JACKSON —
As silly-string rained down on the Neshoba Central players following their 2-1 series-clinching win against Wayne County to secure the Class 5A State Title, Rockets head coach Trae Embry could not help but think it was less of an ending and more of a beginning for the program.
The Rockets will only lose two seniors from this years team, as Embry is already thinking about turning Neshoba Central into a yearly powerhouse in the state.
“We hope we are back next year,” Embry said. “You never know with injuries or anything else, but we are a young team and we will certainly have the opportunity.”
In his first season as head coach for the Rockets, Embry has installed a new sense of work ethic to the team.
“These kids have really worked their tails off,” Embry said. “This year, only one varsity player has missed a practice since July. That really says a lot about them and how dedicated they are to getting better.”
After pitcher Mallory Tucker went down with an injury earlier in the season, the Rockets were in a bind, needing someone to step up and fill the hole.
Meshay Jimmie was that girl, as the former outfielder stepped into the circle to lead the Rockets.
“One thing we talked about when I got hired was we were going to play as a team,” Embry said. “That means playing were the team needs you. We were really unselfish this year, and we did what we needed to do.”
With a championship already under their belt, the Rockets now know what it takes to win. “The players were hungry for success this season,” Embry said. “After today, I think they have really seen that hard work really does pay off.”
Sports
Rockets work hard to build dynasty
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Roy shows big-league talent in win
Every youth leaguer dreams of being a Major League Baseball player. In Tuesday's Cardinals-Mets game, 8-year-old Trace Roy swung the bat and flashed some leather that looked like a glimpse into the future.
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Cougars fall in Game 1
A sixth inning rally by Lewisburg handed the Newton County Cougars their first lost of the postseason, 2-0, in Game 1 of the Class 4A baseball championship at Trustmark Park.
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Bulldogs win again, beat S. Carolina in SEC Tournament
Demarcus Henderson and Wes Rea both had RBI singles in the ninth inning to lift Mississippi State to a 5-3 win over South Carolina Wednesday night in the second round of the Southeastern Conference tournament.
The Bulldogs (42-16) loaded the bases with one out before Henderson and Rea drove in runs on consecutive at-bats for the second time in the game.
Mississippi State had beaten Missouri 2-1 in 17 innings Tuesday night, matching the longest game in SEC tournament history.
Reliever Myles Gentry (4-0) limited the Gamecocks (39-17) to a one-out single in the bottom of the ninth.
Gentry pitched 5-2/3 scoreless innings, allowing three hits while striking out eight.
Rea was 3 for 4 while Henderson drove in three runs.
Mississippi State led 3-0 before South Carolina tied it up in the fourth.
Max Schrock drew a bases loaded walk and Brison Celek followed with a two-run single. -
Hogs top Ole Miss in SEC Tournament
For the second time this season the Rebels played an extra-inning affair with the Razorbacks, but with a different outcome as No. 21 Ole Miss (37-21) fell to No. 15 Arkansas (36-19) 2-1 in 10 innings on Wednesday.
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Fundamentals leading Newton County to Jackson
In 2006, Newton County baseball won the 3A state title. Since then, they've moved up a class but haven't had much luck – until now.
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Roy takes over as football head coach at Clarkdale
After nine years serving as an assistant on the Clarkdale football coaching staff, Wes Roy proudly considers himself a Bulldog. The coach has not only grown to love the team and its players, but also the Clarkdale community itself.
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Bennett stays on as softball coach at Clarkdale
In one season as the interim coach for the Clarkdale softball team, Britt Bennett has gone through what most coaches go through in a career. Over the past year, Clarkdale has dealt with the death of two students, a coaching scandal and the departure of two star players.
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Titles nothing new for Newton County
Newton County captured its seventh fast-pitch state championship, outscoring defending champion Houston 26-3 in two games. The Cougars took home the title despite not having a single senior on their roster –– still, few were surprised.
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Embry completes 5A title sweep
In his first year coaching the Neshoba Central softball team, Trae Embry won two state titles but wouldn't take all the credit.
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Morgan takes runner-up at Nationals
Meridian Community College golfer, TJ Morgan, from Bruce, MS, tied for the
individual medalist at the NJCAA D1 National Championship held in Lubbock, TX, but lost on the first hole of a playoff. TJ shot 7 under for the tournament with a 76 on the first day followed by 68, 67 and a last round 70. Aksel Olsen from Wallace State Community College won the playoff. TJ was named First Team All-American for his high finish. - More Sports Headlines
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