Softball All-Stars return to Decatur
By By Marty Stamper / EMG sports assistant
June 23, 2004
DECATUR For the second straight year, Newton County High School will be playing host to the Mississippi Association of Coaches All-Star Softball Games Saturday at Decatur.
Players report on Thursday and will be housed at East Central Community College.
In addition to the games, Lady Cougar Field will be named Mack Fanning Softball Stadium on Saturday at 11:45 a.m. in a ceremony in honor of the 36-year coaching veteran who resigned this past May to head up food services at Camp Shelby.
Fanning led Newton County to slow-pitch state titles in 1992 and 2001 and fast-pitch state championships in 2000, 2002, and 2003. He also won a pair of baseball state crowns at Hickory in 1981 and 1983.
The all-star action gets under way at noon with the fast-pitch doubleheader. Area players on the South team are pitcher Emily Howard of Class 1A/2A state champion Clarkdale, pitcher Joy Cavenaugh and third baseman Dominique Mapp of Newton County, and first baseman Lauren White of Union.
Pitcher Lindsey Smith of Class 4A state runner-up Neshoba Central is the lone area representative on the North roster. The North roster also includes pitcher Brittany Griffin of Class 3A state champion Caledonia.
South coaches are Wendy Hogue of Petal and Bob Herrington of South Jones, while Roger Duke of Amory and Jason Cobb of Caledonia will lead the North.
The slow-pitch all-stars will play a best-of-three series beginning at 5 p.m. Area players on the North roster are Amber Gray of Northeast Lauderdale and Sarah Williamson and Dacie Brantley of Neshoba Central. Also on the North roster is Shakima Nicholson of four-time defending Class 4A state champion New Hope.
On the South roster are Katie Moulds and Kirby Rutledge of two-time defending Class 3A state champion West Lauderdale, Kaccy Jimmerson of Enterprise, Jennifer Smith of Newton County, and Megan Potate of Class 2A state runner-up Clarkdale.
North coaches are Jerry Long of Tishomingo County and Michael Gable of Tupelo. Leading the South are Todd Viverette of Class 1A state champion Union and Jonathan Ray of Poplarville.
