Mississippi

Countdown to Change in Women’s College Basketball: One Mississippi …

Published

1 year ago

March 20, 2023

Countdown to Change in Women’s College Basketball: One Mississippi …

PALO ALTO, Calif. — Wait, maintain on a minute. Upsets like this aren’t presupposed to occur, particularly throughout the N.C.A.A. basketball event on the ladies’s facet.

On Sunday night time, on its packed dwelling court docket, a No. 1-seeded Stanford group fronted by a pair of all-People performed as if it had been struggling to study the fundamentals — layups and clever passing, to call two.

Mississippi, an eighth-seeded group laden with transfers, swarmed the court docket in waves, hitting nearly each essential shot and seeming to place a physique (or three or 4) on each Cardinal trying a shot close to the basket.

Mississippi by no means trailed. When Stanford, in the end, tied the rating within the remaining two minutes, Mississippi’s response was to clamp down even more durable on protection, forcing the Cardinal into turnovers. Remaining rating: Mississippi on high, 54-49.

What a sport. What a second for ladies’s basketball, the place a increase in gifted gamers and groups, together with elementary modifications in faculty sports activities, is including contemporary layers of aggressive parity.

When it was over, I watched the whole Mississippi group and its effervescent coach dance on the court docket and take photographs whereas standing on the Cardinal emblem lengthy after many of the dwelling group’s followers had left Maples Pavilion.

Stanford’s gamers had been left teary-eyed and surprised. “I feel I’m in shock,” mentioned guard Haley Jones, a third-team all-American. She and her teammate Cameron Brink, a second-team all-American this yr, had been N.C.A.A. champions in 2021.

However the shock didn’t preserve Jones from taking a wider view. This sport, she acknowledged in a information convention, had a deeper that means than most upsets.

“We hate to be those for it to occur to,” she mentioned. “But it surely says quite a bit about girls’s basketball to have an eighth seed like Ole Miss, as gifted as they’re.

“It’s positively development for the ladies’s sport.”

To say that such a loss is uncommon is to undersell it, particularly in girls’s basketball, the place expertise has usually been concentrated on the high and the shortage of depth within the sport has typically been uncovered in March.

Solely 4 high seeds had didn’t make it to the spherical of 16 within the girls’s event since 1994, when it expanded to 64 groups.

In contrast, 20 high seeds had didn’t make it to the ultimate 16 within the males’s event throughout that timeframe. The newest victims suffered the indignity of defeat simply final week: Kansas, which fell to Arkansas, and top-seeded Purdue, which absorbed one of many greatest losses in N.C.A.A. historical past when it succumbed to Sixteenth-seeded Fairleigh Dickinson, an end result that was on no person’s bracket.

Once I requested Mississippi Coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin concerning the that means of her group’s win for ladies’s basketball, she talked concerning the rising expertise pool.

“That’s what I used to be telling my group,” mentioned McPhee-McCuin, 40, who is likely one of the few Black girls main a group on this event and who’s beloved by her gamers for her nonstop power.

McPhee-McCuin, who is understood by her gamers as Coach Yo, mentioned she had been certain to focus her squad on Fairleigh Dickinson’s win over Purdue within the males’s event. “We’ve received to normalize that for the ladies’s sport,” she mentioned, noting that, in her view, girls are too typically conditioned to rein of their self-belief, which might make slaying favored opponents that rather more troublesome.

Coach Yo has no scarcity of confidence. She rotated a Mississippi group that in 2020 went winless within the Southeastern Convention, and made it clear on this journey that she represents change in girls’s basketball.

She introduced with out hesitation that she is a part of a brand new breed of younger, hungry newcomers who’ve deep respect for legendary friends like Stanford Coach Tara VanDerveer but in addition plan to shake up the established order. “I’m the way forward for girls’s basketball,” she mentioned boldly after her group trounced a tricky Gonzaga group by 23 factors on Friday.

The long run can be far totally different. The ladies’s sport is altering in seismic methods.

Extra information media consideration. Extra buzz within the stadiums. Extra capability crowds.

A half-century after Title IX, the landmark laws that led to better alternative for ladies and women in highschool and faculty sports activities, a number of generations of feminine gamers have performed the sport at a excessive stage, making a steadily enhancing stream of expertise.

Extra not too long ago, modifications in endorsement guidelines permitting gamers to revenue from their abilities have boosted the sport. Mississippi is likely one of the girls’s groups benefiting from a collective that pays a stipend to every participant.

Ten years in the past, it was unusual for gamers to switch. Now the foundations have modified, and motion is the brand new norm. Coach Yo is understood to say that she goes to the switch portal as if she had been buying on the grocery retailer.

Over the past two seasons, she has introduced in eight gamers from different colleges. On Sunday night time in opposition to the Cardinal, many performed vital roles, none greater than Myah Taylor, a glowing level guard who as soon as starred at rival Mississippi State and scored solely 3 factors however who led her group as if she had been conducting a symphony.

Can Ole Miss repeat this type of efficiency subsequent weekend?

Can different underdog groups duplicate it in future N.C.A.A. tournaments?

Allow us to hope.

A part of what makes the N.C.A.A. event so nice is the mixture of early-round upsets and last-gasp finishes, with upstarts knocking the wind out of higher-ranked groups.

These sorts of video games have been widespread in males’s tournaments. Assume Thirteenth-seeded Valparaiso, a faculty a lot of America has not heard of, knocking out … ahem, Mississippi, a No. 4 seed, on Bryce Drew’s last-gasp heave within the first spherical of the 1998 event.

Hopefully, the Mississippi girls’s squad marching into Stanford, undaunted and undeterred on the best way to victory, is an indication of issues to come back.

However who is aware of. Predicting the longer term in sports activities is usually a idiot’s errand, so after watching Sunday’s thrilling sport from courtside, I’ll simply say this:

Extra, please!

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Mississippi

Possible overdose at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility, according to officials

Published

1 hour ago

September 6, 2024

Press Room

Possible overdose at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility, according to officials

RANKIN Co., Miss. (WLBT) – The Rankin County Sheriff’s Department reports that they have been called to the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility for an alleged overdose.

The Rankin County Coronor, David Ruth, confirmed to WLBT staff that he was called to the scene to recover a body. He said he was unable to comment on the cause or manner of death until he performs an autopsy.

The Department of Health also says they have been called by the facility for a hazmat situation.

More law enforcement vehicles were seen by WLBT crews entering the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility as authorities continue to investigate a death at the prison.

Details are currently limited. WLBT has reached out to the Mississippi Department of Corrections for a statement on the situation but have yet to hear back.

WLBT 3 on your side will update with information as it is made available.

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See a spelling or grammar error in our story? Please click here to report it and include the headline of the story in your email.

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Mississippi State Football Depth Chart for ASU: Kelly Akharaiyi Status Uncertain

Published

8 hours ago

September 5, 2024

Press Room

Mississippi State Football Depth Chart for ASU: Kelly Akharaiyi Status Uncertain

STARKVILLE – Mississippi State debuted 41 new players against Eastern Kentucky, including 23 transfers. But one of the biggest transfer portal additions wasn’t on the field and may not be again this week.

Senior receiver Kelly Akharaiyi was left off Mississippi State’s depth chart that was released and coach Jeff Lebby didn’t provide much clarity on the situation either.

“He’s getting closer and closer,” Lebby said at Tuesday morning press conference. “We need to be patient with him. We hope he has a good week and can create some confidence for himself more than anything. But I’m not ready to say he’s going to be available.”

Akharaiyi was one of the transfers most were looking forward to seeing in Lebby’s fast-paced, passing offense. But he was held out of season-opener for what was thought to be a minor injury. However, his uncertain status might be a sign of a more serious injury?

Or is Lebby playing a game of cat-and-mouse with Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham? We’ll found out soon enough.

Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Blake Shapen looks to pass against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. / Matt Bush-Imagn Images

QB1 – 2 Blake Shapen, 6-1, 210 lbs., Sr.
QB2 – 16 Chris Parson, 6-1, 215 lbs., Rs Fr.
or – 0 Michael Van Buren Jr., 6-1, 200 lbs., Fr.

Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Davon Booth (21) runs the ball against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. / Matt Bush-Imagn Images

RB1 – 24 Keyvone Lee, 6-0, 225 lbs., Sr.
-or- 21 Davon Booth, 5-10, 205 lbs., Sr.
RB2 – 20 Johnnie Daniels, 5-10, 200 lbs., Jr.

Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Jordan Mosley runs the ball while defended by Eastern Kentucky Colonels defensive back Sam Robertson during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. / Matt Bush-Imagn Images

SLWR1 – 3 Kevin Coleman, 5-11, 180 lbs., Jr.
SLWR2 – 8 Creed Whittemore, 5-11, 185 lbs., So.
SLWR 3 – 80 Kade Kolka, 5-11, 190 lbs., Sr.

WR1 – 6 Jordan Mosley, 6-0, 195 lbs., Jr.
WR2 – 5 Stonka Burnside, 6-0, 200 lbs., Fr.
WR3 – 13 Sanfrisco Magee, 6-2, 200 lbs., Fr.

WR1 – 14 Trent Hudson 6-3 180 Jr.
WR2 – 7 Mario Craver 5-10 170 Fr.
WR3 – 11 Jaden Walley 6-0 190 Sr.

TE1 – 18 Seydou Traore, 6-4, 235 lbs., R-Jr.
– or – 84 Justin Ball, 6-6, 250 lbs., Sr.
TE2 – 86 Nick Lauderdale, 6-3, 225 lbs., Sr.
or – 10 Cameron Ball, 6-6, 250 lbs., So.

LT1 – 66 Makylan Pounders, 6-5, 310 lbs., Jr.
LT2 – 51 Luke Work, 6-6, 305 lbs., Fr.
– or – 74 Jimothy Lewis Jr., 6-6, 310 lbs., Fr.

LG1 – 75 Jacoby Jackson, 6-6, 320 lbs., Jr.
LG2 – 53 Malik Ellis, 6-5, 285 lbs., So.

C1 – 67 Ethan Miner, 6-2, 305 lbs., Sr.
C2 – 72 Canon Boone, 6-4, 315 lbs., Jr.

RG1 – 77 Marlon Martinez, 6-5, 320 lbs., Sr.
RG2 – 52 Grant Jackson, 6-6, 325 lbs., Sr.

RT1 – 76 Albert Reese IV, 6-7, 330 lbs., Jr.
RT2 – 55 Leon Bell, 6-8, 325 lbs., R-Jr.
RT3 – 78 Amari Smith, 6-7, 325 lbs., R-Fr.

DT1 – 22 Kedrick Bingley-Jones, 6-4, 310 lbs., Jr.
– or – 23 Trevion Williams, 6-4, 295 lbs., R-Fr.
DT2 – 98 Ashun Shepphard, 6-3, 280 lbs., Jr.

DT1 – 35 Kalvin Dinkins, 6-2, 315 lbs., So.
– or – 8 Sulaiman Kpaka, 6-3, 300 lbs., Sr.
DT2 – 92 Eric Taylor, 6-4, 310 lbs., Jr.
– or – 90 Kai McClendon, 6-2, 305 lbs., Fr.

DE1 – 9 De’Monte Russell, 6-4, 285 lbs., Sr.
DE2 – 91 Deonte Anderson, 6-3, 270 lbs., Jr.
– or – 46 Joseph Head Jr., 6-4, 240 lbs., R-Fr.

Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive lineman Kedrick Bingley-Jones (22) reacts after a play against Eastern Kentucky.

Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive lineman Kedrick Bingley-Jones (22) reacts after a play against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. / Matt Bush-Imagn Images

JLB1 – 11 Ty Cooper, 6-4, 245 lbs., Jr.
– or – 44 Branden Jennings, 6-3, 240 lbs., Jr.
JLB2 – 36 Donterry Russell, 6-4, 225 lbs., So.

MLB1 – 7 Stone Blanton, 6-2, 230 lbs., Jr.
MLB2 – 26 JP Purvis, 6-1, 245 lbs., Sr.

DLB1 – 40 Nic Mitchell, 6-2, 230 lbs., Jr.
– or – 5 John Lewis, 6-3, 240 lbs., Jr.
DLB2 – 16 Zakari Tillman, 6-2, 225 lbs., So.

FS1 – 2 Isaac Smith, 6-0, 205 lbs., So.
FS2 – 12 Tyler Woodard, 6-2, 200 lbs., Jr.

SS1 – 21 Hunter Washington, 5-11, 190 lbs., Jr.
SS2 – 27 Chris Keys Jr., 6-0, 190 lbs., Jr.
– or – 17 Jordan Morant, 6-0, 210 lbs., Sr.

CB1 – 1 Kelley Jones, 6-4, 195 lbs., R-Fr.
– or – 6 Traveon Wright, 6-0, 180 lbs., R-Fr.
CB2 – 13 Raydarious Jones, 6-2, 180 lbs., Sr.
– or – 18 Khamauri Rogers, 6-0, 180 lbs., So.

CB1 – 14 Brice Pollock, 6-1, 190 lbs., So.
CB2 – 4 DeAgo Brumfield, 6-0, 190 lbs., Sr.

Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Kevin Coleman (3) runs the ball against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. / Matt Bush-Imagn Images

K1 – 80 Kyle Ferrie, 6-1, 205 lbs., So.
K2 – 82 Nick Barr-Mira, 6-0, 185 lbs., Sr.
K3 – 49 Marlon Hauck, 6-3, 195 lbs., So.

P1 – 82 Nick Barr-Mira, 6-0, 185 lbs., Sr.
P2 – 83 Zach Haynes, 6-1, 195 lbs., Sr.
P3 – 88 Ethan Pulliam, 6-1, 190 lbs., R-Fr.

KO1 – 49 Marlon Hauck, 6-3, 195 lbs., So.
KO2 – 82 Nick Barr-Mira, 6-0, 185 lbs., Sr.

PR1 – 3 Kevin Coleman, 5-11, 180 lbs., Jr.
PR2 – 8 Creed Whittemore, 5-11, 185 lbs., So.

KR1 – 21 Davon Booth, 5-10, 205 lbs., Sr.
– or – 20 Johnnie Daniels, 5-10, 200 lbs., Jr.
– or – 3 Kevin Coleman, 5-11, 180 lbs., Jr.

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Mississippi

Arizona State eyes first win against an SEC opponent vs. Mississippi State

Published

15 hours ago

September 5, 2024

Press Room

Arizona State eyes first win against an SEC opponent vs. Mississippi State

Mississippi State at Arizona State, Saturday, 10:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)

BetMGM College Football Odds: Arizona State by 6 1/2.

Series record: First meeting.

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

Arizona State and Mississippi State both had dominant wins in the season-opening weekend and now have a tougher challenge when they face each other on Saturday night. The Sun Devils are trying to build off an impressive 48-7 win over Wyoming and prove they might be a factor in the Big 12 race. Arizona State has never beaten an SEC opponent. Mississippi State plays its second game under new coach Jeff Lebby. The Bulldogs beat Eastern Kentucky 56-7 in their season opener..

KEY MATCHUP

Mississippi State QB Blake Shapen vs. the Arizona State defense. The Sun Devils scored a touchdown on the second play of their opener when Zyrus Fiaseu picked off a pass and returned it to the end zone. It was one of two interceptions on the day for Arizona State. Shapen had a great debut against Eastern Kentucky but will face a much tougher defense on Saturday.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Mississippi State: Shapen had a terrific first game with the Bulldogs, throwing for 247 yards and three touchdowns while also running for 44 yards and a TD against Eastern Kentucky. The 6-foot-1 senior played the previous three college seasons at Baylor with mixed success. Shapen has thrown a TD pass in 12 consecutive games dating to this time at Baylor in 2022.

Arizona State: RB Cam Skattebo led a balanced rushing attack against Wyoming, gaining 49 yards and scoring a touchdown. Skattebo was a do-it-all player for Arizona State last year, spending time at quarterback, running back and receiver. The Sun Devils might not need him to be as versatile this season, but he’s still a threat from just about anywhere on the field.

FACTS & FIGURES

Mississippi State had six different players score touchdowns against Eastern Kentucky. … The Bulldogs’ 93.7 passing grade in the opener was the second-best mark in all of the FBS, trailing only Purdue, according to Pro Football Focus. … Mississippi State’s Kevin Coleman Jr. returned five punts for 117 yards last week. … Arizona State was credited with just two missed tackles on defense in the opener, tied for the third-lowest tally among FBS schools. … Skattebo is 270 rushing yards away from reaching 3,000 in his career. He is 342 all-purpose yards away from reaching 4,000 and 202 receiving yards away from reaching 1,000.

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