|
|
BA is hosting the MPSA Class AA State Tournament next week in refurbished John R. Gray Gymnasium. The home team has got to be there.
Not to worry. Both BA teams are among the best in the Mississippi Private School Association. They have talent and depth. Most importantly, they have outstanding coaches who have won their share of state championships.
Watts is directing the Cougars in their quest for a fifth consecutive state championship. They don't have a lock on the coveted title but they certainly are favored. However, Watts will tell you the first order of business is beating River Oaks tonight.
"River Oaks has a really nice team with some good athletes," said Watts. "They will be a good test for us tonight. They are a well-coached team, too."
A win by the BA teams will place them in Friday's semifinals. That means win or lose Friday, they will play Saturday, either in the consolation or championship games. It also means they will be in next week's state tournament.
Brookhaven Academy is known across the state for its hospitality during state tournament week. The Hospitality Lounge is second to none. The gym provides seating for approximately 1,300 fans. It's a great basketball atmosphere. Call it Cougarific!
Still on basketball, Thursday is a big night for the public or Mississippi High School Activities Association teams. On the local scene, division tournament semifinals are on tap at Enterprise (6-2A) and West Lincoln (8-1A). Amite County at Liberty is hosting 7-3A semifinals tonight
Meanwhile, the Brookhaven Panthers are going strong in the Division 6-4A Tournament at Jackson Forest Hill. The Panthers (12-13), coached by Ronald Hines, tackle No. 1 seed Forest Hill tonight at 8:30 in the semifinals.
The Panthers, seeded No. 5, reached the semis by knocking off No. 4 seed Florence 72-60 Tuesday. BHS will play again Friday in either the consolation or championship games. They'll also play next Tuesday in the opening round of the South Mississippi playoffs.
Speaking of playoffs, West Lincoln's boys and Bogue Chitto's girls have been designated as host teams for the South Mississippi quarterfinals and finals, Feb. 19-21. It's important for the Bears and Lady 'Cats to win their opening round games so they'll be present next Thursday on their home floors.
Unfortunately, home teams often lose on Thursday. That equals depleted attendance for the semifinals and finals, not to mention greatly reduced ticket sales.
Speaking of tickets, the All-American Football Foundation's 99th Banquet of Champions is scheduled Monday Feb. 16, at the Jackson Hilton. Tickets are $125 each.
The reception starts at 6 p.m. and dinner is 6:45. Brookhaven native Jimmie McDowell serves as the AAFF Executive Director.
This banquet's theme is The Field Generals of the Glory Years, 1947-63 at Ole Miss. Rebel quarterbacks like Charlie Conerly, Farleyu Salmon, Jimmy Lear, Eagle Day, Raymond Brown, Bobby Franklin, Jake Gibbs, Doug Elmore and Glynn Griffing will be honored.
Brookhaven Academy coach Herbert Davis will be among four high school coaches receiving the President Gerald R. Ford All-American High School Coach Award. Other honorees are Larry Weems of Meridian, Lance Pogue of South Panola and Bobby Hall of Madison Central.
Another award, one of many to be presented, is the Eagle Day-Bill Wade Unsung Hero Award. It will got to Herbert Ray Nobles of Mississippi Southern and Paul Dogieux and Bob (Red) Owens of Ole Miss.
Tickets to the event can be obtained by contacting McDowell at 601-206-8877. The Foundation is a tax exempt, non-profit organization that also awards 11 Colonel Red Blaik Leadership Scholarships to outstanding seniors each year.
Past Blaik honorees include Payton and Eli Manning, Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush.,
Write to sports editor Tom Goetz, c/o The DAILY LEADER, P.O. BOX 551, Brookhaven, MS 39602 or e-mail sports@dailyleader.com
