They are tied with Gulf Coast for third, while Copiah-Lincoln is in first with an undefeated (7-0) record.

MCC lost a heartbreaker to MGCC 80-78 behind 33 points from sophomore Regis Huddleston on Monday night.

HCC comes into tonight’s contest with a 3-14 overall record and 1-6 divisional mark.

MCC will be home Monday night when they host rival East Central Community College.

MCC splits with Gulf Coast

One game after scoring a team-high 31 points, Meridian Community College sophomore NaDosha Strickland continued her torrid shooting, establishing a new career-high with 41 points in leading the Lady Eagles to an 81-71 win at Mississippi Gulf Coast Monday night.

Behind Strickland, Meridian turned a 39-39 halftime tie into a 10-point win.

With the win, MCC improved to 15-3 overall and 5-2 in division play to keep pace with East Central (6-1) who is in first place.

After owning a 42-38 halftime lead, Meridian’s Eagles were unable to keep up with home standing MGCCC who roared back to claim a 2-point win.

Sophomore Regis Huddleston scored a game-high 33 points to lead the Eagles while TC Franklin countered with 26 points for Gulf Coast.

The Eagles fell to 10-8 overall and 4-3 in division play.

MCC will remain on the road Thursday night, traveling to take on Hinds in another South Division doubleheader.

MCC Baseball to host Showcase and Green/White game

The Meridian Community College baseball program will play host to multiple events this upcoming weekend. The Eagle baseball program will hold the High School Baseball Showcase on Saturday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Then MCC will play its annual Green and White baseball game on Sunday at Scaggs Field. The game, which will feature a relaxed atmosphere where the players will be made accessible to all spectators, is scheduled to begin at 11:00 AM. Players will also be available before and after the game to meet with fans.

For more information on the annual Green & White event, please contact MCC head baseball coach, Chris Rose at (601) 484-8670.

MCC opens its 2008 baseball season and Coach Chris Rose’s 3rd coaching campaign with the Eagles in February when MCC plays back-to-back road games in Thomasville, Ala., against Alabama Southern on Feb 7 and in Birmingham, AL against Lawson State on Feb 9.

The Eagles usher in its 32-game 2008 home schedule February 15-17 when they host a five team field in the annual Rush Invitational Tournament. Teams participating include Pearl River, Southeastern, Wabash, and Wallace-Hanceville.

MCC’s non-conference schedule is highlighted by match ups against the 2007 NJCAA World Series Champions, Chipola College and traditional-rival, Delgado Community College. The Eagles will make a trip to Marianna, FL on March 7 and 8 to face the defending national champions, Chipola in a two game series. MCC will play a home-and-home series with Delgado on March 1 in New Orleans, LA then in Meridian on April 23.

MCC’s first MACJC Central Division contest is against the defending MACJC State Champions, East Central on March 18 in Decatur. The Eagles first home contest against a divisional opponent is March 29 versus Holmes.

MCC returns 7 starters from the 2007 team that finished with a 41-15 record and won the MACJC Central Division Championship.

Local players, Scott Moseley (Enterprise) and Drew Snider (West Lauderdale) will join Jarrod Parks (Madison Central) to highlight the returning starters. Moseley and Snider have signed to play for Nichols State University and Parks has committed to Tulane University.

MCC travels to Gulf Coast

MERIDIAN - After both Meridian Community College basketball teams earned their fourth divisional win of the season on Thursday, they travel to Perkinston, Miss to face Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College on Monday. Tipoff from the MGCCC campus is set for 6 p.m. for the women’s game and 8 p.m. for the men’s game.

Thanks to a 76-70 victory over Southwest Mississippi last week, the Lady Eagles are now in a tie for second place in the MACJC South Division. MCC is 14-3 overall and 4-2 in the division. Meanwhile, the Lady Bulldogs of Mississippi Gulf Coast are 2-4 in the division and 6-11 overall, which puts them in a tie for sixth in the South Division.

Despite a lackluster record, the MGCCC women’s team managed to defeat South Division perennial power, Copiah-Lincoln on Jan 22 then went on the road to face the top divisional team, East Central, last Thursday and lost a heartbreaking 73-70 decision.

The Lady Eagles are currently riding a two-game winning streak, but are seeking their first road win in the South Division.

Much like the Lady Eagles, MCC’s men are in a tie for second place in the South Division. The Eagles are 10-7 overall and 4-2 in the division. They are tied with Pearl River for second, while Copiah-Lincoln is in first with an undefeated (6-0) record.

MCC defeated Southwest Mississippi 83-67 behind 32 points from sophomore Regis Huddleston.

The Bulldogs of Mississippi Gulf Coast come into tonight’s contest with a 13-4 overall record and 3-3 divisional mark.

MCC will be on the road again in division play Thursday night when they travel to Hinds Community College.

Lady Eagles host South Division leader, Eagles look to improve in standings

MERIDIAN – The Meridian Community College basketball teams face off against divisional opponent Southwest Mississippi Community College Thursday night at Graham Gymnasium. Tipoff between the Lady Eagles and Lady Bears is scheduled for 6 p.m. while the Eagles and Bears play at 8 p.m. Both games can be heard on WMER 1390 AM and Comcast Cable Channel 12 with Sean Covich and Clinton Hales calling the action.

The game will mark the first of two meetings between the two schools on the season.
MCC will travel to Summit, MS Monday, Feb. 18 for a rematch with Southwest Mississippi.

Last season, both women’s teams picked up a win at home. Southwest took an 84-79 victory over the Lady Eagles in Summit, while MCC won 74-66 at Meridian in their last meeting.

The Lady Bears (12-2) will carry a South Division best 4-1 mark into Thursday’s match up with MCC (13-3). The Lady Eagles, 3-2 in the division, are in a tie for third place with Pearl River and are just one game behind Southwest.

MCC’s women are led by sophomore guard NaDosha Strickland who is averaging over 17 points per game. The pre-season All America Strickland scored a game-high 24 points in MCC’s win over Pearl River Monday night.

Last season, Southwest swept the men’s series, winning 85-75 over the Eagles in Summit, and then 84-69 in Meridian.

The Bears (5-10) will carry a 1-4 divisional record into Thursday’s match up with MCC. The Eagles (9-7) are in a tie for third place in the South Division, with a 3-2 record.

MCC’s men are led by sophomore guard Regis Huddleston who is averaging 17.1 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. Huddleston and Otis Williams scored a team-high 16 points in MCC’s win over Pearl River Monday night.

Following Thursday’s game with Southwest Mississippi, MCC travels to Perkinston, MS to take on Mississippi Gulf Coast Monday, Jan. 28. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Former MCC Eagle selected for NBA Slam Dunk contest

Toronto Raptors rookie forward Jamario Moon will participate in the slam dunk contest during all-star weekend.

Moon, 27, was one of fours players named Monday to compete in the annual event, scheduled for Feb. 16 in New Orleans.

The former Meridian Community College basketball player will be joined by defending champion Gerald Green of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic and Rudy Gay of the Memphis Grizzlies.

Moon has emerged from virtual anonymity to become a key performer for the Raptors, averaging 8.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.6 blocked shots and 28.7 minutes in 30 games, including 28 starts.

He is the first Raptor selected to take part in the contest since 2000, when Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady finished first and third, respectively

Moon recently scored a career-high 17 points versus Philadelphia this past weekend. He also claimed nine rebounds and two steals in that game.

Meridian sweeps South Division games against Pearl River

Both Meridian Community College basketball teams came into Monday nights contest against MACJC South Division foe Pearl River Community College with identical 2-2 divisional records and in need of crucial wins at home to keep up in the division race.

The Lady Eagles trailed PRCC by one game in the South Division, as the Lady Wildcats were tied for first coming into the contest with a 3-1 division mark.

MCC jumped out to a 44-37 halftime lead over Pearl River.

Led by pre-season All America, sophomore NaDosha Strickland, who scored a game-high 24 points, MCC went on to an 86-69 victory over PRCC in the Graham Gymnasium.

Lady Eagle freshman, Tiara Parker added 18 points; sophomore Jennifer Wair scored 12 points and pulled 12 rebounds, while freshman Maranda Anderson had 7 assists for MCC.

Laterrica Booth and Brittany Lewis led Pearl River with 19 points apiece.

The Lady Eagles, now 13-3 overall and 3-2 in the division, host Southwest Mississippi on Thursday. Game time is set for 6:00 pm.

The men’s contest was a back-and-forth effort all night between Meridian and Pearl River. Both teams had the lead multiple times and the score was never separated by more than nine points for either team.

With the game tied at 62-62 with under 2:00 to play, MCC’s Mario Luckett scored back-to-back goals to boost Meridian to a 68-63 victory over PRCC.

Regis Huddleston and Otis Williams led Meridian with 16 points apiece, while Travis Thompson added 12 points. Thompson also pulled down 12 rebounds for MCC, Luckett scored 10 points.

Donta Smith led Pearl River with a game-high 17 points.

The Eagles, now 9-7 overall and 3-2 in divisional play host Southwest Mississippi on Thursday, January 24th at 8:00 pm.

**REMINDER** All MCC home basketball games can be heard on 1390 AM WMER and Comcast Cable Channel 12.

Lady Eagles announce 2008 Softball Schedule

Click here for 2008 schedule

(MERIDIAN) - Sixteen games against MACJC Central Division rivals, a trip to Florida for the NFCA Lead-Off Classic and a 17-game slate of contests at Tommy McDonald Field highlight Meridian Community College’s softball schedule for 2008.

MCC opens its 2008 softball season and head coach Robert Eakins’ 19th coaching campaign (15 as head coach, 4 as assistant coach) with the Lady Eagles in February when MCC plays back-to-back road games in Milton, FL against Pensacola Junior College on Feb 13 and in Ellisville, MS against Jones County Junior College on Feb 16. Eakins, who has a 484-284 career mark, will be assisted by Coach Cheri Hall.

The Lady Eagles usher in its 16-game 2008 home schedule February 19 when they host Bishop State Community College at Tommy McDonald Field.

MCC’s non-conference schedule is highlighted by an appearance in the NFCA Lead-Off Classic in Panama City, FL on March 7-9 and contest with Alabama foes- Shelton State, Bevill State and Jefferson Davis.

MCC’s first MACJC Central Division contest is at Homes on March 18 in Goodman, MS. The Eagles first home contest against a divisional opponent is March 21 when the Lady Eagles host rival-East Mississippi.

MCC returns 4 starters from the 2008 team that finished with a 21-21 record.
DeMiracle Biggs, Whitney Drachenburg, Shanese Hunter, and Gabrielle Morgan highlight the returning starters for MCC.

Morgan, from Quitman High School, was named second team All State last year for MCC after going 10-6 on the mound with a 2.44 ERA.

Drachenburg will be the top returning hitter for MCC as she batted for a .326 average last season with 17 RBI and 31 hits in 30 games played.

MCC drops two at Co-Lin

Lady Eagles 68
Co-Lin 81

Meridian Community College ventured to Wesson Thursday night for a pair of South Division match-ups and came home on the short end of both contest.

In the women’s game, home standing Copiah-Lincoln took an 81-67 victory.

Jennifer Wair had 22 points and 10 rebounds in the loss for MCC, while NaDosha Strickland scored 16 points.

Kristen Ellis led the host Lady Wolves with 26 points. Co-Lin led 38-30 at halftime.

MCC, which fell to 12-3 overall and 2-2 in division play, will host Pearl River in another divisional match up Monday night.


Eagles 76
Co-Lin 79

The home-standing Wolves got a team-best 24 points from Trenton Hutchin and edged the Eagles by three points, 79-76.

MCC’s men fell to 8-7 overall and 2-2 in division play.

The Eagles fell despite a game-high 27 points from former Bay Springs standout Regis Huddleston, while Mario Luckett tossed in 16 points for MCC.

The Eagles host Pearl River Monday night.

2008 MCC Alumni & Friends Golf Scramble

Click here for Entry Form

When: Friday, April 25, 1:00 pm shotgun start

Where: NAS-Ponta Creek Golf Course

Format: 3-person scramble (plus one MCC golfer or former golfer will be added to every team)

Entry Fee: $75 per player or $300 per team, includes lunch, door prizes, cart fee, range balls, etc..

Prizes: Door prizes from MCC bookstore, Titleist Pro-V1 golf balls, free rounds of golf at Davis Love, III signature course -Shell Landing, MCC golf shirts and much more

Contact: Sean Covich- 601-484-8663, scovich@meridiancc.edu / covich21@hotmail.com

MERIDIAN TRAVELS TO CO-LIN FOR SOUTH DIVISION SHOWDOWN

Meridian Community College will travel to Wesson, MS for a crucial ballgame with MACJC South Division foe-Copiah-Lincoln Community College.

The Lady Eagles (12-2, 2-1), who are in a tie for second place in the division, defeated Jones County Monday night by a score of 83-77.

Freshman Tiara Parker and sophomore NaDosha Strickland each scored 23 points in the win over Jones County.

Last season, the Lady Eagles and Co-Lin met three times, with the Lady Wolves winning all three of those meetings- including the NJCAA Region 23 championship game by a score of 67-60.

This season Co-Lin is 9-3 overall and 1-2 in the division.

Tip-off for the women’s game is set for 6:00 p.m.

MCC’s men find themselves in a tie for second place in the South Division heading into Thursday night’s contest with the first place Copiah-Lincoln Wolves.

Meridian (8-6, 2-1) dropped its lone divisional loss to Jones County by one point (61-62) Monday night.

Sophomore Regis Huddleston continued to lead the Eagles in scoring with a game-high 27 points versus JCJC, the week before he scored a game-high 33 against East Central.

Co-Lin has won 8 of their last 9 ballgames and is undefeated in the South Division.

Tip off for the men is set for 8 p.m.

Eagles add three to baseball program

Meridian Community College added three players to their 2008 baseball recruiting class, as announced by head baseball coach Chris Rose Tuesday.

William Beckwitt of West Lowdnes, Allen Johnson of Leake Academy and Casey Lavender of Ridgeland all signed with the Eagles Tuesday.

Beckwitt, a 6’2, 225 lbs right handed fielder and left handed batter, will likely play in the infield for MCC.

“Scouts predict that William will be one of the first players drafted in Mississippi this upcoming draft due to his size, speed, raw power and ability to hit to all fields,” said Rose.

“He is an outstanding addition to our team and we are pleased that he will be one of the signature recruits for us.”

Last season at WLHS, Beckwitt batted .520 for Coach Todd Stanley, while totaling 9 homeruns, 23 extra base hits, 41 runs and 48 RBI in just 32 games. During the summer he batted .490 for the Mississippi Stars summer travel team for Coach Harry Porter.

Johnson, a 6’2, 175 lbs senior at Leake, will be a right-handed pitcher for the Eagles.

“MCC’s baseball tradition speaks for itself,” said Johnson.

“It was a no-brainer once you look at their track record of sending players into the MLB Draft and the SEC. I am excited to be here.”

Johnson went 6-1 his junior season at LA, with a 1.54 ERA and 87 strikeouts.

Lavender, a right-handed pitcher for Ridgeland, was named All Madison County and All District as a starting pitcher his junior season.

“I am excited about playing for MCC,” said Lavender.

“From what I can tell they have one of the best traditions in the region, so I’ve been looking forward to this day for a long time.”

Parker leads MCC to win over Jones, Eagles 1-point shy of undefeated start in division

Lady Eagles 83
JCJC 77

Heading into Mondays night’s South Division showdown with Jones County, Meridian Community College coach Hillary Allen likely would have acknowledged that freshman Tiara Parker has been a big surprise this season.

Parker, a freshman from Meridian High, solidified her coach’s thoughts with a career high 23 points in leading MCC to a hard-fought 83-77 win over Jones County in the Graham Gymnasium.

Parker scored 18 of her 23 points in the first half to give the Lady Eagles a 50-41 lead at intermission.

Behind 16 points from Consuela Tucker, Jones County pulled within 2 points with just minutes to play.

MCC would convert on offense to pull away and secure their second division win.

“There’s no doubt that the play of our freshman led us to victory tonight,” said Allen.

Along with Parker, freshman Maranda Anderson played the point guard position most of the night for MCC, she scored 11 points and had had 10 assist.

NaDosha Strickland scored 23 points also for MCC and Jennifer Wair scored 15 points.

Deanna Booth had 14 points for Jones County.

The Lady Eagles, who improved to 12-2 (2-1), will face top-20 Copiah Lincoln Thursday night in Wesson. Jones (8-6 (1-2) will host Mississippi Gulf Coast in their next action.

Eagles 61
JCJC 62

Meridian’s men came into Monday nights contest vs. South Division foe- Jones County boasting an impressive undefeated divisional record and looking to stay atop the South Division standings.

Despite a game-high 27 points from sophomore Regis Huddleston, MCC suffered their first divisional loss, 62-61 to Jones County.

The Eagles took control of the game in the first five minutes thanks to 3-point baskets made by Huddleston and Otis Williams that gave the Eagles an 11-4 lead with 15:00 before half.

Jones County chipped away at the Eagles lead to get within 3 points at half, 27-24.

The second half would be back and forth, characterized mostly by turnovers and fouls. JCJC took their first lead in the second half with 13:16 left at 36-34.

With under a minute to play and the ballgame tied up at 58-58, Renell Collis a crucial 3-point basket to put JCJC up for good.

The Bobcats converted a free-throw to go up by 4 and Williams desperation 3-ponit baskets was good as time expired but it left MCC 1-point shy of staying undefeated in their division.

Travis Thompson scored 12 points for MCC and Williams added 9 points.

MCC (8-6, 2-1) travels to face Copiah-Lincoln Thursday night.

JCJC was led by Trenton Marshall and Collins with 13 points, Jonathan Woodland added 11 points.

Jones County (6-8, 2-1) will host Mississippi Gulf Coast Thursday.

West Lowndes senior standout baseball player will become the first player to ink with MCC

When: 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 15
Where: West Lowndes HS
Who: William Beckwitt

(MERIDIAN)- Meridian Community College will sing the first commitment of its 2008 recruiting class Tuesday, as announced by Eagle baseball head coach Chris Rose.

West Lowndes senior standout baseball player, William Beckwitt will become the first player to ink with MCC.

“Scouts predict that William will be one of the first players drafted in Mississippi this upcoming draft due to his size, speed, raw power and ability to hit to all fields,” said Rose.

“He is an outstanding addition to our team and we are pleased that he will be one of the signature recruits for us.”

Beckwitt is a 6’2, 225 lbs right handed fielder, left handed batter that will likely play in the infield for MCC. Last season at WLHS, Beckwitt batted over .500 for Coach Todd Stanley and .490 for the Mississippi Stars summer travel team for Coach Harry Porter.

MCC preps for Jones County tonight

(MERIDIAN)- Both Meridian Community College basketball teams return to action Monday night as they play host to MACJC South Division foe- Jones County Junior College.

The Lady Eagles and Lady Bobcats tip off at 6 p.m. while the Eagles and Bobcats play at 8 p.m.

The Jones County women are coming off a 3-point victory at Hinds last week, a 72-69 win, which puts the Lady Bobcats at 8-5 overall and 1-1 in division play.

Meanwhile, the MCC women are coming off a difficult, 76-79 loss at #13 East Central Thursday night. The loss was MCC’s first setback since they were defeated by then top-ranked Trinity Valley (TX) back in November. The ECCC loss puts MCC at 11-2 overall and 1-1 in the South Division.

In men’s action, the Jones County Bobcats will carry a 5-8 overall mark and 1-1 divisional record into tonight’s game after they defeated Hinds 81-68 last week.

The MCC men, led by sophomore Regis Huddleston who is averaging over 15 points per game, will carry an 8-5 overall mark and 2-0 divisional record into tonight’s contest.

Huddleston scored a career-high 33 points in MCC’s 87-66 drumming of rival-ECCC last week as the Eagles stayed undefeated in divisional action.

Reminder: Catch all the live MCC basketball action on 1390 AM -WMER and Comcast cable Channel 12 (audio only), broadcast starts at 5:50 p.m.

MCC Eagles announce 2008 baseball schedule

2008 MCC Baseball Schedule

(MERIDIAN, Miss.) - Sixteen games against MACJC Central Division rivals, a showdown with the defending NJCAA World Series Champions and a 32-game slate of contests at Scaggs Field highlight Meridian Community College’s baseball schedule for 2008.

MCC opens its 2008 baseball season and Coach Chris Rose’s 3rd coaching campaign with the Eagles in February when MCC plays back-to-back road games in Thomasville, Ala., against Alabama Southern on Feb 7 and in Birmingham, AL against Lawson State on Feb 9.

The Eagles usher in its 32-game 2008 home schedule February 15-17 when they host a five team field in the annual Rush Invitational Tournament. Teams participating include Pearl River, Southeastern, Wabash, and Wallace-Hanceville.

MCC’s non-conference schedule is highlighted by match ups against the 2007 NJCAA World Series Champions, Chipola College and traditional-rival, Delgado Community College. The Eagles will make a trip to Marianna, FL on March 7 and 8 to face the defending national champions, Chipola in a two game series. MCC will play a home-and-home series with Delgado on March 1 in New Orleans, LA then in Meridian on April 23.

MCC’s first MACJC Central Division contest is against the defending MACJC State Champions, East Central on March 18 in Decatur. The Eagles first home contest against a divisional opponent is March 29 versus Holmes.

MCC returns 7 starters from the 2008 team that finished with a 41-15 record and won the MACJC Central Division Championship.

Local players, Scott Moseley (Enterprise) and Drew Snider (West Lauderdale) will join Jarrod Parks (Madison Central) to highlight the returning starters. Moseley and Snider have signed to play for Nichols State University and Parks has committed to Tulane University.

Diamond Eagles to ink three on Tuesday

(MERIDIAN)- Meridian Community College baseball coach Chris Rose will add three players to his 2008 recruiting class on Tuesday, January 15th in the Graham Gymnasium.

William Beckwith from West Lowndes High School, Allen Johnson of Leake Academy and Casey Lavender of Ridgeland High School are all expected to ink with the MCC baseball program at 1:00 PM Tuesday.

Beckwith is an outfielder/infielder, Johnson and Lavender are both right handed pitchers.

Eagle Golf announces All Academic Team

(MERIDIAN)- The Meridian Community College golf team has announced that seven of its student-athletes were named to the MCC Golf All-Academic Team. All-Academic Team members must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale for the past semester.

Eagle head golf coach, Sean Covich confirmed Friday morning that the following MCC golfers have been named to the MCC Golf All-Academic Team:

Clay Bounds, Michael Burton, John Everett, Joshua Ivy, Joe Konieczny, Jarrod Moulds, and Bryant Self- who obtained a perfect 4.0 GPA.

The MCC Golf All-Academic Team members received an outing at Money Hill Golf Club in Abita Springs, LA; a C.B. Hales Certificate for Academic Achievement among MCC Golfers; and earned additional MCC Golfer of the Year Points.

Lady Eagles lose close one, Eagles stay undefeated in division play

Lady Eagles 76
East Central 79

The Meridian Community College basketball teams faced off against MACJC South Division rival-East Central Thursday night in Decatur.

The 13th-ranked Lady Warriors of East Central used 25 points from Mystee Dale and 20 points from Rashima Jenkins to take a 79-76 win over MCC.

ECCC improved to 11-1 (2-0) while MCC fell to 11-2 (1-1).

NaDosha Strickland and Jennifer Wair scored 16 points a piece for MCC while Maranda Anderson chipped in with 14 points.

ECCC host #17-Copiah-Lincoln Community College in their next game, while MCC host Jones County on Monday.

Eagles 87
East Central 66

Regis Huddleston drained eight 3-point baskets in leading MCC to a game high 33 points as the Eagles defeated ECCC 87-66 to sty undefeated in the MACJC South Division.

“It was a big road win,” said MCC coach George Brooks.

“We battled and played hard. We played under control and shared the basketball and moving and spread the floor… It’s a good win for us.”

MCC improved to 8-5 (2-0) and host South Division rival Jones County Monday night.

Rivals East Central and Meridian Square off Thursday Night

•Both women’s teams among the NJCAA’s best, men at crossroads

(MERIDIAN) –Meridian Community College women’s basketball team (11-1, 1-0) prepares for a divisional showdown versus rival-East Central Community College (10-1, 1-0) on Thursday evening at the Brackeen-Wood Gymnasium in Decatur.

The game will feature two of the nation’s top NJCAA women’s basketball teams who are both undefeated in the MACJC’s South Division. ECCC is ranked #13 in the latest NJCAA national poll, while MCC received 11 votes in the poll, just 7 shy of entering into the top-25, and they sit at #26.

“In athletics, you hope for a chance to compete in a big game and challenge yourself,” said MCC women’s basketball coach Hilary Allen.

“Certainly going over to face ECC at their place is going to pose a great challenge for our team, but I think that we’re up for that challenge.’

Meridian is ranked in the 15th nationally among team offenses by averaging over 80 points per game.

“ECCC is good offensively too, they’ve beat some strong teams from the North Division already and they have an excellent point guard,” said Allen

East Central scored 87 points in their MACJC South Division opening win versus Jones County Monday night, behind four players that scored in double figures. Lady Warrior guard Tanesha Brown ranks in the national top-20 in individual scoring with 17.6 points per game.

“Winning this game doest guarantee you’re going to win the division and losing it doesn’t mean that you season is over,” said Allen.

“But you have to win games on the road in this conference to be successful and this is an opportunity to try and get one of those wins against a great team,” said Allen.

Following Thursday’s game, the Lady Eagles host Jones County on Monday while the Lady Warriors host Copiah-Lincoln on Monday.

On the men’s side, both East Central and Meridian are at the crossroads in their season as both teams hover around .500. ECCC is 6-6 while MCC is 7-5.

The good news: both teams are 1-0 in division play.

“We have to have a short term memory,” said MCC coach George Brooks.

“We won our first division game but we can’t get hung up on that win, we have to be prepared for ECCC- which is always a well coached team.”

MCC returns only one player off of last year’s roster, Regis Huddleston, and at mid-term lost their leading scorer, Jason Windom who was averaging over 19 points per game.

“Like I said before, as long as one player doesn’t try to replace Jason, we’ll be fine,” said Brooks.

“We just have to continue to take pride in our defense and continue to rebound the basketball.”

The women’s game tips off at 6 p.m. while the men tip off at 8 p.m.

MCC soccer player inducted into NJCAA Hall of Fame

Former Meridian Community College soccer player, Garthfield Whyte, was inducted into the NJCAA Soccer Hall of Fame last month during the 2007 NJCAA National Championship Tournament.

Whyte was a hard tackling mid-fielder that played at MCC during the 2000 & 2001 seasons. He was selected to the NJCAA All-Tournament Team while leading his squad to the 2000 NJCAA National Championship. The following year he was named to both the NJCAA & NSCAA All-American team. He was a member of the NCAA Division II National Championship team at Lynn University (FL) in 2002 and later finished his career in England.

Whyte joined three other players and one legendary coach as the 2007 NJCAA Men's Soccer Hall of Fame Inductees.

George Vizvary has coached at the junior college ranks for 33 years. He has led Ulster Community College (NY) to 18 National Tournament appearances including two championships. Entering the 2007 season, his overall record is 485-145-25. He has the most wins alltimefor junior college coaches. He has coached numerous All-Americans in addition to four players on the NJCAA Team of the Century.

Richard Reid was named the most valuable player of the 1994 NJCAA National Tournament while leading Spartanburg Methodist Collegeto a National Championship victory over Yavapai College. It remains the school’s only national title. A top notch central defender, healso played at Lander University as well as for the Palm Beach Pumas for two seasons each.

Kelvin Jack was the 1997 NJCAA All-Tournament MVP while leading Yavapai College to a 3-0 National Championship win against the hostteam, Mercer County. He was an NJCAA & NSCAA First Texas All-American and NSCAA National JUCO Player of the Year in 1998. He isYavapai’s all-time leader in shutouts (31), with a goal against average of 0.45. He was the goalkeeper for Trinidad & Tobago in the 2006 World Cup and has played professionally for Dundee in the Scotland Premier League as well as for Reading and Gillingham FC in England.

Ricky Charles was a pivotal member which allowed Bryant & Stratton College (NY) to celebrate its first National Championship in 2001 against Yavapai College as well as earning the National Runner-up award in 2000. He was the 2001 NJCAA All-Tournament MVP and a First Team All-America candidate for the NJCAA and NSCAA. He continued his success by scoring a goal as he represented Grenada against the USA in the 2006 World Cup Qualifiers. He is playing professionally for the New Hampshire Phantoms of the USL.

Meridian pulls off sweep in division openers

Lady Eagles 76
Hinds 58

Since losing a nine point contest at home on November 7 to then top-ranked Trinity Valley (TX) Community College, the Meridian Community College Lady Eagles have now won ten straight games, running their record out to 11-1.

MCC’s women had been averaging nearly 30 points more than their competitors in their ten victories coming into Monday nights MACJC South Division opening game versus Hinds Community College.

If Hinds wanted to leave town with a victory they would have to find a way to slow down MCC’s sophomore trio of Zerconia Hopkins, NaDosha Strickland and Jennifer Wair.

But instead of slowing down, the Hinds offense kicked it into high gear by out-running MCC in a fast paced first half. Hinds grabbed a seven point lead twice in the game, 17-10 at the 11:00 mark and 29-22 at the 4:00 mark.

Behind nine first half points by Kayla Palmer, Hinds took a 32-29 lead into half.

MCC would come out and completely change the momentum in the first part of the second half with tenacious defense, outstanding rebounding and good shooting to pull away with a 76-58 vicotry.

NaDosha Stickland scored a game-high 24 points, Jennifer Wair scored a double-double 15 points 15 rebounds, and freshman Tiara Parker had 11 points.

The Lady Eagles, who improved to 11-1 (1-0), will face rival-East Central Thursday night in Decatur. Both teams are in the NJCAA top-25 poll and are primed for a key South Division showdown.


Eagles 77
Hinds 60

The good news for MCC: the Eagles were 4-1 when playing at home coming into Monday night’s game versus Hinds. The bad news: they were without their leading scorer, Jason Windom, who was declared academically ineligible for the spring semester. Without Windom’s 19 points per game, MCC head coach George Brooks would have to come up with a creative game plan for his offense to make up for the absent points.

For an already young team, having just one returning player from last year and playing without their leading scorer, the task would prove a learning experience for MCC.

The Eagles used a 12-3 run to earn a 24-11 lead midway through the first half.

Mario Luckett scored 11 points in the first half to give the Eagles a 32-19 lead with 5:00 to play before half, then the youth and lack of experience showed up in the final minutes of the opening period as the Eagles blew a 13 point lead and Hinds crawled back to within four points at 35-31 at half.

After half, MCC regained their form and behind four players that scored in double figures, they managed a comfortable 71-58 lead with just 3:00 remaining.

“It showed tonight that as long as one guy doesn’t try to replace Jason (Windom) then we’ll be alright,” said MCC head coach George Brooks.

“We passed the ball around, we took pride in rebounding and we’re at the point were it doesn’t matter who scores, just as long as we score,” said Brooks

MCC’s Mario Luckett ended up with 21 points, Otis Williams had 18, Regis Huddleston scored 12, and Reggie Shelwood added 10.

MCC (7-5) travels to face East Central Thursday night.

MCC opens up confrence play vs Hinds

(MERIDIAN) – The Meridian Community College basketball teams open up their MACJC South Division schedule by hosting Hinds Community College on Monday night.

The Lady Eagles take the floor at 6 p.m. and the Eagles play at 8 p.m. Both games will be broadcast on WMER 1390 AM staring at 5:55 p.m.

The Lady Eagles (10-1) are looking for their tenth consecutive win after starting the season 1-1. MCC’s only defeat thus far was to then #1-ranked Trinity Valley out of Athens, TX.

The Eagles (6-5) are 4-1 at home and are looking to make a strong start in conference play. Their non-conference schedule was highlighted by victories over MACJC North Division foes Coahoma Community College and East Mississippi Community College.

MCC Lady Eagles improve to 10-1

(GALLATIN, Tenn) - The Meridian Community College women ran their record to 10-1 on the season with a 78-57 win over home standing Volunteer State Thursday night in Gallatin, TN.

MCC jumped out to a 33-25 lead in the first half and rode 20 points and 15 rebounds from Jennifer Wair to the win.

NaDosha Strickland also scored 20 points, while MCC freshman Tiara Parker scored 17 points.

Volunteer State (2-10) got 19 points from Tranisha Benton.

Meridian returns home to host Hinds Monday in its South Division opener at MCC’s Graham Gymnasium at 6 p.m.

The Eagles were not as fortunate as they dropped a two-point decision to the host squad Thursday in Gallatin, TN.

MCC, which fell to 6-5 on the season, got a game high 27 points from sophomore Regis Huddleston.

Otis Williams scored 15 points for the Eagles, while Mario Luckett had 12 points and 11 rebounds.

Travis Thompson contributed 11 points.

Volunteer State (5-14) used a balanced attack led by Astral Guerrier’s 14 points.

MCC host Hinds Monday night at 8 p.m.

Former MCC basketball players square off in NBA game on ESPN

(MERIDIAN) – During last years Major League Baseball season the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers played each other with the Rangers winning a close 1-run game, 3-2.

The highlight of that game, for this area, was the fact that three former Meridian Community College baseball players were on the same field at the same time in a MLB game.

Paul Phillips and Jason Smith of the Royals and Bill White of the Rangers all played baseball for MCC in the mid-to-late 1990’s.

Now, the same MCC spotlight swings towards the National Basketball Association as the Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors play on ESPN Friday at 6 PM.

The game will feature two former MCC Eagle basketball players, NBA rookie Jamario Moon and league veteran Ronald Murray.

Moon, who signed with the Raptors this summer, has started in 26 out of 28 games for Toronto averaging 7.7 points per game and 6.4 rebounds per game. He scored a career–high 16 points twice this season and recently posted his fifth-career double digit rebounding performance versus New Orleans last Monday night with 10 boards.

A native of Rockford, AL, Moon has spent professional playing time in the National Basketball Development League (Huntsville (Ala.) Flight and Mobile (Ala.) Revelers), American Basketball Association (Kentucky Colonels) and the World Basketball Association with the Rome (Ga.) Gladiators. He averaged 13.4 points and 6.3 rebounds in 21 games for the Gladiators, leading them to the 2005 WBA Championship.

According to NBA.com, Meridian head coach George Brooks said that “Moon was the most talented player he had ever coached.” In 2000 at Meridian, Moon averaged 20.8 points and 8.7 rebounds.

Moon, 6-foot-8, 205 pounds, saw action in 44 games with the Continental Basketball Association’s Albany (N.Y.) Patroons in 2006-07. He finished seventh in the CBA in scoring (18.8), fifth in rebounding (7.8), third in steals (2.0) and second in blocks (2.4). He also ranked fifth in the league in three-point field goal percentage at .401 (73-182) and shot .503 per cent (316-628) from the field. He was named the CBA Defensive Player of the Year and earned first-team All-CBA honors.

Following his stint in the CBA, Moon joined the Gary (Ind.) Steelheads of the United States Basketball League where he averaged 16.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 2.1 blocks in 22 contests.

Ronald Murray, of the Pistons, was drafted in the NBA’s second round (42nd overall pick) by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2002. He has played for four teams in the NBA, including his last two seasons with Detroit.

This year, Murray tied his career-high with 12 assist in a win over Golden State this last November, he is averaging over 7 points per game this season.

“Flip”, as Murray is known to his teammates, played two seasons at MCC where he averaged 20.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists as a sophomore. His freshman season for the Eagles he averaged 17.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game.

After MCC, Murray played two seasons at Shaw University (NC) averaging 23.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 56 games.

His highlight came his senior season at Shaw when he averaged 23.5 points on .487 shooting, 6.3 rebounds and 6.2 assists. He was named the NCAA Division II National Player of the Year, named Division II First Team All-America and CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association) Player of the Year. He also was named MVP of the CIAA Tournament and MVP of the South Atlantic Region Tournament.

That season he led Shaw University (28-5) to the 2002 NCAA Division II Final Four and it’s first-ever CIAA Title.

A year earlier, during his junior season, Murray led the CIAA in scoring at 22.2 points per game, scored in double figures in 21 of 23 games and put up a career-high 39 points vs. St. Augustine in the quarterfinal round of the CIAA Tournament. He was named to the CIAA First Team and to the Daktronics All-South Atlantic Region Team.

Detroit leads the Central Division of the NBA’s Eastern Conference with a 25-7 record while Toronto is in second place in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference with a 17-15 mark.

WMER 1390 AM radio to broadcast MCC Basketball Games

MERIDIAN, Miss. – For the second consecutive year Meridian Community College has teamed up with local Christian/southern gospel radio station WMER 1390 AM to broadcast the school’s home basketball games.

The broadcasts begin this Monday (Jan 7th) when MCC host their first conference game of the season versus Hinds Community College.

Tip off for the contest starts at 6 PM when the Lady Eagles take to the court, followed by the men’s game at 8 PM.

MCC’s sports information director and head golf coach, Sean Covich will call the play-by-play action. Former MCC male athlete of the year (2003) and North East Lauderdale High School basketball standout, Clinton Hales, will provide the color commentary.

All the MCC home basketball games will be broadcast on 1390 AM WMER (see below for dates) starting at 5:55 PM.

Date Opponent
Jan 7 Hinds
Jan 14 Jones Co
Jan 21 Pearl River
Jan 24 SW Miss
Feb 4 East Central
Feb 11 Co-Lin
Feb 21 MS Gulf Coast

MCC heads to Tennessee for final non-conference game

(MERIDIAN) – Following nearly a one month break from basketball action, Meridian Community College will travel to Gallatin, TN on Thursday to face Volunteer State Community College. The Lady Eagles play at 6:00 PM while the Eagles play at 8:00 PM.

In their last action before the Christmas Break, MCC split a pair of games at Coahoma Community College on December 8th. The Lady Eagles won 78-68 and the Eagles lost 53-58.

The Lady Eagles are 9-1 on the season, with their only loss being a 69-78 defeat to then #1-ranked Trinity Valley (TX) Community College.

MCC has garnered 12 points in the latest NJCAA Division I Women’s basketball national poll, leaving them just 6 points shy of being in the Top-25.

Pre-season All America, sophomore NaDosha Strickland leads MCC with 15.5 points per game while fellow sophomore Jennifer Wair is averaging a double-double with 11.3 points per game and 10.8 rebounds per game.

The Lady Eagles’ offense is averaging over 82 points per game which ranks them in the national top 20 among scoring offense.

Meanwhile, the young Eagles, who returned only one player from the 2006-07 squad, are 6-4 on the season.

MCC used a 10 point victory over rival East Mississippi Community College on November 26 as a springboard to three straight victories before losing their final contest of the Fall season to Coahoma.

Freshman, Jason Windam of Meridian, leads the team with 19.2 points per game, while fellow freshman Otis Williams leads in 3-point baskets made (30), and has a 14.4 points per game average.

Meridian is averaging 68.4 points per game on offense.