Pope School’s seventh and eighth grade athletes were recognized for outstanding achievement at the school’s annual athletic banquet Tuesday night.

Coaches Mike Turner, Clay Vance, and Angela Hannaford handed out plaques to football and basketball players and cheerleaders who had excelled in their respective sports.

Taking honors for outstanding performance on the football field were: Michael Sanford, most valuable player and best defensive lineman; Michael Palmer, best offensive lineman; Kendrick Market, best offensive back; Josefh Pope, best receiver; Steven Flowers, best linebacker; Lee Self, best defensive back; and Cody Appleton, most improved player.

Members of the boys’ basketball team who received plaques were: Kendrick Market, most valuable player and best offensive player; Josefh Pope, best defensive player; Steven Flowers, best rebounder and best free throw shooter; Vonshun Thomas, most improved player.

Kendrick Market received the Bulldog Award for best all-round athlete and student.

Members of the school’s cheerleading squad have reigned as Class 2A champions for seven consecutive years, their coach Angela Hannaford said.

She recognized the following members for their contributions:

For stunts, Carolyn O’Conner, "Terrific Top" Haley Crawford, "Brilliant Base" and Kayla Champion, "Spectacular Spot."

In addition, Carolyn O’Conner was awarded the "Diva Dancer" trophy; Jessica Durham received the award for "Best Gymnast" and Hillari Plummer was named "All-Around Teamplayer."

The "Superstar Cheerleader" award went to Haley Crawford.

Singled out for their outstanding performance on the basketball court were girls’ team members Lepheadra Hunt, chosen most valuable player; Lindsey Jaudon, hustle award; Maegan Bolton, hustle award; Kristen Bright, best offensive player; Shaneika Stewart, best defensive player;
Kelsey Close, sportsmanship award; and
Kristy Burns, scholar athlete.

All athletes received medals for their participation in the Pope sports program this year.

The banquet was attended by about 150 students, parents, school officials and friends from the community.

The local football teams took to their respective practice fields for the first week of spring practice.

South Panola records about 90 players vying for the premium spots on the team.

Head coach Ricky Woods, who was selected the EA Sports National Coach of the Year for the 2005 season, said the players are working hard.

"It’s real early" Woods said. "But I think it’s going real well. We have a lot of kids out battling for jobs."

There is a real competitive atmosphere going on out there in Tiger camp.

The Tigers were honored with an appearance by Ole Miss Rebel head football coach Ed Orgeron at practice Monday afternoon.

For those players who think they have their positions sewn up, Woods said, "We still have several position open."

The Tigers will cap their spring practice by participating in a scrimmage hosted by Clinton on Thursday, May 11.

The Tigers will hold their banquet and ring ceremony Saturday, May 13 at 6 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Last year’s players will be presented with their state championship rings at this time.

A special announcement will also be made regarding the stadium at the banquet. Tickets are $6 and can be bought through Friday, May 5.

North Delta
Twenty-seven players are on the Green Wave spring rosters and were full of energy on the field Wednesday afternoon.

The players were enthusiastic despite or because of having to learn a new system under new head coach Richard Russo.

Russo was even teaching the players the basics of breaking huddle with energy and confidence.

Some of the players will be trading off on both sides of the ball and they saw action as they are learning plays of both the offense and the defense.

Russo was complimentary to the players on how hard they were working. Russo and assistant coach Brad Wilson were hands-on with the players in the huddle and running down the field with the players when they set up for different plays.

The Green Wave potluck athletic banquet will be held Monday, May 8 at 6 p.m.

North Delta will cap its spring season by hosting a jamboree with Delta Academy of Marks and Lee Academy of Marianna, Ark. on Thursday, May 18. Times will be announced later.
 

Townsend, cornerback for the Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers, returns to his hometown of Batesville each year to sponsor this event for the children.

The camp will be held on the South Panola Tiger football field.

The children and their parents and community get a chance to speak with Townsend and also get a chance to meet other professional NFL players.

Invited to help Townsend with the camp are Super Bowl MVP Hines Ward, who comes each year, Chris Hope and more.

The camp will last from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. which includes registration time and lunch, provided by Townsend.

There is no fee to participate in the camp, but preregistration is required. Registration forms must be turned in by Friday, May 12.

Forms may be picked up and returned to The Panolian, 363 Highway 51 N., or the Boys and Girls Club, 630 Highway 51 S., Batesville.

Registration forms have to be signed by a parent or guardian or the children will not be allowed to participate.

For more information call Myra Bean at (662)
609-6906 or Nyanthia Townsend at (662) 654-3134.