MCC women’s soccer adds two players

Meridian Community College soccer coach, Alex George, announced that two players inked with the MCC lady Eagle soccer program Friday afternoon.

Terri Brown of England and Anastasia Vogel of Pontotoc Mississippi were the final additions to the 2009 Lady Eagle’s freshmen class.

Brown is a goalkeeper from Britain and stands at 6 feet in height.

Brown is expected to be an impact player for the Lady Eagles as she has phenomenal athletic ability along with quality technique of goal keeping.

“This has been a story book finish on this year’s recruiting class,” says Head Coach Alex George.

“Teri will play a major role in anchoring the defensive core for our program and it will be a relief to know that we have her backing up our defensive backs.”

Vogel is a utility player and can l play a variety of positions on the field, including goalkeeper.

“I watched Vogel play in a tournament earlier this year and was awestruck at how well she runs with the ball and how strong she is in 50/50 situation. She transitions so well,” says George.

“She has no problem running by defenders. It’s going to be fun watching her play.”

Vogel is the fourth player from the Pontotoc High School program to ink with MCC and a member of the Mississippi Fire Select Team based in Jackson, Mississippi.

She is also one of five of this year’s Lady Eagle’s freshmen class representing the state in the Mississippi High School All-Star Soccer Game, to be held this summer.

MCC golf hosts inaugural Lou Hart Invitational this week

The Meridian Community College golf team is hosting the inaugural Lou Hart Invitational on Monday and Tuesday (March 2-3) at Northwood Country Club in Meridian.

Although the Eagles have hosted events at Northwood before, this one takes on a special meaning since it is named in honor of former MCC golf coach and Hall of Fame member, Lou Hart.

“Coach Hart has meant absolutely everything to this program,” said head coach Sean Covich.

“In the ranks of NJCAA golf, MCC is considered one of the top programs and that is directly attributable to Coach Hart. She put MCC golf on the national map and to this day still works to help this program out.”

Meridian is coming off a sixth place finish at the Faulkner State Invitational last week at Rock Creek Golf Club in Fairhope, Ala. So far on the 2008-2009 season MCC has registered four top five’s including a runner-up at the Mississippi College Fall Invitational.

The Eagles will hope to keep the momentum going when they enter this week’s event as Coach Covich will feature the same lineup that played last week. The five players have a collective 47 collegiate tournament appearances between them. Sophomore team captain Clay Bounds (Meridian) has made a team high 17 career appearances and classmate Jarrod Moulds (Meridian) has played in 12 events for the Green and White. Freshmen Nick Hawkes (Essex, England), Garrett Westbrook (Baton Rouge, LA) and Cory Williamson (Collins) round out the starting lineup. Freshmen John Cleveland (Madison), Chris Cochran (Oxford), Mark Drube (Covington, LA), and Tanner Sparks (Belmont) will play as individuals.

“Everyone in the five-man lineup this week has shot even-par or lower in a college tournament,” said Coach Covich.

“The potential to win is always there. In addition, I look for Clay and Jarrod’s experience at Northwood to serve us well.”

Seven teams from five different states are scheduled to participate at Northwood this week: Central Alabama (NJCAA Div I), Georgetown (KY) College (NAIA Div I), Independence (KS) Community College (NJCAA Div II), John A. Logan (IL) College (NJCAA Div II), MCC (NJCAA Div I), Rend Lake (IL) College (NJCAA Div II), and Wallace State (AL) Hanceville Community College (NJCAA Div I).

The first round of the tournament will be played on Monday with an 10 a.m. start off of #1. The final round will begin on Tuesday at 8 a.m. with an awards ceremony following the conclusion of play.

Lady Eagle softball picks up sweep

The Meridian Community College Lady Eagle softball team picked up their first win of 2009 Thursday afternoon.

MCC defeated Bishop State 8-5 in game one of a double header at Tommy McDonald Field.

In game two, Stephanie Stevens broke up a 7-7 tie in the fourth inning with a two run homerun that gave MCC a 9-7 lead. From there, the Lady Eagles never looked back and registered a 15-7 vicotry and sweep of visiting Bishop State.

With the sweep, MCC improved to 2-7 on the year and now rides a two game winning streak into Tuscaloosa Staurday when they travel to face Shelton State at 1 PM.

MCC's next home game will be Monday, when they host Marion Military at 1 PM.

MCC women claim Miss-Lou crown

Meridian women 72
Southern-Shreveport 58

The Meridian Community College Lady Eagles won the Miss-Lou Conference Tournament on Wednesday night defeating Southern-Shreveport 72-58 in Shreveport, La.

By winning the Miss-Lou Tournament, the Lady Eagles (21-8) advance to the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament at Mississippi College in Clinton next week.

In Wednesday's title game, Laquita Burroughs had 22 points and was named the Miss-Lou Tournament MVP. Two Lady Eagles were named to the All-Tournament Team, including Sharda'e Johnson, who had 15 points, and former Meridian standout Tiara Parker, who score 10 points in the win against Southern-Shreveport.

After the victory, MCC coach Hilary Allen was named the Miss-Lou Conference Coach of Year.

Southern-Shreveport 83
Meridian men 68

The Meridian Community College Eagles lost 83-68 to Southern-Shreveport in the Miss-Lou conference tournament championship game Wednesday night in Shreveport, La.

Mario Luckett had 18 points while Otis Williams had 16 points, and both were named to the Miss-Lou All-Tournament Team.

Tommy Tillman added 13 points for MCC, which ends its season 15-12 after failing to qualify for the Region 23 tournament.

MCC Softball drops two vs P'cola

Pensacola, Fla. 8-8
Meridian 0-0

The host Lady Eagles dropped a twinbill to their visitors from Florida by identical scores of 8-0.

“In game one, they got off the bus hitting,” MCC coach Robert Eakins said of Pensacola, which had five of its first six hitters record hits before the Lady Eagles could record an out.

PJC went on to score five times in that first inning.

MCC had just three hits in the opener: A single each from Mindi Turnipseed, LaToya Braxton and Natalie Parker.

In the second contest, Pensacola scored four times in the fourth inning to break open a close game and won 8-0 again — despite out-hitting Meridian just 5-4.

“We had chances to score but couldn’t come up with the clutch hit,” Eakins said. “Right now, we will keep working to get better so we can be on the other end of the score.”

Bracton, Parker, Brandi Banks and Stephanie Stevens had the hits for the Lady Eagles in the nightcap.

MCC returns to action Friday, hosting Bishop State.

MCC basketball teams set for Miss-Lou title games

The Meridian Community College men’s basketball team advanced to the Miss-Lou Conference title game after defeating Delgado Tuesday night, 95-74.

With the win, MCC advances to play Southern-Shreveport Wednesday at 7 PM.

The tournament is being hosted by Southern-Shreveport.

In Tuesday night’s semi-final match-up, Mario Luckett led MCC in scoring with 35 points. Otis Williams added 13 points, while former NE Lauderdale star, Tommy Tillman, added 11 points.

The Eagles improved to 15-11 on the season.

The Lady Eagles (20-8) had a bye for the semi-final of the women’s bracket and will play in the Miss-Lou title game at 5 PM Wednesday.

MCC golf claims top ten finish

(FAIRHOPE, Ala.) - The Meridian Community College golf team completed the second round of the Faulkner State Elizabeth Kling Golf Tournament with a team score of 315.

The event was played at Rock Creek, par 72 at 6, 962 yards. The Eagles finished the event with a top ten placing, finished in sixth place.

MCC finished with a two day team total of 631.

The Eagles were led by Cory Willliamson who shot 156 (74-82). Garrett Westbrook (80-77) and Clay Bounds (80-77) both shot 157. Nick Hawks shot 164 (82-82). Jarrod Moulds shot 164 (85-79).

Central Alabama won the team championship with a 599 two day total. University of Mobile claimed runner up with a 609.

Spencer Baldwin of Brevard (FL) College won the individual medalist with a 147 (74-73).

MCC will be in action on Monday-Tuesday at Northwood Country Club when they host the Lou Hart Invitational.

Team Results
Central Alabama 599
University of Mobile 609
Brevard (FL) 611
Spring Hill College 616
Faulkner State 628
Meridian 631
Wallace State 633

Eagles rally to nip Kaskaskia in 11 innings

from staff reports

A throwing error by Kaskaskia College's catcher allowed the winning run to cross the plate as Meridian Community College edged the visiting Bue Devils 8-7 in 11 innings Sunday.

Brent Tanner's solo home run in the ninth inning forced extras, where he he started the Eagles' spark once again.

With one out in the 11th, Tanner singled and Evan Weibel came in to pinch run. Weibel advanced to second on a pitch that was in the dirt before stealing third. He scored when the catcher's throw to third went into the outfield.

Leake Academy product Allen Johnson, who pitched only the 11th inning, picked up the win for Meridian as the Eagles improve to 11-5 with the win.

MCC got on the board first with four runs in the second inning. Former West Lauderdale standout Tyler Vick scored on a double by Jonathan Pace. Back-to-back walks loaded the bases for Kenny Sanders, who hit into a fielder's choice. Cory Dickerson doubled in two more runs.

Tanner had a hand in each of the other two runs for MCC as he scored on a fielder's choice in the third and hit a sacrifice fly in the sixth.

Meridian will play in the Bossier Parish Tournament on Friday and Saturday.

Williamson’s 74 leads MCC golf

FAIRHOPE, Ala.. – Meridian Community College freshman golfer, Cory Williamson, used a solid 2-over par (74) first round score at the Faulkner State Elizabeth Kling Memorial golf tournament to pace the MCC golf team at Rock Creek Golf Club.

The Eagles shot a 316 in the first round as a team.

Williamson currently leads the team with a 74 (+2). Freshman, Garrett Westbrook, and sophomore, Clay Bounds, each posted rounds of 80 (+8). Freshman, Nick Hawkes, shot an 82 (+10) while sophomore, Jarrod Moulds shot an 85 (+13).

“We had a decent team score until the final five holes,” said MCC coach Sean Covich.

“As a team, we were 23-over par on the final five holes. I’ve never seen a stretch so bad in my three years here.”


MCC will resume play Tuesday morning at 9:04 a.m. CT on the 10th tee.

MCC scores
316 team score
Cory Williamson 74 (+2)
Garrett Westbrook 80 (+8)
Clay Bounds 80 (+8)
Nick Hawkes 82 (+10)
Jarrod Moulds 85 (+13)

MCC tennis sweeps CACC

Meridian women 10
Central Alabama 0

The MCC women blistered host Central Alabama on Saturday, not dropping a set in three doubles matches and seven singles matches.

Leading the dominant match in singles were No. 1 Anna Vavrik (6-1, 6-0), No. 2 Kelly Sterling (6-0, 6-0), No. 3 Ashton Hartley (6-1, 6-0), No. 4 Katy Shoptaugh (6-1, 6-1), No. 5 Kayla Daughtrey (6-2, 6-0), No. 6 Claire Massey (6-2, 6-0) and No. 7 Leah Hamburg (6-3, 6-2).

In doubles, Vavrik and Sterling won 8-1 at No. 1, Hartley and Shoptaugh won 8-0 at No. 2 and Daughtrey and Massey won 8-3 at No. 3.

The Lady Eagles host Faulkner on Friday at Northeast Park.

Meridian men 11
Central Alabama 2

The MCC men opened their season with a road romp Saturday, dropping just one doubles match and one singles match.

The Eagles won the first five singles matches as No. 1 Lucio Cangiano (6-1, 6-2), No. 2 Andres Cepede (6-0, 6-0) and No. 5 Kyle Dew (6-3, 6-2) won in straight sets. No. 3 Jeremy Purdom (6-1, 6-7, 10-4) and No. 4 Wade Henderson (3-6, 7-5, 10-3) both were extended to three sets. After No. 6 Elliott Clark fell 6-2, 6-0, No. 7 Joe Otto (2-6, 6-4, 11-9) and No. 8 David Shrock (6-1, 6-0) finished off the singles domination for MCC.

The rout continued in doubles, where MCC won the first three matches as Congiano and Purdom won 8-4 at No. 1, Henderson and Cepede won 8-4 at No. 2 and Clark and Dew won 8-6 at No. 3. In No. 4 doubles, Otto and Shrock were edged 9-8 (7).

MCC opens its home slate Friday against Faulkner at Northeast Park.

Lady Eagles win final home game

Meridian women 76
Wallace-Hanceville 68


The Lady Eagles used a 16-0 run to start the second half to take control of a game that was tied 29-29 at intermission.

Sharda’e Johnson scored 15 of her game-high 20 points in the second half as MCC picked up the eight-point win to improve to 20-8 on the year.

Former Meridian Lady Wildcat Tiara Parker chipped in 19 points, while Brittany Bohannon — an ex-Kemper County standout — added 15.

Jerrika Williams pulled down a game-high 16 rebounds for the Lady Eagles.

The visitors were led by Jamie lack, who totaled 16 points.

Meridian travels to Southern University-Shreveport on Wednesday.

MCC Lady Eagle Softball Day One

10:30 a.m.
Central Alabama 4 vs. Copiah Lincoln 1 (Field 1)

12:30 p.m.
Copiah Lincoln 4 vs. Shelton State 3 (Field 1)
Meridian 1 vs. Northeast 2 (Field 3)

2:30p.m.
Northeast 1 vs. Shelton State 9 (Field 1)
Central Alabama 4 vs. Meridian 0 (Field 3)

4:45 p.m.
Copiah Lincoln 12 vs. Northeast 2 (Field 1)
Meridian 1 vs. Shelton State 9 (Field 3)


Game 1
Northeast 2 MCC 1

MCC out hit Northeast 8-4 but loss the game by leaving too many on. The crushing blow was 2 run homer for NE in the bottom of the 5th inning that erase a 1-0 Meridian lead and they held on for the win. Andrea Fulton lead the way for the Eagles going 2-3 at the plate. LaToya Braxton had a double in the contest. Brittany Roberts, Constance Jones, Mindi Turnipseed, Stephanie Stevens, and Natalie Parker all collected singles

Game 2
Central Alabama 4 MCC 0

Meridian again outhit their opponent 3-2. However a 4 error 4th inning proved to be the downfall for the Eagles. The 4 errors lead to 3 (all unearned) for Central as they used the strong pitching performance by Haley Hutchins to limit the Eagles to 4 baserunners. Brandi Banks collected 2 hits (single and double). Kasey Kelsay collected the othe rhit for Meridian.

Game 3
Shelton State 9 MCC 1

Shelton State turned an impressive offensive show the whole continued this in game 3 for Meridian as they out hit the Eagles 12 – 2. They hit the ball pretty good all day and continued this against us as we kind of gave out of gas down the stretch. Brittqany Roberts and Stephanie Stevens collected the Eagles only 2 hits of the game.

"Although we weren’t happy to lose any game, we saw a lot of positives in the opening day for us. Since we are so young we can used this start to work on our inconsistency and weak areas to develop into a good team. It up to them now to develop some confidence an be a solid ball club," MCC caoch Robert Eakins.

Lady Eagle defeat Wallace State, prep for Miss Lou Confrenece Tourney

The Lady Eagles came out fired up in the second half, scoring the first sixteen points to take control of the game.

Sharda’e Johnson led all scorers with 20 points, 15 coming in the second half. Tiara Parker added 19 points, while Brittany Bohannon added 15 points. Jerrika Williams grabbed 11 rebounds for MCC.

Jamie Lack led Hanceville with 16 points.

The Lady Eagles return to action on Wednesday, February 25th at Southern Shreveport.

MCC golf unveils Division I spring schedule

(MERIDIAN) – Seven NJCAA Division I golf tournaments await the Meridian Community College golf team this spring. Much like every year, the Eagles will tee off against some of the nation’s best teams in each tournament.

“This year’s spring schedule will be a little bit different for us as since we are the only team in the State of Mississippi competing on the Division I level of the NJCAA,” said MCC head golf coach, Sean Covich.

“With that being said, we look forward to the challenge and we will work hard to represent Mississippi and Meridian in the NJCAA national championship.”

The season opens Monday and Tuesday (Feb 23-24) at the Faulkner State Invitational at Rock Creek Golf Club in Mobile, Ala.. MCC returns to the course for the first time in three seasons and it will be the fourth time MCC has faced Faulkner State this season (3-0 v. FSCC).

The second tournament comes March 2-3 as MCC will host the inaugural Lou Hart Invitational held at Northwood Country Club in Meridian. The tournament is named after former MCC Hall of Fame golf coach, Lou hart, who grew up playing the game at Northwood and is still heavily involved in golf around the area.

“This is one of the thrills of my young coaching career,” said Covich.

“To honor one of the best coaches in junior college golf history, my former coach, Lou Hart, it’s just a thrill. Also, having this event at her home course makes it that much more special. The members and staff at Northwood could not be more gracious to us; we are excited about hosting this event.”

Eight teams representing five different states (AL, IL, KS, KY, and MS) will be competing in the Lou Hart Invitational.

The third event of the season for the Eagle golf team will come at the Mississippi-Louisiana College Invitational in Delhi, La. Held at the Black Bear Golf Club, the tournament is played one on of Jack Nicklaus’ top designed golf courses.

MCC will then travel to Scottsboro, Ala. to face John A. Logan College in the inaugural, Battle on the Pond. This event, which will be held on March 12-13, will also be a first for MCC as the Eagles and the Volunteers from JALC will face off in a two day, 54-hole, Ryder Cup –style event at Goosepond Golf Course.

The regular season will end with a return trip to Scottsboro, Ala for the Eighth Annual Spring Fling Intercollegiate, hosted by Illinois Central College. This event, on March 20-22, will also be held at Goosepond Golf Course. 22 teams from across the nation are schedule to participate in this annual college event.

The Eagles will then advance to NJCAA postseason play as they will play in the NJCAA District V Championship on April 20-21 held in Cullman, Ala. at Terri Pines Country Club.

MCC will be making their first NJCAA Division I National Championship appearance in school history. The Eagles have participated in 11 Division II national championships, with three top three finishes, including runner up in the 1998 event. This season, Central Alabama and Wallace State will play hosts to the national event that will be held at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail- Hampton Cove’s River Course from May 20-23.

“We’ve got a very exciting spring slate that’s as competitive as it can get in junior college,” said Covich.

The 2009 MCC golf team roster consist of two sophomores, Clay Bounds (Lamar School/Meridian) and Jarrod Moulds (Lamar School/Meridian) and six freshmen, John Cleveland (Madison Ridgeland Academy/Madison), Mark Drube (Covington High School/Covington, LA), Chris Cochran (Oxford High School/Oxford), Nick Hawkes (Southend High School/Essex, England), Tanner Sparks (Belmont High School/Belmont), Garrett Westbrook (St. Michaels Academy/Baton Rouge, LA), and Cory Williamson (Simpson Academy/Collins).

“I’m very proud of our two sophomores, Clay Bounds and Jarrod Moulds. These two young men have provided leadership on and off the golf course,” added Covich.

“The freshman have also stepped it up and gained a lot of tournament experience in the fall, this is a young team on paper but that will serve us well in the coming semesters.”



2009 Meridian Community College Golf Schedule
Day Date Event Course City/State

Monday-Tuesday Feb 23-24 Faulkner State Inv Rock Creek GC Mobile, AL

Monday-Tuesday March 2-3 Lou Hart Inv Northwood CC Meridian, MS

Monday-Tuesday March 9-10 MS-LA College Inv Black Bear GC Delhi, LA

Thursday-Friday March 12 -13 Battle on the Pond Goose Pond GC Scottsboro, AL

Thursday-Saturday March 19-21 Spring Fling Goose Pond GC Scottsboro, AL

Monday-Tuesday April 20-21 NJCAA District V Champ. Terri Pines CC Cullman, AL

Friday May 8 MCC Alumni & Friends* NAS-Ponta Creek GC NAS Meridian, MS

Tuesday-Friday May 19-22 NJCAA National Champ. RTJ Hampton Cove Huntsville, AL



*Fundraising Scramble

Kaskaskia (IL) College run rules MCC

The Meridian Community College baseball team dropped their Friday match up with visiting Kaskaskia (IL) College, as the Eagles were run ruled 19-4 in eight innings.

Key injuries to MCC starters: Drew Crosby, Jonathan Pace and Wesley Thigpen along with struggles on the mound led to a blowout home loss for Meridian.

The Eagles are now 10-5 after the defeat and will play Kaskaskia again on Sunday at noon at Scaggs Field.

Kaskaskia 19
Meridian 4

Cody Thompson started on the mound for MCC giving up five runs on seven hits, striking out two batters in 2 and 1/3 innings of work. Mat Cox relieved Thompson and gave up one hit (a grad slam in the third inning), and stuck out three batters in 3 and 1/3 innings of work. Chase Jordan, Josh Palmer and Schumpert McIntosh also saw limited action on the mound in relief for MCC.

Kaskaskia’s starting pitcher, Logan Mahon went 6 and 2/3 innings, scattering six hits, striking out four batters and gave up four runs. Chris Buddee closed out the game in relief.

Kaskaskia got on the scoreboard first with a two run homerun in the top of the first by designated hitter Anthony Even.

In the bottom of the first MCC answered on the first swing of their bat as Corey Dickerson hit a leadoff solo homerun.

Kaskaskia led 2-1 after one inning of play.

In the second, Kaskaskia used back to back doubles by Dillon York and Brett Mazmanian to score their third run of the ball game.

In the top half of the third Kaskaskia scored sever runs. Anthony Hecht scored a solo home run to lead off the inning and then Bo Kinder scored a RBI with a single. Then another RBI single was scored by Dayton Spears and Wes O’Neil capped off the big inning with a grand slam to give Kaskaskia a 10-1 lead.

Kaskaskia would remain scoreless for the next four innings.

The Eagles chipped away at the lead, scoring runs in the third inning- a RBI single by Brent Tanner, and in the seventh inning- as Tanner was hit by a pitch to score one run and Tyler Vick singles in a RBI.

MCC cut the lead down to six, 10-4.

The visiting team finally put the game away for good with nine runs in the top of the eighth inning as three wild pitches and an era led to a final score of 19-4.

Eagles play host to Kaskaskia

Winners of 10 out of their last 12 games, the Meridian Community College baseball team, currently riding a three game winning streak, will play host to Kaskaskia Community College Friday at Scaggs Field on the MCC campus.

The Eagles (10-4), will face Kaskaskia in a nine inning game starting at 3 p.m.

The broadcast can be heard on Comcast Cable Channel 12 and on WMER 1390 AM.

MCC softball set for Rush Tournament

The Meridian Community College Lady Eagles softball team will be hosting the annual MCC/Rush Invitational Tournament at Northeast Park starting Friday. The tournament will continue through Saturday.

MCC game times are 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. for Friday and 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. for Saturday.

Due to weather cancellations earlier in the season, this will be the season opener for Coach Robert Eakins, Coach Cheri Hall and the Lady Eagles.

“The tourney promises some interesting early season match-ups,” said Eakins.

“If your schedule permits please come out and catch some of the action this weekend.”

2009 MCC/RUSH Invitational Tourney
February 20 & 21, 2009
Northeast Park (Meridian, MS)

Participating Teams:
Bevill State Community College
Central Alabama Community College
Copiah – Lincoln Community College
Heartland Community College
Meridian Community College
Northeast Mississippi Community College
Shelton State Community College
Snead State Community College

Friday - February 20, 2009
10:30 a.m.
Central Alabama vs. Copiah Lincoln (Field 1)

12:30 p.m.
Copiah Lincoln vs. Shelton State (Field 1)
Meridian vs. Northeast (Field 3)

2:30p.m.
Northeast vs. Shelton State (Field 1)
Central Alabama vs. Meridian (Field 3)

4:45 p.m.
Copiah Lincoln vs. Northeast (Field 1)
Meridian vs. Shelton State (Field 3)

Saturday - February 21, 2009
9:00 a.m.
Central Alabama vs. Northeast (Field 1)
Heartland vs. Meridian (Field 3)

11:15 a.m.
Central Alabama vs. Snead State (Field 1)
Bevill State vs. Meridian (Field 3)
Heartland vs. Northeast (Field 2)

1:30 p.m.
Northeast vs. Snead State (Field 1)
Bevill State vs. Central Alabama (Field 3)

3:45 p.m.
Bevill State vs. Northeast (Field 1)
Shelton State vs. Snead State (Field 3)

Eagles clipped in overtime

-Lady Eagles fall on the road

from school reports

The Meridian Community College men's basketball team lost 137-128 in overtime Wednesday night at home to Mississippi Elite Prep School.

Mississippi Elite nailed 43 of 52 free throws while MCC made just 17 of 24 in falling to 14-11.

Otis Williams scored a team-high 27 points for MCC, while Northeast Lauderdale star Tommy Tillman scored a double-double with 24 points and 10 assist. MCC's next action is in the Miss-Lou Tournament at Shreveport, starting Tuesday.

In women’s basketball action, the Lady Eagles lost their second consecutive game as they fell on the road 115-102 at LSU-Eunice Wednesday night.

The Lady Eagles are now 19-8 and will host Wallace-Hanceville in the final home game for Graham Gymnasium for 2009 on Saturday at 2 p.m. Then, like the men’s team, the Lady Eagles will prepare for the Miss-Lou Conference Tournament at Shreveport next week.

New additions to Lady Eagle soccer

(L-R) Meridian Community College Lady Eagles soccer coach, Alex George, sits down with Newton Country High School player, Brittany Reed, Brandon High School player, Katie McCain, and his assistant coach, Mike Smith as McCain and Reed become the latest editions to the 2009 women’s soccer recruiting class.

Eagles sweep visiting Alabama Southern

(Meridian, Miss.) - Meridian Community College played host to Alabama Southern on a cold, wet Tuesday afternoon doubleheader at Scaggs Field. Meridian swept Alabama Southern and improved to 10-4 on the season. The Eagles have now defeated ASCC five consecutive times this year.

Game one
Meridian CC Eagles 3
Alabama Southern 1

Eric Callender earned the win on the mound for MCC has he threw a complete game (seven innings) in game one of the doubleheader. The sophomore gave up seven hits while striking out six batters. He had no earned runs and walked two batters.

Alabama Southern led going into the fourth inning, 1-0.

In the bottom of the fourth, former West Lauderdale standout, Tyler Vick got on base after a fielders choice in the fourth. Vick then moved to second after Wesley Thigpen walked. With two runners one, Alabama Southern committed a defensive era as the ball got away from the shortstop and Vick scored from second base for the Eagles and tied up game 1-1.

The game remained scoreless until the sixth, as MCC’s Brent Tanner walked and Vick hit a RBI double driving in Tanner for a MCC lead. Thigpen then hit a sacrifice fly to move Vick to third and Jonathan Pace then singled in Vick for a 3-1 MCC win.

Game two
Meridian CC Eagles 6
Alabama Southern 3

Jordan Faulkner earned the win on the mound for MCC, pitching 3 1/3 innings giving up two hits, three earned runs and four walks. He also struck out two batters. Jason Judge earned the save for MCC, pitching 3 2/3 innings, giving up one hit, no runs and one walk. He also stuck out three batters.

MCC scored in the first inning as Thigpen walked, then stole second base. William Beckwith then had an RBI single to right field.

In the third inning with two outs, Tanner walked for MCC, Vick was hit by a pitch and Thigpen tripled to score two runs. Beckwith, once again, had an RBI single to right field to extend MCC’s lead to 4-0.

Alabama Southern would answer in the fourth inning, as they scored three runs on a single, homerun and a walk with back to back wild pitches.

In the fifth inning, with the score 4-3, Tanner singled for MCC and then Vick hit an eventual game-clinching two run homerun into left field to give MCC the lead for good, 6-3..

The Eagles, now 10-4, will play again Friday when they host Kaskaskia at 3 p.m.

Jones County sweeps Meridian

Jones women 92
Meridian 80

Meridian (19-7) was led by former Meridian High standout Tiara Parker, who scored 31 points, while Sharda'e Johnson added 16 as the Lady Eagles fell to Jones by 12.

Jones men 77
Meridian 72

Meridian (14-10) got 26 points from Otis Williams and a dozen each from Mario Luckett and Travis Thompson in the five-point loss to Jones.

Wabash ends MCC’s win streak

By Robby Atkinson/Special to The Star

The Meridian Community College Eagles saw their five-game winning streak come to a stop on Saturday in the second day of the 2009 Rush Baseball Tournament.

Wabash Valley scored the game-winning run on a squeeze bunt in the eighth inning to take a 7-6 win over the Eagles at Scaggs Field. MCC did rebound in its final game of the day with a 14-4 win over Southeastern Illinois thanks to fabulous hitting from the entire Eagle lineup.

Other scores from the second day of the tournament included Wallace-Hanceville defeating Southeastern Illinois 14-1 and Wallace-Hanceville scoring a shutout of Wabash Valley, 4-0.

MCC (6-4) will return to action today with a pair of games and the conclusion of a suspended game from Friday at Scaggs Field.

The Eagles will resume their suspended game with Wabash Valley at noon. MCC leads the suspended game 3-0 in the bottom of the second inning. The Eagles will play Wabash Valley once more at 1:30 and wrap up the tournament at 3:30 against Southeastern Illinois.

Wabash Valley 7
Meridian 6

Paul Giel drove in the game-winning run for the Warriors on a squeeze bunt in the eighth inning that gave Wabash Vallley a come-from-behind victory over the Eagles.

The loss snapped an impressive early-season winning streak for the Eagles and head coach Chris Rose was not very pleased with his team's efforts in the loss.

"I just felt like that when we got ahead early in the game we felt satisfied and played with very little intensity," Rose said. "We just didn't make the plays and they did. I felt like we could have competed better."

The Warriors took the early lead in the game with a pair of runs in the first inning. Casey Dishman drove in the runs for the Warriors with a two-run single, but the Eagles would quickly respond in the bottom of the first.

Catcher Wesley Thigpen blasted a three- run homer over the wall in left to give MCC a 3-2 lead over Wabash. The Eagles would extend their lead in the third inning to 5-2 thanks to some great hitting in the middle of the lineup.

Former West Lauderdale standout Tyler Vick drove in a run on a single and William Beckwith added an RBI double in the inning for MCC.

Wabash Valley answered back with a two-run home run to cut the Eagle lead to 5-4. Daniel Nichols hit a towering shot that hit the scoreboard at Scaggs Field to bring the Warriors to within a run.

MCC got its final run of the game in fifth inning on a bases-loaded walk to Beckwith that made the score 6-4. Wabash Valley added single runs in the sixth and seventh innings to take the game to extra innings tied at 6-6.

Nichols led the eighth inning off with a single and stole second. He advanced to third base on a sacrifice bunt by Jeff Kerian and scored on the squeeze bunt by Giel.

Keith Butler was the winning pitcher in relief for the Warriors. Butler threw three innings and allowed no runs while collecting six strikeouts. Allen Johnson (0-1) was the losing pitcher in relief for MCC.

Meridian 14
SE Illinois 4

Freshman Kenny Sanders blasted a walk-off, three-run home run in the bottom of the sixth inning to lead MCC to the run-rule victory over the Falcons.

MCC scored five runs in the bottom of the first inning and never looked back in take the victory. Beckwith had a solo home run in the first inning for MCC and Vick added an RBI single.

"I thought we swung the bats much better in the second game," said Rose. "We had several guys to have great nights at the plate and it was good to see us come back after the disappointing loss."

Former Meridian High standout Taylor Scarbrough had an RBI triple in the five-run first inning for Eagles. Scarbrough finished the game with three hits and three RBIs for MCC.

MCC increased its lead to 8-0 in the third inning on a basesloaded walk to Jordan King, an RBI single by Scarbrough and a run on a fielding error by Southeastern Illinois.

The Falcons did manage a run in the fourth inning on a wild pitch and scratched for three runs in the fifth inning to cut the Meridian lead to 8-4. Sean Sullivan had an RBI double for the Falcons and Kenny Wagner added a two-run single.

MCC put the game away for good with six runs in the sixth inning.

Alan Williams (1-0) picked up the pitching win for MCC by going five innings. Williams allowed only one earned run and collected six strikeouts.

MCC women rout Georgia Perimeter

The Meridian Community College women jumped all over visiting Georgia Perimeter in the first half Saturday and coasted to a 68-47 victory in area junior-college basketball action.

MCC, which improved to 19-6 on the season, roared to a 37-17 halftime lead and never looked back.

Former Meridian High School standout Tiara Parker scored 13 points to pace the Lady Eagles, while LaQuita Burrough tallied 11. Jerrika Williams added seven points and a game-high 11 rebounds while Eryn Gray and Sharda'e Johnson chipped in six points apiece and Brittany Bohannon contributed five.

Schatavia Gray led Georgia Perimeter with 14 points.

MCC is in action again Monday, traveling to Jones County at 6 p.m.

MCC sweeps Delgado on the road

Meridian women 71
Delgado 54

The Lady Eagles built a double-digit lead early and coasted to their 18th victory of the season.

MCC, which is now 18-6, led 42-32 at halftime and outscored the homestanding Lady Dolphins 29-22 in the second half.

Tiara Parker and LaQuita Burrough scored 13 points apiece for MCC, while Brittany Bohannon scored 12. Parker is a former Meridian High School standout, while Bohannon prepped at Kemper County.

Jamie Ellen led Delgado with 13 points.

MCC's ladies return home Saturday to host Georgia Perimeter at 2 p.m.

Meridian men 92
Delgado 84

The Eagles exploded in the second half to take a come-from-behind win against Delgado Thursday night.

MCC was down 44-33 at halftime, but outscored the Dolphins 59-40 over the final 20 minutes to get the victory and improve to 14-9 on the year.

Mario Luckett pumped in a game-high 29 points to pace MCC, while ex-Northeast Lauderdale standout Tommy Tillman scored 20. Otis Williams (17 points) and Travis Thompson (16 points) were also in double figures.

Delgado got 17 points from Jarred LaFont.

MCC's men are off until Monday, when they visit Jones County.

MCC's Clark ink's with Belhaven

Meridian Community College sophomore tennis player, Elliott Clark (seated-middle), signs his National Letter of Intent to play for Belhaven College next season. Clark, a former West Lauderdale star, helped lead MCC to the 2008 NJCAA National Tournament by winning the Region 23/MACJC State Championships. Clark, is joined by his parents, Bobby and Cherry Clark (sitting), and his college tennis coach, Wanda McPhail and his teaching tennis pro, Rod Hartzog. While at MCC Elliott had a 13-4 doubles record and a 12-5 singles record. He won the Region 23/MACJC Championship at no. 4 singles last season and lost in the finals with partner, Dawson Dyess, at no. 2 doubles to a team they had previously beaten twice during regular season. Coach Patton of Belhaven says this of Elliott, “Elliott has had great success at a top-ranked community college. Elliott will come in playing near the top three. Elliott is 6’7” and has great reach, a great slice serve and good hands. I look forward to having him for fall 2009.”

Former Lady Eagle named Player of the Week

Former Meridain Community College basketball player and current Belhaven College senior guard, Holly Dial, was recently selected as Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Basketball Player of the week for her efforts during the week of February 2nd through February 8th.

In two games Dial averaged 18 points and tossed in a career high of 24 points against Dillard University. She also had a career best seven three pointers in eight attempts against the Lady Blue Devils.

For the week, Dial made a total of nine three pointers in two games.

On the season, Dial is averaging 8.5 points per game and leads the team with a three point shooting percentage of 41.1 percent. She is also tops on the team in free throw shooting at 73.4 percent.

The Lady Blazers are currently 15-9 overall and 6-6 in the GCAC. Belhaven will host William Carey Thursday night beginning at 5:30 PM.

MCC softball delays season opener

The Meridian Community College softball team will have to wait for the start of their 2009 season.

The Lady Eagles were slated to kickoff their new season on the road against Jefferson Davis in Brewton, AL on Wednesday, but due to expected dangerous weather conditions- that game has been cancelled. The game is planned to be made up at a later date.

The next game on the schedule for the Lady Eagles is Friday, Feb 13th at Jones County. The game is scheduled to start at 3 PM in Ellisville.

MCC baseball sweeps Alabama Southern

from staff reports

The Meridian Community College baseball team continued its winning streak on the road Tuesday, sweeping host Alabama Southern 6-0 and 13-6.

The Eagles have now won five straight to improve to 5-2.

Cody Thompson led MCC in the opener, throwing a complete game with six strikeouts and allowing just three hits.

Meanwhile, Wesley Thigpen powered the Eagles offensively with a grand slam to give MCC breathing room following solo home runs from Corey Dickerson and William Beckwith each. Jonathan Pace added two singles.

The Eagles offense continued its slugfest in the nightcap, as Dickerson hammered a two-run home run in the first inning. Former West Lauderdale standout Tyler Vick, Thigpen and Evan Weibel also homered in the second game.

In relief of starter Matt Cox, who threw three innings, Jason Judge picked up the win in three innings of work, striking out three and allowing just two hits.

MCC hosts Southeastern Illinois and Wabash in a doubleheader Friday.

MCC Softball set for 2009 season

The Meridian Community College softball team will open up the 2009 spring season this week with two road dates.

On Wednesday (Feb. 11) the Lady Eagles will travel to Brewton, AL to play Jefferson Davis Community College at 1:00 p.m. Then on Friday MCC will travel to Ellisville, MS to play former MACJC rival- Jones County at 3:00 p.m.

Following their season opening road trip, the Lady Eagles return to Meridian to host the annual Rush Classic at Northeast Park. Bevill State, central Alabama, Co-Lin, Meridian, Northeast Mississippi, Shelton State, and Snead State are all expected to participate. The Rush Classic will be played on Saturday-Sunday, February 20-21 at NE Park.

MCC baseball sweeps in Florida, faces Alabama Southern before Rush

Former West Lauderdale standout, Tyler Vick, was hit by a pitch in the bottom of the 10th inning with the bases loaded to drive in the winning run for Meridian Community College Sunday night. The 15-14 win over Shelton State gave the Eagles their third straight victory in as many days as MCC improved to 3-2 on the year.

The Eagles swept through the Northwest Florida Tournament with three big wins: 18-2 over Alabama Southern (FRI), 13-1 over Northwest Florida (SAT) and 15-14 over Shelton State (SUN).

Today (TUES) the Eagles will be on the road for a double-header against Alabama Southern starting at noon.

The games will be broadcast by WMER 1390 AM from Monroeville, AL.

Following today’s contest with Alabama Southern, MCC will return home to Scaggs Field for their first home series, the Rush Tournament.

2009 Rush Baseball Tournament Schedule
Friday - February 13, 2009
12:00 Meridian vs. Wabash (7 Inning Game)
3:00 Meridian vs. Wabash (7 Inning Game)
6:00 Southeastern Illinois vs. Wallace Hanceville (9 Inning Game)

Saturday – February 14, 2009
11:00 Southeastern Illinois vs. Wallace Hanceville (7 Inning Game)
3:00 Wallace Hanceville vs. Wabash (7 Inning Game)
6:00 Meridian vs. Southeastern Illinois (9 Inning Game)

Sunday – February 15, 2009
12:00 Meridian vs. Wabash (7 Inning Game)
3:00 Meridian vs. Southeastern Illinois (7 Inning Game)

MCC routs Alabama Southern

By Robby Atkinson/Special to The Star

FORT WALTON, Fla. — The Meridian Community College Eagles used a fantastic pitching performance by Garrett Harris and a pair of huge innings on offense to take its first win of the 2009 season with an 18-2 victory against Alabama Southern Community College in the opening day of the Carl McInnis Classic at Northwest Florida College on Friday afternoon.

"It was a nice way to bounce back after we lost a pair of tough games to open the season," said MCC head coach Chris Rose after the first win of the season. "We got a spark from several guys that got us going and it feels great to get our first win."

Harris (1-0) picked up the win on the mound for MCC by pitching seven strong innings and collecting five strikeouts. Harris only allowed one earned run and two hits in the superb effort.

"He (Harris) pitched a fantastic game," added Rose. "He made some great pitches and got ahead in the count and did a great job for us."

Alabama Southern took its only lead of the game in the third inning on a sacrifice fly by Kasey Culverson, but the lead only lasted a half inning. MCC freshman William Beckwith belted a solo home run to deep left field in the top of the fourth inning to draw even with Alabama Southern at 1-1. The Eagles would take the lead for good in the following inning with another deep home run to make the score 2-1 when sophomore shortstop Jordan King connected on the solo shot down the line in left to give MCC a lead that would only grow larger.

Former Meridian High standout Taylor Scarbrough blasted a three-run home run to left center that gave the Eagles all the momentum it would need for the final four innings as MCC took a 5-1 lead.

"The pitching performance and that home run really gave us a huge spark," said Rose. "He (Scarbrough) had a great approach at the plate and that really got us going at the plate."

MCC would add another run in the sixth on an RBI single by Corey Dickerson to increase the Meridian lead to 6-1. The Eagles picked up three more runs in the seventh inning to take a 9-1 lead over Alabama Southern. Brent Tanner had a solo home run in the seventh inning and Scarbrough also drove in a run on a single.

The Eagles finished off Alabama Southern in the eighth inning with nine runs to take the win. Dickerson collected another single in the eighth for Meridian that drove in a run and Tanner added an RBI triple for the Eagles. King drove in a pair of runs in the eight with a single and Drew Crosby chipped in with a run scoring sacrifice fly. The other runs in the inning scored on walks and a fielding error by Alabama Southern.

Scarborough led the way at the plate for the Eagles with a pair of hits and five RBI's and Dickerson had four hits in the win with two RBI's.

MCC hammers host Northwest Florida State

By Robby Atkinson/Special to The Star

FORT WALTON, Fla. — The Meridian Community College Eagles scored its second straight win of the 2009 season with a convincing 13-1 win against the Northwest Florida State Raiders in the second day of the Carl McInnis Baseball Classic.

The Eagles scored 10 runs in the first inning and freshman Mandella Mingo threw 5 2/3 innings to lead MCC to the win over the Raiders.

"We got another solid performance on the mound," said MCC head coach Chris Rose. "He (Mingo) had great command of his pitches and had a great outing. I also thought our offense was fantastic once again today and we had such an awesome first inning."

The Eagles wasted no time and struck with a leadoff home run from freshman center fielder Corey Dickerson to give MCC the 1-0 lead. Dickerson has had six hits in ten plate appearances for the weekend for MCC.

"That home run really gave us a spark and hitting is contagious," added Rose. "Our hitting coach (Dillion Sudduth) has done a great job with our guys and their approach at the plate has been tremendous over the past two games."

The Eagles continued to pile up the runs as Jordan King followed with a walk after the home run by Dickerson, while Brent Tanner smashed a double to right field to set the table for sophomore catcher Wesley Thigpen. Thigpen drove both runs in a two-run single to extend the Meridian lead to 3-0. MCC would score its next run on a bases loaded walk and Drew Crosby would drive in the next run for the Eagles to make the score 5-0.

Dickerson would follow with a sacrifice fly that drove in the sixth run in the inning and Tanner put the game well out of reach moments later. Tanner connected on a towering grand slam home run over the right field wall to give MCC a 10-0 edge against Northwest Florida.

The lone run of the game for the home standing Raiders would come in the third inning on an RBI single by Justin Fradejas to cut the MCC lead to 10-1.

MCC would continue to play long ball as King would smash his second home run of the weekend in the fourth inning to make the score 11-1.

The Eagles would tack on three more runs in the fifth inning to fly away with the 13-1 win. Crosby drove in one of the three runs in the inning on a single and Dickerson added an RBI double.

Mingo got his first collegiate win for MCC by allowing only one earned run and collecting four strikeouts for MCC.

Lady Eagles clinch Miss-Lou Conference title

By Chris Brennaman / Assistant Sports Editor
The Meridian Community College Lady Eagles used runs of 15-0 and 16-0 to start each half as they clinched the Miss-Lou Conference regular-season championship Saturday at Graham Gymnasium.

MCC (17-6, 4-0) hit seven of its 12 3-pointers during the two half-opening stretches as the Lady Eagles cruised to the 86-52 victory over Delgado Community College.

"We're excited about the fact that our team is playing well now toward the end of the season," Allen said. "Those were key moments of the game and to come out and play well at the beginning of the game and the second half, usually means a victory."

The Lady Eagles finished the afternoon shooting 52 percent from beyond the arc. Sharda'e Johnson knocked down five of MCC's 3-pointers en route to a career-high 22-point performance.

"She's a freshman, who is coming along and maturing," said Meridian coach Hilary Allen. "We're 23 games into the season and this is the time that I need her to be playing well."

The Lady Eagles opened the game connecting on their first five shots, while preventing Delgado from scoring in the first 5 minutes.

The Lady Dolphins missed their first eight shots from the field. They also had stretches of 0-for-7, 0-for-9, 0-for-10 and 0-for-15 while shooting 23 percent from the floor.

"We were able to make those runs because of defense," Allen said. "We limited them to one shot, we got the rebound and were able to push. The kids have bought into the concept of how fast we want to push it down the floor. We have been successful with it in the past and it leads to victory when we are successful with it."

After MCC jumped out to the 15-0 lead, the Lady Eagles hit their own slump, missing seven straight shots and allowing Delgado to get within four points. The Lady Dolphins wouldn't get any closer as Meridian scored 16 of the next 20 points.

The Lady Eagles led by a dozen at the break after both teams hit a shot from downtown in half's final minute.

Leading by 15 points midway through the second half, Meridian put the game well out of reach when Johnson started a Lady Eagle 21-3 run with her final 3-pointer — her second in less than 60 seconds.

Former Meridian High standout Tiara Parker added 18 points for the Lady Eagles, while Tiara Logan — an ex-Philadelphia Lady Tornado — had 14.

LaQuita Burrough pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds to go with her nine points.

Christine Conner led the Lady Dolphins with 17 points, while Savannah Lerille contributed 11, including a pair of 3s.

The Lady Eagles will travel to Delgado Thursday to close out their conference slate.

Baker lifts MCC with triple-double

By Chris Brennaman / Assistant Sports Editor

Six Eagles notched double-digit scoring games for Meridian Community College Saturday, but Brandon Baker trumped his teammates when he recorded his first career triple-double.

The sophomore scored a dozen points, blocked 10 shots and pulled down 10 boards in Meridian's 111-93 win over Miss-Lou conference foe Delgado Community College on homecoming at Graham Gymnasium.

"In the second half, Brandon played strong around the basket and gave us a good post presence," said MCC coach George Brooks.

After battling back-and-forth with Delgado through much of the first half, the Eagles took the lead for good with 3:56 on the first-half clock when Tommy Tillman knocked down the first of his three 3-pointers. The former Northeast Lauderdale standout finished the game with 20 points.

"Tommy played great for the third or fourth straight game," Brooks said. "He's taking a lot of pressure off of (point guard Otis Williams). They compliment each other real well right now."

After Tillman's trey, Mario Luckett, who also scored 20, put a little distance between Meridian and the visiting Dolphins as he totaled six of the next eight points.

The Eagles led by six at the break and Delgado was never closer than five in the second half as MCC pulled away.

Meridian reached the 100-point plateau for the third time this season in the win, which was the fourth in a row for the Eagles. The victory puts MCC in prime position to snag the Miss-Lou Conference regular-season crown if the Eagles beat Delgado again Thursday.

"We are playing better, but we have to stay hungry and keep trying to get better every time out," Brooks said. "We're not where we need to be yet.

"If we can get Luckett going to the basket and our post guys to keep playing, we have a chance to keep improving. That's all you want right now."

Williams connected on 4-of-7 from beyond the arc and led the Eagles with 24 points. Travis Thompson and Brandon Pettaway had 18 and 13, respectively.

Meridian sweeps Hinds, preps for Homecoming

MCC women 80
Hinds 65

Leading by three points, Meridian Community College went on a 20-8 run to end the game as the Lady Eagles extended their winning streak to four games at Hinds Thursday night.

With the 80-65 victory, MCC improved to 16-6 overall.

Tiara Parker, a former Meridian High standout, led the Lady Eagles with 21 points.

Former Philadelphia star, Tiara Logan and Shard'ae Johnson each pumped in a dozen. Brittany Bohannon added nine points.

Meridian led 42-33 at halftime.

— from school reports


Meridian 83
Hinds men 74

The men made it a clean sweep of Hinds Thursday night as MCC took a nine-point decision.

Mario Luckett (30 points and 11 rebounds) and Brandon Baker (16 and 11) both had a double-double for the Eagles (12-9).

Otis Williams tacked on 16 points for MCC, which will host Delgado Saturday for homecoming.

— from school reports

MCC routs Alabama Southern

By Robby Atkinson/Special to The Star

FORT WALTON, Fla. — The Meridian Community College Eagles used a fantastic pitching performance by Garrett Harris and a pair of huge innings on offense to take its first win of the 2009 season with an 18-2 victory against Alabama Southern Community College in the opening day of the Carl McInnis Classic at Northwest Florida College on Friday afternoon.

"It was a nice way to bounce back after we lost a pair of tough games to open the season," said MCC head coach Chris Rose after the first win of the season. "We got a spark from several guys that got us going and it feels great to get our first win."

Harris (1-0) picked up the win on the mound for MCC by pitching seven strong innings and collecting five strikeouts. Harris only allowed one earned run and two hits in the superb effort.

"He (Harris) pitched a fantastic game," added Rose. "He made some great pitches and got ahead in the count and did a great job for us."

Alabama Southern took its only lead of the game in the third inning on a sacrifice fly by Kasey Culverson, but the lead only lasted a half inning. MCC freshman William Beckwith belted a solo home run to deep left field in the top of the fourth inning to draw even with Alabama Southern at 1-1. The Eagles would take the lead for good in the following inning with another deep home run to make the score 2-1 whensophomore shortstop Jordan King connected on the solo shot down the line in left to give MCC a lead that would only grow larger.

Former Meridian High standout Taylor Scarbrough blasted a three-run home run to left center that gave the Eagles all the momentum it would need for the final four innings as MCC took a 5-1 lead.

"The pitching performance and that home run really gave us a huge spark," said Rose. "He (Scarbrough) had a great approach at the plate and that really got us going at the plate."

MCC would add another run in the sixth on an RBI single by Corey Dickerson to increase the Meridian lead to 6-1. The Eagles picked up three more runs in the seventh inning to take a 9-1 lead over Alabama Southern. Brent Tanner had a solo home run in the seventh inning and Scarbrough also drove in a run on a single.

The Eagles finished off Alabama Southern in the eighth inning with nine runs to take the win. Dickerson collected another single in the eighth for Meridian that drove in a run and Tanner added an RBI triple for the Eagles. King drove in a pair of runs in the eight with a single and Drew Crosby chipped in with a run scoring sacrifice fly. The other runs in the inning scored on walks and a fielding error by Alabama Southern.

Scarborough led the way at the plate for the Eagles with a pair of hits and five RBI's and Dickerson had four hits in the win with two RBI's. MCC will return to action in the second day of the Carl McInnis Baseball Classic today at 2 p.m. against the host Northwest Florida Raiders.

Texas prep star inks with MCC golf

(MERIDIAN, Miss.) – Meridian Community College men’s golf coach Sean Covich announced the signing of Adam Monsen out of John Paul Stevens High School in San Antonio, Texas as his first singee to the 2009 recruiting class.

In 2008, Monsen competed in seven tournaments as a junior, winning two medalist titles and finished runner-up three times. Through his senior year, Monsen has a high school tournament scoring average of 74.3.

Monsen shot rounds of 74-69 at the Southside Cardinal Spring Classic to win the title out of 95 high school golfers. Then he shot 75-72 to win the Seguin Matador Classic out of 103 golfers. In District 28-5A, Monsen was a runner-up regional qualifier.

As a part of the Texas Junior Golf Association, Monsen claimed three top 15 finishes in four starts over the 2008 winter break.

In 2007, Monsen finished 6th out of 96 golfers on the Southern Texas PGA Junior Tour, with four top ten finishes- including two wins. As a sophomore he also won three high school events with his low score of 71 coming at the Dominion County Club.

"Adam will be the center piece of the 2009 recruiting class," said Covich.

"I watched Adam shoot a 73 on an extremely difficult Ben Crenshaw designed course in Austin, TX, but more than that- he has impressed me in the way he carries himself on and off the golf course. He is young man that will represent this school and this team with class and that’s what I look for."

Juco Baseball Roundup — JCJC stuns No. 30 MCC twice

from combined reports

ELLISVILLE – It was a great way to open the Christian Ostrander Era at Bobcat Field.

Jones County Junior College came from behind in both games to stun defending MACJC state champion and preseason No. 30 Meridian Community College on a cold, but sunny, Wednesday afternoon.

The Bobcats took the opener 6-5 in eight innings and came back to take the nightcap 4-3.

JCJC 6
MCC 5

Adam Burnett’s two-out single to right field in the bottom of the eighth inning scored pinch-runner Chanse Yelverton with the game-winning run.

After Meridian scored a run in the top of the seventh to tie the game at 5, the Bobcats went to work in the bottom of the eighth. With one out, MCC transfer Tyler McMullen doubled to left field and was replaced by Yelverton After Dustin Gilmore popped up to shortstop, Burnett came to the plate.

He singled to short right field, but Ostrander aggressively sent Yelverton all the way from second and the Stringer sophomore scored when the throw bounced away from the catcher.

Bobcat pitchers Zach Toney, Zac Craven and Bryce Penny combined for 13 strikeouts and scattered seven hits between them. Toney went the first four innings, giving up four runs (three earned), four hits, two walks and five strikeouts. Craven went two innings, allowing an unearned run, two hits, five walks and four strikeouts. Penny went the final two innings, giving up one hit and striking out four to get the win.

After the Eagles scored twice in the top of the first inning, the Bobcats came right back to tie it up.

Leadoff batter Chris Lofton reached on an error and took second and third on consecutive passed balls. After Zachary Robertson grounded out, Lofton came home on another passed ball. Tyler Gardner then reached on another error and went to second on the throw. Sam Berry then delivered an RBI single to tie it up at 2-2.

MCC led 3-2 entering the bottom of the third when the Bobcats rallied in the bottom of the frame to take their first lead of the game. Lofton led off with a single to right and took second when Robertson reached on an error. After a pop out, both runners advanced on a wild pitch. Berry then doubled to center to score both runners and give JCJC a 4-3 lead.

The Eagles tied it in the fifth and loaded the bases with one out in the sixth. However, Craven got a strike out and a pop up to end the threat.

Jones went up 5-4 in the sixth. Charlie Hillman led off with an infield single and Colby Dozier came in to pinch-run. McMullen then sacrificed Dozier to second. Gilmore then reached on an infield single. The ball was thrown away, allowing Dozier to score.

MCC loaded the bases with no outs in the seventh and scored just one run to tie it at 5-5. Penny got a pair of strikeouts and a fielder’s choice to prevent further damage.

The Bobcats, who outhit MCC 9-7, got a double, single and three RBIs from Berry, a double and a single from McMullen and two singles from Gilmore. Lofton, Robertson and Gardner added singles.

Eric Callender started, went six innings, gave up five runs (one earned), six hits, walked one and struck out four. Jason Judge went the final 1 2/3 innings and took the loss. He gave up one run on three hits and struck out one.

Wesley Thigpen doubled and singled for MCC, while Corey Dickerson, Jordan King, Brent Tanner, Tyler Vick and Jonathan Pace added singles.

JCJC 4
MCC 3

Jones trailed 3-2 going into the fifth, but tied it with one in the fifth and got the game-winning run in the sixth.

Berry led off the decisive sixth with a single down the left field line and was sacrificed to second by Chase Headrick. McMullen then singled Berry home.

In the top of the seventh, Dickerson led off with a single and was sacrificed to second by King. But, Cory Williams got a ground out and a fly out to end it and set off a celebration by the Bobcat players and fans.

JCJC starting pitcher Colton Ales and Williams combined for 12 strikeouts, giving Bobcat pitchers 25 strikeouts in both games. Ales went 3 1/3 innings, gave up three runs (none earned), four hits, walked three and struck out seven. Williams got the win by going 3 2/3 innings, allowing just one hit, no walks and five strikeouts.

The Bobcats took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first when Robertson reached on an infield single and Berry walked. Headrick drove them both home with a triple to right-center.

The Eagles came back to score three runs in the third and take a 3-2 lead.

Jones tied it in the fifth when Gilmore led off with a double down the left field line and was sacrificed to third by Burnett. Brock Landry’s bunt single scored Gilmore.

JCJC outhit MCC 7-5 with Headrick getting the triple, Gilmore the double and Lofton, Robertson, Berry, McMullen and Landry adding singles.

Blake Hennington started, went one inning, gave up two earned runs, two hits and recorded two strikeouts. An unidentified MCC player tossed the final five innings, giving up two earned runs, five hits, no walks and six strikeouts.

Dickerson singled twice for the Eagles, while Tanner doubled. King and Pace added singles.

— school reports

MCC pulls away from Shreveport: Eagles sparked by 20-5 run

Meridian men 95
Shreveport 84

Trailing by 15 points midway through the first half, Meridian Community College scored 20 of the game's next 25 points to take its first lead since the opening minutes of the contest.

From that point, the Eagles and Southern University at Shreveport battled back-and-forth until MCC was able to pull away late in the game to take a 95-84 Miss-Lou Conference win.

"This was a good win for us," said MCC coach George Brooks. "I thought we adjusted and did some good things on defense. At the start of the game, I thought we gave up too many second-chance points, but we did a better job of rebounding the ball in the second half."

Otis Williams, who connected on 6-of-13 behind the arc, scored a game-high 31 points. As a team, the Eagles, who trailed by three at halftime, converted half of their 26 3-point attempts.

Mario Luckett exploded for 16 second-half points to post a 20-point total, while Travis Thompson tallied 15.

Former Northeast Lauderdale standout Tommy Tillman added a dozen, and Gary Cunningham dropped a dime for the Eagles.

MCC improves to 11-9 on the year and pulls even in conference play at 1-1.

Meridian women 86
Shreveport 73

MCC jumped out to a quick 10-point lead early in the first half and kept the difference in double digits throughout the entire game.

The Lady Eagles, who led by as many as 20 points before halftime, took an 11-point lead into the locker room, but stretched it back to 20 early on in the second half.

Former Philadelphia star Tiara Logan (24 points) and Natonya McWilliams (20) each connected on three 3-pointers, while Tiara Parker, an ex-Meridian Lady Wildcat, knocked down six from downtown to total 16 points.

McWilliams turned her performance into a double-double with 14 rebounds.

Sharda'e Johnson added 11 for MCC.

Both MCC squads return to the court Thursday at Hinds Community College.

MCC looks to build on past successes

The Meridian Star

The Meridian Community College baseball team has been built around tradition for many years, and the Eagles are hoping to build on that solid tradition in 2009.

MCC will open the 2009 season with many changes to its program, but changes that most fans have come to love in the past. MCC will re-enter play in 2009 as a Division 1 program for the first time since 2004.

Meridian has competed in the MACJC league for the past four years as a Division II team and is excited about the move back to its original status.

"We are all excited about this opportunity to move back into Division One," MCC head coach Chris Rose said. "This program has had so much success in the past and we are looking forward to building on that foundation that was built by many great people here at MCC."

MCC will rejoin the Miss-Lou Conference in 2009, a league which now includes Delgado and Baton Rouge Community College. Meridian and Delgado were two of the three original members of the conference from 1988-2002.

"Everyone is very familiar with Delgado and we know that rivalry with them runs deep in our history," said Rose. "They have a solid program and those will be very important games down the road."

The Eagles will play the Dolphins six times during the regular season and also face Baton Rouge the same amount of times. The annual Region 23 Tournament will be held at Baton Rouge Community College and the winner of that tournament will move on to Super Regional play against the winner of the Region 16 Tournament from Missouri.

The ultimate goal for the Eagles is to reach the NJCAA World Series in Grand Junction for the seventh time (1993, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2003 and 2004).

"We know the road is going to be much tougher to reach the World Series," Rose said. "The amount of great teams around the southeast and the country is phenomenal. We will need to have solid leadership from our returning sophomores and pitching is always a huge key."

The Eagles return a solid nucleus of players from its 2008 team that won the MACJC Central Division Championship and the MACJC State Tournament.

Sophomore catcher Wesley Thigpen will lead the way for the Eagles for its quest toward a championship in 2009. Thigpen had a solid 2008 season with a .368 batting average and threw out 85 percent of base stealers. Thigpen signed with Mississippi State back in November.

Former West Lauderdale standout Tyler Vick will see plenty of action at third base for MCC after hitting 15 home runs last season. He also signed in the early signing period to continue his career with South Alabama. Vick missed several games in the second half of the season in 2008 and will look to put up big numbers in the middle of the Eagle lineup.

Sophomore Brent Tanner will see time at first base for MCC after a successful 2008. Tanner hit four home runs in the state tournament last season and will be another important part of the power for the Eagles. Tanner is also a South Alabama signee.

The middle of the infield will include a pair of new faces for the Eagles in 2009. Jonathan Pace will step in and play second base for MCC and Jordan King will move in and play shortstop. Pace is a freshman, while King is a sophomore transfer from Southern Miss and could also see some time pitching for the Eagles.

"These guys are both solid players and will play huge roles in the middle of our infield," said Rose. "(King) will bat around the top of the lineup and could see some innings on the mound for us as well."

The outfield positions for MCC are yet to be decided, but Rose will use different formulas in the lineup early on in the season.

"We will try several different things early and those are three positions that guys are still battling for right now. We knew coming into this season that there were going to be big shoes to fill in the outfield."

Freshman Alan Williams could see time in center field for MCC, while Drew Crosby, Corey Dickerson and Kenny Sanders will all see time in the outfield for the Eagles.

The one part of the 2009 team that has the most depth is the pitching staff for the Eagles. MCC will enter the season with 17 pitchers on its staff and Rose knows that will mean good things down the road.

"We are very deep in our pitching staff and that is such a key when you get into the postseason," he said. "We have a few guys returning from last season, but we will have a lot of options. We just don't have those two or three guys that have solidified starting roles yet, but everyone is battling for those spots."

Sophomores Garrett Harris and Matt Cox will return and will be key starters possibly for the Eagles. Harris signed back in November with South Alabama and Cox will continue his pitching career next season with Southeastern Louisiana University.

Former Lake standout Jason Judge will return for his sophomore season and will be looked at for big innings along with Eric Callender. Callender is a transfer from Southeastern Louisiana and has already signed with Ole Miss. Other notable pitchers for the Eagles include Jordan Faulkner, Blake Hennington of Enterprise, Chase Jordan and Dalton Kulas.

"It should be an exciting season and we are looking forward to the first game and hopefully we will be sitting in Grand Junction in May playing for a national championship," Rose said. "We just need to stay healthy and keep our focus all of our goals."

MCC will open the 2009 season Wednesday on the road against Jones County Junior College in a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. MCC will play its first game at Scaggs Field as a part of the annual Rush Tournament on Feb. 13.

MCC Eagles schedule
Feb. 4 at Jones County
Feb. 6 vs. Alabama Southern*
Feb. 7 vs. Northwest Florida*
Feb. 8 vs. Shelton State*
Feb. 10 at Alabama Southern
Feb. 13 Southeastern Illinois
Feb. 13 Wabash
Feb. 14 Southeastern Illinois
Feb. 15 Southeastern Illinois
Feb. 15 Wabash
Feb. 17 Alabama Southern
Feb. 20 Kaskaskia
Feb. 22 Kaskaskia
Feb. 27 vs. Angelina at Bossier
Feb. 27 at Bossier-Parish
Feb. 28 vs. NE Okla. at Bossier
Feb. 28 vs. Weatherford at Bossier
Mar. 6 Northwest Florida
Mar. 7 Northwest Florida
Mar. 11 Kishwaukee
Mar. 17 Northwest Shoals
Mar. 21 at Baton Rouge
Mar. 22 at Baton Rouge
Mar. 26 at L.B. Wallace
Mar. 28 at Delgado
Mar. 29 at Delgado
Mar. 31 at Shelton State
Apr. 7 Shelton State
Apr. 11 Baton Rouge
Apr. 12 Baton Rouge
Apr. 14 at Northwest Shoals
Apr. 15 at Wallace-Hanceville
Apr. 18 Delgado
Apr. 19 Delgado

*at Fort Walton, Fla.

MCC launches Dugout Club to build support

The Meridian Star

(MERIDIAN) - The two words that best describe the Meridian Community College baseball program are tradition and success.

Coach Chris Rose is hoping to build upon that success with more championships and more support for his program.

Rose is hoping to bring new attention to his baseball program with the newly-formed MCC Baseball Dugout Club. The Dugout Club will be entering its first season at the school, and of course Rose has hopes for the group to be as successful as the team itself.

"When many of our alumni first heard that were going back to Division One, I had so many people contact me that were excited about the move," Rose said. "I wanted to bring about new support for our program and give everyone an opportunity to be involved."

The main goal for the Dugout Club at Meridian Community College will be to maintain Scaggs Field. The baseball field at MCC is one of the premier fields in the southeast, and all of the funds that are raised through the Dugout Club will go to maintaining Scaggs Field.

"We have such a beautiful facility here at MCC and it is such a great tool for us," Rose said. "We want the Dugout Club to help bring several improvements to our baseball field that we have not been able to do in the past."

One-hundred percent of the funds raised by the Dugout Club will go to the field which has hosted several Region 23 baseball Tournaments in the past along with State Games of Mississippi. Alumni and fans can join the club immediately and Rose has been pleased with the response.

"We have had so many people to step to the plate so far and that is phenomenal," he said. "The support has always been good for our baseball program and we want our community to continue that with this club."

There are several different membership categories for people to get involved in the Dugout Club and membership privileges include a family season pass for all baseball games at Scaggs Field, a Dugout Club t-shirt, a green and white raffle ticket and monthly e-mail updates on the Eagles.

All members of the Dugout Club will also have their name placed on a sign at the entrance of Scaggs Field to symbolize their support for MCC baseball.

"We hope that we can get everyone involved in this new venture. I want to thank all of our fans, former players, and everyone that has come forward to show their support so far for this club."

Some of the new improvements that are sought for Scaggs Field include: A new net backstop, a resurface of the warning track and a new sprinkler system for the field.

You can contact Rose for more info about the Dugout Club through the MCC baseball office at 601-484-8670.

More details about the Dugout Club and membership information can also be obtained through the MCC baseball Web site at www.meridiancc.edu/baseball.