By: Matthew Willis
Basketball practice officially begins today for high schools across Mississippi as we begin to make final preparations for the 2023-2024 basketball season. As practice begins, something special is brewing at Tishomingo County for the Lady Braves basketball team. The familiar faces of (Senior) Reese Moore, (Senior) Zareli Ozuna, (Sophomore) Abbi Reed, and (Senior) Margaret Claire Riley will return along with the addition of 8th grader, Meg Moore. Meg will forgo her 8th-grade basketball season at Iuka and will be on the varsity lineup at Tishomingo County.
The Lady Braves are coming off a 29-3 season after ending with a 3rd round loss to the Pontotoc Lady Warriors. The 3-peat Division 1 – 4A champions are looking strong with 3 returning seniors and a loaded lineup. The Lady Braves are looking for a return to the Big House after a disappointing loss to Choctaw Central in the state championship game back in 2022. The Lady Braves will play some tough competition throughout the regular season and hopefully will prepare them for a run to the Big House.
The Lady Braves looked strong last season, being ranked within the Top 10 in the state, and had huge wins over Olive Branch, Belmont, Biggersville, Mooreville, and Choctaw Central. The Lady Braves schedule this year will feature some of the same challenges including Biggersville, Ingomar, and Belmont. These girls have the recipe for a trip to the Big House, they just need the endurance to make it through February.
Coach Brian Middleton is starting his 8th year at Tishomingo County High School and is looking to make it a big one. The 3 seniors have all tasted Jackson from their visit there 2 years ago, but Abbi and Meg are still eager to play for a state title. Coach Brian Middleton has already proved that he can lead a successful team, so we will see what this year has to offer.
The Lady Braves will unofficially begin their season at the TCHS Jamboree, on October 28th, facing off against the Biggersville Lady Lions and the Hatley Lady Tigers. The Lady Braves will officially begin their season on November 7th, at 6 pm, at Alcorn Central.
Magnolia Hoops 