Meridian’s women basketball players are invited to put their skills on display Saturday as The Mississippi Queens come to town looking to fill spots in their roster.

A new semi-professional women’s basketball team out of Gulfport, The Mississippi Queens are traveling the state in search of the best talent the Magnolia State has to offer. With Meridian’s history of producing quality athletes, the team has high expectations of finding news Queens in the Queen City.

 

Team Owner Tyre Brown said there are 12 spots in The Mississippi Queens’ roster, and only the best will do.

 

“We want a quality team,” she said. “And so that’s our goal, is to take our time. We’re not in a hurry or rush to get the quality players that we’re looking for.”

 

Meridian is the third stop on the Queens’ tryout circuit, Brown said, with previous events held in Gulfport and Jackson. An additional stop is also planned for the Brookhaven area in the near future, and other tryouts may be held if needed, she said.

 

While the team may be young, it is not short on talent as two-time WNBA Hall of Fame player Ruthie Bolton has joined on to help with player development and brand ambassadorship, Brown said. Bolton, a native of Lucedale, Mississippi, played for Auburn from 1985 to 1989 and played in overseas leagues before being drafted into the WNBA in 1997. She was a member of the U.S. national team at both the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games and in the 1991 World University Games, as well as the 1994 and 1998 FIBA World Championship for Women.

 

“Just to be able to have her is part of our staff is absolutely phenomenal,” Brown said.

 

Saturday’s tryout will be held at Meridian Community College beginning at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Brown said all players who believe their skills are up par are encouraged to come out and take part in the event. Tryouts are open to athletes ages 18 and up.

 

“We want to encourage the public, if you think you have what it takes, if you ever wanted to be a part of something, come out,” she said. “But we are looking for fundamentally sound athletes.”

 

Athletes with eligibility left are also invited. Brown said, with the Queens well positioned to help players transition into collegiate or overseas leagues.

 

Those planning to participate in the tryouts will need to bring a photo ID and athletic gear such as high-top shoes, shirts and shorts. Participants will also need to sign a waiver liability prior to trying out.

 

We have not released as far as the league just yet what we’re playing in, but the league has been around. For over 10-11 years,” Brown said. “It’s a league that has teams all around the U.S. We’re just ecstatic, hopefully, to be the first team here in Mississippi to declare with this particular league.”