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Officially the "unofficial" MCC Athletic Blog; created for all Eagle fans- so that they can keep tabs of their favorite JuCo team.

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Wednesday

MCC soccer coach, Alex George, stays with program


Reversing one's field is a common maneuver in athletics, and Meridian Community College Soccer Coach Alex George has done just that, deciding to remain at MCC rather than returning to West Lauderdale. George had announced last month that he would be returning to the high school where he coached a state championship team, but after thinking about his decision over the past few weeks, he decided that remaining on the college level was his best career option.

"I have some excellent players coming back next year in both our men's and women's programs at MCC, and I felt like I made a commitment not only to those players, but also to the freshmen I'd recruited," George said.

"I'm very optismistic about about next season, and I decided that I wanted to be a part of it."

George, who started MCC's women's soccer program, said another major part of his decision had to do with long-term career goals.

"I have always considered myself a social sciences teacher first and a coach second," George said.

"I really enjoy teaching on the community college level, and one day down the road, I feel cartain that I'll transition into a full-time teaching position. But for right now, I've still got some goals yet to be reached with our soccer program. So, at MCC I'm enjoying the best of both worlds. I am very gratified over both my teaching and coaching roles."

George said he apologized for any inconvenience his change of course may cause WLHS officials, but that "ultimately my wife and I felt that this was the best decision for our family."

Dr. Scott Elliott, MCC president, said he was happy to rescind George's resignation.

"Alex is a quality individual," Dr. Elliott said.

"I was saddened to accept his resignation some weeks ago, and I'm happy to rescind it now. Our search for a new soccer coach officially ended today. Alex's decision to stay will obviously solidify our program because our returning sophomores will get to continue to play for their old coach, and our incoming freshmen will get ot play for the coach who recruited them. That's all for the best, in my view."

George has had some solid seasons as MCC coach. His 2003 men's team posted a 16-1-1 record. However, the Eagles and Lady Eagles are still looking for their first MACJC state championships.

"The MCJC is a tough league with a lot of parity," George said.

"It's difficult for any college to dominate, but I still believe that we can produce some special teams here at MCC over the years and win a state title. I was part of a state championship program at West Lauderdale, and I would love to be a part of one at MCC, too."

Tuesday

MCC Golf Team Earns Awards: Eaves/Petit named PING All Americans, Covich named MACJC Coach of the Year


(MERIDIAN, Miss.)– Following a record setting season, members of the Meridian Community College golf team continue to earn awards. The Eagle golf team set a school record for most wins in a season (9) on their way to a third place finish in the NJCAA Div. II men’s golf national championship played last week.

The Golf Coaches Association of American (GCAA) has announced its NJCAA Division II PING All-America Teams and MCC sophomores Justin Eaves and Dustin Petit have been named to the first and second team. Both Eaves and Petit earned NJCAA All-American honors last week at the national championship, but this is the first time that any MCC golfer has been named to the PING All-America team.

“As a member of the Golf Coaches Association of America, members of my team were eligible for this particular award,” said MCC golf coach Sean Covich.

“This is the first year that PING has honored junior college golfers with this award so we hope to have many more PING All Americans here at MCC.”

MCC sophomore, Dustin Petit, a native of Luling, La., shot four consecutive under-par rounds at the national championship (71-68-70-71) and claimed runner-up medalist with his 8-under par performance. Petit was named to the NJCAA national championship all –tournament team for the second consecutive year and was named first team NJCAA All-American. In addition to those awards, the GCAA has named Petit first team PING All-American.

MCC sophomore, Justin Eaves, a native of Louisville, Miss., shot 13 rounds of even-par or better this season including three at last weeks’ national championship (71-69-72) en route to his second consecutive top-ten individual finish at the national event. In 2006, Eaves finish t-10th with a 72-hole even-par 288 total and this year he finished t-7th with a four-day 2-under par total of 286. Eaves earned second team NJCAA All-American and NJCAA national championship All Tournament team honors for the second consecutive year. In addition to those awards, the GCAA has named Eaves second team PING All-American.

MCC head golf coach Sean Covich, who was named the 2007 NJCAA Region 23 Golf Coach of the Year back on April 17, has been named the 2007 Mississippi Association of Community/Junior Colleges Golf Coach of the Year, as well.

“This award or any award that I obtain goes straight to the guys on this team, the Meridian golfing community and the MCC family,” said Covich. “Without them, none of this would be possible.”

Under the direction of Covich, MCC claimed their third consecutive top-five finish in the NJCAA national championship. The Eagles also claimed a school record nine tournament victories and their third consecutive MACJC State/NJCAA Region title.

Monday

Character outweighs talent every time

By Fredie Carmichael / editor

I always find it interesting when people say golf is a boring sport, a sport that lacks excitement. Some of those same people don’t believe golf can be a team sport.

Those people obviously have never experienced the game — or watched the Ryder Cup.

On Friday, I watched some pretty intense moments as a golf spectator. I was in picturesque Scottsboro, Ala., watching five young men from Meridian Community College compete in the 2007 NJCAA National Championship Tournament at Goose Pond Colony.

I saw 18- and 19-year-old young men exhibit unmistakable courage, grit and character — all under extreme pressure.

Here’s how the drama unfolded in the shadows of the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains:

It all started with little technical glitch near the end of the tournament. In this age of PDAs (personal digital assistants), cell phones and text messaging, information is always at your fingertips in an instant. The problem: that information isn’t always accurate.

MCC was playing the final round in the final pairing, starting the day in third place out of 20 teams in the four-day tournament.

As MCC competed the final 9 holes, Sean Covich, one of my best friends who is in his first year as MCC’s golf coach, asked me to find out the score that Tyler (Texas) posted. Tyler entered the day in fourth place, a few shots behind MCC. Before I made the long walk, I decided to check the scores online. Clinton Hales, who played golf at MCC a few years after Sean and I did, used his cell phone to go to the course’s Web site and find the scores.

Tyler wasn’t a threat; they didn’t post a low round. But John A. Logan (Ill.), who began the day in fifth place, posted an even par total of 288, according to the course Web site. What that meant: MCC would have to finish no worse than 11 over par as a team to a secure third place finish. And in a tournament where the difference between first through fifth is so close, the competition is fierce.

MCC’s top four players finished the first 9 holes at 2-over par. But all four players had shaky starts to the back 9.

Still, MCC looked to be in great position to secure third place. We felt pretty good about our position.

Then came the surprise: the score originally posted on the Web site was wrong. John A. Logan had actually shot 3-under as a team, meaning instead of 11-over, MCC could do no worse than 8-over to stay in at least a tie for third.

A few text messages and quick math lessons later, we discovered that MCC was at 8-over par as a team. That meant the final three players on the course — Justine Eaves, Dustin Petit and Scottsboro, Ala. native Jarrod Lemaster — would have to finish the final two holes at a combined 1-under to take sole possession of third place.

Simple pars wouldn’t do it.

There was no room for error.

Everyone was on edge.

The final two holes provided two par 4s, a dogleg left and a dogleg right.

Lemaster was the first to play the two holes. He gutted out two pars, both after bad drives. He even calmed his nerves to nestle in a slippery, 5-foot par put on 18.

As Lemaster made par on 18, Eaves was making some major noise on 17.

Eaves, who became the second MCC golfer to finish as an All-American in back-to-back years (quite the accomplishment considering the quality of MCC’s golf program), used a long drive and a dead-on approach shot to give himself a 12-foot birdie put. He drained it with ease — an appropriate word considering his demeanor and last name.

Eaves then recovered from a bad tee shot near the trees on 18 to hit the green with his approach shot. The problem: he had a 40-foot putt, with a double break, that he had to two-putt in front of more than 100 spectators. He not only got it down in two, he nearly knocked it in for birdie.

It looked like he felt no pressure, like he was playing golf with his buddies on a Saturday afternoon.

Moments later, Petit — who had an outstanding tournament and finished second out of 131 of the nation’s top junior college golfers — split the fairway with his drive, hit a perfect approach shot and easily tapped in for par, giving MCC sole possession of third place.

The relief set in. Later, as I watched MCC’s players accept their trophies and certificates, it hit me: I was proud of this MCC team for more than their third place finish.

Talented, yes. But more importantly, they had character. They could have easily given up after the first day. That’s when Bryant Self had a stomach virus and couldn’t finish. The fact that he was able to get through that virus and finish the tournament the way he did was remarkable by itself. That same day, Joshua Ivy broke his driver.

They had even more bad luck that day when Lemaster shot an uncharacteristically bad round. They ended Day 1 in 10th place. They fought back every day after that to make up seven spots and finish third.

Ivy, a Quitman native, known for his strong integrity and grind-it-out golf game, provided the best example of the character of this team as he walked off the 16th green. Ivy, a freshman, is the kind of young man you can instantly tell was reared by quality, good ‘ole down-home country parents. He’s a “yes sir” and “no mam” with a southern drawl.

He completed three solid rounds in the 70s in the first three days — a steady performance that really helped MCC during the tournament.

But he struggled on Friday. And as he stood on the 17th tee, Covich walked up to Ivy and informed him that Bryant Self had posted a 78. That meant Ivy, who was already 7 over at the time, could relax because his score wouldn’t be needed.

Ivy let out a long exhale, then stepped up to the tee and hit a solid drive on 17. As the players made their way down the fairway, Ivy turned back around and headed towards a group of MCC supporters, which included former MCC Golf Coach Lou Hart.

“How is everyone else doing, OK?” Ivy asked with a serious voice.

“What about Dustin, is he still playing well?”

After he was updated on the scores, a wide grin emerged on Ivy’s face. “Yes, that’s awesome,” he said, then clutching his fist as he walked down the 17th fairway.

Even though he’d had a bad day knew his scored wouldn’t be needed, he was happy for one simple reason: his teammates did well, which is all that mattered for him. There was no pity party for him. He didn’t sulk or pout.

That character, more than anything else, is what I’ll remember about this MCC golf team. Nothing could have made me more proud of Sean Covich and his MCC Eagles.

Fredie Carmichael is editor of The Meridian Star. He also played golf for MCC between 1998-2000 and competed in the 2000 NJCAA National Tournament in College Station, Texas. E-mail him at editor@themeridianstar.com.

Thursday

Eagles continue to climb leaderboard at the NJCAA national championship


MCC’s Dustin Petit leads the national championship individual race

(SCOTTSBORO, Ala.) - The Meridian Community College golf team continued to climb the leaderboard at the 2007 NJCAA men’s golf national championship on Thursday with a team score of 2-over par, 290. Behind the play of sophomores Justin Eaves and Dustin Petit, the Eagles moved from fourth place into the top-three heading into Friday’s final round.

The Eagles are alone in third place with an 878 (302-286-290) three day total. Darton (GA) College, the two-time defending national champions, is atop the leaderboard with a 855 (283-288-284), while South Mountain (AZ) is in second place with a 857 (289-289-279).

MCC’s best finish in school history came in 1998 when the Eagles claimed national championship-runner up. Last season the Eagles finished third in the national championship.

“Today got off to a rough start,” said MCC golf coach Sean Covich.

“We were something like 10-over thru our first six holes as a team, but then came back to finish 2-over as a team. That was some outstanding play by everyone on the back nine.”

Individually, Dustin Petit leads all golfers with a 7-under par 209 (71-68-70). Petit, a member of the 2006 NJCAA national championship all tournament team, has a one stroke lead over first and second round leader Bill Jones, III of Darton (-6). Petit is the only player in the field of 131 golfers to shoot under-par in all three rounds.

Justin Eaves, a 2006 NJCAA All-American, shot a 3-under par 69 on day three. Eaves currently sits in sixth place with a three day total of 2-under par 214 (71-74-69).

Scottsboro, Ala. Native, Jarrod Lemaster backed up his second round 3-under par 69 with a solid 1-over par 73 in the third round. Lemaster has a three day total of 226 (84-69-73).

Joshua Ivy continued his steady play with a third round 78. Ivy, who was 6-over par after his first six holes, completed the 18-hole round at 6-over. Ivy has a three day total of 229 (76-75-78).

Bryant Self, who has been battling sickness all week, posted his second consecutive 79 after he withdrew from the first round.

The Eagles will tee off Friday sometime around noon. The 72- hole event will conclude on the par 72, 6,854 yard Goose Pond Colony Golf Course on Friday with an 18-hole final round.

The NJCAA will recognize, All Americans, All Tournament Team members, Coach of the Year and the top-three teams from the national championship tournament following play.

Wednesday

Eagles Comeback on Day Two of NJCAA National Champ.


The Meridian Community College golf team made a strong push up the leaderboard on day two of the 2007 NJCAA men’s golf national championship with a team score of 2-under par, 286. The Eagles, which began the day in tenth out of 20 teams, moved passed six teams with their under-par round to find themselves alone in fourth place.

“I’m not sure which day is supposed to be ‘moving day’,” said MCC golf coach Sean Covich.

“But apparently for us, today was it.”

MCC posted the lowest team score of the day and the second lowest of the tournament thus far.

MCC sophomore, Dustin Petit moved from eighth place all the way up to second place in the individual standings. Petit backed up an opening round of 1-under par round of 71, with a 4-under par round of 68 on day two. Petit is 5-under par for the event, just two shots back of individual leader, Bill Jones, III of Darton (GA) College, who is at 7-under (65-72).

MCC freshman and Scottsboro-native, Jarrod Lemaster rebounded from an opening round 84 to post a 3-under par round of 69.

MCC sophomore, Justin Eaves, who shot 1-under 71 on day one, continued his steady play with a solid 2-over par 74, while freshman Joshua Ivy contributed to the team score with a 3-over par 75. Ivy shot 4-over par 76 on day one.

MCC freshman, Bryant Self, who had to withdraw from the opening round due to a stomach virus, shot a 79 in his first round of the tournament on day two.

“I am happy for the entire team,” said Covich.

“This is the MCC team that I know and it feels good as a coach to see my boys smiling again. They played like champions today.”

First round leader, Darton (GA) College, sits atop the leader board with a two day total of 571. South Mountain (AZ) College held on o their second place spot, the Cougars are at 578. In third place is Tyler (TX) Junior College with a 587 and MCC is just one shot back in fourth place at 588.

Third round of the national championship will begin Thursday morning. MCC is slated to begin play around 11:32 am. The tournament is scheduled for 72-holes, and will conclude on Friday.

Updated scores are available at www.goosepond.org.

Tuesday

Eaves, Petit lead MCC Golfers on Day One of National Championship


SCOTTSBORO, Ala. – The Meridian Community College golf team opened the 2007 NJCAA men’s golf national championship with a round of 302 on day one of the four day event at the par 72, 6,854 yard, Goose Pond Colony Golf Course.

MCC was paced by the sophomore duo of Justin Eaves and Dustin Petit. The two veterans both carded rounds of 1-under par, 71. Freshman Joshua Ivy grinded out a 4-over par 76, while Scottsboro-native Jarrod Lemaster struggled in the first round with an 84.

MCC was dealt a tough blow when standout freshman, Bryant Self had to withdraw from the first round due to physical illness.

“I credit Bryant for giving it all he had,” said MCC golf coach Sean Covich.

“He was 3-over on #11 and just couldn’t play anymore, add that to Joshua Ivy’s driver cracking during the middle of his swing on #9, we had a rough day.”

“Regardless of the bad breaks, Dustin and Justin continued to play steady. Shooting under-par in the national championship is something special.”

MCC currently sits in the 10th spot out of 20 teams.

Top-ranked Darton (GA) is the clubhouse leader at 5-under par 283 and carries a six-stroke lead over South Mountain (AZ) into the second round. Darton’s Bill Jones, III leads all individuals with a 7-under, 65. MCC’s Eaves and Petit are tied for 8th overall out of 131 golfers with their 1-under par rounds of 71.

Updated score results are available at www.goosepond.org.

Monday

MCC Golf at the National Championship


(SCOTTSBORO, Ala.) - The Meridian Community College golf team enjoyed an early morning practice round at the Goose Pond Colony Golf Course on Monday, site of the 2007 NJCAA men’s golf national championship.

“We had a nice relaxing round this morning,” said MCC head coach Sean Covich.

“We played solid and had wonderful weather. We gave Bryant (Self) the round off and a chance to get well, he’s been sick the past few days, but it looks like he’ll be ready by the first round.”

MCC will begin play at 9:32 AM on Tuesday morning. Justin Eaves, a returning 2006 NJCAA All American and the 2007 MACJC Golfer of the Year, will lead things off for the Eagles. Dustin Petit will begin play at 9:40 AM, followed by Jarrod Lemaster at 9:48 AM, Bryant Self at 9:56 AM and then Joshua Ivy at 10:04 AM.

MCC, currently ranked no. 5 in the NJCAA men’s golf poll, will be paired with six-time national champion Tyler (TX) Junior College-currently ranked no. 4 in the nation, and Mesa (AZ) Community College, currently ranked no. 6.

“It’s going to be a big challenge for us,” said Covich.

“Tyler and Mesa have some of the deepest talent in the nation, but our young men are up to the test.”

The tournament is scheduled for four 18-hole rounds, starting on Tuesday and concluding on Friday.

Scoring results will be available by visiting www.goosepond.org

Friday

MCC Golf prepares for third straight NJCAA national championship appearance


SCOTTSBORO, Ala. – In a season that has been filled with unprecedented feats, the No. 5 ranked team in the nation Meridian Community College golf team will aim for yet another goal this season—a NJCAA national championship.

MCC will join 20 other teams from across the nation Tuesday, May 22 through Friday, May 25 at Goose Pond Colony Golf Course in Scottsboro, Ala., to compete for the 2007 NJCAA Div. II men’s golf national championship. The course is a par 71 with a layout of 6,901 yards. The 2007 tournament marks the third consecutive year that MCC has participated in the national championship.

“This is the national championship, it’s what we’ve worked towards all year long,” said MCC head coach Sean Covich whose 2007 team, featuring just two sophomores, captured a school record nine tournament victories.

Representing MCC, which has placed in the top-five the last two seasons at the national championship, will be a young squad. Three out of MCC’s five golfers are freshman, but all five starters have competed on the Scottsboro, Ala. track previously.

Leading the way will be sophomore Justin Eaves, who has competed in every MCC golf tournament since the spring of his freshman season. He is making his fourth trip to Goose Pond Colony GC. Last season at the national championship, Eaves led all MCC golfers with a four day 288, even-par score (73-69-77-69), and was named NJCAA All American and to the NJCAA national championship All Tournament team. This season, Eaves has continued to lead MCC, he posted an amazing 10 rounds of even-par or better on his way to earning the MACJC “Hubert Tucker” Player of the Year Award and MCC’s “Robert Dreyfus” Player of the Year Award.

Eagle sophomore Dustin Petit will also be making his fourth start this week on the Goose Pond Colony Course. Last season at the national championship Petit shot a four day total 290, 2-over par (71-74-74-71) and was named to the NJCAA National Championship All Tournament team. This spring, Petit was named First Team All State and All Region.

The sophomore duo of Eaves and Petit have combined for 24 All Tournament Team honors, 15 team victories and 2 MACJC Player of the Year Awards. Both players will move on to four-year schools once their MCC careers are over; Eaves to Troy University and Petit to UL-Lafayette.

“Not only have they achieved on the golf course, they’ve represented this school with class everywhere they have gone and are both on our All Academic team,” said Covich.

“That speaks volumes for the caliber of young men that they are.”

Leading the way for the three MCC freshmen will be Scottsboro, Ala. native, Jarrod Lemaster. Named the Robert Trent Jones Junior Golf Tour Player of the Year in 2005, Lemaster has lived up to expectations at MCC. He won a medalist title in his first semester on campus, capturing the Belhaven College Invitational. Lemaster was given MCC’s Most Outstanding Freshman award after being named to three all tournament teams, posting two tournament rounds of even-par or better and being named Fist Team All Region and Second Team All State.

Freshman Bryant Self of Tupelo will make his second trip to Goose Pond after participating in the 2007 Spring Fling back in March. Self has made 5 all tournament teams his freshman season and posted three rounds of even-par or better. He is a member of MCC’s All Academic Team, was named Second Team All State and given the C.B. Hales Award for High Academic Achievement.

Local product, Joshua Ivy of Quitman, MS, will round out MCC’s starting lineup. Ivy has posted two rounds of even-par or better this season. He captured the MCC/Rush Fall Invitational and was named to the MCC All Academic Team as well as given the Sportsmanship Award.

“The key to us playing up to our potential are the freshmen,” said Covich.

“Obviously having Jarrod helps since this is his home course, but Bryant and Josh have proven that they are capable of shooting low scores.”

MCC’s 2006-07 team has won a school record nine tournaments this season, including four straight championships to close out the regular season. This year’s team best 18-hole total came in September by shooting 284 (-4), at Briarwood Country Club in the MCC/Rush Fall Invitational. In addition to that, MCC has posted 6 top-five finishes and rookie head coach Sean Covich was named the NJCAA Region XXIII Golf Coach of the Year.

“Whatever accolades I get go straight to the team, Coach Lou Hart, this school, and the community that supports us” said Covich.

“Those are the people that make MCC golf a successful program. We hope to represent the City of Meridian, the State of Mississippi and Region XXIII well at the national championship.”

Thursday

MCC eliminates Gulf Coast from Region 23, ICC advances to face NW Miss

Game 1
MCC 4
MGCCC 1


MERIDIAN, MS – The Meridian Community College baseball team (41-14) faced elimination in Thursday’s first ballgame of the 2007 NJCAA Region 23 baseball tournament at Scaggs Field. The Eagles, who had already knocked off the no. 1 team in the nation, faced Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (39-12), a team ranked no. 2 in the nation.

MCC’s starting pitcher Kedrick Martin gave the Eagles exactly what they needed, a solid nine inning performance.

Martin threw a complete game, giving up just six hits and striking out five batters.

“Kedrick did a great job of getting ahead in the counts and controlling his fastball,” said MCC’s head coach Chris Rose.

“He gave up only one run and kept our pitching staff fresh.”

The Eagles committed just one error in the game which was an improvement from the first two ballgames where they looked sloppy at times in the field.

Left-fielder Josh Demoney made a diving catch in the second inning, while the infield improved their play with Drew Snider at second base and Matt Holliman at third.

“Defensively we’ve struggled,” said Rose.

“But today we made play that saved runs.”

The contest was scoreless until the fourth inning when MCC’s Michael Guerrero led off with a stand-up double. Drew Snider then followed with a single to move Guerrero to third, giving the Eagles runners on the corners.

Ian Sharp then drove in both those runners with a 2 RBI single into left field, giving MCC the first runs of the ballgame and a 2-0 lead.

In the top of the 6th Gulf Coast got on the board after a sacrifice hit by Blain Ivey, which drove in Jeremy Davis from third, making the score 2-1 MCC.

In the sixth inning, Meridian extended their lead back out to two runs when red-hot Tyler Moore stepped up to bat and knocked out a leadoff solo-homerun, giving MCC a 3-1 lead. The solo shot was Moore’s third homerun of the Region 23 Tournament and his 19th on the season.

“Tyler got things going for us in the 6th,” said Rose.

“That gave us some confidence heading into the final innings.”

In the 7th inning, Matt Holliman added one more final run for Martin and the Eagles to work with as he drove in David Woods on an RBI single.

MCC defeated Gulf Coast by a final score of 4-1 and advanced to play Northwest/Itawamba loser in the 7 p.m. ballgame while the Bulldogs of Gulf Coast were eliminated from the tournament.

“We beat an excellent Mississippi Gulf Coast team here today,” said Rose.

“Give them credit for a great season.”

At the plate, MCC was led by Ian Sharp who was 2 for 4 with two singles and two RBIs. Tyler Moore was 1 for 3 with a solo-homerun.

For Gulf Coast, Brian McCants was 1-2 with a double and Blaine Ivey was 1-3 with a RBI sacrifice single.

Game Two
MCC 5
ICC 8


Meridian faced elimination for the second time Thursday, when they took on the Itawamba Indians in a game that was scheduled to start at 7 pm but didn’t get underway until close to 8 pm.

The Eagles stuck first with a RBI single by Michael Guerrero that drove in Matt Holliman.

Itawamba came back in the bottom half of the first inning when Davis Potter drove in Tyler Wilson with an RBI single to tie up the game at 1-1. Then Chance Prestage blaster his only hit of the ball game, a three-run homerun to give ICC a 4-1 lead.

The Indians would add a run in the second inning as Charley Williams had an RBI double, making the score 5-1 ICC. Williams would end up with 3 doubles in the game, going 3 for 4.

MCC added more runs in the third to cut into the ICC lead when Guerrero had his 2nd RBI with a stand up double that scored Holliman again, making it 5-2 ICC. Then Drew Snider hit an RNI single scoring Guerrero, making it 5-3.

In the top of the fourth inning, MCC would tie up the ballgame when Ian Sharp drew a lead off walk and then advanced to second and third following two back-to-back sacrifice bunts and Josh Demoney hit an RBI single to make it 5-4. Matt Holliman then came up and added one more run to tie it up at 5-5 with an RBI triple.

ICC scored one run in the fourth to regain the lead at 6-5 when Blake Thomas drew a bases loaded walk.

The score remained that way until the eighth inning when ICC added two more runs to make the final score 8-5.

Chase Porch stared the game on the mound for MCC and threw 4 $1/3 innings, with 7 strike outs and gave up 5 hits. Wade weathers and Lee Swindle came in for relief combining for 9 strikeouts.

Itawamba advances to play Northwest Mississippi tomorrow at 2:00 pm. If Northwest wins they claim the Region 23 title, ICC must win two games.

Tuesday

Northwest knocks off Eagles in late-nighter

By Sean Covich/special to The Star

The Meridian Community College baseball team apparently felt some effects from Monday’s thrilling comeback over LSU-Eunice as Northwest Mississippi defeated the Eagles 9-3 Tuesday night in the second round of the Region 23 Tournament at Scaggs Field.

MCC fell behind 8-0 in the contest after just three innings. The game was delayed nearly an hour and a half for inclement weather and was completed too late to include full details in today’s edition of The Meridian Star.

The Eagles (40-20) managed only three runs on eight hits. Tyler Moore led MCC at the plate with a two-run home run, a double and a sacrifice fly to drive in all three of the Eagles’ runs.

Once again, defensive errors plagued MCC, as they committed four errors in the game.

Northwest starting pitcher Wesley Grilliette went all nine innings in a complete-game effort. The freshman pitcher scattered eight hits and had 13 strikeouts.

Northwest (36-15) advances to play Itawamba today at 4 p.m. MCC will play Mississippi Gulf Coast at 1 p.m. Both East Central and LSU-Eunice were eliminated Tuesday as the two tournament favorites both went 0-2 in the tournament.

ECCC was once again run ruled, 14-6, by Gulf Coast and LSU-Eunice was also run ruled, 10-2, by Itawamba in Tuesday’s other action.

Lamar golfers ink with MCC


(MERIDIAN)- Meridian Community College golf coach Sean Covich announced the signing of two Lamar High School golfing standouts to his 2007 recruiting class Tuesday morning.

Clay Bounds and John Everett signed to play for Covich and the MCC golf team starting in the fall of 2007.

“These two young men are exactly the kind of student-athletes that we want at this program,” said Covich.

“Not only do they possess a lot of talent on the golf course, they will succeed in their academics and represent this school with class everywhere we travel.”

Bounds comes to MCC as one of the more decorated golfers in the State of Mississippi. He has been a member of the Lamar golf team since 6th grade and helped guide Lamar to four MPSA State Championships in five seasons.

In 2004 Bounds won three events including the MJGA Tour Pros of Tomorrow Junior Classic, Gulf States PGA Northwood Classic and the Southeastern Junior Golf Tour’s Woodlands Classic in Gulf Shores, AL. At the 2004 Bubba Conlee National Junior Tournament in Memphis, Bounds shot 71-72-69 to place 13th overall, earning him two AJGA Tour exemptions.

In 2005, Bounds won the Mississippi “Big I” Junior Championship shooting 74-73. With that win, he qualified for the National “Big I” Junior Championship in Lafayette, IN where he placed 12th out of 108 golfers. At the 2005 Bubba Conlee National Junior Tournament in Memphis, Bounds shot 74-72-69. That year, he also won the medalist title at the MPSA State 3A championship and medalist at the Lamar Invitational at Northwood shooting 67 (-4).

In 2006, Bounds captured two medalist titles winning at Old Waverly Golf Club with a 1-under par 71 and at Indian Hills in Alabama with a 1-over 73. At the 2006 Bubba Conlee National Junior Tournament in Memphis, Bounds shot 73-70-70 to place 14th overall, earning him two AJGA Tour exemptions.

As a senior, Bounds guided the Raiders to their second straight MPSA Overall State title shooting a 73 and claiming 5th overall in the individual results.

Overall Bounds has posted 25 rounds of even-par or lower in his junior golfing career, he has finished in the top-five Mississippi Junior Golfer of the Year point standings three times and has participated in prestigious events on the SJGT Tour, MJGA Tour, AJGA Tour, and in USGA qualifiers.

Bounds also played varsity soccer for Lamar and earned his Eagle Scout honor this year. He is a member of Central United Methodist Church and is the son of Dale Bounds.

Everett has been a member of the Lamar Raider golf team 8th thru the 12th grade. The Raiders won four MPSA State Championships in the five seasons that he played.

Individually, Everett has played on various junior golf circuits including the Mississippi Junior Golf Tour.

In the summer of 2004, Everett claimed the prestigious Northwood Junior Club Championship by posting rounds of 72-73.

In the summer of 2005, Everett posted rounds of 74-73 to claim third in the MJGA Northwood Jr. Classic.

In 2006, Everett participated in the Tom Tarleton Invitational, posting a top-ten (8th place) individual finish.

A native of Meridian, Everett is also a member of the Lamar High School basketball team. He is a member of Polar Springs Baptist Church. His brother (Stewart) played tennis for MCC. He is the son of Keith and Darlene Everett.


BOUNDS Stats:

2004- Won the MJGA Tour Pros of Tomorrow Junior Golf Classic, Gulf States PGA Jr. Tour Northwood Classic and the Southeastern Junior Golf Tour Woodlands Classic. Placed top15 at the Bubba Conlee National Junior Tournament shooting 71-72-69.
2005- Won Mississippi Junior “Big I” Qualifier (74-73) earning a trip to the National “Big I” Championship, where he finished 12th out of 108 golfers. Shot 74-72-69 at the Bubba Conlee National Junior Tournament. Won the MPSA Championship and won the Lamar Spring invitational shooting 67.
2006- Won two medalist titles for Lamar. Placed 14th overall at the Bubba Conlee National Junior Tournament with rounds of 73-70-70.
2007- Shot 73 to place 5th overall at the MPSA Overall State Championship and led Lamar to the Overall State Championship.

EVERETT Stats:

2004- Won the Northwood Junior Club Championship (72-73)
2005- 3rd place at MJGA Northwood Junior Classic (74-73)
2006- Tom Tarleton Invitational top-ten finish (8th place)
Played varsity basketball for Lamar
Brother Stewart played tennis for MCC

Monday

Eagles shock #1 LSU-Eunice in late night comeback

MERIDIAN, MS – The Meridian Community College baseball team (40-19) faced the most talented team in NJCAA division II baseball in the opening round of the 2007 NJCAA Region 23 baseball tournament Monday night at Scaggs Field. Louisiana State University at Eunice (44-13) came into the opening round of the tournament ranked no. 1 in the NJCAA poll and was looking to defend both their Region 23 and National Championships from last season. For the first 6 innings it looked like LSU-Eunice would do just that, until the Eagles awoke late in the evening to real of one of the most improbable comebacks in school history.

Meridian trailed 7-0 heading into the 7th inning and had just one hit when pinch hitter Josh Demoney came up to bat and hit a 2-run homerun to score MCC’s first runs of the game.

Then shortstop Shannon Steed’s squeeze bunt with two outs scored Drew Snider from third base to pull MCC to within 4 runs, 7-3.

The Eagles put more runs on the board in the 8th inning. Bases were loaded with two outs and Justin Worby drove in three runs with a double to make the score 7-6. Scott Mosley then drove in pinch runner sophomore Kendrick Martin from 2nd base with the Eagles second consecutive double to tie up the ballgame 7-7.

After relief pitcher Wade Weathers shutdown the LSU-Eunice lineup in the 8th, the fireworks continued for the Eagles in the 9th.

After Toddrick Stevenson struck out to lead off the inning, Matt Holliman and Michael Guerro both walked to put two runners on base for MCC’s leading hitter, Tyler Moore. Moore then sent a 3-run homerun into the Meridian night and put MCC on top 10-7 in one of the more improbable comebacks in MCC history. The Eagles scored 10 unanswered runs in the final three innings to knock off the #1 team in the nation and to advance to play Northwest Mississippi Tuesday night at 7 p.m.

“Obviously Demoney’s homerun got things going for us,” said MCC’s head baseball coach Chris Rose.

“Worby and Moore came up huge for us also.”

“In the middle of the game I didn’t think that we deserved to win, but we turned it around, finally started to play some defense and got it done.”

“To beat the #1 team in the nation in this comeback on our field, it doesn’t get any better.”

MCC’s starting pitcher, Lee Swindle lasted 6 innings striking out six batters. Jason Coats, John Hendrix and Wade Weathers all came in for relief to close out the game. Weathers ended up with 3 strikeouts in two innings pitched.

LSU-Eunice starting pitcher, Luke Wagley lasted 7 2/3’s inning giving up 6 runs on 4 hits, walking 6 and struck out 14 batters.

At the plate, MCC’s Moore and Worby combined for 6 RBIs, while Josh Demoney collected two hits and 2 RBIs.

For LSU Eunice, leadoff batter Boomer Blanchard had two hits, a single and a double.

LSU-Eunice advances to take on Itawamba at 4 p.m. Tuesday, while MCC will play Northwest Mississippi at 7 pm Tuesday night.

Ole Miss baseball player transfers to MCC


(MERIDIAN)- Meridian Community College baseball coach Chris Rose announced Monday the signing of former Ole Miss baseball player, Tyler McMullen to the MCC baseball program.

McMullen, who played at Southeast Lauderdale high school, was a red shirt-freshman pitcher for the Ole Miss Rebel baseball team in 2006-07.

“With the addition of Tyler to our already solid recruiting class, we’re in great shape for next season,” said Coach Rose.

“Tyler is an impact player with ability to field, hit and pitch and that’s a great combination for us.”

McMullen was a four-time letterwinner at Southeast Lauderdale under head coach Shay Cooper as a pitcher, catcher and third baseman. He was a four-time All-State selection, named Second Team as a freshman (2003) before earning First-Team honors (2004, 2005, 2006). He posted an 8-3 record with six saves as a senior with a 1.23 ERA as he struck out 122 batters in 62.1 IP. At the plate he hit .462 as a senior with 14 home runs, 43 RBI, 16 doubles and two triples. He was a two-time Offensive MVP selection (2004, 2005), named Team MVP as a senior (2006) and selected as a pre-season Louisville Slugger All-American as a senior.

McMullen also lettered three years in soccer and a year in football Southeast.

“I feel comfortable with the guys here,” said McMullen who is from Lauderdale County.

“MCC has a great program and I am looking forward to helping out in anyway that I can.”

Coach Rose added that McMullen will either play third base, catcher or relief pitcher for the Eagles next season, wanting to take advantage of his power at the plate also.

Sunday

East Central wins over MCC in MACJC Baseball State Tournament

from staff reports

The East Central Community College Warriors were stifled by Meridian's Lee Swindle for the first seven innings. So when they got their chance against the MCC bullpen, they took advantage.

The Warriors scored nine runs in the eighth inning off of the Eagle bullpen to take a 9-3 win in the second round of the MACJC State Tournament in a game that was delayed one day due to rain.

Trailing 3-0 heading into the eighth, the Warriors got a leadoff home run from George Washington off MCC reliever Chase Porch.

The floodgates then opened, as ECCC scored eight more times on five hits, led by Adam Griffin's two-run double.

Josh Denson picked up the win for the Warriors in relief. Denson pitched the seventh inning, allowing a two-run homer to Nathan Wright, but picked up the win thanks to the East Central offensive show in the eighth.

Porch gave up four runs without getting an out in the eighth inning and took the loss.

The Warriors, now 29-21 on the season, will take on the winner of the Meridian, Northwest Mississippi game, which took place late Saturday night, at 4 p.m. today on the Gulf Coast campus in Perkinston.

— Jeff Edwards

Friday

Eagles power up to take first round win in MACJC State tournament

from staff reports

The Meridian Community College Eagles got a major power surge from the middle of their lineup and rode it to a 13-8 victory over Itawamba in the first round of the MACJC State Tournament.

The win clinched a host site for the Region XXIII Tournament which will begin on May 14.

The Eagles (38-11) were led by Ole Miss signee Michael Guerrero, who slammed two home runs, including a grand slam that broke a 5-5 tie in the sixth inning. Guerrero finished the game with six RBIs.

Mississippi State signee Tyler Moore also had a huge game, slamming a two-run homer and collecting three RBIs while Toddrick Stephenson had a homer, a double and two RBIs. Drew Snider also had three hits for the Eagles.

Wade Weathers picked up the win in relief, allowing three earned runs and struck out six Itawamba batters in four innings.

The Eagles advanced to the second round of the tournament where they will face East Central/Gulf Coast today at 7 p.m.

Wednesday

MCC Lady Eagle Tennis preps for national championship tournament

The Meridian Community College ladies' tennis team, who finished second in the Region XXIII/MACJC State Tennis Championships held April 26-28 in Tupelo, will be competing in the NJCAA National Junior College Championships in Tucson, Arizona, May 5-11. This will be the sixth consecutive appearance for the Lady Eagles at the national tournament. The Eagles won four back-to-back state and region titles from 2003-2006.

The Lady Eagles finished the season with a 19-7 record overall and a 18-2 JUCO record. Currently, the ladies are ranked number fourteen in the most recent ITA rankings.

The Eagles are led at the number one singles and doubles by sophomore Sierra Woolery from Morton, MS. As a freshman Sierra finished sixth at the national tournament and garnered ITA All-American honors. She is currently ranked number eight in the nation in singles and ten, with Alycia Le Merle, in doubles and has finished her dual match career at MCC with a 37-8 record overall and a 33-4 JUCO record. In the fall she and Alycia qualified for the National Small College Championships which was held in Ft. Myers, Florida. Sierra has opted to not pursue her tennis but to remain in the PTA program at MCC.

Freshman Alycia Le Merle, who hails from Melbourne, Australia, plays the number two singles and the number one doubles. As a freshman she has a 22-2 record overall and a 19-2 JUCO record. She currently has an ITA ranking of 24 as a singles player and a #10 ranking as a doubles player.

Playing three singles and two doubles for MCC is Laine Denuex. Laine has a current ITA ranking of #64 in singles, and she and doubles partner Leslie Bunn are ranked #38th. Her record as a freshman is 20-3 at singles overall and 17-2 in JUCO play.

Rounding out the team are sophomore Leslie Bunn and freshmen Jodi Webb and Molly Moon. As a freshman Leslie accumulated a 14-5 record overall and went 13-4 in JUCO. Her career record at MCC is 31-11 overall and 29-7 in JUCO play.

Freshmen Jodi Webb and Molly Moon have impressive stats as well. Jodi was All Region and All State at the no. 5 singles spot and no. 3 doubles with her partner Molly Moon. Jodi had a 17-8 record this season; Molly finished 16-8.

The Eagles are coached by Wanda McPhail, who is in her seventh season as coach of the men's and women's teams at MCC.

Tuesday

MCC men's tennis claims State/Region title

The Meridian Community College Men's Tennis Team swept the Region XXIII/MACJC State Championships held at Northeast Tennis Center in Meridian, MS this weekend.

Meridian claimed all nine titles and scored 36 points to outdistance their nearest opponent Itawamba CC who had 20 points. Jones Junior College was third with 17 points.

The three top teams qualified to participate in the National Junior College Championships to be held in Plano, Texas May 14-18. This will be the sixth consecutive appearance for Meridian Community College at the nationals.

In no. 1 singles Scott McNamara of MCC received a bye the first round as the top seed. He then beat Riley of Holmes CC 6-0, 6-0. In the semis he defeated James Harris of ECCC 6-3, 6-3 and then downed fellow Australian from Gulf Coast, Brett Little 6-3, 6-3.

In the no. 2 singles, Nicolas Zabrodiec of MCC, the no. 1 seed, had a bye the first round; he then defeated John Harris of ECCC 6-4, 6-2. In the semis he beat Muffuletto of Hinds 6-2, 6-3. He won the final match 6-1, 6-0 by defeating JCJC's Matt Hill 6-2, 6-3.

At the no. three singles No. 2 seeded Mickey Renfore of MCC had a bye the first round; he then defeated Barrett of Pear River 6-0, 6-1, Langston of CoLin 6-0, 6-0 and JCJC's Ryan Brister 6-2, 6-1.

At the no. 4 singles no. 1 seeded Blake Sherman had a bye the first round; he then defeated Lord of Southwest 6-0, 6-0, Pastorek of JCJC 6-4, 6-1 and ICC's Mark Taylor 6-0, 6-1.

At no. five singles no. 2 seeded Joe Meek had a bye the first round. He then defeated Holmes Chris Prevost 6-0, 6-0; CoLin's Peckham 6-4, 6-0 and in the finals defeated Neal Alford of ICC 7-6, 6-4.

At no. six singles, no. 1 seeded Scott Truesdale had a bye the first round; He then defeated Pierce of Southwest 6-0, 6-0, ICC's Chuck Busby 6-2, 6-3 and in the finals defeated Charles Nerren of JCJC 6-1, 6-0.

In doubles' action, MCC clained all three spots. All three doulbes for MCC had entered the tournament as the no. 1 seed.

At no. 1 doubles Scott McNamara/Mickey Renfore defeated Brett Little/Fitzgerald in the finals 0-6, 6-3, 6-3. This was the only set MCC lost during the entire tournament.

At no. 2 doubles the team of Joe Meek/Nicolas Zabrodiec defeated ICC's Derek Klipstein/Nathan Russell in the finals 6-2, 6-4. At no. three doubles MCC's Scott Truesdale/Blake Sherman cruised through the final match defeating ICC's Chuck Busy/Neal Alford 6-0, 6-0.