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The most surprising teams at mid season:
Meridian - 13-4: A coaching change, players quitting, and 3 new starters all spelled slow start. But this team put the only L in Lanier's record in THEIR house, and defeated Provine and perennial powerhouse, Piney Woods, this year. Two of their four losses were to fourth-ranked Forest Hill and top-ranked Starkville High. This team brings it EVERY game!
Clinton - 14-5: Despite losing 3 out of their last 4, some thought this would be a rebuilding year for the Arrows. No true "superstar"; another team who put 5 players out there busting their tails! Their offense is somewhat methodical, but hey, it's successful. They defeated Forest Hill, Meridian, and the much hyped Callaway Chargers (twice), while losing to top ten teams Wingfield and Starkville. At one point they won 7 straight this season.
Ridgeland - 15-3: Yeah, they played a weak schedule, but they defeated Vicksburg at Vicksburg, who was ranked 9th in the State. They also had a 14 point lead on Lanier High in the 4th qtr, only to lose in OT. They have a good starting five with an explosive 6th man, fab frosh Le'Antwan Luckett. Come on, Coach Davidson, have some faith in your players and get a tougher pre-conference schedule.
The most disappointing teams at mid season:
Callaway - 10-6: Arguably one of the most talented teams in the state of MS, they have lost games due to inexperience, or whatever you want to call it. Yes, Callaway is starting two freshman, two sophomores, and a junior. But the hype given to the two freshmen, LaQuinton Ross and Deville Smith, this past summer and the obvious talent of junior pg Julysses Noble spares no excuse for this season. I have witnessed their "efforts" on three occasions so far this season, and they are playing way below their talent level.
Canton - 9-7: They have only one returning starter from last year, swingman JaVaria Blackmon. They have had at least 6 different starting lineups due to discipline, injuries, etc., and they have started three sophomores for most of the season. No excuse. I base my ratings on talent, coaching, and effort against opponents. Canton has a junior, Ken Gillum, who started as a freshman; JaVaria, who is a three year starter, and one of the most underrated big men in the state in sophomore DeMarcus Lewis. No way should they have lost 7 games by midseason. They are not playing to their capabilities and at this rate will be an early exit come playoff time.
Madison Central - 7-11: No, not the convenience store, that's their record! Two years removed from a state championship, this team is playing horrible. Their schedule is not that tough, the players all have experience, and the talent is there. Forward Jeremy Adams and Center Sylvester Collins are D1 caliber players and guard Reggie Welch is a good spot-up shooter. Their style of play is boring, and the players do not look motivated. This is from my own eyes, not someone else' opinion. Coach, truthfully, your players look awfully good during the summertime, what's wrong with them in the winter?
Meridian - 13-4: A coaching change, players quitting, and 3 new starters all spelled slow start. But this team put the only L in Lanier's record in THEIR house, and defeated Provine and perennial powerhouse, Piney Woods, this year. Two of their four losses were to fourth-ranked Forest Hill and top-ranked Starkville High. This team brings it EVERY game!
Clinton - 14-5: Despite losing 3 out of their last 4, some thought this would be a rebuilding year for the Arrows. No true "superstar"; another team who put 5 players out there busting their tails! Their offense is somewhat methodical, but hey, it's successful. They defeated Forest Hill, Meridian, and the much hyped Callaway Chargers (twice), while losing to top ten teams Wingfield and Starkville. At one point they won 7 straight this season.
Ridgeland - 15-3: Yeah, they played a weak schedule, but they defeated Vicksburg at Vicksburg, who was ranked 9th in the State. They also had a 14 point lead on Lanier High in the 4th qtr, only to lose in OT. They have a good starting five with an explosive 6th man, fab frosh Le'Antwan Luckett. Come on, Coach Davidson, have some faith in your players and get a tougher pre-conference schedule.
The most disappointing teams at mid season:
Callaway - 10-6: Arguably one of the most talented teams in the state of MS, they have lost games due to inexperience, or whatever you want to call it. Yes, Callaway is starting two freshman, two sophomores, and a junior. But the hype given to the two freshmen, LaQuinton Ross and Deville Smith, this past summer and the obvious talent of junior pg Julysses Noble spares no excuse for this season. I have witnessed their "efforts" on three occasions so far this season, and they are playing way below their talent level.
Canton - 9-7: They have only one returning starter from last year, swingman JaVaria Blackmon. They have had at least 6 different starting lineups due to discipline, injuries, etc., and they have started three sophomores for most of the season. No excuse. I base my ratings on talent, coaching, and effort against opponents. Canton has a junior, Ken Gillum, who started as a freshman; JaVaria, who is a three year starter, and one of the most underrated big men in the state in sophomore DeMarcus Lewis. No way should they have lost 7 games by midseason. They are not playing to their capabilities and at this rate will be an early exit come playoff time.
Madison Central - 7-11: No, not the convenience store, that's their record! Two years removed from a state championship, this team is playing horrible. Their schedule is not that tough, the players all have experience, and the talent is there. Forward Jeremy Adams and Center Sylvester Collins are D1 caliber players and guard Reggie Welch is a good spot-up shooter. Their style of play is boring, and the players do not look motivated. This is from my own eyes, not someone else' opinion. Coach, truthfully, your players look awfully good during the summertime, what's wrong with them in the winter?
The Good and The Bad