By Jamie Wachter / Sports Editor
The Meridian Star
MERIDIAN — There is no doubt in Northeast Lauderdale coach Frederick Liddell’s mind that Trojans’ star senior Norianna Haynes is a deserving All-Star.
In fact, when the Mississippi-Alabama All-Star Game is played March 19 in Pelham, Ala., he’s expecting her to shine.
“I think she’ll fit well,” Liddell said. “I think she belongs there. She’s a kid that has just as much talent as anyone that will be in there. Man, she’s just an awesome player, very athletic and she knows the game and can play it great.
“Actually, I think it will step her game up, it will show exactly what she has and just what she’s able to do. With other great players on the floor with you, it takes some of the pressure off and she’ll be able to relax.”
That confidence comes after watching Haynes lead the Trojans to consecutive MHSAA Class 4A state tournament appearances. It also has something to do with the stat-stuffing play of the 5-foot-10 standout.
In guiding Northeast to a 22-7 season, Haynes averaged 18.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, 5 assists and 4.6 steals. Needless to say, if the Trojans needed it, Haynes provided it. That ability isn’t something Liddell thinks will disappear on a roster full of stars.
“And, in an All-Star game like this where they’re able to run and get up-and-down the floor, I think it’ll be great for her,” he said. “She’ll be able to show her athleticism and how she can run the floor, and she can people off the dribble and get to the basket. This should open the door for her and let her show her talent.”
Haynes, though, was very humble after hearing the news.
“I’m just glad to get the opportunity,” she said.
Count Liddell in that corner, too.
“I think it’s great for the program, great for the kids,” he added. “It brings something to the program, it lets you know that the things you preach — fundamentals and hard work — pay off. It’s great for the program.”
Haynes, who has yet to sign to continue her career in college, has attracted attention from schools ranging from Ole Miss and Mississippi State to Louisiana-Lafayette and Birmingham Southern. She also has the attention of Meridian Community College and East Mississippi Community College.
With her latest honor, she has one more chance to impress the scouts.
Other All-Star accolades
Haynes wasn’t the only local standout, honored with an All-Star selection by the Mississippi Association of Coaches. Quitman girls coach Mike Coleman will help coach Haynes in the Mississippi/Alabama All-Star Game, while Liddell and Meridian’s Patricia Wilson will head the South in the Mississippi North/South All-Star Games, slated for July 10 at Mississippi College.
In that game, which is for rising seniors, Meridian’s Aquashia Anderson, Newton’s Tramekia Walker and Wayne County’s Brianna Lancaster will play for the South.
On the boys side, Meridian’s Rodney Hood, Newton County’s Hakeem Wesley and Northeast’s A.J. Wade were selected for the North/South All-Star game.
