ClarionLedger.com Preseason Super 10 Rankings

image and article from ClarionLedger.com

Mahogany Vaught with ball

1. Olive Branch	32-2
The Buzz: The Lady Quistors have a big chip on their shoulders after losing the state championship to Horn Lake in back-to-back years. Blake Jones returns a loaded squad that looks to get over the hump and finally win the 6A title with Mississippi State commit Myah Taylor, the reigning Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year, sharp-shooter Savanna Geeslin and sophomore Mahogany Vaught, who has been a key member on varsity since she was an eighth-grader.

2. Horn Lake	29-4
The Buzz: Jana Thompson’s team seeks its third straight state title this season. It won’t be easy with the departure of All-State selections Alexyse Thomas and Rodneshia Martin, but Horn Lake has depth where it counts. Eastern Kentucky commit Tae’Lour Richardson will be expected to carry a big scoring load after averaging 9.8 points last season.

3. Starkville	25-5
The Buzz: The Lady Jackets’ come-from-behind win to beat Hattiesburg in the 6A quarterfinals was one of the most exciting moments in Mississippi girls basketball last year. Kristie Williams has tremendous depth returning this season with a core group of seniors and junior standout Kelsey Jones. Starkville won Region 3-6A the past two years and is primed for another district championship and run toward Jackson.

4. Natchez	24-1
The Buzz: The Lady Bulldogs rule Class 5A after locking up state titles in back-to-back seasons. Natchez returns depth and size in the post and wings with Zyaire Ewing and Skylar Morgan after only losing one game early last year to Brandon.

5. Terry	24-8
The Buzz: Despite being young and inexperienced in 2014-15, Terry still managed to make it to the quarterfinals of the MHSAA championships before falling to eventual 6A champion Horn Lake. The Lady Bulldogs are on their third coach in three seasons (Angelina Johnson) but possess depth and size down low and return one of the state’s top guards in Nyah Tate.

6. Hattiesburg	25-3
The Buzz: The Lady Tigers reached the Big House for the first time since 2010 after sweeping through the regular season. Tamia Stinson steps into the role held by sharp-shooting guard Jazmin Boyd and looks to take an experienced Hattiesburg team one step further in the state championship playoffs.

7. Velma Jackson	27-5
The Buzz: The Lady Falcons made a run in the state tournament last year with six freshmen on their roster. Velma Jackson is fast, athletic and has enough in the tank to be among the favorites to battle with reigning champ Belmont in 3A. Tyasia Willis has led her team to the playoffs every year since she was a freshman by averaging a double-double each season.

8. Callaway	21-6
The Buzz: Twila Hill and Tiara Robbins are going to cause problems for the teams Callaway faces. The Lady Chargers may not have a ton of guard depth but know how to play physical in the post.

9. West Harrison	24-2
The Buzz: The Lady Canes return Mississippi’s top post player in Ameshya Williams and a group that dominated its opponents on the Coast and only lost two games last season. Teams are often met with a mismatch when facing West Harrison. That shouldn’t change this year.

10. Lanier	15-13
The Buzz: The Lady Bulldogs stumbled several times during the regular season but managed to make a run into the postseason. Top senior guard Brittany Rose returns to help Lanier get back to the Big House. Things should get interesting with crosstown foe Provine moving into 4-5A.