Kosciusko hosted a full day of jamboree basketball last Saturday with 14 games involving seven boys’ teams and seven girls’ teams. The Whippets and Lady Whippets each played twice.
The boys played Pelahatchie and South Pike, the girls Clinton and Holmes County Central. Each contest was two 10-minute halves with a running clock.
Boys
The Whippets were decidedly undermanned, with only five players, none with Kosciusko varsity experience.
“It was an eye-opening experience for them,” said Coach Eleazarus Greenleaf.
The rest of what will comprise the team is still playing football and could be for a while with the Whippets headed to the 4A playoffs.
The five who played in the jamboree are sophomore George Teague, freshman Jeremi Wilkes, sophomore Perry Lewis, senior Antravious Carpenter — a transfer from Murrah— and junior Kameron Baughn, who tried out for the team and made it.
“He just has to get used to the game,” Greenleaf said.
Kosciusko defeated Pelahatchie by one point, then lost to South Pike.
“We were overmatched. They had about 10 guys and they were running and gunning,” Greenleaf said.
Kosciusko was the regular season champion of Region 4-4A last year and reached the second round of the playoffs. But the top three scorers — JaQuan Hall, Antonio Harmon and Azikwe’ Mays — graduated last spring.
Greenleaf is counting on three players who saw extensive action a year ago – Davion Roby, Jeremy Whitcomb and Keonte Williams.
“I’m going to rely heavily on those three. They have playoff experience,” said the coach.
Others who figure to play an important role include Khameron Harvey, Deondre Riley and Vinnterious Hunt. Riley did not play last year but looked good in the summer program.
The season for boys and girls tips off November 2 at Choctaw County and region play begins after the New Year. Other 4-4A teams are Louisville, Northeast Lauderdale, Leake Central, Choctaw Central and West Lauderdale. Kosciusko will host the region tournament February 7-11.
“We’re kind of all in the mix together,” Greenleaf said. “I don’t think any team is dominant. It’s going to come down to execution.”
Girls
The Lady Whippets were defeated by Clinton 23-11 and Holmes County 19-18.
“We came out a little sluggish,” Coach Cory Guyton said of his squad.
Kosciusko failed to reach the playoffs a year ago but is fielding a veteran team with six seniors this year – Mariah Woods, Bracie Jamison, Aaliyah Amey, Jakayla Seawood, Ariel Fleming and Hannah Olive. Juniors Jamiya Gray and Naja Mays and sophomores Haley Olive and Kaniyah Riley also figure in Guyton’s plans.
He said defense will be the key for success.
“It’s going to start on defense,” he said.
The team to beat in 4-4A figures to be Choctaw Central, defending region champion and state runner-up.
Kosciusko 2021-22 Basketball Schedule
Nov. 2 Choctaw County Away
Nov. 6 Grenada Shootout
Nov. 9 J.Z. George Home
Nov. 11 Neshoba Central Away
Nov. 13 Grenada Home
Nov. 16 Greenwood Away
Nov. 18 Wingfield Away
Nov. 27 Columbus at West Lowndes
Nov. 30 Amanda Elzy Home
Dec. 3 McAdams Home
Dec. 4 Amanda Elzy Away
Dec. 7 J.Z. George Away
Dec. 14 Choctaw County Home
Dec. 17 Neshoba Central Home
Dec. 18 Hancock (boys) at Tupelo
Dec. 18 Gentry (girls) at Tupelo
Dec, 27-28 McAdams Christmas Tournament
Jan. 4 Choctaw Central* Home
Jan. 7 Louisville* Away
Jan. 11 Northeast Lauderdale*Home
Jan. 14 West Lauderdale* Away
Jan. 18 Leake Central* Home
Jan. 21 Choctaw Central* Away
Jan. 22 Booneville at Choctaw County
Jan. 25 Louisville* Home
Jan. 29 Northeast Lauderdale*Away
Feb. 1 West Lauderdale* Home (Senior Night)
Feb. 4 Leake Central* Away
Feb, 7-11 4-4-A Tournament Home
* – Region 4-4A
