Mississippi State signee Taylor ecstatic over win
Myah Taylor got her workout in Friday night.
The Gatorade player of the year from state champion Olive Branch was one of the many who tuned in to watch Mississippi State end UConn’s 111-game winning streak in the women’s Final Four. And Taylor had more of a rooting interest than most; she’ll be a freshman on the Bulldogs next season.
“I jumped on the bed,” she said of her reaction to Morgan William’s buzzer-beating winner in overtime.
“I ran about 10 laps around the house. I could of gone through the TV. Everybody at my house just went crazy.”
Indeed, just about everyone outside of the Northeast went wild after the Bulldogs’ 66-64 overtime victory ended the longest winning streak in college sports history and propelled the Bulldogs into Sunday’s 5 p.m. title game against SEC rival South Carolina, which eliminated Stanford.
“It was very exciting, coming from last year (losing to by 60 to the Huskies in the Sweet 16) to this year,” Taylor said. “I think their tactic was to attack, to hit UConn in the mouth early and show that they were a different team, that they weren’t scared.”
Taylor was especially excited for William, who finished with 13 points and six assists. The two-time Commercial Appeal player of the year said William has served as a big sister of sorts as she prepares for life at the college level.
“She’s watched some of my games, given me pointers,” Taylor said. “She’s a wonderful person with a big heart and I think everyone can see that now.”
Throughout the season, there had been plenty of national debate about whether the Huskies’ streak was a good thing or a bad thing for women’s basketball as a whole. Taylor sends State’s victory sends a clear message.
“I think it gives a lot of teams hope,” she said. “Why not us, too? It’s like (UConn coach) Geno (Auriemma) said, he knew theur time to lose was coming. I’m just really excited it was Mississippi State (that ended the streak).”
Orentheus Taylor has been elevated to the head football coaching job at Trezevant, replacing Teli White, who has accepted the Melrose job after leading the Bears to 2A state championships in 2015 and 2016.
“Coach Taylor brings enthusiasm and passion to this position,” school principal Ronnie Mackin told tnhighschoolfootball.com. “It is important for us to hire a coach who is ready to work hard and continue our success as a Tennessee powerhouse in football. He was already here and knows the kids and parents well.”
Prior to joining the Bears last season, Taylor compiled a 7-24 record in three seasons at Jackson Central-Merry before the school closed in 2015. Trezevant will compete in 3A next season following the most recent TSSAA re-classifications.
Hoops standouts honored
Three members of two-time state AAA state champion East headline the all-state boys basketball team announced this week.
Mr. Basketball winner Alex Lomax, T.J. Moss and state-tournament MVP Chandler Lawson represent the Mustangs, who won the title two weeks ago with a 65-45 victory over Southwind. Jaguars standout Mark Freeman also made the team along with Cordova’s Tyler Harris. Mr. Basketball finalist Parrish Hewitt of Douglass and Kavion Hancock of Sheffield are the local players on the AA team.
Josh Conrad of W.E.B. DuBois, who was also a Mr. Basketball finalist along with Tyran Davis of Mitchell and Leland Kirkendoll of KIPP Academy are on the Class A team. Two-time Mr. Basketball winner Chase Hayden heads the Division 2 team along with finalist Malik Riddle of Rossville, CBHS’ Jacob Lyons and state tournament MVP Schyler Forest of Lausanne.
State champion Northpoint had two players selected in D2 girls, Miss Basketball winner Ashtyn Baker and Lindsey Whiteside. Two other Miss Basketball finalists — Antoinette Lewis of Harding and Myah LeFlore of St. Benedict — were also named along with Lausanne standout Selena Pruitt and Briarcrest’s Savanna Owens.
State runner-up Central had two players chosen in AAA, Jireh Washington and Johne’ Stewart. Miss Basketball finalist Jayla Hemingway was also named, alongside high-scoring Hamilton senior Tesia Thompson, Ridgeway standout Elizabeth Dixon and Munford’s Gabby Crawford.
Reach John Varlas at john.varlas@commercialappeal.com.