The Mississippi High School Activities Association Executive Committee has given schools the green light to begin some athletic activities June 1.
According to an announcement posted on the MHSAA website, school athletics and fine arts activities can begin summer practices, workouts, skill development, weightlifting, conditioning and rehearsals June 1, pending Gov. Tate Reeves’ decision on a date to reopen Mississippi school facilities. Coaches and activity directors must confirm with their schools or district administrators that a specific school facility is open and available for use.
Competition in athletics and activities between MHSAA member or with non-member schools remain canceled until school resumes in the fall. All activities will be conducted on a voluntary basis by students.
Travel to summer programs or camps will not be allowed. On-campus summer programs must adhere to national, state and local COVID-19 health recommendations.
— Laurence Hilliard
DESOTO’S JORDON HONORED
Desoto Central baseball standout Blaze Jordan was named the Mississippi High School Baseball Gatorade Player of the Year. Jordan is a Mississippi State baseball signee and also is considered a possible high draft choice in the Major League Baseball draft in two weeks.
— Dale McKee
MSU’S GILLIAM HONORED
After posting one of the strongest campaigns in Mississippi State women's golf history, freshman Ashley Gilliam was named First Team All-SEC and earned a spot on the All-Freshman Team, as announced by the league office on Thursday.
"Ashley, what an incredible season for her," said head coach Ginger Brown-Lemm. "Best season on record at Mississippi State for any player ever. She grew and expanded her commitment to training in all the areas we have elite performance coaches available. The result is a far more prepared, mature and physically ready-to-compete athlete. Hard work on a student-athlete's part pays huge dividends for them now, here at Mississippi State University and in their future endeavors."
In addition to these honors, Gilliam has also been named an All-American by Golfweek and the WGCA. She is the first Bulldog to earn first team honors since Solheim Cup selection and former All-American Ally McDonald received the recognition in 2015 and is just the sixth Mississippi State player to earn the status overall. Gilliam joined McDonald and Jessica Peng as the only players to be named to the All-Freshman Team.
— Shelby Spurlock
JZG HIRES TWO COACHES
J.Z. George High School athletic director Nathan Moncrief has filled two openings on his athletic staff with the hirings of James “Rusty” Smith and Michael “Slick” Hargett.
Smith and Hargett both come to North Carrollton from Charleston High School.
Smith will be the head football coach, replacing Ben Burton, who resigned in mid-April to join the staff at Winona High School. Burton led the Jaguar program for six years, compiling a 25-47 overall record as head coach.
Smith is a Charleston native, graduating from the high school in 2004. He then attended Northwest Mississippi Community College and earned a bachelor’s degree in biology education from Delta State University in 2010. He is currently working on his master’s degree in education leadership from Arkansas State University.
— Calvin Stevens
KOSY PHYSICALS
Any student athletes who have not had physicals or have expired physicals can get a free one through Friday at the Kosciusko Medical Clinic from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. An appointment is required.
Please call 662-289-1800 to schedule an appointment. A parent/guardian must be with the student at the appointment.
Please check with the coach of your sport to see if you will need a physical.
— Submitted
